50mm lens for Sony NEX-C3

[ageha]

Heard that one about the USSR lense whose optical glass are made from radiated materials ? ..you'll get eye cancer after using those lense for a few weeks !

Isn't that just the case with Japanese lenses like a few Minolta MD lenses? X(

 

[aiest]

Isn't that just the case with Japanese lenses like a few Minolta MD lenses? X(

I read it somewhere too, yeah.. What was the rationale behind inserting Thorium into the lens, though? Does anyone know?

And about the Helios, I've seen them on eBay going for at least S$90 now, excluding shipping. Not sure it still fits my budget but if you can convince me that they really exceptionally good compared to the regular lenses we're familiar with, I might get my benefactor a.k.a. The Boyfriend to partial-sponsor. Afterall he was the one who got me the NEX ^^

 

[SCULDER]

Could you describe why focusing seems easier with the Takumar ? if it's due to the "friction" of the focusing ring, that's easily solved. Most of these 44-2 lense were lubed with organic grease when they were made in the early eighties and have since "dried" up leaving a sticky, gritty, wax in the len's helicoil.
Very easy to open them up, carefully remove the old grease and relube with modern synthetics grease, good time to clean up the internal elements of the lens too while you're at it as I'm sure a lens of that age would have a fair amount of dust in it.

yes you're right it's uneasy to rotate the ring left - right. so it's not the character of the lens itself but some things are dried up inside?
While Takumr is easy but not so loose, makes me easier to ahieve the focus.
where do you think I can repair that? I don't have gutts & skills like you to open it hahahaha...
thanks for the explanation BTW! I really enjoyed reading it

 

[Ghostfit]

Isn't that just the case with Japanese lenses like a few Minolta MD lenses? X(

Yup, but in the case of the Russian lens, they give you a Geiger counter when you buy one. :bsmilie:

I read it somewhere too, yeah.. What was the rationale behind inserting Thorium into the lens, though? Does anyone know?

And about the Helios, I've seen them on eBay going for at least S$90 now, excluding shipping. Not sure it still fits my budget but if you can convince me that they really exceptionally good compared to the regular lenses we're familiar with, I might get my benefactor a.k.a. The Boyfriend to partial-sponsor. Afterall he was the one who got me the NEX ^^

Beats me why they did that, maybe to gain X-ray vision as stated by tikiman

S$90 without shipping is too much ! ...you didn't search hard enough... look below:

Currently bidding at US21.50,(<S$50 plus shipping) ...if you're determined, it is possible to get this for less than S$60.
eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

If you don't mind the 44m4, it's available for alot less !
MC HELIOS-44M-4 Lens for Pentax, Praktica, Zenit, M42 | eBay

HELIOS-44M-4 58mm f2 LENS - M42 FIT - EXCELLENT CONDITION! | eBay

Helios 44m-4 2/58 Lens Vintage 35mm Film SLR Camera Zoom Screw Mount 44M 4 Photo | eBay

PENTAX M42 HELIOS-44M-4 f=58mm 1:2.0 86109307 NICE | eBay

HELIOS 44M-4 2/58 lens M42 (ZENIT, PENTAX ) + CAP, EXCELLENT | eBay

Helios 44M-4 lens 58mm M42 mount. 2/58 KMZ | eBay

Helios 44M-4 - 58mm f2 - M42 Lens - EXC+++ CONDITION. | eBay


SIGH ! ...young kids nowadays !

 

[aiest]

SIGH ! ...young kids nowadays !

What's *that* supposed to mean?! XDD Hey I'm a working adult, okayyyy.. Just not earning as much as The Bf XD

Anyway, that link you gave, the auction ends in 2 days. According to the ones I've been stalking, by the time they end its already S$90, even though they start at S$15 or something and up for 5 days. And I search from ebay.com.sg, not ebay.com because I want to see the price in S$ instead of having to convert it myself, and not all listings on ebay.com appears on ebay.com.sg. But okay, if there's a chance of better deals on the US side (and they're willing to ship here despite not being on international listing) I'll make the trip to ebay.com. Sankyu!

Any other recommendations, anyone? Or explanations to unique/different models of lenses?

 

[Ghostfit]

What's *that* supposed to mean?! XDD Hey I'm a working adult, okayyyy.. Just not earning as much as The Bf XD

Anyway, that link you gave, the auction ends in 2 days. According to the ones I've been stalking, by the time they end its already S$90, even though they start at S$15 or something and up for 5 days. And I search from ebay.com.sg, not ebay.com because I want to see the price in S$ instead of having to convert it myself, and not all listings on ebay.com appears on ebay.com.sg. But okay, if there's a chance of better deals on the US side (and they're willing to ship here despite not being on international listing) I'll make the trip to ebay.com. Sankyu!

Any other recommendations, anyone? Or explanations to unique/different models of lenses?

:bsmilie: ...No offence meant, ...So happy you call me XDD :heart: ...so much better than that other girl here who calls me a "grandpa" ...eh, XMM, I always thought girls like to be referred to, as someone younger ?

At my neighbourhood Koufu dessert store, I call the "Ah Soh" there "Mei Neu" (Beautiful maiden) only and I get extra toppings of everything !

 

[aiest]

:bsmilie: ...No offence meant, ...So happy you call me XDD :heart: ...so much better than that other girl here who calls me a "grandpa" ...eh, XMM, I always thought girls like to be referred to, as someone younger ?

At my neighbourhood Koufu dessert store, I call the "Ah Soh" there "Mei Neu" (Beautiful maiden) only and I get extra toppings of everything !

Said by someone more than 10 years older and it sounds completely chikopek. Hahahahahaha. No I'm not that sort of person who wishes to be assumed as an even younger age than what I really am, thank you ^^ Since someone deems you old enough to be called Grandpa then I call you Uncle la


Lenses, lenses... why do lens adapters sold locally cost like 10 times that sold on eBay?

 

[Rurouni]

As a purchasing tip, always check online about the various lenses before you commit to buying. The quality of lenses really vary and investing in an adapter just to suit a specific mount may not be cost effective in the long run.

Btw, as a previous forumer mentioned as well, some very old lenses used Thorium coated glass (mildly radioactive) which can be dangerous if you mishandle it.

 

[aiest]

As a purchasing tip, always check online about the various lenses before you commit to buying. The quality of lenses really vary and investing in an adapter just to suit a specific mount may not be cost effective in the long run.

Yeah I was almost going to randomly get a lens out of excitement but upon considering that I'm already spending a lot this month on other accessories like filters, pouches, a bag and a dry box, I decided to give myself a month to consolidate my $$ and knowledge on the subject matter. Hence I'd really appreciate more contribution to introducing 50mm lenses here, maybe all of us could learn something about the different kinds (like that interesting Thorium-containing Helios!)

 

[tikiman]

AT LAST ! ...a comrade who shares my passion and appreciation for the old USSR stuffs !

SPASIBA ! :bsmilie:

&#1087;&#1086;&#1078;&#1072;&#1083;&#1091;&#1081;&#1089;&#1090;&#1072;, &#1103; &#1085;&#1077; &#1090;&#1086;&#1074;&#1072;&#1088;&#1080;&#1097;. I do like old russian lenses as it is fun to find a good copy. like tikum tikum.

Yeah I was almost going to randomly get a lens out of excitement but upon considering that I'm already spending a lot this month on other accessories like filters, pouches, a bag and a dry box, I decided to give myself a month to consolidate my $$ and knowledge on the subject matter. Hence I'd really appreciate more contribution to introducing 50mm lenses here, maybe all of us could learn something about the different kinds (like that interesting Thorium-containing Helios!)

Hi TS, I do not think that Helios lenses contain radioactive coating/material. It is the M42 macro lenses those of Volna9 and Industar 61 L/Z. Using them to take photos do not harm the human body. Only if u grind the glass into powder, mix into milo dinosaur and drink will it be harmful. There are many 50mm out there. There are very fast ones @ f/1 and slows ones @ f/4.

Here are 2 more 50mm lenses that are nice and will not break the bank.
Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolor 50mm f1.8 (M42 mount) - a good copy seems to produce nice saturated color. But that is my take.
Zeiss Biotar T* 58mm f/2 (M42 mount) - produce nice bokeh

Cheers

 

[tplongsg]

Yeah I was almost going to randomly get a lens out of excitement but upon considering that I'm already spending a lot this month on other accessories like filters, pouches, a bag and a dry box, I decided to give myself a month to consolidate my $$ and knowledge on the subject matter. Hence I'd really appreciate more contribution to introducing 50mm lenses here, maybe all of us could learn something about the different kinds (like that interesting Thorium-containing Helios!)

I would probably suggest to look at the mount system that offers the various focal length that interest you. I've started on building up Minolta SR mount or commonly known as MD/MC mount. 50mm is a very common focal length and you can easily pick up a good piece of glass. Happy hunting!

 

[nathan1991ster]

what abt SLR Magic 35mm f1.7 ? u don't need to get adapter and it's quite reasonable price ... i am willing to get one

 

[aiest]

I would probably suggest to look at the mount system that offers the various focal length that interest you. I've started on building up Minolta SR mount or commonly known as MD/MC mount. 50mm is a very common focal length and you can easily pick up a good piece of glass. Happy hunting!

I like this suggestion. Yeah I will start looking at entire series instead of just one lens. Makes sense if I need to get an adapter, only need one or two instead of a few different ones.thanks for bringing up a good point!

@ nathan1991ster, I saw that lens during my lunchtime window-shopping today and I like the idea that its an E-mount an doesn't need an adapter to use on the NEX. Have not yet checked out the price though I did plan to get a 35mm lens only much later. The 50mm is more needed at the moment.

 

[Rurouni]

what abt SLR Magic 35mm f1.7 ? u don't need to get adapter and it's quite reasonable price ... i am willing to get one

SLR Magic builds fun lenses, though most appear (unless I'm mistaken) to be adapted from CCTV lenses. Decent quality in the center but inferior to a dedicated photography lens.

The question to ask is if E-mount is interesting enough to invest in. As far as sensors go, I think Sony has a very decent lead in the pro-sumer market so I will probably pick up the 35/3.5 and the 50/1.8 when they are out. As far as adapted lenses go, I would personally only consider M-mount lenses as I like the size of rangefinder lenses. I have lots of Nikon lenses but after looking at the size of the adapted setup on my NEX-5, I decided not to go down that route.

 

[aiest]

I have lots of Nikon lenses but after looking at the size of the adapted setup on my NEX-5, I decided not to go down that route.

Again, good point. Pictures can't tell much of the real size when attached to the NEX together with the adapter. Maybe it might be a good idea to go to a lens rental shop to check that out, like the size, weight and bulkiness.

So what series/models of what brands would make good balanced fit? Anywith with NEX cameras care to share the most lightweight/non-bulky combinations they have?

 

[Rurouni]

Again, good point. Pictures can't tell much of the real size when attached to the NEX together with the adapter. Maybe it might be a good idea to go to a lens rental shop to check that out, like the size, weight and bulkiness.

So what series/models of what brands would make good balanced fit? Anywith with NEX cameras care to share the most lightweight/non-bulky combinations they have?

All SLR lenses will require a fairly thick adapter (about 2cm thick). That being said, adapting a 50/1.8 or 35/1.8 prime will make the resulting setup around the same length as the E-mount 18-55. The lenses would be slightly fatter though adding volume to the overall nex+slr lens setup.

The most lightweight combi would be the Leica M-mount adapters with Rangefinder lenses. Downside of going this route is that you may see corner softness when using wideangle rangefinder lenses on the NEX and RF lenses tend to have longer minimum focus distances of around 0.7-0.8m. A very small combi would be the M-mount Voigtlander 35/2.5 color skopar. Should be just ard the same size as the sony pancake 16mm.

Maybe a good way to start is to just stick to the 18-55 first, shoot more and observe from your catalog of images which focal length you tend to gravitate to the most? For me I know from experience that I tend to enjoy a 50mm field of view the most, that is why i shoot my NEX with a 35/1.8 lens mostly.

 

[aiest]

Maybe a good way to start is to just stick to the 18-55 first, shoot more and observe from your catalog of images which focal length you tend to gravitate to the most? For me I know from experience that I tend to enjoy a 50mm field of view the most, that is why i shoot my NEX with a 35/1.8 lens mostly.

Actually, I already have, and have come to the 50mm decision. Hence, the relatively specific thread title too ^^

I'm completely unfamiliar with Rangefinders, and Leicas and Voigtlanders are expensive, aren't they? Hahaha. We're forgetting my <S$100 budget.

 

[SCULDER]

nobody mentioned this?

sonyalpharumors | Blog | Noktor 50mm f/0.95 for NEX will cost $1.000

Though it's 10X cheaper than Leica Noctilux (with the same f/095), still I can't afford it

 

[aiest]

Looking just at photos alone, it seems to me that the Vivitar, Minolta, Pentacon and Olympus Zuiko 50mm lenses are of the smallest around. Also might be the cheapest around. Anyone has any comments to the quality of these lenses?

Also I think it'd be perfect if the lenses have a 49mm diameter so that I can switch around the filters with my kit lenses. Same concept as the "research entire range of lenses and see which fits your current and future needs best instead of researching one focal length only"

 

[aiest]

nobody mentioned this?

Though it's 10X cheaper than Leica Noctilux (with the same f/095), still I can't afford it

No need to mention! Hahaha. Its no longer a rumour, its already confirmed to cost US$1600+