Good prices?

[Chris Watson]

I was at an Antique Mall today and found two lenses there that might be a steal. I'm not in need of them and I'm really looking into reselling them. One of them is an Auto Rikenon 55mm 1.4 with a scalloped focus ring for $22 and the other is a Carl Zeiss 58mm f/2 Biotar (chrome finish) for $55. Both are M42 mounts. Anyone know what the going rate for these are?

Thanks!

[Spotmatic]

It depends on the Biotar I think... Do you have the "fat" or the "slim" one? The fat one has a coarse knurled focusing ring, the slim one has a flat (milled) focusing ring.

If it's the slim one: does it have 17 diaphragm blades? Those are the more valuable ones.

[Chris Watson]

I want to say it was the fat one. I didn't pick them up. They are still there at the Antique Mall as I have a few too many 50's already. Maybe when I have a little more disposable income, I'll go back and pick them up if they're still there. I need to replace my Mamiya 55 1.4 as the focussing on it is a bit stiff and I need something more fluid for video work.

I might pick up the Biotar as well just to have it and say I have a CZ lens (or sell it here if someone wants it).

[Attila]

If you see any Biotar under 50 USD or an 1.4 lenses just pay and RUN

[guatipen]

hi chris

i think like attila.. pay and run... a biotar under 50 usd is a gift.

[N]

wow i would take the Rikenon in a blink! I've been pursuing one for some time now

[Attila]

[a20010494]

What about my Type V Nikkor 1.2 when bought a Nikomat EL

[mo]

I would take it as Attila says 1.4 lens..pay and run

[indianadinos]

[Chris Watson]

Okay, I paid and I RAN on the Rikenon that came with a Singlex camera and case. For $22, it seemed like a steal and I needed a 50 something 1.4 to replace my Mamiya Sekor 55mm 1.4 lens that was great but a little too stiff for run and gun video work.

If anyone is interested in a Mamiya Sekor 55 1.4 that's in great shape, send me a PM with an offer. I'll post pics of the new lens and the Mamiya. I think the latter is a Tomioka made version. Thanks!

EDIT: The Mamiya is not for sale. The wife loves the lens and wants to keep it

[N]

[Chris Watson]

I think you're right. I tried out the Rikenon yesterday and it has the same look as my Mamiya. It even has the slightly swirly bokeh going on with busy backgrounds. The Mamiya now lives on the Singlex Body the lens came with and I'm having fun shooting pictures old school style. Are the Singlex cameras pretty good?

[mo]

I like mine because of the viewfinder, but I do find it heavy if it has a larger lens with it.

[Chris Watson]

Well I went back to the Antique Mall today and it turns out the Biotar I found was the Exakta mount version of the lens. Not sure if it's adaptable or not but I think I'm going to let it pass.

[William]