Just sold my C/Y Contax Zeiss Planar 50mm f1.7 MMJ and switched to the 50mm 1.4 AEJ, which I'm loving! The C/Y 28-85mm is blazingly sharp, and produces amazing shots, but it's SO big. I'm debating if I'm keeping it or not. I just ordered a Mir 24M 35mm f2, and a Pentax 135 f3.5 so I would have something longer.
If I sell the 28-85mm, I'll probably just get the FE kit lens, since I don't actually have anything with autofocus or OSS right now... Though the 28mm f2 FE is tempting...
p.215 #4 · What is your most recent (alt) lens purchase?
Hi - I'm new to the "alternative" forum at FM. I think this is my first post in this section.
Anyhow, after using a Samyang 8mm & a Rokinon 14mm (on my 5d, 5d2, 1d3 & 70d - as I shoot canons) for a year or more, that old bug - to shoot with manual lenses bit hard.
With my wife out of town, and nobody to talk me out of this impulse streak, within the past week I have added the following - to my already substantial collection of glass:
1 - zenitar 16mm f2.8
2 - cosinon 50mm f1.7 M42 w/chipped eos adapter and a 2x Soligor TC
3 - minolta mc rokkor 58mm f1.2, converted with AF chip to eos with infinity focus.
4 - carl zeiss jena biotar 50mm f2 (why buy the copy/knockoff when the original is only x00% more expensive!), and finally
5 - helios 40-2 85mm f1.5, the big black one - which is slowly making its way from Moscow, I hope.
so, how did I do? how do the above lenses fare in the esteemed opinions of the experienced contributors to the alternative gear forum?
so far, I've shot the zenitar and cosinon wiht very pleasant results. the minolta just arrived - and I took it out for post-sunset sky shots (kinda in the dark). it was ok, I'm not sure the focus confirmation register is accurate - so I may have to work on a compensatory adjustment or calibration. the lighting was pretty dim - as I was at ISO 3200 on my 5d2. the shots, a bit grainy - not a bad thing with this lens?, were pretty nice. dramatic sky lights post sunset over the river.
full disclosure, I also just added my 7th "L lens" to my normal kit of umpteen lenses, mostly canons - my newest Canon is the ubiquitous 24-105mm f4 - yes, I finally surrendered (capitulated?) to the wisdom of the thundering herd. so now I can better compose with a twist of the wrist (don't get me started)...
otherwise, greetings to all. I look forward to learning from the posters of this forum...
p.215 #5 · What is your most recent (alt) lens purchase?
Sounds like a good score. Just dont let the wife know
I understand that waiting feeling with that Helios 40-2 coming from the Russia. I was on pins and needles last month whilst waiting for my Pentacon 135/2.8 "bokeh monster" to arrive from Germany. To make matters worse, when it finally arrived, the box had taken a slight beating in its travels, and I could tell there was hardly any packing material. I feared what I might find in the box....or in how many pieces. Fortunately, it made it in one piece. The packing material? About 3 sheets of newspaper.... :/
My next alt is going to be of the 85mm variety. Or possibly something wide in the 12-16mm range. Im thinking an old cctv lens in c/cs mount for the latter, due to its interesting OOF characteristics.
p.215 #6 · What is your most recent (alt) lens purchase?
glad your pentacon survived its journey. I try not to consider the "TLC" that this purchase will suffer. no sense borrowing worries. there's never a shortage of real issues.
my wife is aware, and was quite relieved that I wasn't focused on some of the new L's ('though I did just add the 24-105) - she only participated after the fact, this time - as we keep open books - so to speak. she just wasn't here during the process to temper my enthusiasms. shocking, eh?
one thing for sure, these digital viewfinders suck. even on my full frames. I suppose a better screen or three might help - but I can't imagine that it will make that much difference.
much to learn in getting these lenses to perform as I wish and expect. many operator limitations blocking better images!!
What kind of digital viewfinder are you referring to?
In my old XS I had installed a split prism focusing screen...which helped tremendously. But did effect metering slightly. Still debating if I want to put a diff one in the 60D I also recently purchased.
Im still getting the hang of it too....operator limitiations
p.215 #8 · What is your most recent (alt) lens purchase?
Continuing on reducing size of lens and camera gear investing into rangefinder prime lenses....recent purchases were the CV 21/1.8 and the CV 12/5.6 lenses. Great primes in combination with the CV 35/1.2 II!
p.215 #13 · What is your most recent (alt) lens purchase?
Just got my Pentacon 135/2.8 (made in G.D.R) M42 with 15 aperture blades from a FM member. Here are some shots, the first is without any tubes, and the next with my Canon EF mount Tamron 1.4X teleconverter, and a medium tube, and the last two are with my teleconverter and with all my tubes combined. All hand held, on my 5D, most are at ISO 800- 1600. Note: this lens works fine with my Canon 5D Classic. Slight Light Room Adjustments. All shots wide open.
p.215 #14 · What is your most recent (alt) lens purchase?
Nice test pics, assuming that your MN weather prevents outdoor play just now
My recent GAS attacks:
1. Having seen that beautiful lens you bought (Pentacon 135/2.8 15-blade M42), I found one on eBay(UK) and bought that. Not quite as good value though and yet to be delivered.
2. A Summicron 35 Type 1, bought today for a fantastic price and from an alternative forum. Excited, even though I recently shelled out for my first great LM 35 (Konica Hexanon 35/2).
3. Just won - A Pentax FA 45-85 f4.5, for a great price. I have a P645N. No plans to get a P645Z or even a P645D but this lens will be a good investment for those digital market-drivers!
p.215 #18 · What is your most recent (alt) lens purchase?
Like to tinker, live in the CONUS ? Heres a super clean Vivitar 70-210 Series 1, by Kino, in Nikon Ai mount. FREE to a good home, you must pay all actual packing and shipping cost. Mailed payment only as i DO NOT have Pay Pal. Some lens facts:
1. Clean glass and dry snappy blades.
2. Zoom is almost impossible t o move. Release on macro ears will not operate.
3. Lens seems to only focus about 135mm to 210mm.
4. It doesnt look like its been apart.
Send PM if interested.
Harry Palmer
