Vintage/Legacy Lenses

Can_Solo

Hi all, I am a video fella who has been converted into the dark arts of DSLR video. Well, m4/3 so not dslr technically.
So far I am astonished by the results I am achieving with a panasonic 20mm f1.7 - I purchased this new to get me started. Now I find myself balanced on the edge of the precipice.
I am starting to learn all about the lenses out there and I find myself developing an unhealthy obsession.
I can imagine throwing a lot of money at these things, they seem so collectable!
I clearly need a nice selection of primes ( I don't think I can afford suitable zooms ) and first on my list is a fast 50mm ish. I like the look of the minolta rokkor or the canon FD in f1.4 and 1.8 respectively. But this is based on web research not actually getting my hands on them to check them out.
My question: Other than Ebay and the handfull of specialist camera shops around Dublin, I would appreciate suggestions on where to find used SLR manual lenses?
I guess we are all looking for that little gem of a lense, probably found in an attic somewhere by an unscrupulous receiver who has no idea what its worth!!
Does anyone have a strategy? Perhaps general auctions etc...
I have tried fairyhouse market amongst the car boot sellers but it was more traders than private sellers.
Would be grateful for any suggestions thanks.

magicbastarder

there's a lot of affordable quality used lenses out there; the OM Zuiko 50mm f1.8 being one i'd be familiar with. i think i have three of them...
what are you going to mount them on to?

Can_Solo

thanks for the reply, yup thats exactly the kind of lens I am interested in.
I often record indoors so need to keep them fast.

Where would you go to find vintage lenses?

I am familiar with berminghams/camera exchange etc in Dublin and whilst many shops have a few used its not exactly a wide selection either.

Where does Great Great Uncle Bob go when he wants to emtpy out his attic and finds a box of old slr stuff to sell?

jpb1974

Where does Great Great Uncle Bob go when he wants to emtpy out his attic and finds a box of old slr stuff to sell?

Not the answer you're looking for but... eBay, eBay and eBay.

Can_Solo

magicbastarder wrote: »

what are you going to mount them on to?

oops missed that bit...

It is for video not stills so I don't need a full frame sensor as the max size will be no bigger than 1920,1080.

I have, so far, one panasonic GH 1 and plan to add at least one more and/or a GH 2 but will probably stick with M4/3's

As I understand it, m43 is pretty flexible to most older lenses due to the lack of mirror thus making adaptors is as simple as correctly calculating the distance to the sensor to achieve infinity focus?? or something like that.

For the prices I am looking at on ebay its probably worth the gamble even if I do get a bad one, or one that doesn't fit well.

magicbastarder

a 50mm f1.8 olympus lens would probably set you back 20 bob.

sineadw

Have a look on adverts.ie too. Some good bargains to be had there if you haggle, and it's local sellers..

peckerhead

I got a pristine Zuiko 50mm f1.8 on eBay for about €18, and €6 of that was postage. It's equivalent to 100mm on my 4/3 E510 and is my favourite lens for natural light portraits or for shooting gigs etc. without flash. An OM-to-m43 adapter will set you back another €12 or so, but you can use it with any other legacy lenses you subsequently buy. There are some quality optics going for next to nothing; have a look at other makes/mounts too (especially 42mm screw fit).

For a far greater choice, try searching on the UK site; even if the seller hasn't listed postage rates for Ireland most of them are happy to do it if you ask nicely and offer to cover the extra cost.

Can_Solo

Thanks for all the comments guys, appreciated, if I do find the holy grail I will let you know.

I keep getting beaten by a nose on Ebay, damn those pesky people who bid with 5 seconds left.

Mjollnir

Can_Solo wrote: »

Where does Great Great Uncle Bob go when he wants to emtpy out his attic and finds a box of old slr stuff to sell?

Well, if Bob were here in the states, he'd likely avail himself to Craigslist, where I've found numerous legacy lenses for my GH2.

You must have a CL in Ireland.

Can_Solo

Mjollnir wrote: »

Well, if Bob were here in the states, he'd likely avail himself to Craigslist, where I've found numerous legacy lenses for my GH2.

You must have a CL in Ireland.

Actually, it turns out we do, well Dublin does anyway. I have never looked at it before. Unfortunately, few other people have either because at the moment there are only two entries in the section for photography equipment.

Thanks for the suggestion though.

peckerhead

Can_Solo wrote: »

I keep getting beaten by a nose on Ebay, damn those pesky people who bid with 5 seconds left.

They're probably not people at all...

www.snip.pl
www.gixen.com
www.justsnipe.com

...all give either free trials or a certain number of free snipes per week.

Can_Solo

peckerhead wrote: »

They're probably not people at all...

www.snip.pl
www.gixen.com
www.justsnipe.com

...all give either free trials or a certain number of free snipes per week.

This is great, I thought I was pretty tech savy, but never came accross this technique before. Thanks again.