The Vintage Lens Thread

Greetings all. I just read through this thread and, like the first time I read about anything different in cameras, my mind almost shuts down.

I really don't know where to begin on this, other than to say that pawn shops in Mustang, Oklahoma don't seem to carry any vintage lenses. Odd, huh?

Are there certain lenses to avoid? Certain lenses that are almost necessary (like the $99 50mm Canon lens that everyone has and loves)?

What lens would you start with, and why? Also, what lenses do you love that were on the less expensive side? AND lastly, where do you buy your adapter rings for these lenses?

I'm not sure if it matters or not, but I'm using a t2i.
 
Hawk, I've found ebay to be the best place to hunt down deals on vintage lenses. There are usually very good descriptions and actual pictures of each lens (unlike keh.com or similar sites). My latest was a M42 helios 44-2 in damn near perfect condition for $15.

My suggestion for a first best bets are M42 mount Takumars. The SMC's are everywhere, many of them to choose from. M42 adapter rings go for 10 bucks on fotodiox.com. Hint: on ebay sort by "location nearest" or whatever it is, to help weed out the asian and european sellers.

Other listings to keep watch for are some of the old 28mm vivitars, helios (44M, 44-2, etc). Browse through vimeo.com and search for 550D lenses, most people post the lenses they used for each clip.

Finally check out fredmiranda.com buy/sell, it's hugely popular.
 
maybe this has been gone over already (i'm sure it has) but if someone could explain the difference between Nikon ai, non ai, and ais lens i"d appreciate it.
 
its ok...i found it. cuz i was looking for AI cuz i thought they were superior glass...but then i see much more non ai and ais...so its just the multicoating on the lenses thats the main difference
 
My responses are in bold type......

Hawk Teflon said:
Greetings all. I just read through this thread and, like the first time I read about anything different in cameras, my mind almost shuts down.

I really don't know where to begin on this, other than to say that pawn shops in Mustang, Oklahoma don't seem to carry any vintage lenses. Odd, huh?

Not odd at all. I live in Fort Worth and I've found Pawn Shops to be a waste of time quite frankly. Either they don't take the retro glass or they overcharge for them. Case in point: I went into one pawn shop and found a JC Penny brand 28mm 2.8 for $99. Besides the ever popular 50mm 1.8 or f/2, these are the most common classic lenses out there. I usually call ahead. A good local option is your local swap shop. These are usually your "Buy/Sell" places that are usually disorganized but have some real treasures in them. You can also try Estate Sales, Antique Stores, and Flea Markets.

Are there certain lenses to avoid? Certain lenses that are almost necessary (like the $99 50mm Canon lens that everyone has and loves)?

The ones to avoid are your Canon FD, Minolta MD, and Konica lenses as well as any lens that has a shorter flange to focal plane distance than the EOS system. Here's a link to lenses that are ideal and not so ideal to adapt to your t2i.....

http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/eosfaq/manual_focus_EOS.html

I don't know if there's any necessary lens but a 50mm lens is a good one to start with. They are cheap and a great introduction to vintage glass. Takumar lenses are nice but you should also consider the Mamiya Sekor and Sears brand 50mm lenses. They are pretty inexpensive and have great build quality.

What lens would you start with, and why? Also, what lenses do you love that were on the less expensive side? AND lastly, where do you buy your adapter rings for these lenses?

I guess I answered in the last post. A 50mm is a great place to start. The Helios 44 is super cheap and is great quality. A good copy shouldn't cost you more than $50 shipped from Russia. I use Fotodiox adapter rings as they are really well made and are super snug.

I'm not sure if it matters or not, but I'm using a t2i.
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Hope this helps!
 
ok guys...after blowing my wad :) on a manhattan monitor, noga arm (these things are expensive to me..just for that!) and a vivitar series one 70-200...i really needed a wider prime than my supertakumar 50. i was looking for a nikon 24mm ai...but really didnt have the $ for the ones i wanted (good condition ones). So i took a risk on a Yashica YUS 28mm f2.8. there is VERY little info online about this lens...i did find one decent review on some forum. But hey i was broke and its $27. i shall report back with some footage when it arrives if anyones interested.:)
 
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I've seen some pics taken with Yashica glass and it's very sharp and contrasty. You might have stumbled on a hidden treasure there. Will be interested in your thoughts when you get it.
 
i really think u guys should look into these Yashica lenses. I've been doing a little more research and found some clips also...they seem pretty nice...and are dirt cheap. I will keep you posted when i get mine.

heres a clip with the 7d (not mine)

http://vimeo.com/13548579
 
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Those lenses are nice and bright. I swear I would need 10 cameras to justify buying the lenses I want. The backlog of excellent lenses that can be adapted to the Canon EOS system is staggering when you think of it.
 
jscottprice said:
Truer words have never been spoken, Chris.
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Which is the reason so many fall victim to the horrible disease of Lens Buying Addiction:cheesy:. There's literally too many good lenses out there to really use and they're cheap! Not a good combination.

By the way, I did a talk on Vintage Glass last week at WEVA and let's just say a few minds were blown when they handled the lenses and when I told them the prices I paid for them :).Good times!
 
Don't worry! There was maybe 50 people in my seminar since I was the last class of the last day of the conference. The used lens market is safe from a spike I think.
 
its good though that people are getting into these older lenses...frees up more talent and more opportunity to see what people have welled up inside.
 
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