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Kern-Swittar 50mm f/1.8
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PostPosted: Thu Mar 11, 2010 3:32 am    Post subject: Kern-Swittar 50mm f/1.8 Reply with quote

Got it and the body today at a thrift store.



Can anyone tell me about the lens? Would I be right in assuming that I can't mount the Kern-Swittar lens to an EOS or Nikon Body? I'm thinking of just selling it and buying some better glass with it.


PostPosted: Thu Mar 11, 2010 3:38 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

That's a VERY good thrift store find, especially if you got it cheap. I have one o of the same.


PostPosted: Thu Mar 11, 2010 3:44 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

240 bucks. I figure I can at least get that back even if I cut myself off at the knees.

I also got a 35 mm f/3.5 Super Tak. for like 35 bucks. I like it, so far.


PostPosted: Thu Mar 11, 2010 4:03 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Oh man, had I just looked at the Alpa Switars and Macro Switars on ebay a few mnutes ago before I saw your post - a decent regular one seems to go for $700+, the Macro version for over $1000. That's a nice find, I really need to check out more thrift stores...

Stefan


PostPosted: Thu Mar 11, 2010 4:06 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sounds like you got a bargain, or they are really overpricing them on Ebay. This one is $1369.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Alpa-Reflex-Mod-6-1-8-50mm-Kern-Switar_W0QQitemZ370341406648QQcmdZViewItemQQptZFilm_Cameras?hash=item563a1167b8


PostPosted: Thu Mar 11, 2010 4:14 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

So is it possible to adapt the glass to 4/3rds? Wikipedia (I know, I know) Says it's considered to be one of the greatest normal lenses ever made.

Or should I just turn it over on craigslist?


PostPosted: Thu Mar 11, 2010 4:25 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Look on ebay, there is a high quality Alpa - m4/3 adapter (around $130). If I were in your place, I would have the lens professionally checked & cleaned, get the adapter and try it out. If you don't like it for some reason, you can sell it with the adapter and still easily double your investment. I have only heard great things about this lens so far... Oh, and f you decide to sell it cheap instead, let me know Wink

Oops - I overlooked that you asked about EOS and Nikon. Can't help there, sorry, for some reason I thought you were asking about micro 4/3.

Stefan


PostPosted: Thu Mar 11, 2010 5:31 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

apicius9 wrote:

Oops - I overlooked that you asked about EOS and Nikon. Can't help there, sorry, for some reason I thought you were asking about micro 4/3.


I'm actually interested in both. I have an T2i, but I'd be interested in taking some test footage. Anyone here ever tried it?

Also, I hear it's an Apochromatic lens. What exactly does that mean?


PostPosted: Thu Mar 11, 2010 11:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

walter g wrote:
Sounds like you got a bargain, or they are really overpricing them on Ebay.


They are - in my experience, the going rate for genuine collectibles on ebay is almost twice that of camera fairs, and the BIN pack ask for even more. Expert Alpa sellers (and buyers) don't hang out on ebay (the same goes for most other genuinely collectible stuff) as state is crucial on investment collectibles.

Sevo


PostPosted: Thu Mar 11, 2010 12:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

This KERN SWITAR 50/1.8 has very good 3D-ness but a slight barrel distortion.
You need a good hood for it, but genuine one is too expensive. However hard
to install a generic hood since there is no filter thread on the lens. Sad

You got a bargain indeed.

APO is difficult explain, but simply no CA is there in your image. Very Happy


PostPosted: Thu Mar 11, 2010 7:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sevo wrote:
walter g wrote:
Sounds like you got a bargain, or they are really overpricing them on Ebay.


They are - in my experience, the going rate for genuine collectibles on ebay is almost twice that of camera fairs, and the BIN pack ask for even more. Expert Alpa sellers (and buyers) don't hang out on ebay (the same goes for most other genuinely collectible stuff) as state is crucial on investment collectibles.


So, what's the ACTUAL value of the thing?


PostPosted: Thu Mar 11, 2010 9:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Wow, what a find!!!

Klaus


PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2010 10:31 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi, I just came across ttis interesting discussion, thought I'd add it here:

http://photo.net/leica-rangefinders-forum/003wWa

Stefan


PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2010 12:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Stefan, thanks for posting the link to a very interesting reading.

BTW, an adapter, which Tom Abrahamsson was talking about in his post,
is this, it was made by Retina House in Tokyo. The shop no longer exists.



This (right side in the photo above) was made only 20 pieces,
so it was fairly expensive. You can mount Alpa lens to Leica
L-mount camera, of course M-mount too via L->M adapter.
Yes, it is coupled with range finder up to 1m as MFD, a bit too short
for me but it works. White tapes on the adapter were adjustments
for my M6 & M8.


Last edited by koji on Tue Mar 16, 2010 4:44 pm; edited 1 time in total


PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2010 1:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Oh Koji, this was my lens.

Perhaps the best way to enjoy the lens is puting it in the Alpa 10 D cam.

As is known, the 10 D was an excelent cam, smooth and beauty. Enjoy both!!

They must be together !! Very good pair, like tito Schipa and Mafalda Favero. Wink

Rino.