Need expert opinion about this item...thanks!

[danistuta]

http://cgi.ebay.it/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290558042483&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_500wt_946

Lens is a Chinon 55 1.4 auto, do you think is it good and sharp? This model is it a tomioka build? Let me know, thanks.

[peterqd]

In my experience, Chinon lenses are on the mediocre side. There aren't many 1.4 M42 lenses to choose from, but I prefer both Takumars and Pancolars for edge resolution, bokeh and colours. Admittedly I've only tried the 1.7/55 so the 1.4 might be better, and of course there is always variation of individual copies, but I think this particular auction is already overvalued at £51.00.

[danistuta]

In your opinion 51£ it's too much for body and lens?

[RioRico]

I can't tell from the pictures whether that is a Tomioka build. I have the Sears-Tomioka 55/1.4 and Argus-Chinon 55/1.7 and find them both to be fine lenses. However, each only cost me US$3. I think UK£51 is a bit much. I think UK£15 would be much more reasonable. Skip this one.

[Mal1905]

I've got the Tomioka branded and non-branded versions of this lens, and like them both equally. Have never really noticed a huge difference in quality between them.

Some samples may be found here - http://forum.mflenses.com/chinon-tomioka-1-4-55-on-eos-5d-t13134,highlight,%2Btomioka.html

[danistuta]

Eh...in Europe, very difficult to find this prices!
But for this type of items...is there custom problems and taxes from America to Italy?

[ManualFocus-G]

It's very difficult to get a 50/1.4 lens for under £40 in m42 mount these days, well certainly from auction sites anyway...

[danistuta]

I agree...now it's difficult: camera body+case+Chinon 55 1.4 for 51 pounds, I think is good!

[enzodm]

[LucisPictor]

Some time ago, I would have agreed with Peter to 100%. Too expensive.
But f/1.4 lenses have become dearer and dearer.
51 quid is overpriced in my eyes, but the normal amount such a set goes for nowadays.

If you are not in a hurry and if you don't need that camera, I would wait until I'd find a Tak 1.4/50 for the same price. If a copy has some marks, this price is realistic.

[peterqd]

Sorry I couldn't come back sooner. If you do a search on Ebay for Takumar 1.4 completed listings, many have been bought recently for around £40 - £50. Even the non-SMC lenses are better quality than any Chinon. It's a question of patience, and if a lens goes above your price then another one will surely come along soon. I've had to wait over a year for several lenses.

As for the camera body, the CX is one of the earlier models, fully manual only, the same as a Spotmatic. If you really want a Chinon I'd recommend the CE-3 Memotron, which has an automatic metal-blade shutter and exposure lock. Several members here have this camera, me included. The later models (CE-4+) were changed to K mount and had fewer functions.

For a big step-up in quality over Chinon, though, I'd recommend a Minolta camera, maybe the XG-M or, even better, the XD-7 with a 1.7 or 1.4 Rokkor MD lens. I bought a beautiful mint 1.4/50 Rokkor MD Type 3 on Ebay for 31 Euros last September.

BTW, if you can't find what you want in Europe, try going into the Advanced Search options on Ebay and set the search to Worldwide. I've bought many lenses from USA.

Good luck.

[Pancolart]

[estudleon]

[RioRico]

Those US$3 prices were not garage sales, they were eBay auctions, and not too long ago. But yes, the sellers did not know what they had, nor properly list them. Someone sells "old Argus camera" and for US$6 I won a minty Chinon-made CR-3E body with 55/1.7. Someone sells "lot of old Sears lenses" and for US$9 I win 3x TC and three Tomioka-made primes: 28/2.8, 55/1.4, 135/2.8. But in recent straight-up auctions I've won a Yashica ML 50/1.4 for US$10.25, whereas the Super-Takumar 50/1.4 was US$53. All prices include shipping.

Super-deals might happen in straight-up auctions, but they're more likely with murky listings. Look at everything. Be patient. Take small chances. Set a price limit, and don't go more than US$5 beyond it. As mentioned, if you don't win one, another will come along soon. I bid low on many lenses, lose 98.5% of them, and do well with the rest. I still think UK£51 is too much. But it's your money, so have fun!

[estudleon]

[martinsmith99]

Being an owner of Chinon & Takumar lenses, I would have to disagree with Peter. The Chinons (135mm & 200mm) I have are very good, whereas the Takumars (S-M-C 50mm F1.4, 55mm F1.8, 135mm F3.5) are just good. The only one that stands out is the Super-Tak 24mm, which is excellent.

IMO Takumars are over-hyped. Yes they are good and build quality is top notch, but it's difficult to be blown away by them.

[Joosep]

[iangreenhalgh1]

[iangreenhalgh1]

BTW, are all Chinon lenses good IQ? I see a lot of Chinon 50s for pennies, I already have loads of 50s though so wondered what the other length Chinons are like?

[ManualFocus-G]

I'm the opposite! I've always found Chinon lenses to be very good, but as far as standard lenses go, I just love the Super Takumar 55/1.8 and 55/2...the bokeh and general look is right up my street

[Hooper]

I just won a Chinon CP-X with 50mm 1.7 for £10, bargain? I don't know, but as some people seem to really like the chinon lenses, maybe not such a bad buy

[Attila]

[peterqd]

I have to say my opinion is probably a bit biased and I'm not surprised a few people disagree with me. I was brought up on European cameras and lenses in the 1950s, before many brands of Japanese lenses were established. My experience when they did arrive was that lenses built by the highest quality camera manufacturers like Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Minolta, etc, were generally equal in quality to the best European lenses, but there were many other "third-party" brands aimed at the mass market, whose emphasis was on competitive pricing rather than on quality. I put Chinon in this category.

[RioRico]

[Attila]