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what are the biggest bargains you have found?
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PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 12:47 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Some of my latest bargain acquisitions....some of these are more relative value than based on absolute amount paid.

A Vivitar Series-1 135mm f/2.3. The Komine-made telephoto with a 72mm front and cone-shaped body.
Glass is in pristine shape, but it's not the VMC version. It has that creamy smooth bokeh and a little soft, when wide open.
The cost averaged out to $15 USD.

On a Tamron streak lately...

Found a pair of Tamrons in the focal lengths I have been searching for these few months. An edge-to-edge sharp 24mm wide angle that is affordable, and a 300mm telephoto prime that I can hand-hold.
I paid a fair but good price for a Tamron 24mm f/2.5 01BB, with a PK/A Adaptall2 mount. The mount is worth as much as what I paid for the lens! It is in very nice condition, and the seller's favorite lens.

The other is a Tamron SP 60-300 f/3.8-5.4 23A also with PK/A. Complete kit with leather case and hood and papers. It's tack sharp and the Macro mode actually produces good macro results. This lens lives up to its reputation.
I have found my 300mm lens! It's sharper than my Konica Hexanon AR 300 f/4.5, the Vivitar (Tokina) 100-300 f/5 zooms, Tamron CT-300, and a match for my Tokina AT-X 100-300 f/4 SD.

I got both with UV filters, and all factory caps, for under $100 shipped.

Looks like I'll be selling off a bunch of long lenses! And I will sell the Adaptall2 PK/A mounts since I have no need for them.

The last is a Tamron SP 500mm f/8 55BB mirror. I can't say I stole it, since these still command a high price for a good sample. I paid a relatively good price for a complete kit in fine condition. And came with an Adaptall2 mount I could use, plus seller threw in a Sony E-mount adapter he no longer needed.
I've always wanted to try one of these, and it is quite sharp when you nail the focusing.
Too bad Tamron eliminated the tripod collar on the 55BB. Will need to see if I can install one around the adapter.


PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 12:55 am    Post subject: Re: Zeiss Triotar 135/4.0 M42-My best deal of the week. Reply with quote
newst wrote:


Congratulations! That's a nice looking lens at a nice price. It looks different than my copy, what mount is it?[/quote]

It is an M42 mount. I have another in M42, aluminum, not chromed, that is about two inches longer and 30% wider, expanding out at the focus ring.

I really don't need this one also but I couldn't turn down the chance to pick it up at that price.[/quote]

Your aluminum one sounds like mine, only mine is with an Exakta mount. The smaller size sounds like a good reason to buy the new one.


PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 2:29 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Yes it is smaller than the aluminum lens but just as heavy. It is definitely of nicer quality. If I can get the focus ring lubricated I will keep it and sell the larger one.


PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 5:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
WNG555 wrote:

On a Tamron streak lately...

Found a pair of Tamrons in the focal lengths I have been searching for these few months. An edge-to-edge sharp 24mm wide angle that is affordable, and a 300mm telephoto prime that I can hand-hold.
I paid a fair but good price for a Tamron 24mm f/2.5 01BB, with a PK/A Adaptall2 mount. The mount is worth as much as what I paid for the lens! It is in very nice condition, and the seller's favorite lens.

The other is a Tamron SP 60-300 f/3.8-5.4 23A also with PK/A. Complete kit with leather case and hood and papers. It's tack sharp and the Macro mode actually produces good macro results. This lens lives up to its reputation.

< . . . >

The last is a Tamron SP 500mm f/8 55BB mirror. I can't say I stole it, since these still command a high price for a good sample. I paid a relatively good price for a complete kit in fine condition. And came with an Adaptall2 mount I could use, plus seller threw in a Sony E-mount adapter he no longer needed.
I've always wanted to try one of these, and it is quite sharp when you nail the focusing.
Too bad Tamron eliminated the tripod collar on the 55BB. Will need to see if I can install one around the adapter.


Well, you've selected three of my favorite Tamrons. I too reallly like my Tamron 24mm. I tested mine against my Nikkor 24mm f/2.8 AI and it has just the slightest edge in center sharpness over the Nikkor. Edge sharpness is about the same with either lens.

The SP 60-300 was my first good long telephoto zoom. I used mine a lot back in the 80s when I was doing motorsports and airshows. It was a great lens for those venues. And yes, the macro mode on that lens is quite remarkable. Excellent center sharpness. Corner sharpness is acceptable.

I also have the 55BB mirror lens. I briefly owned a 55B and yes, the tripod mount was nice, but you know, that lens is so light that I don't really think it's a problem having to mount the camera/lens combo by the camera instead of the lens. I've done moon shots with mine mounted by the camera to a tripod and it was a stable enough arrangement. Try it out before you decide to cobble together some sort of adapter. Good haul, at any rate!


PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 6:16 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
A few weeks ago, I mentioned in passing my coming across a complete Lester Dine Dental Photo kit. This is the first time I've ever seen a complete Dine kit -- usually you see just the lens that's been separated from it. So because of it being somewhat unusual to find an intact Dine kit, I thought I'd revisit it here and supply y'all with some photos.

This kit consists of a Nikon N80 body, the Kiron 100mm f/2.8 macro lens and a Yuzo ringlight flash, along with a complete set of paperwork and a nice carrying case.






The N80 was one of Nikon's last advanced amateur 35mm cameras before switching over to digital. So this is probably one of the last Lester Dine configurations before they switched to digital themselves. This particular outfit does not look as if it were ever used. Or if it were, chances are it was never used outside of a dentist's office. Everything is mint. No scratches, rubs or dings anywhere.

I ran across this outfit on eBay with a Buy-it-now price of $100. I couldn't believe my luck. I think I probably ran across the listing just a very short time after it was listed. So I was ecstatic to be able to get it for this price.


PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 9:46 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
A beautiful set for an incredible price.
Congrats!


PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 10:03 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
cooltouch wrote:
A few weeks ago, I mentioned in passing my coming across a complete Lester Dine Dental Photo kit. This is the first time I've ever seen a complete Dine kit -- usually you see just the lens that's been separated from it. So because of it being somewhat unusual to find an intact Dine kit, I thought I'd revisit it here and supply y'all with some photos.


Those dental diagrams on the macro lens are fantastic. Anyone know of any other specialised lenses with distinctive features?


PostPosted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 8:11 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
cooltouch wrote:

I also have the 55BB mirror lens. I briefly owned a 55B and yes, the tripod mount was nice, but you know, that lens is so light that I don't really think it's a problem having to mount the camera/lens combo by the camera instead of the lens. I've done moon shots with mine mounted by the camera to a tripod and it was a stable enough arrangement. Try it out before you decide to cobble together some sort of adapter. Good haul, at any rate!


Michael,

You're right, it is relatively light, and the Tammy engineers probably came to the same conclusion to let it hang off an SLR.
But my a6000 is quite small with a composite body. I think the NEX's used a metal chassis.
It's likely safe to use tho'. But it does bounce a bit cantilevered off the end of the body.

We got hit with clouds and a storm during the Conjunction and missed the opt to try it out then. Must wait patiently for a clear night. Looking forward to see how it does!

BTW, thanks for sharing the pics of a complete Lester Dine kit. Very cool!
Would love to get my hands on a copy of that lens.


PostPosted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 9:30 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
WNG555 wrote:
cooltouch wrote:

I also have the 55BB mirror lens. I briefly owned a 55B and yes, the tripod mount was nice, but you know, that lens is so light that I don't really think it's a problem having to mount the camera/lens combo by the camera instead of the lens. I've done moon shots with mine mounted by the camera to a tripod and it was a stable enough arrangement. Try it out before you decide to cobble together some sort of adapter. Good haul, at any rate!


Michael,

You're right, it is relatively light, and the Tammy engineers probably came to the same conclusion to let it hang off an SLR.
But my a6000 is quite small with a composite body. I think the NEX's used a metal chassis.
It's likely safe to use tho'. But it does bounce a bit cantilevered off the end of the body.

We got hit with clouds and a storm during the Conjunction and missed the opt to try it out then. Must wait patiently for a clear night. Looking forward to see how it does!

BTW, thanks for sharing the pics of a complete Lester Dine kit. Very cool!
Would love to get my hands on a copy of that lens.


The 55BB may be light, but put it on a NEX and try using the somewhat pathetic tripod mount on the camera and the thing shakes in the smallest breeze. Maybe try duct taping the thing to a brick?


PostPosted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 12:13 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Basilisk wrote:

The 55BB may be light, but put it on a NEX and try using the somewhat pathetic tripod mount on the camera and the thing shakes in the smallest breeze. Maybe try duct taping the thing to a brick?


That's why I don't use the camera body unless it has a native lens on it. Most are light.

After more than a month, a generic Canon lens collar finally arrived yesterday. Fortunately, it will fit both my Konica Hexanon 300 f/4.5 and the Fotasy Tamron-E adapter with a little gasket-ing. I'm not steady enough to hand-hold either! Wink


PostPosted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 12:18 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
I have several of those cheap chinese TM's, I customise them like this:

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/114-maintenance-repair-articles/238879-modding-chinese-other-tripod-mounts-fit-eg-adaptall-lenses.html


PostPosted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 12:29 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
marcusBMG wrote:
I have several of those cheap chinese TM's, I customise them like this:

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/114-maintenance-repair-articles/238879-modding-chinese-other-tripod-mounts-fit-eg-adaptall-lenses.html


Smart. Thanks for sharing. You could put that in the DIY section if you haven't already.


PostPosted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 4:17 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
marcusBMG wrote:
I have several of those cheap chinese TM's, I customise them like this:

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/114-maintenance-repair-articles/238879-modding-chinese-other-tripod-mounts-fit-eg-adaptall-lenses.html


Thanks for the tip! I may pick up some more TM's to modifiy for adapter use.
This first one will be shimmed just for the Konica tele, and Tamron adapter. It only needs 1mm more in radius.

And I found the perfect fitting source...a rubber focusing grip off a Sigma 80-200 Super Zoom f/3.5-4.0. That one got damaged when I tried to take the front elements off. Razz

So, the two Tamrons (55BB and 23A) and Konica are accommodated.


PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2015 4:11 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Basilisk wrote:

The 55BB may be light, but put it on a NEX and try using the somewhat pathetic tripod mount on the camera and the thing shakes in the smallest breeze. Maybe try duct taping the thing to a brick?


My NEX 7's tripod mount isn't so bad. Just yesterday, I was comparing my Tamron 500mm against my Sigma 600mm. Not only is the Sigma 100mm longer in FL, but it's considerably heavier than the Tamron, so its tripod mount is really a necessity. But my Tamron handled its chores with the NEX without real difficulty. I have an electronic shutter release for the NEX, so that eliminates any handling induced wobble that might occur as the photo is taken. The focusing collar turns easily so the wobble caused by focusing the lens is quickly quieted as well. I feel it bears mentioning that my 500mm f/5.6 refractor, with a stout tripod collar, wobbles a lot worse than the Tamron does. It balances well with a camera on my tripods, but because of its higher mass, even with my stoutest tripod, things wobble when I have to focus that long lens.


PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2015 6:37 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
just got 2 lenses, both in great shape: konica hexanon 24mm 2.8 and konica hexanon 50mm 1.7mm
total cost 25 euros

now all I need is an adapter for my A6000, or maybe a Full frame A7. which one do you think is cheaper? Very Happy


PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2015 9:14 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
A gentleman who answer to an advice I had post some weeks ago. This man had this lenses unused for 30 years and offers me two lenses for a ridiculous bargain price. The lenses were: Super Takumar 50mm 1.4 (8 elements version) and Super Takumar 135mm 3.5. Both lenses came with their original front and rear caps. Optics were clean, with no haze, no scratches, no fungus. Diaphragm blades were clean and snappy and oil free. Mechanics were great, focus works accurately and has a silky movement.
And now, the best part of it is the price: 20CUC for both lenses (20USD more or less). A really fucking bargain price!!! In my country (Cuba), there´s no much money, and almost nothing to buy. So, you can find awesome bargains like this with a bit of luck. Another incredible bargain I find was my M42 to P/K adapter, the genuine one. (It costs about to 60USD in eBay).... I bought it for 5USD NEW/Unused, in its box.
Cheers


PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2015 4:53 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
mutusorin wrote:
just got 2 lenses, both in great shape: konica hexanon 24mm 2.8 and konica hexanon 50mm 1.7mm
total cost 25 euros

now all I need is an adapter for my A6000, or maybe a Full frame A7. which one do you think is cheaper? Very Happy


You're going to love the 50mm f1.7. It's sharp as a tack and the colors are very neutral.

I'm picking up another one tomorrow as a replacement to my 1st one.


PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2015 2:40 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
rupertfather wrote:
A gentleman who answer to an advice I had post some weeks ago. This man had this lenses unused for 30 years and offers me two lenses for a ridiculous bargain price. The lenses were: Super Takumar 50mm 1.4 (8 elements version) and Super Takumar 135mm 3.5. Both lenses came with their original front and rear caps. Optics were clean, with no haze, no scratches, no fungus. Diaphragm blades were clean and snappy and oil free. Mechanics were great, focus works accurately and has a silky movement.
And now, the best part of it is the price: 20CUC for both lenses (20USD more or less). A really fucking bargain price!!! In my country (Cuba), there´s no much money, and almost nothing to buy. So, you can find awesome bargains like this with a bit of luck. Another incredible bargain I find was my M42 to P/K adapter, the genuine one. (It costs about to 60USD in eBay).... I bought it for 5USD NEW/Unused, in its box.
Cheers


Rupert, thos are massive bargains, anywhere in the world, never mind cuba, now let us see some pictures from CUBA, such a lovely place


PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2015 12:18 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
eddieitman wrote:
rupertfather wrote:
A gentleman who answer to an advice I had post some weeks ago. This man had this lenses unused for 30 years and offers me two lenses for a ridiculous bargain price. The lenses were: Super Takumar 50mm 1.4 (8 elements version) and Super Takumar 135mm 3.5. Both lenses came with their original front and rear caps. Optics were clean, with no haze, no scratches, no fungus. Diaphragm blades were clean and snappy and oil free. Mechanics were great, focus works accurately and has a silky movement.
And now, the best part of it is the price: 20CUC for both lenses (20USD more or less). A really fucking bargain price!!! In my country (Cuba), there´s no much money, and almost nothing to buy. So, you can find awesome bargains like this with a bit of luck. Another incredible bargain I find was my M42 to P/K adapter, the genuine one. (It costs about to 60USD in eBay).... I bought it for 5USD NEW/Unused, in its box.
Cheers


Rupert, thos are massive bargains, anywhere in the world, never mind cuba, now let us see some pictures from CUBA, such a lovely place


+1 Excellent scores indeed! Hunting for Takumars myself, so I now know how desired they still are.
Glad to see the politics between the USA and Cuba are finally easing. About time!
A beautiful island that I hope to visit some day. Yes, meantime, post photos from those Takumars! Very Happy

This afternoon's Konica Hexanon 50mm f1.7 purchase was a success. $5.50 with a Vivitar 1A Filter included. Happy Friday!


PostPosted: Sun Mar 01, 2015 12:15 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Minolta X300 + MD Rokkor 50/1.7 + MD Rokkor 75-150/4
all in excellent condition for 30€


PostPosted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 7:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Edixa Color-Ennalyt 50/1.9 with an Edixa Reflex attachet to it for 15€. Not sure it was a great bargain but inexpensive it was.


PostPosted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 8:13 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
first bundle for 200e :
Olympus zuiko om 28mm F2
Olympus zuiko om 50mm F1.4
tamron macro 90mm 2.5
tamron 500mm f8
tamron 70-210


second bundle for 50e :
rollei carl zeiss planar 50mm 1.8
rollei 35mm f2.8 ( not a zeiss )
rollei 85mm f2.8 ( not a zeiss )


PostPosted: Tue Mar 03, 2015 10:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Just paid 60GBP, for this 7000AF outfit - inc. Databack 70 (which only goes up tae '05 Crying or Very sad but everything else on it works. ). Lithium battery holder+battery. Camera is immaculate, looks like original (unshrivelled) seals. One careful lady owner since new. Well happy with that...

f4/35-70mm.
f4/70-210mm.
Program 2800 AF flashgun
3 filters
Brushes,cloths and cleaning fluid.
All instruction books, guarantees etc.plus original Minolta 7000 brochure.
A Minolta camera bag and last but not least, the coolest film cartridge cases ah've ever seen... Cool





Other bargains...

Yashica M5 - 5GBP



FED 2 + Industar И 61 - 15GBP



PostPosted: Tue Mar 03, 2015 11:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
My latest, and maybe best ever bargain isn't a lens, it's a Leitz leather holdall made in the early 1960s, bought on eBay for just 99 pence (less than a dollar or a euro). The original price was around £40, over £400 in today's values. Like everything else that Leitz sold back then, it's sensibly designed and beautifully crafted from the finest materials.



The lid opens away from the body - sensible, why don't modern bags do the same? - and inside is a lift out tray that holds up to two bodies and six lenses, depending on what you have. Even the latest digital M models fit nicely. Back in its day, there were different trays for different combinations of equipment.



PostPosted: Wed Mar 04, 2015 3:05 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
notko wrote:
Edixa Color-Ennalyt 50/1.9 with an Edixa Reflex attachet to it for 15€. Not sure it was a great bargain but inexpensive it was.

You can sell the lens for over 30 times the price you paid if it is in good condition. Wink
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