I just picked up an Argus Cosina STL1000 with the Cosinon 55/1.4- under $80, shipped, case, cap, like new. I had this camera and lens over 45 years ago, sold it when I went over to Nikon. I had the 50/1.8 Cosinon since 1971, traded later for the 55/1.4. I should have kept it. Better late then never again.
This lens is reputed to be made by Tomioka, might be. Classic Pentax styling, like the Cosinons. The Argus/Cosina STL 1000 is basically a Nikkormat with an M42 screw mount, same shutter mechanism. Very under-rated. The 50/1.8 Cosinon is good. But this 55/1.4 is great. The kicker: search for "Argus/Cosina", find the lens on the camera for well under $100. Search for Tomioka 55/1.4: around $200.
First-up, fence post test at F1.4 and F4. A Sonnar would give about a 1" shift, same with a Summarit 5cm F1.5.
This lens focuses to 18",
This lens is reputed to be made by Tomioka, might be. Classic Pentax styling, like the Cosinons. The Argus/Cosina STL 1000 is basically a Nikkormat with an M42 screw mount, same shutter mechanism. Very under-rated. The 50/1.8 Cosinon is good. But this 55/1.4 is great. The kicker: search for "Argus/Cosina", find the lens on the camera for well under $100. Search for Tomioka 55/1.4: around $200.
First-up, fence post test at F1.4 and F4. A Sonnar would give about a 1" shift, same with a Summarit 5cm F1.5.
This lens focuses to 18",
Wide-Open, all about the Bokeh- Baby.
The last shot- Swirlies, means some astigmatism. Bokeh edges not pronounced as in some lenses, due to low spherical aberration. The fence post shot shows the latter as well.
The last shot- Swirlies, means some astigmatism. Bokeh edges not pronounced as in some lenses, due to low spherical aberration. The fence post shot shows the latter as well.
Your friendly neighborhood 19th century graveyard.
F1.4 and F4 pairs.
F1.4 and F4 pairs.
By The Light.
Wide-Open
and F4
Wide-Open
and F4
Packing all Fives and Eights Today for the Skating Rink- I like Z-mount.
55/1.4 Cosinon, M42; 5.8cm F1.4 F-Mount; 5.8cm F2 Biotar, Exakta mount, and 85/2 Jupiter-9, LTM.
p.giannakis
Pan Giannakis
Thank you for these Brian, Cosinon lenses are very interesting. There is a rare f/1.2 version of this, it is a beast and very expensive. I found a 55f/1.4 at a pawn shop some time ago but I shied away. They wanted £80 for it.
The 55/1.2 Cosinon sells for way too much compared with the Nikon 55/1.2 and Canon 55/1.2 FL mount. I'm happy with the 55/1.4 Cosinon, especially at the price that I paid.
And now- from the skating rink- The 55/1.4 Cosinon, wide-open.
Subject Moved....
And now- from the skating rink- The 55/1.4 Cosinon, wide-open.
Subject Moved....
Sequence shot, all wide-open.
