The Vintage Lens Thread

I'm really surprised this thread has gotten to 19 pages. Glad there's alot of interest in this subject and that this thread is helping alot of folks!
 
Recently got a Fujinon 55mm 1.8 (I guess they usually go for about 20$) and just wanted to say that this lens is really sharp at f1.8.
 
Hi! Thank you all for these precious information, this thread is like a treasure box!
I'd like to make a question:
I want to find an adapter Mamiya/Canon 60D, for a Sekor Zoom E 80-200 F3.8 and a Sekor 50mm, but I'm a newbie :)
and I don't really know what one could fit.
I think is Z Bayonet, it was mounted on a Mamiya ZE (http://www.mamiya35collectors.com/ZE.htm).
Anybody know if it's possible and maybe if it's worth?
Thanks!
 
So, apparently this vintage glass fever is taking the budget video world by storm!

Before I saw this thread, the rep who handled my account at B&H had recommended vintage Nikon lenses with an adapter. I was wary of such an idea until I saw so many people here using it and loving it.

When I called him back to tell him others recommended the same thing, he told me that he's not surprised- ever since the DSLR video revolution, he has personally noticed that their stock of vintage glass is a lot more limited than it used to be, and they can hardly keep inventory on the shelves before people buy them!
Here's what I decided on to start out with:
Nikon 50/1.4 - $149
Nikon 75-150/3.5 $99

I'm going to keep an eye out for a good wide lens as well (originally had a 35mm lens as well, but decided it was too close to the 50 I already picked).
I suppose I could have gone cheaper on ebay or elsewhere, but I like that I can speak to someone on the phone who will help me pick out the glass, hold it in his hand and tell me what he thinks of it. Also, I can always return it.

Great shopping experience with those guys.
 
Trying to find a good deal on a 28mm prime for cheap.
So far I'm looking at a Nikon 28 /2.8 "E Series" that go for around $50 on ebay, or a Nikkor that go for much more (100-200).
What is the practical difference between these lenses at the same speed?

Any other suggestions for cheap lenses in this range?
 
The Tamron adaptall 28/2.5 is a pretty good and inexpensive lens. Good colors and sharpness and focuses quite close.
 
Following this thread since a while now, it's just a pleasure to read your posts. But the problem is that now I fear I could have the first symptoms of LBA!
Anyway, I was oriented toward a Mir 24, but the Nikon 24mm looks really good. Now, maybe it's due to this thread ;) maybe not, but the thing is the Nikon 24mm seems has got its price increased on eBay since last December. Or perhaps I just have to wait a little bit...
So, the question is: is the Nikon 24mm the only good vintage 24mm? is there anything else, even 20mm I don't mind as good as the Nikon?
How is the Vivitar? I've seen a 24mm but have no idea about the quality (I may be mistaken but someone here wrote it's pretty good...)
 
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dsp_418 said:
Following this thread since a while now, it's just a pleasure to read your posts. But the problem is that now I fear I could have the first symptoms of LBA!
Anyway, I was oriented toward a Mir 24, but the Nikon 24mm looks really good. Now, maybe it's due to this thread, maybe not, but the thing is the Nikon 24mm seems has got its price increased on eBay since last December. Or perhaps I just have to wait a little bit...
So, the question is: is the Nikon 24mm the only good vintage 24mm? is there anything else, even 20mm I don't mind as good as the Nikon?
How is the Vivitar? I've seen a 24mm but have no idea about the quality (I may be mistaken but someone here wrote it's pretty good...)
Click to expand...

Just to clear things up a bit. The Mir 24 is a 35mm focal length lens f2.0 and is not directly comparable to the 24mm lenses that you mention. Anyway for its focal length it is a good solution.
I have not tested the Nikon 24mm but I hear it is a very good lens. Instead I have 2 copies of the Vivitar 24mm f2.0 in Olympus OM mount (and I will end up selling one). This is a very good solution, a lens that I use a lot. A bit "dreamy" wide open but totally useable for video. Plenty sharp from f2.8.
The lenses I use the most currently for interior shooting are the Vivitar and the Mir 24.
 
Thanks Kostas,
yes I mixed up a little bit the things, despite I did know that the Mir 24 is not a 24mm (even if the name may be a bit confusing). The thing is I'm re-thinking to the crop sensor of the 7D and since I want to go a bit wider I thought to the Nikon 24mm - but I know it will not be a real wide lens (24 * 1.6 = 38.4). And just about the crop sensor the Mir is good too as it becomes a 56mm, that could be interesting as well for different purposes.
I think I know what you mean by dreamy touch, it should be that soft glow fx isn't?
 
dsp_418 said:
Following this thread since a while now, it's just a pleasure to read your posts. But the problem is that now I fear I could have the first symptoms of LBA!
Anyway, I was oriented toward a Mir 24, but the Nikon 24mm looks really good. Now, maybe it's due to this thread ;) maybe not, but the thing is the Nikon 24mm seems has got its price increased on eBay since last December. Or perhaps I just have to wait a little bit...
So, the question is: is the Nikon 24mm the only good vintage 24mm? is there anything else, even 20mm I don't mind as good as the Nikon?
How is the Vivitar? I've seen a 24mm but have no idea about the quality (I may be mistaken but someone here wrote it's pretty good...)
Click to expand...

Yes, the used Nikkor market has gone way up. I purchased a Nikkor 24mm, F2.8 pre-AI lens about a year ago for about $140.00. I just bought an AI 20mm, F2.8 Nikkor lens for right about $350.00. It is getting ridiculous. I am shopping now for a Nikkor 85mm F1.8 lens and I have seen the prices go through the roof in the last 6 months. If you want Nikkor lenses, get them now. They are not going to be getting any cheaper, IMHO. As far as the other lenses, I can't comment on them as I do not own them.
 
The vintage lens market is a bit of a bull market right now.... thanks to us. I doubt it's the still shooters, only the artsy ones & collectors want manual focus lenses.
 
dsp_418 said:
Thanks Kostas,
yes I mixed up a little bit the things, despite I did know that the Mir 24 is not a 24mm (even if the name may be a bit confusing). The thing is I'm re-thinking to the crop sensor of the 7D and since I want to go a bit wider I thought to the Nikon 24mm - but I know it will not be a real wide lens (24 * 1.6 = 38.4). And just about the crop sensor the Mir is good too as it becomes a 56mm, that could be interesting as well for different purposes.
I think I know what you mean by dreamy touch, it should be that soft glow fx isn't?
Click to expand...

Yes it is a soft glow and low contrast. Nothing dramatic or bad quality though. If you really need to shoot wide open it gives you the ability to do so. Stop down a bit and it gets very sharp. I think the 24mm is very handy on APS C as a fast moderate wide angle. Don't shoot face close ups though :). The 35mm is a good "normal perspective" lens.
I am not aware of any better 24mm f2.0 lens at the same price range.
 
kostas said:
Just to clear things up a bit. The Mir 24 is a 35mm focal length lens f2.0 and is not directly comparable to the 24mm lenses that you mention. Anyway for its focal length it is a good solution.
I have not tested the Nikon 24mm but I hear it is a very good lens. Instead I have 2 copies of the Vivitar 24mm f2.0 in Olympus OM mount (and I will end up selling one). This is a very good solution, a lens that I use a lot. A bit "dreamy" wide open but totally useable for video. Plenty sharp from f2.8.
The lenses I use the most currently for interior shooting are the Vivitar and the Mir 24.
Click to expand...

If you're selling the other one, pm me. I'm interested in something wider than my 50/1.4 for cheap...
 
I've seen a Mir 20, the back of this lens looks kinda different from the usual. Anyone know if is it possible to mount this lens with the M42 adapter?
 
dsp_418 said:
I've seen a Mir 20, the back of this lens looks kinda different from the usual. Anyone know if is it possible to mount this lens with the M42 adapter?
Click to expand...

If the Mir 20 has screw threads it's probably an M42 mount. Either of these two links should work.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Fotodiox-Pro-Ch...00274?pt=Lens_Accessories&hash=item53dca6bc52

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150133492455&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

I have two Mir 20s. They are great lenses.
 
Just to clarify- it makes no difference if it is AI vs non-AI, right?

Also, anyone have any comments on the E-series glass? It sounds like the Nikkor name were reserved for higher-end lenses with the AI system, etc, however the optics in the E-series are supposedly still great, but did not support the AI holes in the ears and that stuff. In our situation (since AI, etc, carried no benefit for us), would an e-series be just as well as a Nikkor? Because they are SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper!
 
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