Ms-optics SONNETAR 50mm(F1.3)

A review and photo examples of the Ms-Optics Sonnethal 50mm F1.3.

Gallery

The sample photos were taken using a LEICA M-P typ240.

Review

The SONNETAR 50mm F1.3 is an improved version of the MS-MODE-S 50mm F1.3, which was first released by Ms-optics.

The MS-MODE-S had high resolution when stopped down, but there were times when the image was noticeably fluffy when the aperture was open. However, this lens has higher resolution and sharper sharpness both when the aperture was open and when stopped down. There is no change in the lens configuration, but it seems that the fine details have been brushed up.

As a major change in specifications, I am happy that the minimum shooting distance has been shortened from 1m to 0.7m.

The aperture is a clickless aperture, which is familiar to Ms-optics, and I have no complaints about the aperture position, but the aperture ring on the one I own is too smooth and sometimes changes inadvertently, so it would be easier to use if it were a little heavier.

Below is a comparison of the old and new 50mm / F1.3. The new model on the right uses a dedicated lens barrel and has a refined appearance. The old model on the left was released in 2009 (13 years ago) and the lens and mount can be separated. Two mounts are provided, L39 and S mounts, which are designed to be interchangeable. In fact, I have never replaced it because I was afraid of damaging it.
For the L39/M mount, the mount and helicoid part uses the ready-made MS-51.6, which is used when converting commercially available 50mm lenses to the L39/M mount.
I will introduce the old 50mm / F1.3 in a separate article.

Left:MS-MODE-S 50/1.3 Right:SONNETAR 50/1.3

The rear lens element is equipped with a function to correct coma aberration. The standard position is 3m, which allows for rangefinder coupling with Leica rangefinders.
The coma aberration correction function has indexes at the 0.75, 1, 1.5, 3, and infinity positions, and when using a mirrorless camera, you can enjoy the difference in depiction due to differences in aberration.

Specifications

Item	Value	note
focal length(mm)	51.6
Maximum aperture	1.3
Minimum aperture	16
Lens configuration	5groups 4elements	Sonnar-Type
Minimum distance(m)	0.7
Lens length(mm)	35.7
Lens max diameter(mm)	50
Filter diameter(mm)	49	Reverse mounting
Weight(g)	123(lens only)	143(lens with hood)

SONNEATR 1.3/50 lens construction diagram (the diagram was scanned and traced from the manual that came with the lens)

Reference link

Wikipedia’s description of the Sonnar-type lens

Update history

2024.07.09:Update article
2024.02.16:Update article
2022.03.08:First draft

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