Member of the Month

Biffbarf
March, 2025

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

The Official Vintage Glass Thread

profile picture
S.C
Posts: 3070 - Karma: 2,340
Alright, figured that enough people have posted threads about vintage glass that we should just put our knowledge into one go to place.

Vintage lenses are great deals for spectacular glass if you are unaware

I just bought the pentax-m S-M-C takumar 50mm 1.4 I've read that this is better than the k mount version or the super takumar version. the SMC is the same as the S-M-C but with a rubber focus ring. the M42 mount version is radioactive though, and may have to have UV treatment to remove the yellowing.

Anyone know about the Zenitar 16mm 2.8? Kinda want!
14 years ago
463 54
profile picture
zahava
Posts: 7791 - Karma: 12,039
Okay good, cus FD's don't exactly work on EOS but they are a dream on m4/3's, I love my lenses that i have for my old Canon film camera. Nikon's aperture is mechanical, where as canon is electronic, so you can get an adapter to physically control a nikon lens. You could probably trade a tokina 11-16 canon right for a nikon? Your not going to find a vintage lens that's wider than 17mm because that's so wide on 35mm. A 17mm would be 34mm on a gh3, now granted the 17mm F4 FD is really sharp, so that would be a good wide standard for filming skiing, but your going to have to get a newer lens for an UWA. I know that Rokinon actually makes a great fisheye for m4/3's, and I believe both olympus or panasonic make great UWA's. But yeah, your other option would be the tokina but you need an adapter and those can get pricey.
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
TijmenDal
Posts: 4849 - Karma: 1,296
Cool stuff man, but you should try getting a 35mm f/2 SSC. That's one of the best 35mm's EVER made for SLR's. Incredibly good lens.

13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
TijmenDal
Posts: 4849 - Karma: 1,296
As far as vintage UWA's go, your best bet is the Tokina 17mm RMC, which runs around 200$.
Maybe get a modern lens for your wide angle. That's probably your best bet, also because you're not going to get wider than 34mm...

If you want to learn more about vintage glass, check out my guide (can be found in M&A directory)
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Laurent.
Posts: 10056 - Karma: 25,311
Just fixed the aperture thingy on my Nikon F Photomic Finder, after all these years the spring lost it's tension and was as weak as a noodle.

I just stretched it out a bit and now it works wonderfully, better then ever before.

Surprisingly easy fix as well, just three screws to get the front plate off, then two more screws for the bar on which the spring assembly slides.

Click for larger image
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Kevski
Posts: 7056 - Karma: 2,790
That would be m42 mount I'm guessing? All taks are m42 right?
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
TijmenDal
Posts: 4849 - Karma: 1,296
All Asahi Takumars are. This is a Pentax Takumar; so it's a (P)K-mount. The Praktica (M42) screwmount got discontinued after Asahi (bought by Pentax) started using Pentax' mount.
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Kevski
Posts: 7056 - Karma: 2,790
Oh sweet, thanks. Mr. Knowledge right here.
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Bloc_chain
Posts: 26051 - Karma: 4,431
No it's an m42 Ashanti Pentax, also currently pending
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Laurent.
Posts: 10056 - Karma: 25,311
For several ages I've been wondering why the front barrel of the lens assembly of my Rolle XF 35 was so damn loose.
I didn't wonder long after opening, one screw was completely out of its socket and the others on the verge of getting out.

Click for larger image

I need to get a battery for this thin again, it's such a handy small but excellent little rangefinder.
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
SSteezle
Posts: 9457 - Karma: 2,366
I'm looking to pick up a S-M-C Takumar 50mm if anyone has one they'd like to sell or know of any place to pick one up. Thanks!
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
zahava
Posts: 7791 - Karma: 12,039
http://www.keh.com/Camera/format-35mm/system-Pentax-Screwmount/category-Fixed-Focal-Length-Lenses?s=1&bcode=PS&ccode=6&cc=81150&r=WG&f
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Rob_G
Posts: 818 - Karma: 2,378
Last week I finally found a red P 13 blade Helios 44 and a red P Helios 40 in near mint condition, incredibly stoked on those two!
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
SSteezle
Posts: 9457 - Karma: 2,366
bumping this. If someone can find me a good deal on the S-M-C Takumar 50mm and it results in me buying the lens I'll paypal you 5 bucks. It's going on a t2i and I'm clueless when it comes to old lenses/adapters.
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
TijmenDal
Posts: 4849 - Karma: 1,296
Read this, it should get you on the way:

https://www.newschoolers.com/ns/forums/readthread/thread_id/706023/
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
plorr
Posts: 3131 - Karma: 515
Damn, prices on those have sky rocketed on ebay. I found a 50 1.4 on CL, but it is the super takumar version, not super multi coated:

12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
SSteezle
Posts: 9457 - Karma: 2,366
Is it a coincidence that I live in Worcester? haha, just sent him an email hopefully he'll get back to me. Was really hoping to get the S-M-C version, but I may pick this one up until I find a deal if it's still available.


Also thanks tijmen, that link really helped!
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
SSteezle
Posts: 9457 - Karma: 2,366
does this eem like a good deal? I know some people say they got theirs for 40 bucks...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Super-Multi-Coated-Takumar-50mm-1-1-4-with-the-Hood-/251191290760?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a7c2aeb88


I'd also need to buy a m42 adapter right?
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Bloc_chain
Posts: 26051 - Karma: 4,431
You really don't need the multi coating unless you want to shoot right into the sun lol
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
SSteezle
Posts: 9457 - Karma: 2,366
from what I've read the super's tend to have a yellow tint, I could easily be wrong on this..
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
vandersteeze
Posts: 2650 - Karma: 1,511
Actually with my un multicoated canonet sometimes when I shoot high speed film it looks like everything is blasting off into the next dimension. Ill show you sometime
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
TijmenDal
Posts: 4849 - Karma: 1,296
That's because Super Taks used Thorium glass. It's radioactive (not dangerous though) and turns yellow when not exposed to light. Put it under a desk-lamp or the sun for a day and it should get clear again.
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
PacificRimJob
Posts: 24730 - Karma: 30,007
Bingo.
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Bloc_chain
Posts: 26051 - Karma: 4,431
I have never experienced this with the 2 I have owned
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
@ScubaSteve
Posts: 378 - Karma: 822
What would be the best 135mm and 200mm vintage lenses to convert to EOS.

And would they be comparable to the canon 70-200 in quality?
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Bloc_chain
Posts: 26051 - Karma: 4,431
Leica R^
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Bear_Grylls
Posts: 1223 - Karma: 300
DISCLAIMER: Absolutely NO knowledge of Vintage or what even make something vintage buuuut
Anybody have interest in a pentax me super from like the mid eighties. My moms old camera. 4-5 lenses. if any interest whatsoever i will get all the info on the lenses and pics. but i have no idea if this is even a wanted thing so lemme know
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
plorr
Posts: 3131 - Karma: 515
post pictures of the lenses. Like clear pics of the front element so we can tell which lenses they are.
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Bear_Grylls
Posts: 1223 - Karma: 300
So I was wrong, only 3 lenses but all in perfect condition. the 49 and 50 both have uv filters. Also have the bag it came with and the original manual haha. plus the flash she bought with it.
Click for larger imageClick for larger imageClick for larger image
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Bear_Grylls
Posts: 1223 - Karma: 300
Wow just looked it up and It's worth some cash. the vivitars especially

12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
@ScubaSteve
Posts: 378 - Karma: 822
looks nice..

What about something in the ~$100 range.
Nikon, Pentax,..?
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
J_Wang
Posts: 690 - Karma: 327
WOULD LOVE TO BUY a vintage macro 60mm, 35mm or 28mm.

NEED to mount to EOS body.

hook it up. got cash and trades
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Belzebub
Posts: 451 - Karma: 812
I found a guy on a norwegian photo site that are going to sell som vintage lenses.
28mm f/3.5 Super Takumar M42
50mm f/2.0 SMC K
55mm f/2.0 Super-Takumar M42
55mm f/1.8 Auto-Takumar M42
135mm F/3.5 Super Takumar M42
Is any of these lenses worth considering? I already have a 17-50 tamron and a old 28-200.
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
zahava
Posts: 7791 - Karma: 12,039
Mehhh... Those are all sooooooo slow.
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Rob_G
Posts: 818 - Karma: 2,378
Click for larger image
Helios family finally together! 44-2, 44 & 40.

Click for larger image
Quick bokeh test with the 40, can't wait to test it in daylight.
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Sklar
Posts: 8864 - Karma: 31,614
some deals i found
http://www.shopgoodwill.com/viewItem.asp?itemID=11950341
http://www.shopgoodwill.com/auctions/Asahi-Pentax-Spotmatic-Camera-w-Accessories-11952799.html
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Linked
Posts: 325 - Karma: 216
does any one have any experience or know how good this lens is Cambron 20mm f2.8 fd
the seller wants $90 which is about $70usd

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=539152616
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Belzebub
Posts: 451 - Karma: 812
For which camera?
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
vandersteeze
Posts: 2650 - Karma: 1,511
FD Mount. No point in buying it if you are trying to put it on an canon EOS
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Linked
Posts: 325 - Karma: 216
Sorry forgot to say, I've got a gh2
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
C.A.V.
Posts: 1706 - Karma: 1,644

looking for some cheap lens to pick up for my canon t2i, im new at buying vintage lens so any help would be great.

looking for some:

fish eyes 8mm?

wide angles 11-16mm?

zoom around 300mm range

some prime lens around 50mm 35mm

12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Randy_Quench
Posts: 5447 - Karma: 4,348
you are gonna have trouble finding anything wider than 17mm and even then I wouldnt consider it "cheap."
explination being- these vintage lenses were used on full frame cameras where shots were never really needed to be wider than 24mm
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
.qzyxya
Posts: 1479 - Karma: -26
Just to check, M42 lenses work on canon eos, right (with an adapter obviously)? (eg t2i)
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
zahava
Posts: 7791 - Karma: 12,039
On crop yes, on full frame you need a mirror fix I believe.
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
.qzyxya
Posts: 1479 - Karma: -26
ty
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
TijmenDal
Posts: 4849 - Karma: 1,296
It all depends on the lens and focal length. I've never had problems with m42 lenses on my 5D. A lens with a pretty far portruding rear element like a Helios didn't give me any problems.
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Bloc_chain
Posts: 26051 - Karma: 4,431
Try infinity focus, won't work. The mirror in my 5d was modified to clear all lenses. Hell my aps-h 1D wouldn't even clear an adapted Helios
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
Would you mind describing "clear"? I know it has to do with the mirror, but im not exactly sure.
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Bloc_chain
Posts: 26051 - Karma: 4,431
The mirror literally hits the end of the lens when trying to go up, you can hear it hit and it won't take. Photo
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
I see. When people get their mirror shaved/modified, does someone do it professionally or what?
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Bloc_chain
Posts: 26051 - Karma: 4,431
It's not hard to do, just a matter of having the right tools, taping off areas, and having a very steady hand
12 years ago
0 0
All times are Eastern (-4); Currently it's 11:48AM