Bottles............

[Kelley (Texas)]

This is a picture of some beer bottles that I collected because I liked the different interesting labels and the different colored glass. This is a test picture using a vintage Sigma Zoom Master 35-70mm F2.8-4 lens that I purchased on eBay for $25.00 plus $6.50 for shipping. This lens was probably manufactured in the late 1960's or early 1970's and is in mint condition. After a series of test pictures, I consider it to be a keeper.

I love using these old manual operated vintage lenses, and I have found that if used properly, some are capable of producing some amazing pictures.

I mounted this lens on my Sony NEX-6 camera and used the following settings: F7.1, 1/200, ISO 200, "Daylight" white balance, manual focus, Manual Mode, hand held, and average lighting condition. Kelley (Texas)

 

[Nancy-IL]

It's amazing how those old lenses are taking such good pictures. Do you have a favorite? I recognize three brands.

 

[Kelley (Texas)]

I have not used any vintage Nikon or Canon lenses yet. I am getting ready to research the vintage Nikon and Canon lenses and I need to see if I can get an adapter to link them to my Sony NEX-6 camera. I have tried a vintage Tokina lens and was not impressed with the results, and I have used the Sigma lens as in this test I have posted. This vintage Sigma appears to be a keeper, but I think that my Minolta MD 35-70mm lens produces a sharper picture with more colorful colors, again just my humble opinion. I also tested a vintage Soligor 200mm lens that did not produce good pictures for me, possibly due to inferior lens coating. I have no doubt that there are some great vintage Nikon and Canon lenses, just need to find them.

Nancy, my concern at this time is this is a small forum and thus not much response from many people showing interest in using these old vintage lenses. There is a good possibility that there is no interest among the members of this Forum, as well as the many folks lurking in the background. Kelley (Texas)

 

[Nauti]

After reading about your experiences with these lenses and seeing some of the results,i have become more interested in the older lenses than the newer ones.I now own two old manual focus lenses and am looking out for a nice wide angle manual focus lens.
I can honestly say that some of these older lenses produce sharper images than many of todays lenses.....only the premium glass from the different manufacturers will give the same quality as a top quality old manual lens.
The other benefit you get is the fact you have an aperture ring and manual focus.......it slows you down a bit and makes the shooting experience more enjoyable in my humble opinion.
Great image quality,the old school feel of using them and incredible value for money,more people should try them and see what they have been missing.
Kelly,also look into pentax and olympus lenses........some of these are legendary for image quality and well worth a try if you can get an adaptor for the sony.

 

[Kelley (Texas)]

the vintage pentax and Olympus lenses to my list. They were popular lenses, and were known to produce some outstanding pictures. Thanks for reminding me! Kelley (Texas)

 

[Nancy-IL]

Even though it's not a big pro type camera, I have fun with it too. I'll have to do some checking to see what type of old lenses would work with it also if I'll need an adaptor. I do appreciate all the info you give here.

 

[Nauti]

Nancy,try this website.........http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/929565

This will direct you to a site that provides everything you need to know about using old nikon lenses on modern nikon digital slr's.It also provides many sample images to show you just how good the older lenses are.Hope this helps.

 

[Kelley (Texas)]

n/t

 

[Nancy-IL]

Thanks Neil!