Canon Ltm

All You Need to Know About Vintage Canon LTM Lenses

If you're looking for a vintage lens based on the Sonnar formula, look no further than the Canon Leica Thread Mount (LTM) series of lenses available on eBay. The LTM lenses were created in the late fifties and sixties for Canon's rangefinder cameras. Serious photographers covet the possession of these pricey vintage lenses, which produce photos with stunning clarity and light.

What are the different size lenses within this series?

According to the Canon LTM lens guide, included in this series, and featured on eBay, are the Canon:

  • 35mm LTM
  • 50mm 1.2
  • 50mm 1.4
  • 50mm 1.8

The lens you'll use is dependent upon the subject and environment. You should also take into account that each of these lenses on eBay was designed for rangefinder cameras, including Canon P, Nikon, and Leica M6. The latter two may need an adapter.

It's also important to note that the Canon LTM lens guide will give greater detail about the optimal conditions for using each lens. eBay offers several different expensive lenses in the LTM series and compatible cameras.

What is the difference between the various lenses?

The primary differences between lenses are attributes such as light, resolution, and sharpness. For instance, if you consider the Canon 50mm 1.2 vs 1.4 LTM, the 1.2 LTM lens will have slightly better light. In addition, when you use the 1.2 LTM lens your photographs will be sharper. The 1.8 lens is also good but is often plagued by a haze that can interfere with picture quality. However, many photographers enjoy using the Canon 50mm 1.8.

Is the Canon LTM 50mm 1.4 the same as the Summilux?

The Canon Lens 50mm 1.4 LTM is referred to as the Japanese Summilux. Summilux lenses and the Canon LTM lenses are both manufactured in Japan and are known for their high-quality design and the clear/crisp pictures that they produce. Enthusiasts often compare these lenses, but they are not the same lens. There are similarities between the two lenses related to the focal length and maximum aperture.

What is the Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM filter size?

The Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM filter size is 48mm. This filter is pretty common and accessible on eBay. Many other lenses also require a 48mm filter. This lens pairs well with the Canon P rangefinder camera. Canon also has a hood attachment for this lens.

Content provided for informational purposes only. eBay is not affiliated with or endorsed by Canon LTM.