Thanks! I would like to try something in about 85mm - though I don't need it. I have that TTA 75mm and I find it absolutely amazing. It's got all the swirl, and the soft edges. But, stop it down a bit, and the picture quality just snaps in. At the price I think it's an absolute steal.
The Nikon 85mm f2 was a replacement for the f1.8 which is a bit unusual. The 50mm for example went the other way round. Their various 105 2.5 lenses are also very good.
Some tasty lenses in your selection. The old Helios at 58mm nearly makes it as a short telephoto in my mind. As a film shooter, I eventually opted for the Tamron Adaptall 2 90mm f2.5. It's excellent value, makes great images, can be found for well under £100, and the Adaptall mounts mean that I can use it on different camera makes.
I own the Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 which I had AI-converted to work on more of my Nikon bodies. I also own the Nikkor 85mm f/2.0 AIS and a Rokinon 85mm f/1.4. All of these are manual focus and a joy to use. On the older Nikons - D2x, D200, D300, D2h, etc., the lens becomes about 127mm which is also a nice focal length for the reasons you state.
That Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 is some next level stuff! If a vintage lens shot like that, it would be declared the legend among legends. Yet, because they're modern they're cheap as all get out! Insane value.
Hi there ¡ I've been taking photos since 1976 and really enjoy your reviews, due to.mobility issues I'm not traveling as far as I would wish,so I'm using.my cameras to take advantage of local scenes? I'm disciplining myself to (see potential in obvious views, my best wishes, John
I own both the Nikkor 85mm f2 and the Leica Elmar 9cm f4. They’re both excellent, as you say, though haze is a common problem with the Leica lens, because of the early soft coatings. If you’re willing to take the lens apart and carefully clean the elements, it’s a beautiful piece of glass.
I bought the TTArtisan 75 based largely on your recommendation. Thank you-I love it! BTW, now there is a Vintage Lens section of the Ugly Hedgehog forum. Perhaps you’ll give it a look.
If you can get your hands on the Nikon 105mm f/2.5 in any of its many iterations, do so. It's a fantastic lens. It started out a rangefinder lens, then a F mount lens (I have an early rangefinder version). Nikon built their reputation on lenses like these, and when you shoot with them you understand their draw. 📸
I have that legend. She's a good one. A lens even nicer, that has that super HIGH end quality look, though it's not as vintage is the 180 2.8 AF. Holy smokes. Just like the 105 2.5 but sharper still, plus a lot more reach of course.
The Carl Zeiss Jena 80mm, f2.8 Biometar is also worth considering. I have found my example to be sharp, with smooth rendering. It is cheaper to buy in Pentacon Six fitting, rather than M42, or Exakta.
I wish estate agents understood perspective. They have this penchant for used super wide angle lenses to make rooms look larger. It always amuses me when a 600 mm built in oven appears to be about two metres wide!
My experience with a M39 or any of these old lenses is that the focus ring becomes lose and shifts over time. You may have to readjust the focus ring to get infinity. I have had several lenses with this issue including a Takumar. Why I got them on the cheap. ;)
That TTArtisans 100mm seems like a great value and looks fun 😊 The new Meyers is insanely overpriced, their new Lydith as well 😕... it's just more practical to spend that same money, or maybe a bit more, on a Zeiss or Voigtlander
Thanks! I would like to try something in about 85mm - though I don't need it. I have that TTA 75mm and I find it absolutely amazing. It's got all the swirl, and the soft edges. But, stop it down a bit, and the picture quality just snaps in. At the price I think it's an absolute steal.
The Nikon 85mm f2 was a replacement for the f1.8 which is a bit unusual. The 50mm for example went the other way round.
Their various 105 2.5 lenses are also very good.
Some tasty lenses in your selection. The old Helios at 58mm nearly makes it as a short telephoto in my mind. As a film shooter, I eventually opted for the Tamron Adaptall 2 90mm f2.5. It's excellent value, makes great images, can be found for well under £100, and the Adaptall mounts mean that I can use it on different camera makes.
Love my TA2 90mm. A heavy chunk of metal and glass that always produces great results on film or digital.
I own the Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 which I had AI-converted to work on more of my Nikon bodies. I also own the Nikkor 85mm f/2.0 AIS and a Rokinon 85mm f/1.4. All of these are manual focus and a joy to use. On the older Nikons - D2x, D200, D300, D2h, etc., the lens becomes about 127mm which is also a nice focal length for the reasons you state.
That Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 is some next level stuff! If a vintage lens shot like that, it would be declared the legend among legends. Yet, because they're modern they're cheap as all get out! Insane value.
Thoroughly enjoy your videos. I'm very glad that you are doing this.
Hi there ¡ I've been taking photos since 1976 and really enjoy your reviews, due to.mobility issues I'm not traveling as far as I would wish,so I'm using.my cameras to take advantage of local scenes? I'm disciplining myself to (see potential in obvious views, my best wishes, John
I own both the Nikkor 85mm f2 and the Leica Elmar 9cm f4. They’re both excellent, as you say, though haze is a common problem with the Leica lens, because of the early soft coatings. If you’re willing to take the lens apart and carefully clean the elements, it’s a beautiful piece of glass.
I bought the TTArtisan 75 based largely on your recommendation. Thank you-I love it! BTW, now there is a Vintage Lens section of the Ugly Hedgehog forum. Perhaps you’ll give it a look.
If you can get your hands on the Nikon 105mm f/2.5 in any of its many iterations, do so. It's a fantastic lens. It started out a rangefinder lens, then a F mount lens (I have an early rangefinder version). Nikon built their reputation on lenses like these, and when you shoot with them you understand their draw. 📸
I have that legend. She's a good one. A lens even nicer, that has that super HIGH end quality look, though it's not as vintage is the 180 2.8 AF. Holy smokes. Just like the 105 2.5 but sharper still, plus a lot more reach of course.
Thanks for reviewing all of these, I wasn’t aware TTA did those two, I’ll be hitting eBay for sure!
Thanks for the cracking videos. I really enjoy and look forward to seeing them. Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!
The Carl Zeiss Jena 80mm, f2.8 Biometar is also worth considering. I have found my example to be sharp, with smooth rendering. It is cheaper to buy in Pentacon Six fitting, rather than M42, or Exakta.
I wish estate agents understood perspective. They have this penchant for used super wide angle lenses to make rooms look larger. It always amuses me when a 600 mm built in oven appears to be about two metres wide!
I use mine on my g9 with great results
My experience with a M39 or any of these old lenses is that the focus ring becomes lose and shifts over time. You may have to readjust the focus ring to get infinity. I have had several lenses with this issue including a Takumar. Why I got them on the cheap. ;)
A great video as always, where do you buy most of your vintage lenses from, is there a special place other than eBay?
meyer optik gorlitz Telefogar 90mm f3.5 or Trioplan 100mm f2.8 will cover all vintage needs. Or, go AF
That TTArtisans 100mm seems like a great value and looks fun 😊 The new Meyers is insanely overpriced, their new Lydith as well 😕... it's just more practical to spend that same money, or maybe a bit more, on a Zeiss or Voigtlander
Nikon 10.5cm f/2.5 Nikkor-P
Canon Serenar 100mm f/4
Is this James Hoffmann dad?
Cabbage!
Simon, you gotta let this go and find a life