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The Official Vintage Glass Thread

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S.C
Posts: 3068 - Karma: 2,285
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!
Aug 11 2011 6:37PM
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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.
Sep 24 2012 1:57PM
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TijmenDal
Posts: 4849 - Karma: 1,295
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.

Sep 24 2012 2:18PM
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TijmenDal
Posts: 4849 - Karma: 1,295
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)
Sep 24 2012 2:20PM
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Laurent.
Posts: 10056 - Karma: 25,313
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
Sep 24 2012 3:20PM
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Kevski
Posts: 7056 - Karma: 2,785
That would be m42 mount I'm guessing? All taks are m42 right?
Sep 24 2012 3:39PM
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TijmenDal
Posts: 4849 - Karma: 1,295
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.
Sep 24 2012 4:51PM
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Kevski
Posts: 7056 - Karma: 2,785
Oh sweet, thanks. Mr. Knowledge right here.
Sep 24 2012 7:33PM
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Balto
Posts: 25985 - Karma: 4,404
No it's an m42 Ashanti Pentax, also currently pending
Sep 25 2012 12:28AM
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Laurent.
Posts: 10056 - Karma: 25,313
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.
Oct 1 2012 9:39AM
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SSteezle
Posts: 9297 - Karma: 7,732
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!
Nov 26 2012 11:52PM
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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
Nov 26 2012 11:55PM
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Rob_G
Posts: 817 - Karma: 2,377
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!
Nov 27 2012 6:40AM
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SSteezle
Posts: 9297 - Karma: 7,732
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.
Nov 27 2012 11:34PM
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TijmenDal
Posts: 4849 - Karma: 1,295
Read this, it should get you on the way:

https://www.newschoolers.com/ns/forums/readthread/thread_id/706023/
Nov 27 2012 11:48PM
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plorr
Posts: 3131 - Karma: 528
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:

Nov 27 2012 11:51PM
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SSteezle
Posts: 9297 - Karma: 7,732
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!
Nov 27 2012 11:58PM
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SSteezle
Posts: 9297 - Karma: 7,732
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?
Nov 28 2012 12:07AM
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Balto
Posts: 25985 - Karma: 4,404
You really don't need the multi coating unless you want to shoot right into the sun lol
Nov 28 2012 12:25AM
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SSteezle
Posts: 9297 - Karma: 7,732
from what I've read the super's tend to have a yellow tint, I could easily be wrong on this..
Nov 28 2012 12:33AM
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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
Nov 28 2012 12:36AM
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TijmenDal
Posts: 4849 - Karma: 1,295
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.
Nov 28 2012 2:08AM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24725 - Karma: 29,944
Bingo.
Nov 28 2012 6:03AM
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Balto
Posts: 25985 - Karma: 4,404
I have never experienced this with the 2 I have owned
Nov 28 2012 1:41PM
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@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?
Nov 28 2012 3:40PM
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Balto
Posts: 25985 - Karma: 4,404
Leica R^
Nov 28 2012 4:04PM
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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
Nov 28 2012 4:17PM
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plorr
Posts: 3131 - Karma: 528
post pictures of the lenses. Like clear pics of the front element so we can tell which lenses they are.
Nov 28 2012 4:53PM
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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
Nov 28 2012 5:41PM
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Bear_Grylls
Posts: 1223 - Karma: 300
Wow just looked it up and It's worth some cash. the vivitars especially

Nov 28 2012 5:50PM
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@ScubaSteve
Posts: 378 - Karma: 822
looks nice..

What about something in the ~$100 range.
Nikon, Pentax,..?
Nov 29 2012 1:23AM
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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
Nov 29 2012 12:00PM
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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.
Dec 3 2012 8:02AM
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zahava
Posts: 7791 - Karma: 12,039
Mehhh... Those are all sooooooo slow.
Dec 3 2012 9:12AM
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Rob_G
Posts: 817 - Karma: 2,377
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.
Dec 4 2012 2:04PM
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Sklar
Posts: 8864 - Karma: 31,612
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
Dec 4 2012 11:19PM
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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
Dec 6 2012 4:35AM
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Belzebub
Posts: 451 - Karma: 812
For which camera?
Dec 6 2012 9:03AM
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vandersteeze
Posts: 2650 - Karma: 1,511
FD Mount. No point in buying it if you are trying to put it on an canon EOS
Dec 6 2012 1:44PM
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Linked
Posts: 325 - Karma: 216
Sorry forgot to say, I've got a gh2
Dec 6 2012 3:18PM
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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

Jan 8 2013 12:07PM
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Randy_Quench
Posts: 5447 - Karma: 4,343
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
Jan 8 2013 12:24PM
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.qzyxya
Posts: 1479 - Karma: -26
Just to check, M42 lenses work on canon eos, right (with an adapter obviously)? (eg t2i)
Jan 8 2013 12:30PM
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zahava
Posts: 7791 - Karma: 12,039
On crop yes, on full frame you need a mirror fix I believe.
Jan 8 2013 12:44PM
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.qzyxya
Posts: 1479 - Karma: -26
ty
Jan 8 2013 1:15PM
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TijmenDal
Posts: 4849 - Karma: 1,295
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.
Jan 8 2013 4:43PM
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Balto
Posts: 25985 - Karma: 4,404
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
Jan 8 2013 9:18PM
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[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.
Jan 8 2013 9:27PM
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Balto
Posts: 25985 - Karma: 4,404
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
Jan 8 2013 9:38PM
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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
I see. When people get their mirror shaved/modified, does someone do it professionally or what?
Jan 8 2013 9:49PM
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Balto
Posts: 25985 - Karma: 4,404
It's not hard to do, just a matter of having the right tools, taping off areas, and having a very steady hand
Jan 8 2013 9:56PM
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