{"id":38729,"date":"2024-05-15T11:04:53","date_gmt":"2024-05-15T10:04:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/?p=38729"},"modified":"2026-03-23T14:38:52","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T13:38:52","slug":"review-canon-50mm-1-4-ltm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-canon-50mm-1-4-ltm\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Introduction<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38822\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38822\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38822\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Leica_M10_Title.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Leica_M10_Title.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Leica_M10_Title-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Leica_M10_Title-768x461.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38822\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM on Leica M10<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>While Canon had a spectacular 50mm 0.95 and an only slightly less spectacular <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-canon-50mm-1-2-ltm\/\">50mm 1.2<\/a> in their LTM lens line-up, it seems the most popular of all those 50mm lenses is this compact and affordable f\/1.4 version. Over the years this lens became somewhat of a legend, but is this actually justified? Let&#8217;s find out in this review.<br \/>\n<em>This lens will be reviewed on the 42mp Sony A7rII and the 24mp Leica M10.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Sample Images<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38840\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38840\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38840\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_5.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_5.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_5-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38840\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_39204\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-39204\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-39204\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_19_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_19_1.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_19_1.4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_19_1.4-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-39204\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_39232\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-39232\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-39232\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_16_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_16_1.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_16_1.4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_16_1.4-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-39232\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_39208\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-39208\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-39208 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_23_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_23_1.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_23_1.4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_23_1.4-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-39208\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_39207\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-39207\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-39207\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_22_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_22_1.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_22_1.4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_22_1.4-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-39207\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_39196\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-39196\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-39196\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_11_8.0.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_11_8.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_11_8.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_11_8.0-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-39196\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/8.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p><em>Most of the sample images in this review can be found in full resolution <a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/s\/aHBqjCkeMy\">here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n<h2>Specifications \/ Version History<\/h2>\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/global.canon\/en\/c-museum\/lens.html?s=s\">Canon&#8217;s online lens history hall<\/a> there have been 16 different rangefinder lenses with a focal length of 50mm that have been made between 1946 and 1964. Two of those are f\/1.4 lenses. Their optical design is the same, the only real difference seems to be the distance scale: on the original version (released in 1957) it was either in feet <em>or<\/em> meter whereas version II (released in 1959) features both at the same time. I bought one of the original ones and its full specifications are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Diameter: 55mm<\/li>\n<li>Length: 42mm<\/li>\n<li>Weight: 243g (measured)<\/li>\n<li>Field of view: 47\u00b0 (diagonally)<\/li>\n<li>Filter Diameter: 48mm<\/li>\n<li>Number of Aperture Blades: 9 (inwardly curved)<\/li>\n<li>Elements\/Groups: 6\/4<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38787\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon50_1.4_LTM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"171\" height=\"124\"><\/li>\n<li>Close Focusing Distance: 1.0m<\/li>\n<li>Maximum Magnification: 1:16.7<\/li>\n<li>Mount: M39\/LTM<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>You can usually find this lens on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.com\/sch\/i.html?_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&amp;_nkw=canon+50mm+1.4+ltm&amp;_sacat=0&amp;mkcid=1&amp;mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&amp;siteid=0&amp;campid=5337820268&amp;toolid=20008&amp;mkevt=1\">ebay.com<\/a> (advertisement\/affiliate link) starting at <strong>$200<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Handling \/ Build Quality<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38819\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38819\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38819\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38819\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Similar to the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-canon-50mm-1-2-ltm\/\">Canon 50mm 1.2 LTM<\/a> I reviewed also the casing of this 50mm 1.4 withstood the test of time pretty well.<br \/>\nIt feels like everything is made from metal with some parts painted black. All the markings are engraved and filled with paint.<\/p>\n<p>The focus ring travels ~180\u00b0 from infinity to the minimum focus distance of 1.0 m. The mechanical design is quite complex and the front element does not rotate on focusing.<br \/>\nThe aperture ring has very distinct and equidistantly spaced full-stop click-stops. While this design is my personal favorite it should be noted that these click stops are a bit on the noisy side, so if you want to use this lens for filming this might be something that could bother you.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38821\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38821\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38821\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Infinity_Lock.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Infinity_Lock.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Infinity_Lock-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Infinity_Lock-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38821\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">infinity lock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The focus ring also features an infinity lock. Its design is different to the one we have seen on the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-canon-50mm-1-2-ltm\/\">Canon 50mm 1.2 LTM<\/a> and more in line with the infinity lock on some of the old Leica lenses. Either way, if the lens is set to infinity and you want to focus closer you first have to press that spring-loaded button you see in the picture on top. This is something I am not a fan of, as I find this to always get in the way, but in the 50s and 60s these locks were somewhat popular.<\/p>\n<p>There is no rangefinder blockage when the lens is set to infinity and only minimal blockage with it set to its minimum focus distance on my Leica M10.<\/p>\n<p>To attach this lens to a Leica-M camera you need an M39 -&gt; M adapter ring. You can find these in wide varieties on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.de\/sch\/i.html?_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&amp;_nkw=m39+m+adapter+6+bit+50+75&amp;_sacat=0&amp;mkcid=1&amp;mkrid=707-53477-19255-0&amp;siteid=77&amp;campid=5337820268&amp;toolid=20008&amp;mkevt=1\">eBay<\/a> <em>(affiliate link)<\/em> I recommend getting one that brings up the correct 50\/75mm framelines and I further recommend to get one that fully covers the 6-bit reader if you are using a modern digital Leica camera. Some of these rings even come with holes to 6-bit code the lens if you care about that.<br \/>\nThese adapters are an additional variable that may mess up the rangefinder coupling, so if you rely on the rangefinder to focus it might be a good idea to invest in one of the more expensive adapters &#8211; or to order a handful of the cheap ones for the same price and see which works best.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38820\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38820\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38820\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Comparison_Mr.Ding_50mm_1.1.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Comparison_Mr.Ding_50mm_1.1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Comparison_Mr.Ding_50mm_1.1-300x143.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Comparison_Mr.Ding_50mm_1.1-768x367.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38820\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | Mr. Ding 50mm 1.1<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>There are also adapters available that allow using this lens on pretty much any modern mirrorless camera and unlike the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-canon-50mm-1-2-ltm\/\">Canon 50mm 1.2 LTM<\/a> this f\/1.4 version can also be mounted on the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-techart-lm-ea9-leica-m-to-sony-e-autofocus-adapter\/\">Techart LM-EA9 AF adapter<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38824\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38824\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38824\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_LM-EA9_Sony_A7rII.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_LM-EA9_Sony_A7rII.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_LM-EA9_Sony_A7rII-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_LM-EA9_Sony_A7rII-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38824\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM via Techart LM-EA9 on Sony A7rII<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Vignetting<strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3>Light falloff<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38727\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/vignetting_Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"750\" height=\"610\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/vignetting_Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM.jpg 750w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/vignetting_Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM-300x244.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><br \/>\n<em>&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-77\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-77\">\n<tbody class=\"row-striping\">\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">f\/1.4<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">3.4 EV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">f\/2.0<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">2.6 EV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">f\/2.8<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1.9 EV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">f\/4.0<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1.2 EV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">f\/5.6<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">0.7 EV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">f\/8.0-f\/11<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">0.6 EV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-77 from cache -->\n<p>The vignetting figures of this Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM are similar to other fast and compact 50mm lenses. That being said 3.4 EV at f\/1.4 are still a whole lot.<br \/>\nThings improve fast on stopping down though and the very low vignetting from f\/5.6 onwards is definitely worth mentioning. Here the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-canon-50mm-1-2-ltm\/\">Canon 50mm 1.2 LTM<\/a> fared noticeably worse with almost 1 EV higher corner shading figures.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38723\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38723\" style=\"width: 1026px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38723\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon50mm1.4_vig_graph.png\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"1026\" height=\"766\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon50mm1.4_vig_graph.png 1026w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon50mm1.4_vig_graph-300x224.png 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon50mm1.4_vig_graph-800x597.png 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon50mm1.4_vig_graph-768x573.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1026px) 100vw, 1026px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38723\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><em>It is recommended to have a look at <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/vignetting-graphs-explained\/\">this article<\/a> first to get an idea how this brightness graph works.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Optical vignetting<\/h3>\n<p>Fast lenses usually show a noticeable amount of optical vignetting, especially so the compact ones. Without going too much into technical details optical vignetting leads to the truncation of light circles towards the borders of the frame.<br \/>\nIn the center of the frame almost every lens will render a perfect circle, but only lenses with very low optical vignetting will keep this shape in the corners.<br \/>\nSo in the following comparison we move from the center (left) to the extreme corner (right) and see how the shape of the light circle changes.<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-1-review-canon-50mm-1-4-ltm-31730\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane1-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM @f\/1.4<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane1-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM @f\/2.0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane1-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM @f\/2.8<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-1-review-canon-50mm-1-4-ltm-31730\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane1-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-39027\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50mm_1.4_ltm_opt_vig_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50mm_1.4_ltm_opt_vig_1.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50mm_1.4_ltm_opt_vig_1.4-300x75.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50mm_1.4_ltm_opt_vig_1.4-768x192.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane1-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-39028\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50mm_1.4_ltm_opt_vig_2.0.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50mm_1.4_ltm_opt_vig_2.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50mm_1.4_ltm_opt_vig_2.0-300x75.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50mm_1.4_ltm_opt_vig_2.0-768x192.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane1-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-39029\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50mm_1.4_ltm_opt_vig_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50mm_1.4_ltm_opt_vig_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50mm_1.4_ltm_opt_vig_2.8-300x75.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50mm_1.4_ltm_opt_vig_2.8-768x192.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><span style=\"color: #999999;\"><em>Sony A7III | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | 1.0m<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Optical vignetting is very strong and furthermore defocused light points close to the corners taken on more distracting triangular shapes (similar to the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-sigma-50mm-1-4-ex-still-worth-getting-in-2020\/\">Sigma 50mm 1.4 EX DG<\/a>). We will have a closer look at this in the bokeh section.<br \/>\nThe Canon obviously does not make use of aspherical elements so we won&#8217;t encounter any onion ring structures. The aperture diaphragm consists of inwardly curved blades though, leading to &#8220;ninja-star&#8221;-like shapes &#8211; which I am not a big fan of.<\/p>\n<h2>Sharpness<\/h2>\n<h3>Focus shift<\/h3>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-2-review-canon-50mm-1-4-ltm-16326\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane2-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/1.4<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane2-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/2.0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane2-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/2.8<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane2-3\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/4.0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane2-4\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/4.0 refocused<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-2-review-canon-50mm-1-4-ltm-16326\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane2-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38874\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50_1.4_LTM_Focus_Shift_1.0m_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50_1.4_LTM_Focus_Shift_1.0m_1.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50_1.4_LTM_Focus_Shift_1.0m_1.4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50_1.4_LTM_Focus_Shift_1.0m_1.4-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane2-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38875\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50_1.4_LTM_Focus_Shift_1.0m_2.0.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50_1.4_LTM_Focus_Shift_1.0m_2.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50_1.4_LTM_Focus_Shift_1.0m_2.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50_1.4_LTM_Focus_Shift_1.0m_2.0-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane2-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38876\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50_1.4_LTM_Focus_Shift_1.0m_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50_1.4_LTM_Focus_Shift_1.0m_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50_1.4_LTM_Focus_Shift_1.0m_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50_1.4_LTM_Focus_Shift_1.0m_2.8-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane2-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38877\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50_1.4_LTM_Focus_Shift_1.0m_4.0.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50_1.4_LTM_Focus_Shift_1.0m_4.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50_1.4_LTM_Focus_Shift_1.0m_4.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50_1.4_LTM_Focus_Shift_1.0m_4.0-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane2-4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38878\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50_1.4_LTM_Focus_Shift_1.0m_4.0_refocused.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50_1.4_LTM_Focus_Shift_1.0m_4.0_refocused.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50_1.4_LTM_Focus_Shift_1.0m_4.0_refocused-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50_1.4_LTM_Focus_Shift_1.0m_4.0_refocused-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #999999;\"><em>50% crops, A7rII<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-canon-50mm-1-2-ltm\/\">Canon 50mm 1.2 LTM<\/a> showed very strong focus shift, luckily this f\/1.4 version generally shows a much better performance, but focus shift is still visible, especially at f\/2.8 and f\/4.0.<br \/>\nContrary to the f\/1.2 version the focus shift at 1.5 m focus distance is just as strong as it is at 1.0 m.<\/p>\n<h3>infinity (42mp Sony A7rII\/24mp Leica M10)<\/h3>\n<div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-3-review-canon-50mm-1-4-ltm-57491\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane3-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">42mp Sony A7rII<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane3-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">24mp Leica M10<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-3-review-canon-50mm-1-4-ltm-57491\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane3-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-39005\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Sharpness_Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_R2.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"1890\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Sharpness_Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_R2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Sharpness_Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_R2-127x300.jpg 127w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Sharpness_Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_R2-542x1280.jpg 542w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Sharpness_Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_R2-768x1814.jpg 768w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Sharpness_Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_R2-650x1536.jpg 650w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane3-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-39004\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Sharpness_Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_M10.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"1890\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Sharpness_Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_M10.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Sharpness_Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_M10-127x300.jpg 127w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Sharpness_Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_M10-542x1280.jpg 542w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Sharpness_Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_M10-768x1814.jpg 768w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Sharpness_Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_M10-650x1536.jpg 650w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38986\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38986\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38986\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sharpness_infinity_overview_8.0.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sharpness_infinity_overview_8.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sharpness_infinity_overview_8.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sharpness_infinity_overview_8.0-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38986\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/8.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>At infinity the Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM performs similar on the Leica M10 as well as a Sony fullframe E-mount camera, so the following findings apply to both.<\/p>\n<p>At f\/1.4 the whole image is soft at infinity, which isn&#8217;t overly surprising given the age of this lens combined with its low element count. The center of the frame looks decent from f\/2.0, very good from f\/2.8, but the midframe area looks way worse &#8211; thanks to field curvature &#8211; until stopping down to f\/4.0 to f\/5.6.<\/p>\n<p>Unlike what we have seen with the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-canon-50mm-1-2-ltm\/\">Canon 50mm 1.2 LTM<\/a> the corners improve steadily on stopping down. It still takes f\/11 for decent (not great) performance in the corner regions though.<\/p>\n<p>The Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM wouldn&#8217;t be my first choice for infinity landscape\/architecture shooting, but at f\/11 it can still be used for this task with some small limitations.<\/p>\n<h3><b>portrait <\/b><b>1.5 m (24mp Sony A7III\/Leica M10)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>Now what this lens actually has been designed for is taking pictures at portrait distances at wider apertures, so we will see what the performance is like at a typical portrait distance for a 50mm lens of ~1.5 m.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_20406\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20406\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-20406\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/portrait_distance.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/portrait_distance.png 3000w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/portrait_distance-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/portrait_distance-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/portrait_distance-800x533.png 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-20406\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">positions of crops in the frame<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>We will be looking at 100% crops from the 24mp Sony A7III and the Leica M10. Both cameras do not have an anti aliasing filter in front of the sensor.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sony A7III &lt;&#8212;&gt; Leica M10<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-4-review-canon-50mm-1-4-ltm-45981\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane4-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">center f\/1.4<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane4-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">center f\/2.0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane4-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">inner midframe f\/1.4<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane4-3\" data-toggle=\"tab\">inner midframe f\/2.0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane4-4\" data-toggle=\"tab\">outer midframe f\/1.4<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane4-5\" data-toggle=\"tab\">outer midframe f\/2.0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-4-review-canon-50mm-1-4-ltm-45981\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane4-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38980\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sharpness_1.5m_Center_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"781\" height=\"390\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sharpness_1.5m_Center_1.4.jpg 781w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sharpness_1.5m_Center_1.4-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sharpness_1.5m_Center_1.4-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 781px) 100vw, 781px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane4-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38981\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sharpness_1.5m_Center_2.0.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"781\" height=\"390\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sharpness_1.5m_Center_2.0.jpg 781w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sharpness_1.5m_Center_2.0-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sharpness_1.5m_Center_2.0-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 781px) 100vw, 781px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane4-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38982\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sharpness_1.5m_imidframe_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"781\" height=\"390\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sharpness_1.5m_imidframe_1.4.jpg 781w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sharpness_1.5m_imidframe_1.4-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sharpness_1.5m_imidframe_1.4-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 781px) 100vw, 781px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane4-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38983\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sharpness_1.5m_imidframe_2.0.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"781\" height=\"390\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sharpness_1.5m_imidframe_2.0.jpg 781w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sharpness_1.5m_imidframe_2.0-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sharpness_1.5m_imidframe_2.0-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 781px) 100vw, 781px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane4-4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38984\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sharpness_1.5m_omidframe_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"781\" height=\"390\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sharpness_1.5m_omidframe_1.4.jpg 781w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sharpness_1.5m_omidframe_1.4-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sharpness_1.5m_omidframe_1.4-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 781px) 100vw, 781px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane4-5\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38985\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sharpness_1.5m_omidframe_2.0.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"781\" height=\"390\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sharpness_1.5m_omidframe_2.0.jpg 781w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sharpness_1.5m_omidframe_2.0-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sharpness_1.5m_omidframe_2.0-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 781px) 100vw, 781px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>At 1.5 m distance and with taking field curvature out of the equation the performance is much better than at infinity.<\/p>\n<p>While the lens is softer at f\/1.4 it is still usable and stopping down to f\/2.0 increases the contrast noticeably.<\/p>\n<p>Again there are only minor differences visible between using this lens on a Sony or a Leica camera with its <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-kolari-ultra-thin-sensor-stack-modification\/\">thin filter stack<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Flare resistance<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_39010\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-39010\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-39010\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Flare_Sample_1_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Flare_Sample_1_1.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Flare_Sample_1_1.4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Flare_Sample_1_1.4-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-39010\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7rII | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM being from 1957 we cannot expect performance similar to the best modern lenses here.<span id=\"infinity_42mp_Sony_A7rII\" tabindex=\"-1\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Indeed plenty of different artefacts can be created depending on the position of the sun (or another strong point light source) in the frame.<br \/>\nAt f\/1.4 even a ring flare around a strong light source (see picture above) can appear, to make it disappear stopping down to f\/2.0 is sufficient though.<\/p>\n<p>Generally the performance improves on stopping down, while huge ghosts can appear at wider apertures, they are much smaller stopped down:<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-5-review-canon-50mm-1-4-ltm-14006\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane5-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/1.4<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane5-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/8.0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-5-review-canon-50mm-1-4-ltm-14006\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane5-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-39012\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Flare_Sample_3_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Flare_Sample_3_1.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Flare_Sample_3_1.4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Flare_Sample_3_1.4-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane5-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-39013\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Flare_Sample_4_8.0.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Flare_Sample_4_8.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Flare_Sample_4_8.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Flare_Sample_4_8.0-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><span style=\"color: #999999;\"><em>Sony A7rII | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Simlar to the Canon 50mm 1.2 LTM another issue arises on stopping down a lot though: the aperture blades lead to internal reflections:<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_39250\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-39250\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-39250\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Aperture_Blade_reflection_16.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Aperture_Blade_reflection_16.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Aperture_Blade_reflection_16-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Aperture_Blade_reflection_16-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-39250\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/16<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Veiling flare with the sun outside the frame can also be an issue, but the situation is still better than what I encountered with the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-canon-50mm-1-2-ltm\/\">Canon 50mm 1.2 LTM<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_39011\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-39011\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-39011\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Flare_Sample_2_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Flare_Sample_2_1.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Flare_Sample_2_1.4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Flare_Sample_2_1.4-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-39011\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7rII | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In some situations with the point light source outside the frame shading the lens can help, of course this is only possible when using it on a camera equipped with liveview:<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-6-review-canon-50mm-1-4-ltm-78703\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane6-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">unshaded<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane6-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">shaded<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-6-review-canon-50mm-1-4-ltm-78703\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane6-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-39015\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Flare_Sample_5_5.6_unshaded.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Flare_Sample_5_5.6_unshaded.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Flare_Sample_5_5.6_unshaded-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Flare_Sample_5_5.6_unshaded-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane6-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-39014\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Flare_Sample_5_5.6_shaded.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Flare_Sample_5_5.6_shaded.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Flare_Sample_5_5.6_shaded-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Flare_Sample_5_5.6_shaded-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><em><span style=\"color: #999999;\">Sony A7rII | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/5.6<\/span><br \/>\n<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Apparently also an official hood for this lens exists, but I did not have access to it.<\/p>\n<h2>Coma<\/h2>\n<p>A fast lens from 1957, this cannot mean good news for this category. As expected coma is very strong and it really takes stopping down to f\/5.6 to mostly get rid of it.<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-7-review-canon-50mm-1-4-ltm-61036\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane7-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/1.4<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane7-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/2.0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane7-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/2.8<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane7-3\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/4.0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane7-4\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/5.6<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane7-5\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/8.0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane7-6\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/1.4 overview<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-7-review-canon-50mm-1-4-ltm-61036\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane7-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38973\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Coma_crop_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Coma_crop_1.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Coma_crop_1.4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Coma_crop_1.4-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane7-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38974\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Coma_crop_2.0.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Coma_crop_2.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Coma_crop_2.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Coma_crop_2.0-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane7-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38975\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Coma_crop_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Coma_crop_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Coma_crop_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Coma_crop_2.8-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane7-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38976\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Coma_crop_4.0.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Coma_crop_4.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Coma_crop_4.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Coma_crop_4.0-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane7-4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38977\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Coma_crop_5.6.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Coma_crop_5.6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Coma_crop_5.6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Coma_crop_5.6-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane7-5\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38978\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Coma_crop_8.0.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Coma_crop_8.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Coma_crop_8.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Coma_crop_8.0-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane7-6\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38979\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Coma_overview_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Coma_overview_1.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Coma_overview_1.4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Coma_overview_1.4-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #999999;\"><em>100% crops from extreme corner, focused on center, M10<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>This is what the situation looks like in a real world picture taken at f\/1.4:<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_39224\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-39224\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-39224\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_29_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_29_1.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_29_1.4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_29_1.4-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-39224\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Distortion<\/h2>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-8-review-canon-50mm-1-4-ltm-41407\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane8-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">uncorrected<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane8-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">corrected +5<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-8-review-canon-50mm-1-4-ltm-41407\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane8-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38722\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50_1.4_LTM_distortion_uncorrected.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50_1.4_LTM_distortion_uncorrected.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50_1.4_LTM_distortion_uncorrected-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50_1.4_LTM_distortion_uncorrected-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane8-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38721\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50_1.4_LTM_distortion_corrected5.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50_1.4_LTM_distortion_corrected5.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50_1.4_LTM_distortion_corrected5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/canon_50_1.4_LTM_distortion_corrected5-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><span style=\"color: #999999;\"><em>Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/8.0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-canon-50mm-1-2-ltm\/\">Canon 50mm 1.2 LTM<\/a> showed a rather unfavourable, wavy distortion pattern whereas this f\/1.4 version is much better behaved. The distortion looks mostly uniform to me and dialing in +5 is doing a good job at correcting it.<\/p>\n<h2>Bokeh<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_39221\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-39221\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-39221\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_26_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_26_1.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_26_1.4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_26_1.4-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-39221\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM is somewhat popular for its &#8220;pleasing&#8221; rendering. That being said: if you mainly care about the treats of a modern high performance lens &#8211; meaning a high degree of correction of most <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/lens-aberrations-explained-part-1\/\">optical aberrations<\/a> &#8211; you are probably not interested in a lens like this from the 1950s.<br \/>\nIf you are looking for that certain vintage look, the situation might be different though. This is why we will have a closer look at the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/bokeh-explained\/\">bokeh characteristics<\/a> of this lens.<\/p>\n<h3>Close distance<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_39226\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-39226\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-39226\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_6.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_6-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-39226\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_39195\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-39195\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-39195\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_10_1.4_MFD.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_10_1.4_MFD.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_10_1.4_MFD-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_10_1.4_MFD-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-39195\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/1.4 | MFD<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38836\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38836\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38836\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_1.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38836\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_39203\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-39203\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-39203\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_18_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_18_1.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_18_1.4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_18_1.4-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-39203\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>At closer distances a few things are already noticeable: towards the corners and also borders we see a lot of outlining and furthermore circles deteoriate towards a triangular shape.<br \/>\nAll this leads to a busier rendering in the corners, even at shorter distances.<br \/>\nA minimum focus distance of 1.0 m is also not that close for a 50mm lens.<\/p>\n<h3>Mid distance<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_39215\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-39215\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-39215\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_9_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_9_1.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_9_1.4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_9_1.4-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-39215\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_39235\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-39235\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-39235\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_25_2.0.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_25_2.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_25_2.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_25_2.0-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-39235\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/2.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_39234\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-39234\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-39234\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_4.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_4-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-39234\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_39236\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-39236\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-39236\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_28_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_28_1.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_28_1.4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_28_1.4-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-39236\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Mid distances are where I found this lens to perform the best. Sharpness and contrast are good, leading to nice subject separation.<br \/>\nComplex backgrounds easily provoke double edged structures though and this is also true for the transition zone.<br \/>\nIn the last sample above we can also see a bit of swirl and that the bokeh generally deteoriates towards the corners.<\/p>\n<h3>Long distance<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_39228\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-39228\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-39228\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_14_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_14_1.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_14_1.4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_14_1.4-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-39228\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_39198\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-39198\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-39198\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_13_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_13_1.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_13_1.4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_13_1.4-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-39198\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_39280\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-39280\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-39280\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Filter_Stack_Comp_A7III_2_overview.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Filter_Stack_Comp_A7III_2_overview.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Filter_Stack_Comp_A7III_2_overview-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Filter_Stack_Comp_A7III_2_overview-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-39280\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>At long focus distances field curvature can be an issue though, as things close to the edges and borders are in focus even though they are located far behind the actual focal plane. Thanks to their <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-kolari-ultra-thin-sensor-stack-modification\/\">thick filter stack<\/a> this effect is more pronounced when using this lens on a camera with a thicker filter stack (e.g. Sony A7III):<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-9-review-canon-50mm-1-4-ltm-69449\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane9-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">A7III<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane9-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">A7III crop<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane9-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">M10<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane9-3\" data-toggle=\"tab\">M10 crop<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-9-review-canon-50mm-1-4-ltm-69449\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane9-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-39279\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Filter_Stack_Comp_A7III_1_overview.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Filter_Stack_Comp_A7III_1_overview.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Filter_Stack_Comp_A7III_1_overview-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Filter_Stack_Comp_A7III_1_overview-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane9-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-39278\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Filter_Stack_Comp_A7III_1_crop.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Filter_Stack_Comp_A7III_1_crop.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Filter_Stack_Comp_A7III_1_crop-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Filter_Stack_Comp_A7III_1_crop-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane9-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-39282\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Filter_Stack_Comp_M10_1_overview.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Filter_Stack_Comp_M10_1_overview.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Filter_Stack_Comp_M10_1_overview-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Filter_Stack_Comp_M10_1_overview-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane9-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-39281\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Filter_Stack_Comp_M10_1_crop.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Filter_Stack_Comp_M10_1_crop.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Filter_Stack_Comp_M10_1_crop-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Filter_Stack_Comp_M10_1_crop-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><span style=\"color: #999999;\"><em>Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/1.4<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>We have seen this behaviour with several fast lenses, e.g. the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-ms-optical-50mm-1-1-sonnetar\/\">MS-Optics 50mm 1.1 Sonnetar<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-laowa-45mm-0-95\/\">Laowa 45mm 0.95<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-voigtlander-vm-50mm-1-0-nokton-the-actually-fastest-m-mount-lens\/\">Voigtl\u00e4nder VM 50mm 1.0 Nokton<\/a> and several more.<\/p>\n<p>This is not something that will hurt or will be visible in every picture, but if you are mainly interested in taking full body portraits in situations like those above this lens would not be my first choice.<\/p>\n<h2>Sunstars<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_39251\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-39251\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-39251\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sunstar_11.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sunstar_11.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sunstar_11-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_Sunstar_11-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-39251\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/11<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The ninja-star shaped aperture blades create sunstars with 9 long and 9 short rays, not something that looks particularly appealing to me. The bad flare resistance further spoils the game here.<br \/>\nOnly in situations where the light sources are very small, e.g. blue hour cityscapes (see Coma section), we see well defined 18-pointed sunstars.<br \/>\nIf you want to learn more about sunstars have a look at <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/best-lenses-for-sunstars\/\">this article<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Chromatic aberration<\/h2>\n<h3><strong>lateral<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-10-review-canon-50mm-1-4-ltm-59954\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane10-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">uncorrected<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane10-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">corrected<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-10-review-canon-50mm-1-4-ltm-59954\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane10-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-39025\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_lateral_CA_11_uncorrected.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_lateral_CA_11_uncorrected.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_lateral_CA_11_uncorrected-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_lateral_CA_11_uncorrected-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane10-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-39024\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_lateral_CA_11_corrected.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_lateral_CA_11_corrected.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_lateral_CA_11_corrected-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50mm_1.4_LTM_lateral_CA_11_corrected-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #999999;\"><em>100% crops from border, Leica M10<br \/>\n<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Lateral CA are on a low to medium level. In the very corners it looks like they are not fully corrected here, as we actually see an overlap with other aberrations &#8211; this was also the case with the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-canon-50mm-1-2-ltm\/\">Canon 50mm 1.2 LTM<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>longitudinal<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM shows all kinds of longitudinal CA as can be seen from this example:<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-11-review-canon-50mm-1-4-ltm-64365\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane11-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">overview<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane11-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">crop focus point<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane11-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">crop background<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane11-3\" data-toggle=\"tab\">crop foreground<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-11-review-canon-50mm-1-4-ltm-64365\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane11-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-39190\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_loCA_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_loCA_1.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_loCA_1.4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_loCA_1.4-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane11-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-39193\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_loCA_1.4_Crop_PF.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_loCA_1.4_Crop_PF.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_loCA_1.4_Crop_PF-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_loCA_1.4_Crop_PF-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane11-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-39191\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_loCA_1.4_Crop_BG.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_loCA_1.4_Crop_BG.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_loCA_1.4_Crop_BG-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_loCA_1.4_Crop_BG-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane11-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-39192\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_loCA_1.4_Crop_FG.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_loCA_1.4_Crop_FG.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_loCA_1.4_Crop_FG-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_loCA_1.4_Crop_FG-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<em><span style=\"color: #999999;\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/1.4<\/span><br \/>\n<\/em><\/p>\n<p>There is some green outlining in the background and you also see some magenta in front of the focal plane, but what is really noticeable is the purple fringing close to the focal plane.<br \/>\nAlso in this category the f\/1.4 performs better than the faster <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-canon-50mm-1-2-ltm\/\">Canon 50mm 1.2 LTM<\/a>: when stopped down to f\/2.8 the aberration is mostly gone.<\/p>\n<p>In situations like this the bokeh fringing is not that obvious, but you can still spot the purple fringing close to the focal plane:<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_39202\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-39202\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-39202\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_17_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_17_1.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_17_1.4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_17_1.4-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-39202\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>For a lens this age this is still a solid performance, we should always keep in mind what the early Sony ZA lenses like the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/sony-fe-1-855-za-sonnar-t-review\/\">55mm 1.8<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-sony-fe-35mm-1-4-za\/\">35mm 1.4<\/a> looked like in this category.<\/p>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<div dir=\"auto\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>good<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">sharpness portrait distances<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">build quality<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">size\/weight<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">price<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td><strong>average<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>distortion<\/li>\n<li>CA correction<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td><strong>not good<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">flare resistance<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">coma correction<\/span><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">1.0 m minimum focus distance<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">field curvature<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">ninja-star bokeh stopped down<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">48mm filter thread<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">focus shift<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">vignetting<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Generally I found this Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM to perform better than the 50mm 1.2 version I previously reviewed (a 50mm 1.2 in better condition might have performed better though).<br \/>\nBut what I wrote about the f\/1.2 version also applies here: the Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM is a lens that has been designed and manufactured in the 1950s with the technology of the 1950s. Low element count, no floating elements, no multicoating, no aspherical elements, no complex computer aided design.<\/p>\n<p>At the beginning I said this is a lens that is still highly regarded by its fans, so why is that? For its age this can definitely be considered a contrasty lens, but at the same time there is still a bit of glow (spherical aberration) and those two combined lead to a certain kind of subject separation some people find very appealing.<br \/>\nStopped down it also sharpens up nicely across frame with very little vignetting. And it is very affordable, which always helps. It can even be found for less than a <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-jupiter-3-50mm-1-5\/\">Jupiter.3 50mm 1.5<\/a> and deciding between those two I would definitely go for this Canon lens.<\/p>\n<p>I am neither a fan of the odd 48mm filter thread, nor the long minimum focus distance of 1.0 m nor the ninja-star shaped aperture stopped down, but for some the latter might actually be part of the &#8220;vintage experience&#8221;.<br \/>\nAnd there are some potential issues to be aware of when looking for one of these lenses: many of the Canon LTM lenses have problems with fungus, balsam separation, haze and\/or oily aperture blades. Some of these issues are also not that easy to spot, so it is risky business buying these lenses online from overseas without any realistic return option.<\/p>\n<p>If you are in the market for a true vintage, compact yet fast and at the same time affordable 50mm lens, this Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM is a good and also sensible choice. Most likely a lens like this will not be your everyday 50, but more of a specialty lens for occasional use and I find it smarter not to spend a huge sum on such a lens. In direct comparison to the Canon 50mm 1.2 LTM &#8211; and I know how appealing a maximum aperture of f\/1.2 sounds &#8211; I would definitely recommend getting this f\/1.4 version.<\/p>\n<p><em>You can usually find this lens on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.com\/sch\/i.html?_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&amp;_nkw=canon+50mm+1.4+ltm&amp;_sacat=0&amp;mkcid=1&amp;mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&amp;siteid=0&amp;campid=5337820268&amp;toolid=20008&amp;mkevt=1\">ebay.com<\/a> (advertisement\/affiliate link) starting at <strong>$200<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Alternatives<\/h2>\n<p>I reviewed a lot of 50mm M-mount lenses all of which you can find listed <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/lenses\/leica-lenses\/\">here<\/a>. I will only talk about some of the obvious alternatives in detail here.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-canon-50mm-1-2-ltm\/\">Canon 50mm 1.2 LTM:<\/a><\/strong><\/em><br \/>\nOf course f\/1.2 sounds cooler than f\/1.4, but for me this f\/1.4 version is simply the better lens. I found the f\/1.2 to be too soft at f\/1.2 to warrant the higher price tag as well as carrying around a bigger and heavier lens. On top of that the f\/1.4 version sharpens up enough to be actually usable for stopped down infinity shooting.<br \/>\n<em>buy from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.com\/sch\/i.html?_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&amp;_nkw=canon+50mm+1.2+ltm&amp;_sacat=0&amp;mkcid=1&amp;mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&amp;siteid=0&amp;campid=5337820268&amp;toolid=20008&amp;mkevt=1\">ebay.com<\/a> (advertisement\/affiliate link) for ~<strong>$400<\/strong> <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-nikon-nikkor-s-50mm-1-4\/\">Nikkor-S 50mm 1.4:<\/a><\/strong><\/em><br \/>\nIn terms of optical performance the Canon and the Nikkor are not that different (I didn&#8217;t compare them side by side though). I liked the Nikkor&#8217;s macro mode that allows to focus as close as 0.45 m, but the M39 version is quite rare and therefore expensive, so I find it somewhat hard to recommend over the Canon lens reviewed here.<br \/>\n<em>buy from <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ebay.com\/sch\/items\/?_nkw=nikkor+5+cm+1.4&amp;_sacat=625&amp;_ex_kw=&amp;_mPrRngCbx=1&amp;_udlo=&amp;_udhi=&amp;_sop=12&amp;_fpos=&amp;_fspt=1&amp;_sadis=&amp;LH_CAds=&amp;rmvSB=true\">ebay.com<\/a> (advertisement\/affiliate link<strong>) <\/strong>for <strong>$500<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-ttartisan-50mm-1-4\/\">TTArtisan 50mm 1.4:<\/a><\/strong><\/em><br \/>\nThe TTArtisan 50mm 1.4 is a modern lens and compared to this Canon lens it showcases how lens design has evolved over the course of 65 years. The TTArtisan lens is a more complex 10\/8 design and even makes use of an aspherical element. This leads to way sharper and contrastier pictures at wider apertures and also to way better coma correction.<br \/>\nIf you are not after that vintage look and you are just looking for an affordable, compact 50mm 1.4 lens this is a really great choice.<br \/>\nThe M-mount version is more expensive whereas the versions for other mounts cost roughly the same new as a used Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM.<br \/>\n<em>buy tfrom <a href=\"https:\/\/ttartisan.myshopify.com\/?ref=EvdGAnf950qaM&amp;fbclid=IwAR0Wz6hHVjawnTBKgVjf4REAAdtlgKqkcjVQOQZIzxzgwGkmQY-iNunnnKc\">the manufacturer&#8217;s shop<\/a>, on <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3iX4rZ1\">amazon.com<\/a>\/<a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2GMYl0p\">amazon.de<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/bhpho.to\/373GH2P\">B&amp;H<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.com\/sch\/i.html?_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&amp;_nkw=ttartisan+50mm+1.4&amp;_sacat=0&amp;LH_TitleDesc=0&amp;_osacat=0&amp;_odkw=ttartisan+50mm&amp;mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&amp;siteid=0&amp;mkcid=1&amp;campid=5337820130&amp;toolid=20008&amp;mkevt=1\">ebay.com<\/a>\/<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.de\/sch\/i.html?_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&amp;_nkw=ttartisan+50mm+1.4&amp;_sacat=0&amp;mkrid=707-53477-19255-0&amp;siteid=77&amp;mkcid=1&amp;campid=5337820130&amp;toolid=20008&amp;mkevt=1\">ebay.de<\/a> for about <strong>$369<\/strong> (advertisement\/affiliate links)<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-jupiter-3-50mm-1-5\/\"><em><strong>Jupiter-3 50mm 1.5:<\/strong><\/em><\/a><br \/>\nThis is another affordable, compact and fast 50mm rangefinder lens. Unlike all the aforementioned lenses this is not based on a <em>Double Gauss<\/em> but a <em>Sonnar<\/em> design, its design is also about 10 to 15 years older than this Canon&#8217;s.<br \/>\nGenerally these classic <em>Sonnar<\/em> lenses give a funkier look at their maximum aperture compared to the classic <em>Double Gauss<\/em> designs, but stopped down by about one stop they can yield very smooth and appealing bokeh, which is what made them famous.<br \/>\nThere is a lot of sample variation when it comes to these Jupiter lenses.<br \/>\n<em>buy from <\/em><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.com\/sch\/i.html?LH_CAds=&amp;_ex_kw=&amp;_fpos=&amp;_fspt=1&amp;_mPrRngCbx=1&amp;_nkw=jupiter+3+m39&amp;_sacat=625&amp;_sadis=&amp;_sop=12&amp;_udhi=&amp;_udlo=&amp;_fosrp=1&amp;mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&amp;siteid=0&amp;mkcid=1&amp;campid=5337820268&amp;toolid=10001&amp;customid=&amp;mkevt=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ebay.com<\/a> (advertisement\/affiliate link) for <strong>$160<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-ms-optics-50mm-1-0-ism\/\"><em>MS-Optics 50mm 1.0 ISM<\/em><\/a> <em>and<\/em> <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-ms-optics-50mm-1-3-sonnetar-slim\/\"><em>MS-Optics 50mm 1.3 Sonnetar<\/em><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-ms-optical-50mm-1-1-sonnetar\/\"><em>:<\/em><\/a><\/strong><br \/>\nThese MS-Optics lenses can be seen as a modern interpretation of the early Canon LTM lenses. They do give a similar vintage look thanks to using similarly simple optical designs, but they make use of better coatings and also feature better minimum focus distances. They are also very small and lightweight. The biggest advantage is that you are less likely to encounter issues with haze or balsam separation with these lenses, simply because they are much younger. They are expensive boutique lenses though and you generally have to import them from Japan. If you want to know more have a look at my <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/overview-ms-optics-lenses\/\">Overview: MS-Optics lenses<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-mr-ding-optics-50mm-1-1-noxlux-m\/\"><strong>Mr. Ding 50mm 1.1:<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n<\/em>This lens is also roughly double the price and noticeably bigger. This a very fast yet compact modern 50mm lens with super smooth bokeh. If you are a Sony user it also pairs really well with the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-techart-lm-ea9-leica-m-to-sony-e-autofocus-adapter\/\">Techart LM-EA9 autofocus adapter<\/a>. <em><br \/>\n<\/em>This is my personal 50mm M-mount lens of choice these days.<em><br \/>\n<\/em><em>buy from <a href=\"https:\/\/mrdingstudio.com\/products\/mr-ding-noxlux-dg-50-1-1-e58-for-leica-m-manual-lens?ref=G_RCnAFR27Ntin\">official Mr. Ding Studio shop<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.com\/sch\/i.html?_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&amp;_nkw=ding+50+1.1+replica&amp;_sacat=0&amp;LH_TitleDesc=0&amp;_odkw=ding+50+1.1&amp;_osacat=0&amp;mkcid=1&amp;mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&amp;siteid=0&amp;campid=5337820268&amp;toolid=20008&amp;mkevt=1\">ebay.com<\/a> (advertisement\/affiliate links) for <strong>$399<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>SLR 50mm lenses:<\/strong><\/em><br \/>\nSome of the f\/1.4 SLR lenses can be found even cheaper.&nbsp;These lenses are roughly two decades younger and you can already tell that there has been some notable technological progress, as they generally have better optical performance and also better (still not great) coatings. Their minimum focus distances are usually also better.<br \/>\nIf you want to use these SLR lenses on a mirrorless camera you need long adapters that make the lenses very big and also somewhat awkward to handle though.<\/p>\n<h2>Sample Images<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_39200\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-39200\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-39200\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_15_8.0.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_15_8.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_15_8.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_15_8.0-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-39200\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/8.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_39213\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-39213\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-39213\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_24_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_24_1.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_24_1.4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_24_1.4-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-39213\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_39230\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-39230\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-39230\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_21_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_21_1.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_21_1.4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_21_1.4-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-39230\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_39205\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-39205\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-39205\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_20_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_20_1.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_20_1.4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_20_1.4-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-39205\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_39222\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-39222\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-39222\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_27_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_27_1.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_27_1.4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_27_1.4-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-39222\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_39197\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-39197\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-39197\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_12_8.0.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_12_8.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_12_8.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_12_8.0-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-39197\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/8.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38842\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38842\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38842\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_7.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_7.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_7-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_7-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38842\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/5.6<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38837\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38837\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38837\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_2.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_2-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38837\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/8.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_39225\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-39225\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-39225\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_30_8.0.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_30_8.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_30_8.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_30_8.0-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-39225\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/8.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38843\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38843\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38843\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_8.jpg\" alt=\"review canon ltm m39 leica 50mm 1.4 japanese summilux lens contrast resolution m10 42mp 24mp 61mp m6 analogue contrast bokeh vignetting\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Canon_50_1.4_LTM_Sample_8-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38843\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leica M10 | Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><em>Most of the sample images in this review can be found in full resolution <a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/s\/aHBqjCkeMy\">here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Further Reading<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/lenses\/leica-lenses\/\">All M-mount reviews<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/photography\/analogue-adventures\/\">Analogue Adventures Landing Page<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-techart-lm-ea9-leica-m-to-sony-e-autofocus-adapter\/\">Review: Techart LM-EA9 AF adapter<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/lens-aberrations-explained-part-1\/\">Lens Aberrations explained<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Support Us<\/h2>\n<p>Did you find this article useful or just liked reading it? Treat us to a coffee!<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/donate\/?hosted_button_id=3K9EJRRQVXT4J\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-40345 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/donate2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"103\" height=\"29\"><\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/en_SE\/i\/scr\/pixel.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\"> <span style=\"color: #999999;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/en_SE\/i\/scr\/pixel.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\"><em>via Paypal<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>This site contains advertisement\/affiliate links. If you make a purchase using any of the links marked as advertisement\/affiliate links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the creation of future content.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction While Canon had a spectacular 50mm 0.95 and an only slightly less spectacular 50mm 1.2 in their LTM lens line-up, it seems the most popular of all those 50mm lenses is this compact and affordable f\/1.4 version. Over the years this lens became somewhat of a legend, but is this actually justified? Let&#8217;s find &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-canon-50mm-1-4-ltm\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Review: Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM<\/span> <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4708,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[302,57,18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-38729","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-canon","category-leica-m","category-review"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Review: Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM - phillipreeve.net<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM is a famous compact and fast 50mm rangefinder lens from 1957 that can also be adapted to\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-canon-50mm-1-4-ltm\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Review: Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM - 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