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This is killing me, which to keep?
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PostPosted: Tue Nov 20, 2018 6:35 pm    Post subject: This is killing me, which to keep? Reply with quote

Hello everyone. I have a tough decision to make. I own the lenses listed below and I love most of them, it took me a long time to collect them. Life happens and I need to cut down to 5-10 vintage lenses. I will get a very good set of native AF lenses for my Sony A7Rii but I want to keep a few gems from my collection. Here is a game for you which could help me decide. Which would you keep?

Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-W 21mm 1:2
Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-W 28mm 1:2
Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-Macro 50mm 1:2
Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-Macro 90mm 1:2
Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-Macro 90mm 1:2
Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-T 100mm 1:2
Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-Zoom 35-80mm 1:2.8
Olympus (Pen-F) G.Zuiko Auto-T 1:1.5 f=60mm
Nikon Nikkor ED 200mm 1:2 (AI)
Nikon Nikkor ED 600mm 1:5.6 (AI-S)
Voigtländer Nokton 35mm F1.2 Aspherical II (M)
Voigtländer Color-Heliar 75mm F 2.5 SL (MD)
Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 90mm F3.5 MC (M39)
Voigtländer Macro APO-Lanthar 125mm F 2.5 SL (C/Y)
Canon FL 85mm 1:1.8
Canon FD 85mm 1:1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical
Tokina AT-X Macro 90mm 1:2.5 (FD)
Kino Kiron 105mm f/2.8 Macro 1:1 MC (MD)
Leica APO-Summicron-M 1:2/75 Asph.
Fuji EBC X-Fujinon SW 1:1.9 f=28mm MD
Vivitar Series 1 28mm 1:1.9 AUTO WIDE ANGLE
Contax Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 4/18 AEG
Contax Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 1.4/35 MMJ
Contax Carl Zeiss S-Planar T* 1:2.8 f=60mm AEG
Contax Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 3.5/100 AEJ
Contax Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 3.4/35-70 AEJ
Contax Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 4.5-5.6/100-300 MMJ
Contax (G) Carl Zeiss Biogon T* 2.8/28
Contax (G) Carl Zeiss Planar T* 2/45
Contax (G) Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 2.8/90
Minolta MC-Rokkor-PG 1:1.2 f=58mm
Minolta RF Rokkor 250mm 1:5.6
Minolta RF Rokkor 1:8 f=500mm
Konica UC Fish-eye Hexanon AR 15mm F2.8
Konica Hexanon AR 21mm F2.8
Konica Hexanon AR 21mm F2.8
Konica Hexanon AR 24mm F2.8
Konica Hexanon AR 28mm F3.5 (all metal 7/7)
Konica Hexanon AR 28mm F3.5 (last version)
Konica UC Hexanon AR 28mm F1.8
Konica UC Hexanon AR 28mm F1.8
Konica Hexanon AR 35mm F2 (all metal)
Konica Hexanon AR 35mm F2 (NOS)
Konica Hexanon AR 35mm F2 (NOS)
Konica Macro-Hexanon AR 55mm F3.5
Konica Hexanon AR 57mm F1.4
Konica Hexanon AR 85mm F1.8
Konica Macro-Hexanon AR 105mm F4
Konica Auto Helicoid AR
Sony STF 2.8(T4.5)/135
Sony FE 1.8/50
Sony E 3.5-5.6/18-55 OSS
Minolta (G) AF APO Tele Macro 200mm 1:4 (32)
Konica Minolta Maxxum AF 17-35mm f/2.8-4(D)
Minolta (G) AF Zoom G 28-70mm 1:2.8(22)
Minolta (G) High Speed AF APO Tele 300mm 1:2.8
Minolta AF Zoom 24-50mm 1:4(22)
Minolta AF Zoom 35-70mm 1:4(22)


PostPosted: Tue Nov 20, 2018 6:56 pm    Post subject: Re: This is killing me, which to keep? Reply with quote

Pontus wrote:
Which would you keep?


These would be ones I would think about keeping.
Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 90mm F3.5 MC (M39)
Voigtländer Macro APO-Lanthar 125mm F 2.5 SL (C/Y)
Canon FD 85mm 1:1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical
Tokina AT-X Macro 90mm 1:2.5 (FD)
Leica APO-Summicron-M 1:2/75 Asph.
Minolta MC-Rokkor-PG 1:1.2 f=58mm
Minolta RF Rokkor 250mm 1:5.6


PostPosted: Tue Nov 20, 2018 7:01 pm    Post subject: Re: This is killing me, which to keep? Reply with quote

1. Most often used lenses.
2. Indispensable ones.


PostPosted: Tue Nov 20, 2018 7:06 pm    Post subject: Re: This is killing me, which to keep? Reply with quote

Maybe

1. Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-W 21mm 1:2
2. Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-W 28mm 1:2
3. Voigtländer Macro APO-Lanthar 125mm F 2.5 SL (C/Y)
4. Canon FD 85mm 1:1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical
5. Contax Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 1.4/35 MMJ
6. Minolta MC-Rokkor-PG 1:1.2 f=58mm
7. Sony STF 2.8(T4.5)/135
8. Minolta (G) AF Zoom G 28-70mm 1:2.8(22)
9. Minolta RF Rokkor 250mm 1:5.6
10. Minolta (G) High Speed AF APO Tele 300mm 1:2.8


PostPosted: Tue Nov 20, 2018 7:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Canon FD 85 мм 1: 1,2 SSC Aspherical


PostPosted: Tue Nov 20, 2018 7:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Tough decision.
Why not acquire the AF Sony lenses first - or at least decide which ones you will acquire - and then you will know which of your existing list will fit in around those.
Of course if you have any favourites from your list, they will have to stay
Tom


PostPosted: Tue Nov 20, 2018 8:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Firstly I would sell all lenses which haven't be used for a longer period of time. That's the best proof that you actually don't need them.
I'm not in a hurry but that's actually my plan in order to reduce my collection to a normal size.

Another point for consideration is that most Sony FE lenses are best on the A7R II and barely any old SLR or RF lens is able to beat that. Even my cheap Sony FE 50mm/F1.8 beats lenses like the Leitz Summicron 50/2 LTM or the Rollei Zeiss Planar HFT 50mm/F1.8 on the A7R II.

Finally, if your budget allows, go first for the Sony lenses, compare them with your existing ones and look what's good enough, i.e. better to keep.


PostPosted: Tue Nov 20, 2018 8:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I faced a similar situation when I decided to sell part of my old lenses collection to finance the acquisition of new, HQ lenses for my A7RII.
What to keep? What to sell? It was a tough decision...

I started by deciding what was undoubtedly not worth keeping and I posted them for sell immediately. They made me some money to start with. For the rest of the lenses I decided to postpone the decision for later.
I usually buy the new, expensive HQ lens, for my A7RII first and then decide what lenses to sell. The new lens may make some of the older lenses in the same range not worth keeping even if they were, in their time, very highly regarded and expensive lenses. After selling them I (almost) have money for the next new lens and repeat the process. Only the very rare lenses and the ones with a really special character (for me) will not be sold.

For instance the acquisition of the 25mm Batis made all my older lenses in the 21-30mm range not worth keeping. Selling them almost made me money for the last generation 15mm Heliar which, in turn, made all my wider old lenses not worth keeping and so on...

This way the old lenses collection has diminished itself naturally, without any regrets.


Last edited by dan_ on Tue Nov 20, 2018 8:25 pm; edited 1 time in total


PostPosted: Tue Nov 20, 2018 8:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

As my wife advised me:

If you like it, keep it.
If you use it, keep it.

If you don't like it and you don't use it- sell it.


PostPosted: Tue Nov 20, 2018 11:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

it's a trick question, who SELLS lenses? Laugh 1

But......I'm going to the Camera Fair on Sunday in my Toyaota Landcruiser which will be loaded to the roof with cameras and lenses that I need to sell, because
A. I have so many that I can't possibly use them all.
B. I keep going back to my favourites, even if they aren't the best or sharpest lenses.
C. I want the cash for an A7
And I'm actually enjoying passing lenses on to new people who are discovering the joy of photography using the old school lenses and cameras, I've used them, enjoyed the experience and chosen the ones I'm keeping. I've been selling at the Camera Fair for a couple of years now, and don't regret selling anything.


PostPosted: Wed Nov 21, 2018 2:01 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Keep in mind that most of those lenses have bottomed out in value and will pretty much stay where they are or slowly increase as more people discover the joy of vintage lenses on their new Nikon or Canon mirrorless whilst your new glass will definitely decrease in value for several years.....


PostPosted: Wed Nov 21, 2018 3:05 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Voigtländer Nokton 35mm F1.2 Aspherical II (M)

Voigtländer Macro APO-Lanthar 125mm F 2.5 SL (C/Y)

Canon FD 85mm 1:1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical

Leica APO-Summicron-M 1:2/75 Asph.


PostPosted: Wed Nov 21, 2018 6:02 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Wow, that's a helluva collection! Well, as others have mentioned, I'd prioritize by usage and fondness. You've got some glass that there is just no way that I'd ever consider parting with.

I note that one lens that almost everybody mentioned as a keeper is the Canon 85mm f/1.2 SSC Aspherical. I own this lens, and there's no way I'll ever part with mine. So that one's definitely a keeper.

Your two Nikon telephotos, same thing -- no way would I ever sell them.

Then, all your APOs and Asphericals and any with exotic glass, I'd set them aside. All your really fast glass, I'd keep. Of your macros, I'd keep that Tokina -- and the Macro APO Lanthar, of course.

Once I'd removed the above from your inventory, I'd take a good hard look at whatever is left, and then I'd set aside any of these remaining lenses that I use a lot or just plain like. And I think that would just about take care of it.

I'm glad it isn't me having to do this. For the past 9 years I've been accumulating lenses, with not even the slightest urge to sell any . . . with the possible exception of duplicate 50/1.8's.


PostPosted: Wed Nov 21, 2018 12:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Would be happy to choose 10 lenses in your list !
First of all, sell the one you have in 2 samples or maybe more.
Decide which are maybe the 3 you'll never want to sell.
Then think about what's missing in your 3 lenses kit, it's the time to decide if you want to keep some collector's item or sale the most valuable and expensive lenses.

You may have to be careful before selling some of your rarities you won't be able to buy again.

Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-Macro 90mm 1:2
Voigtländer Nokton 35mm F1.2 Aspherical II (M)
Voigtländer Macro APO-Lanthar 125mm F 2.5 SL (C/Y)
Contax Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 4/18 AEG
Contax (G) Carl Zeiss Planar T* 2/45
Minolta MC-Rokkor-PG 1:1.2 f=58mm
Konica Hexanon AR 21mm F2.8
Konica UC Hexanon AR 28mm F1.8

Did not have the chance yet to use any of the remaining lenses but this would be my don't sell list if I had your collection. I don't like zooms, I do quite a lot of macro and I'm interested in some "legendary" glass...


PostPosted: Wed Nov 21, 2018 12:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Please sell me all the Konica Lens.


PostPosted: Wed Nov 21, 2018 3:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Canon FD 85mm 1:1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical
Maybe more.:
Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-T 100mm 1:2
Voigtländer Macro APO-Lanthar 125mm F 2.5 SL (C/Y)


PostPosted: Wed Nov 21, 2018 5:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

So many wonderful old MF lenses!! They must be worth a FORTUNE!!

I have a single NOS copy of the Hexanon 35mm f2. I would never part with it. Ever.

But if I had multiple copies like you have? I dunno.

Maybe if somebody had a knife at my throat. Wink


PostPosted: Wed Nov 21, 2018 8:40 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I want to thank each and everyone of you for your answers, they truly mean a lot to me. So far almost everyone seems to agree that the Canon 85/1.2 is a keeper. I agree as well. If I part with it now I will never find a copy like mine and if I do the price will be unreachable by then as these seem to go up in value quite fast. Another keeper is the Minolta 58/1.2 which is a beautiful piece of glass and metal. My most stunning lens by a margin. I also think I will keep the Zuiko 100/2 as I find it so pleasing to use. I also love the Zuiko 50/2 Macro which has to be one of the best 50's ever made. I would never sell the 600/5.6 Nikkor unless I could justify buying a modern AF 600mm lens. The Contax 35-70/3.4 never lets me down, I think I will keep this lens forever as it is a stunning landscape lens.

I especially liked the advice Dan gave. I will either buy a 15mm Voigtländer plus a 25mm Batis or a 16-35 G zoom for the wide end which will allow me to get rid of all wide lenses.

This is the plan so far, but I still have many decisions to make!

Keepers:
Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-Macro 50mm 1:2
Minolta MC-Rokkor-PG 1:1.2 f=58mm
Canon FD 85mm 1:1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical
Contax Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 3.4/35-70 AEJ
Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-T 100mm 1:2
Nikon Nikkor ED 600mm 1:5.6 (AI-S)


Undecided:
Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-Zoom 35-80mm 1:2.8
Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-Macro 90mm 1:2
Nikon Nikkor ED 200mm 1:2 (AI)
Voigtländer Nokton 35mm F1.2 Aspherical II (M)
Voigtländer Color-Heliar 75mm F 2.5 SL (MD)
Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 90mm F3.5 MC (M39)
Voigtländer Macro APO-Lanthar 125mm F 2.5 SL (C/Y)
Tokina AT-X Macro 90mm 1:2.5 (FD)
Leica APO-Summicron-M 1:2/75 Asph.
Fuji EBC X-Fujinon SW 1:1.9 f=28mm MD
Contax Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 1.4/35 MMJ
Contax Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 4.5-5.6/100-300 MMJ
Minolta RF Rokkor 250mm 1:5.6
Konica UC Fish-eye Hexanon AR 15mm F2.8
Konica Hexanon AR 35mm F2 (all metal)
Konica Hexanon AR 57mm F1.4
Konica Macro-Hexanon AR 105mm F4 / Konica Auto Helicoid AR
Sony STF 2.8(T4.5)/135
Minolta (G) AF APO Tele Macro 200mm 1:4 (32)
Minolta (G) AF Zoom G 28-70mm 1:2.8(22)
Minolta AF Zoom 24-50mm 1:4(22)

Will be sold:
Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-W 21mm 1:2
Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-W 28mm 1:2
Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-Macro 90mm 1:2
Olympus (Pen-F) G.Zuiko Auto-T 1:1.5 f=60mm
Canon FL 85mm 1:1.8
Kino Kiron 105mm f/2.8 Macro 1:1 MC (MD)
Vivitar Series 1 28mm 1:1.9 AUTO WIDE ANGLE
Contax Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 4/18 AEG
Contax Carl Zeiss S-Planar T* 1:2.8 f=60mm AEG
Contax Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 3.5/100 AEJ
Contax (G) Carl Zeiss Biogon T* 2.8/28
Contax (G) Carl Zeiss Planar T* 2/45
Contax (G) Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 2.8/90
Minolta RF Rokkor 1:8 f=500mm
Konica Hexanon AR 21mm F2.8
Konica Hexanon AR 21mm F2.8
Konica Hexanon AR 24mm F2.8
Konica Hexanon AR 28mm F3.5 (all metal 7/7)
Konica Hexanon AR 28mm F3.5 (last version)
Konica UC Hexanon AR 28mm F1.8
Konica UC Hexanon AR 28mm F1.8
Konica Hexanon AR 35mm F2 (NOS)
Konica Hexanon AR 35mm F2 (NOS)
Konica Macro-Hexanon AR 55mm F3.5
Konica Hexanon AR 85mm F1.8
Sony FE 1.8/50
Sony E 3.5-5.6/18-55 OSS
Konica Minolta Maxxum AF 17-35mm f/2.8-4(D)
Minolta (G) High Speed AF APO Tele 300mm 1:2.8
Minolta AF Zoom 35-70mm 1:4(22)


PostPosted: Wed Nov 21, 2018 10:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ohh.. Hard decisons!! (I tried several times, but ended too short)


Pontus wrote:
... Another keeper is the Minolta 58/1.2 which is a beautiful piece of glass and metal. !

Like 1 small Agree.. Do I know that particular lens or is another one? Smile



Pontus wrote:

Keepers:
...
Contax Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 3.4/35-70 AEJ
...

Agree, but with exception with list above.
I had the MMJ version but was a lens I did NOT appreciate unfortunately.. I give it several tries, diferent cameras, scenarios but no... From several zeiss lenses this was by far the worst - not apeal att all! Anyway that lens is well regarded elsewere.



Pontus wrote:

Undecided:
Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-Zoom 35-80mm 1:2.8
Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-Macro 90mm 1:2
Voigtländer Macro APO-Lanthar 125mm F 2.5 SL (C/Y)
Tokina AT-X Macro 90mm 1:2.5 (FD)


humm!!!
125 mm Apo-Lanthar must be an hard choice considering that LEVEL of lens! I consider keep it.
Those two olympus are "rare", very good and maybe a future regret?
Bokina not so rare, neitheir valuable but yet I consider keeping!



Pontus wrote:

Will be sold:
Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-Macro 90mm 1:2
Minolta (G) High Speed AF APO Tele 300mm 1:2.8

Well, another rare, valuable Olympus keep in mind only 10 lenses (too many macros already!)
Will you consider to buy some native fast super-tele? You have bad performance af/sharpness with this lens in A7r2?