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What's the latest lens you added to your collection?
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PostPosted: Wed Aug 31, 2016 9:24 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Boris_Akunin wrote:
devinw wrote:
I think I'm becoming a Minolta addict. Laugh 1


Welcome to the club!

I'm in the process of weaning myself off Minolta though, I think I'll be moving on to Canon FD.

I'll certainly keep a couple:
MD 35/2.8
MC 50/1.4
MC 58/1.2
MD 85/2
MD 75-150/4

All these lenses certainly are good vintage lenses Wink

Boris_Akunin wrote:

MD 300/4.5

Why that one? OK, it's lightweight and easy to focus (IF!), but its performance is ... uhm ... quite low if you compare it to the common 300/2.8 lenses.

Boris_Akunin wrote:

There are a couple of FD lenses I need to try:
nFD 20/2.8

A sharp 20mm lens, with quite some vignetting at f2.8, and distortion ...

Boris_Akunin wrote:

nFD 35/2.8
nFD 35/2

The nFD 2/35mm is quite OK as well, similar to other f2/35mm or f1.8/35mm of that time (eg MD 1.8/35mm or AiS 2/35mm)

Boris_Akunin wrote:

nFD 85/1.2 L
nFD 200/2.8 IF

The nFD 2.8/200 IF is much easier to use than contemporary Minolta or Nikkor f2.8 lenses, because of the IF. However, it's CAs are as bad as other non-ED/AD lenses, and therefore i would go for a Minolta AF 2.8/200 - it has IF as well, it's preformance is impeccable (2 AD lenses instead of only one in the Nikkor 2.8/180mm ED!), and manual focus is easy and precise.

Boris_Akunin wrote:

nFD 80-200/4 L
nFD 300/4 L

I don't know these lenses, but i do own the FD 2.8/300 Fluorite, the nFD 4/300 IF and the nFD 5.6/300 IF. The latter (5.6/300) is surprisingly good and distinctively better than any of the ca 10 non-ED 300mm i have. In fact, you'll have troubles to distinguish 24MP FF images from the nFD 5.6/300mm, the FD 2.8/300 Fluorite and the Minolta AF 2.8/300mm APO G HS!

Stephan


PostPosted: Wed Aug 31, 2016 4:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
stevemark wrote:
Boris_Akunin wrote:

MD 300/4.5

Why that one? OK, it's lightweight and easy to focus (IF!), but its performance is ... uhm ... quite low if you compare it to the common 300/2.8 lenses.

I know it's not the best performer, I just like the handling. I've been looking for a replacement (the nFD 300/4L might work for me) but the 300/2.8s are definitely too heavy (and expensive) for me.

stevemark wrote:
Boris_Akunin wrote:

There are a couple of FD lenses I need to try:
nFD 20/2.8

A sharp 20mm lens, with quite some vignetting at f2.8, and distortion ...


Yeah, the distortion has me worried a bit (btw, how's the Minolta 21/2.8 on that front?) but it seems like the best option in it's FL- and pricerange (I just missed one for 100€...).

stevemark wrote:
Boris_Akunin wrote:

nFD 35/2.8
nFD 35/2

The nFD 2/35mm is quite OK as well, similar to other f2/35mm or f1.8/35mm of that time (eg MD 1.8/35mm or AiS 2/35mm)


These tests make me hope for a little more than that:
http://erphotoreview.com/wordpress/?p=4114
http://erphotoreview.com/wordpress/?p=4320
http://erphotoreview.com/wordpress/?p=4364

I'm not in a hurry but if I can find a good deal, I want to see how they compare to the MD35/2.8.

stevemark wrote:
Boris_Akunin wrote:

nFD 85/1.2 L
nFD 200/2.8 IF

The nFD 2.8/200 IF is much easier to use than contemporary Minolta or Nikkor f2.8 lenses, because of the IF. However, it's CAs are as bad as other non-ED/AD lenses, and therefore i would go for a Minolta AF 2.8/200 - it has IF as well, it's preformance is impeccable (2 AD lenses instead of only one in the Nikkor 2.8/180mm ED!), and manual focus is easy and precise.


I don't like the stiff focus ring on my MD200/2.8 and I wouldn't use 200mm much anyway. The nFD 200/2.8 IF is fairly cheap (cheaper than my MD200/2.8) so I thought I might give it a try (and sell the MD200/2.8). I might end up just keeping my Minolta MD200/4 (mine has a bit of fungus, I should probably get another copy...).

stevemark wrote:
Boris_Akunin wrote:

nFD 80-200/4 L
nFD 300/4 L

I don't know these lenses, but i do own the FD 2.8/300 Fluorite, the nFD 4/300 IF and the nFD 5.6/300 IF. The latter (5.6/300) is surprisingly good and distinctively better than any of the ca 10 non-ED 300mm i have. In fact, you'll have troubles to distinguish 24MP FF images from the nFD 5.6/300mm, the FD 2.8/300 Fluorite and the Minolta AF 2.8/300mm APO G HS!


The 300/5.6 seems like a no-brainer, I'll be sure to pick one up (~60€ doesn't seem too bad).


PostPosted: Wed Aug 31, 2016 5:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Boris_Akunin wrote:
devinw wrote:
I think I'm becoming a Minolta addict. Laugh 1


Welcome to the club!

I'm in the process of weaning myself off Minolta though, I think I'll be moving on to Canon FD.

I'll certainly keep a couple:
MD 35/2.8
MC 50/1.4
MC 58/1.2
MD 85/2
MD 75-150/4
MD 300/4.5

There are a couple of FD lenses I need to try:
nFD 20/2.8
nFD 35/2.8
nFD 35/2
nFD 85/1.2 L
nFD 200/2.8 IF
nFD 80-200/4 L
nFD 300/4 L


Laugh 1

I'm trying to not even START looking at the FD stuff.. I don't need more addicitions lol!


PostPosted: Wed Aug 31, 2016 5:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
miran wrote:

Almost exactly my story, except for me it took years to develop. First I got a plain MD 50/1.4 with a SRT-303 for something like 30€ (don't remember). Then in one go a 28/2.8, 45/2, 135/3.5 and 200/3.5, each for really low prices, 15-25€. Then years later a 100/2.5, 35-70/3.5 and 35/2.8 and just now a 50/1.7, 50/2, 35/1.8, 50-135/3.5, 75-150/4 and 70-210/4. None of the more expensive and exotic stuff yet, but prices tend to be insane for some of those. For the time being I'll stick with the cheap common everyday stuff until there's no more left to collect. Razz


Is your avatar picture your collection?

I thought about setting up a sweet photo like that once I get a few more Rokkors. Like 1 small


PostPosted: Wed Aug 31, 2016 7:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
devinw wrote:
Is your avatar picture your collection?

Yes, the beginings of it. I should make a new shot some time soon. Wink


PostPosted: Wed Aug 31, 2016 8:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
miran wrote:
devinw wrote:
Is your avatar picture your collection?

Yes, the beginings of it. I should make a new shot some time soon. Wink


Awesome. I say do it! Smile

What did you use to get that background?


PostPosted: Wed Aug 31, 2016 8:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
devinw wrote:
What did you use to get that background?

It's our living room coffee table. Razz I used a LED light and very long exposure time to light the setup. The technique is called lightpainting. Here's a bigger photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/8800601@N04/14573351134/in/album-72157645462188246/


PostPosted: Thu Sep 01, 2016 4:42 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
miran wrote:
devinw wrote:
What did you use to get that background?

It's our living room coffee table. Razz I used a LED light and very long exposure time to light the setup. The technique is called lightpainting. Here's a bigger photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/8800601@N04/14573351134/in/album-72157645462188246/


That is so cool! I'm definitely new to that, but damn I need to try this. Thank you! That looks awesome


PostPosted: Fri Sep 02, 2016 9:43 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Boris_Akunin wrote:
stevemark wrote:
Boris_Akunin wrote:

MD 300/4.5

Why that one? OK, it's lightweight and easy to focus (IF!), but its performance is ... uhm ... quite low if you compare it to the common 300/2.8 lenses.

I know it's not the best performer, I just like the handling. I've been looking for a replacement (the nFD 300/4L might work for me) but the 300/2.8s are definitely too heavy (and expensive) for me.

I've been shooting with the nFD 4/300 L some months ago (at the home of a retired Swiss engineer who owns nearly every single FL and FD / nFD lens in impeccable state) - it in fact is an excellent (and fairly lightweight) 300mm lens.


Boris_Akunin wrote:

stevemark wrote:
Boris_Akunin wrote:

There are a couple of FD lenses I need to try:
nFD 20/2.8

A sharp 20mm lens, with quite some vignetting at f2.8, and distortion ...


Yeah, the distortion has me worried a bit (btw, how's the Minolta 21/2.8 on that front?) but it seems like the best option in it's FL- and pricerange (I just missed one for 100�...).

I haven't compared them considering distortion. However, the MC 2.8/21mm has a "wave-like" distortion which is not easy to correct.
Obviously a good performer (maybe better than all other 20mm lenses i own) is the RE Topcor 4/20mm. It's a small lens with very little distortion, and good corners even at f4 (=wide open). I got a whole Topcon set (RE super plus 4/20mm, 1.8/58mm and 2.8/100mm) for about CHF 100.--.

Boris_Akunin wrote:


stevemark wrote:
Boris_Akunin wrote:

nFD 35/2.8
nFD 35/2

The nFD 2/35mm is quite OK as well, similar to other f2/35mm or f1.8/35mm of that time (eg MD 1.8/35mm or AiS 2/35mm)


These tests make me hope for a little more than that:
http://erphotoreview.com/wordpress/?p=4114
http://erphotoreview.com/wordpress/?p=4320
http://erphotoreview.com/wordpress/?p=4364

I'm not in a hurry but if I can find a good deal, I want to see how they compare to the MD35/2.8.

In it's lens book from around 1984, Canon says that the nFD 2.8/35 is an excellent performer - and i don't doubt at all, even though i don't have any experience with the nFD 2.8/35mm. It's contemporary Minolta equivalent, the MD-II/MD-III 2.8/35mm certainly is astonishing as well:
[url]artaphot.ch/minolta-sr/objektiv-vergleiche/434-sony-a7rii-and-summilux-1-4-35mm-asph-sony-zeiss-fe-2-8-35mm-and-minolta-md-2-8-35mm[/url]



Boris_Akunin wrote:


stevemark wrote:
Boris_Akunin wrote:

nFD 85/1.2 L
nFD 200/2.8 IF

The nFD 2.8/200 IF is much easier to use than contemporary Minolta or Nikkor f2.8 lenses, because of the IF. However, it's CAs are as bad as other non-ED/AD lenses, and therefore i would go for a Minolta AF 2.8/200 - it has IF as well, it's preformance is impeccable (2 AD lenses instead of only one in the Nikkor 2.8/180mm ED!), and manual focus is easy and precise.


I don't like the stiff focus ring on my MD200/2.8 and I wouldn't use 200mm much anyway. The nFD 200/2.8 IF is fairly cheap (cheaper than my MD200/2.Cool so I thought I might give it a try (and sell the MD200/2.Cool. I might end up just keeping my Minolta MD200/4 (mine has a bit of fungus, I should probably get another copy...).

Both the MC/MD 4/200mm (first, large version!) asl well as the tiny nFD 4/200mm IF are excellent lenses. The nFD is smaller and easier to focus, but its internal focusing has has certain amount of "play" which can be quite annoying (same is true for many other Canon nFD IF lenses).

Stephan


PostPosted: Fri Sep 02, 2016 7:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
I've got an nFD 300/5.6 (50€ incl. shipping) and an nFD 50/1.4 (33€ incl. shipping) on the way, the prices seemed good enough.

stevemark wrote:
I've been shooting with the nFD 4/300 L some months ago (at the home of a retired Swiss engineer who owns nearly every single FL and FD / nFD lens in impeccable state) - it in fact is an excellent (and fairly lightweight) 300mm lens.


I heard good things, I can live with the weight (I'm not sure if the quoted 1060g is with or without the tripod collar), I'll keep an eye out for a good deal.

stevemark wrote:
I haven't compared them considering distortion. However, the MC 2.8/21mm has a "wave-like" distortion which is not easy to correct.
Obviously a good performer (maybe better than all other 20mm lenses i own) is the RE Topcor 4/20mm. It's a small lens with very little distortion, and good corners even at f4 (=wide open). I got a whole Topcon set (RE super plus 4/20mm, 1.8/58mm and 2.8/100mm) for about CHF 100.--.


From what I could find, the Topcon is rather rare and usually pretty expensive (great deal you got there!), I think I'll still be aiming for a cheap(ish) FD20/2.8 (100-150€ if I'm lucky) but I might wait for the rumoured Tokina "FiRIN"(lol) 20mm f/2 to come out.

stevemark wrote:
In it's lens book from around 1984, Canon says that the nFD 2.8/35 is an excellent performer - and i don't doubt at all, even though i don't have any experience with the nFD 2.8/35mm. It's contemporary Minolta equivalent, the MD-II/MD-III 2.8/35mm certainly is astonishing as well:
[url]artaphot.ch/minolta-sr/objektiv-vergleiche/434-sony-a7rii-and-summilux-1-4-35mm-asph-sony-zeiss-fe-2-8-35mm-and-minolta-md-2-8-35mm[/url]


I just got a copy of the MD35/2.8, I'm really liking it so far and I expect I'll be selling my MD35/1.8. Of course a little comparison is in order while I have both. You've got the sharpness comparison covered so I'll concentrate on a few other aspects (exact focal length, focus breathing, vignetting, flare resistance).

stevemark wrote:
Both the MC/MD 4/200mm (first, large version!) asl well as the tiny nFD 4/200mm IF are excellent lenses. The nFD is smaller and easier to focus, but its internal focusing has has certain amount of "play" which can be quite annoying (same is true for many other Canon nFD IF lenses).


I guess I should have picked up this one...
From what I've read, nFD 200/4 is only ~175mm at MFD, I'm not sure I'd actually end up using it.

The MD75-150/4 is ~80-155mm at infinity and ~100-200mm at MFD, I usually just carry that one... which reminds me, I need to do a comparison with the MD200/4.


PostPosted: Fri Sep 02, 2016 8:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Stephan,
You mentionthe drawback of the MC 21mm (distortion difficult to correct). What do you think of the 20 mm 2.8 MD?


PostPosted: Sat Sep 03, 2016 5:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
devinw wrote:
I'm trying to not even START looking at the FD stuff.. I don't need more addicitions lol!


I'm afraid it's already too late for me, I've got two lenses on the way (nFD 50/1.4 & nFD 300/5.6) and I just finalised the purchase of a third (a very minty nFD 35/2 with original hood & case).

I guess it's time to start my Minolta sell-off (MC24/2.8 VFC, MC28/2.5, MD35/1.8, MD200/2.8, MD300-S, Vivitar S1 90/2.5)...


PostPosted: Sat Sep 03, 2016 7:47 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
I was just looking at the 'bay, as you do, for no other reason than to just look - and there it was, a Fuji 55mm f/1.8 EBC ending in 3 minutes for only £20. So I got it, I was the only bidder, and should be here next weekend! Smile


PostPosted: Sat Sep 03, 2016 8:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
The other week my father gave me a box of old cameras and lenses. Turns out two of them are so old they used to belong to my grandfather! Sadly, they've all sat in an open box in a garage and storage for 15-20 years now, so all of the lenses were all terribly filthy. Not just some basic dust you can remove by blowing on them.





Does anyone know anything about this specific "Edixa Curtagon"? It takes reasonably acceptable pictures after I carefully cleaned it with water and qtips and it immediately gave me much clearer results.

I also got this lovely Carl Zeizz Jena Biotar 58/2





From what I understand, the Ziess is pretty mechanically complex, but it's REALLY hazy/milky on the inside and is in BAD need of cleaning.

EDIT: The links just don't work for me, so you'll have to copy paste, not a clue why.


PostPosted: Sun Sep 04, 2016 10:39 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Holiace wrote:


EDIT: The links just don't work for me, so you'll have to copy paste, not a clue why.


Welcome!
That is due to an anti-spam measure. Images only show up on your second post.


PostPosted: Sun Sep 04, 2016 11:49 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Holiace wrote:
The other week my father gave me a box of old cameras and lenses. Turns out two of them are so old they used to belong to my grandfather! Sadly, they've all sat in an open box in a garage and storage for 15-20 years now, so all of the lenses were all terribly filthy. Not just some basic dust you can remove by blowing on them.

i.imgur.com/akHomTF.jpg

i.imgur.com/A0Aatc4.jpg

Does anyone know anything about this specific "Edixa Curtagon"? It takes reasonably acceptable pictures after I carefully cleaned it with water and qtips and it immediately gave me much clearer results.

I also got this lovely Carl Zeizz Jena Biotar 58/2

i.imgur.com/nuCS4kv.jpg

i.imgur.com/r1SQDFz.jpg

From what I understand, the Ziess is pretty mechanically complex, but it's REALLY hazy/milky on the inside and is in BAD need of cleaning.

EDIT: The links just don't work for me, so you'll have to copy paste, not a clue why.


Some fine lenses there.
have fun with them
OH


PostPosted: Sun Sep 04, 2016 1:51 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Holiace wrote:
The other week my father gave me a box of old cameras and lenses. Turns out two of them are so old they used to belong to my grandfather! Sadly, they've all sat in an open box in a garage and storage for 15-20 years now, so all of the lenses were all terribly filthy. Not just some basic dust you can remove by blowing on them.

EDIT: The links just don't work for me, so you'll have to copy paste, not a clue why.


Welcome to the forum. You'll be able to post images now that you've entered your first post.


PostPosted: Sun Sep 04, 2016 2:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
cooltouch wrote:
Holiace wrote:
The other week my father gave me a box of old cameras and lenses. Turns out two of them are so old they used to belong to my grandfather! Sadly, they've all sat in an open box in a garage and storage for 15-20 years now, so all of the lenses were all terribly filthy. Not just some basic dust you can remove by blowing on them.

EDIT: The links just don't work for me, so you'll have to copy paste, not a clue why.


Welcome to the forum. You'll be able to post images now that you've entered your first post.

Thank you! Yea it threw me for a loop.


PostPosted: Sun Sep 04, 2016 3:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Pentax-A 4/28-135mm. A beautiful large (77mm filter) and well built beast with 17 lenses.
Optically not on par with the Minolta AF 4-4.5/28-135mm, however: The Minolta is distincively better, especially in the 35-100mm range.

Stephan


PostPosted: Sun Sep 04, 2016 3:37 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Hey Steve,

I've long been curious about the Tamron SP 28-135/4-4.5's performance. Like the Pentax, it too has 17 elements (in 10 groups), albeit with a 67mm front filter size. With a variable aperture of f/4-4.5, it's practically a constant aperture zoom.

http://adaptall-2.com/lenses/28A.html

I don't suppose you've had an opportunity to compare your Pentax or Minolta zoom with the Tamron 28A, have you?


PostPosted: Sun Sep 04, 2016 4:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
The lates batch of Minolta MD lenses I got:

1. 50/2 MD-III, with a hint of fungus and damaged filter thread, will be replaced with a good one some day
Minolta MD 50mm/2.0 by Miran Amon, on Flickr

2. 35/2.8 MD-III, it's excellent
Minolta MD 35mm/2.8 by Miran Amon, on Flickr

3. 50/1.7 MD-II, standard
Minolta MD Rokkor 50mm/1.7 by Miran Amon, on Flickr

4. 35/1.8 MD-II, expensive but no regrets
Minolta MD W.Rokkor 35mm/1.8 by Miran Amon, on Flickr

5. 75-150/4.0, surprisingly good
Minolta MD Zoom 75-150mm/4.0 by Miran Amon, on Flickr

6. 50-135/3.5, not yet tested
Minolta MD Zoom Rokkor 50-135mm/3.5 by Miran Amon, on Flickr

7. 70-210/4, a bit disapointing
Minolta MD Zoom 70-210mm/4.0 by Miran Amon, on Flickr


PostPosted: Sun Sep 04, 2016 4:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Congrats


PostPosted: Sun Sep 04, 2016 4:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Thank you!


PostPosted: Sun Sep 04, 2016 5:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
miran wrote:
6. 50-135/3.5, not yet tested


I'm afraid that one will also disappoint you a bit...


PostPosted: Sun Sep 04, 2016 5:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Boris_Akunin wrote:
I'm afraid that one will also disappoint you a bit...

Doesn't matter. It looks good on its spot in the collection and that's the only important function it has to perform. It's not like I'm going to use all these lenses to make anything meaningful anyway. Wink
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