Production
1980
Country
Japan
Optical
6 elements in 5 groups or 7 elements in 6 groups (sources differ).
Updated
Jul 1, 2026
Revuenon Revuenon 50mm f1.4
Pentax K · 50mm · f/1.4
Compiled from 1 real reviews · AI-assisted · accuracy-checked · Updated 1 Jul 2026
Overview
The Revuenon MC 50mm f/1.4 was a fast, manual-focus standard prime produced from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s, sold under the Revue brand, a house label of the German retailer Foto-Quelle. Like many Revue-badged optics, it was not made in-house but was likely manufactured by Cosina or Tomioka, and it was positioned as a budget-friendly alternative to first-party 50mm f/1.4 lenses. Despite its modest, no-name branding, the reviews indicate it has earned a genuine cult following on account of its optical performance, solid build, and distinctive rendering. On the Pentax Forums review database it holds a 9.33 average user rating with 95% of reviewers recommending it, largely thanks to its very high value-for-money. It should be noted there is a closely related but separate lens, the single-coated Auto Revuenon 55mm f/1.4 (M42 mount), which one reviewer bought after confusing it with the multi-coated 50mm f/1.4; that reviewer noted the 50mm MC 'actually appears to be quite a bit better.' No established nicknames or community jargon for this lens appear in the reviews.
Verdict: The Revuenon 50mm f/1.4 MC is a budget vintage standard prime that punches far above its no-name branding. It rewards those who embrace its dual character: a soft, glowing, spherical-aberration look wide open for portraits, and crisp, contrasty results from f/2.8 down. With smooth bokeh, solid build, a long focus throw, and outstanding value, it is a rewarding pick for manual-focus enthusiasts and vintage-look shooters, provided you buy the multi-coated 50mm and not confuse it with the inferior single-coated 55mm sibling.
Optical Character
Bokeh
Smooth bokeh, rated highly (9.1 on Pentax Forums).
Color
Neutral-to-cool color rendering.
Sharpness wide open
Soft with dreamy glow wide open at f/1.4; sharp from f/2.8 onward with improving edge sharpness.
Flare resistance
Multi-coating improves flare resistance and contrast.
Contrast
Low wide open due to spherical aberration and glow, improving significantly stopped down.
Community Insights
What people love
- Exceptional value for money, rated 9.9 for value on Pentax Forums with an average price around $45-$80.
- Sharpness from f/2.8 onward and smooth bokeh.
- A dreamy, soft-glow soft-focus look wide open at f/1.4 that suits portraits and vintage imagery.
- Solid build quality and excellent handling (rated 9.4), with a generous 210° focus throw enabling precise manual focusing.
- Neutral-to-cool color rendering.
What people dislike
- Soft, low-contrast rendering wide open at f/1.4 due to spherical aberration (a love-it-or-hate-it trait).
- No 'A' setting on the aperture ring, so metering on modern DSLRs requires manual or stop-down mode.
- Inconsistent specifications and multiple versions make it hard to know exactly what you are buying.
Pro Tips
- Shoot wide open at f/1.4 when you want the dreamy soft-glow, spherical-aberration look for portraits or vintage-style work.
- Stop down to f/2.8 or smaller for significantly higher contrast and sharpness, including at the edges.
- Use the generous 210° focus throw to nail precise manual focus; it excels at critical focusing.
- On modern DSLRs, plan for manual or stop-down metering since there is no 'A' aperture setting.
Compatible Adapters
Real adapters from our shop that fit this lens mount.
Standard · ฿325 · In stock
Standard · ฿325 · In stock
Standard · ฿325 · In stock
Standard · ฿325 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿1,250 · In stock
Standard · ฿890 · Out of stock
Pentax K Lenses to Canon EOS R Mount Camera Adapter
Standard · Out of stock
Pentax K Lenses to Canon EOS Camera Mount Adapter
Standard · Out of stock
Sample Photos
Sources (1)
Web research
The Revuenon 50mm f/1.4 MC is a budget vintage standard prime that punches far above its no-name branding. It rewards those who embrace its dual character: a soft, glowing, spherical-aberration look wide open for portraits, and crisp, contrasty results from f/2.8 down. With smooth bokeh, solid build, a long focus throw, and outstanding value, it is a rewarding pick for manual-focus enthusiasts and vintage-look shooters, provided you buy the multi-coated 50mm and not confuse it with the inferior single-coated 55mm sibling.
https://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/revuenon-50mm-f1-4-mc.htmlhttps://lewinb.net/photos/04 auto revuenon/https://allphotolenses.com/lenses/item/c 4789.html