Ended up at Adorama this morning. Looked at a couple of 35mm f/2.0 lenses. But I ended up with the older "goggles" version (f/2.0). Price: $675. (B&H has the same lens - maybe in better condition - listed for $1500). The lens is from 1964 according to the serial number.
And from what I can see, very clean. I don't see the big deal with the goggles, i.e. they're attached to the lens, and they do what they're supposed to do. The viewfinder is still bright and easy to focus. Are these also called bugeyes? If so, I can see why.
The chrome lens even has "an infinity lock" on it. I've never seen a lens with that before, sort of a little detent that you press to release; and I don't expect that I'd ever use it - but the whole setup feels very vintage.
Shot two rolls at the St. Pat's day parade. The camera, even though it looks a little odd - great fun to use with the goggles. Hope the lens is good because I took some good shots and I like this combination. Would hate to have to return it on Sun.
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Update: Developed the first roll. The lens *is* great. Absolutely beautiful.
5 comments:
"Why do you prefer the R2 over the R2?"
You mean the R2A over the R3A. Viewfinder magnification. R2A is more of a general purpose viewfinder. R3A better for longer lenses.
Congrats on the lens! I have one w/goggles which I'd have offered you if not for a ton of fungus. It's almost like a soft focus lens. Nice looker that lens...I know looks don't matter, but then why do they make Ferraris look so cool?
I developed one roll tonight from the new lens. It is a keeper. Gorgeous look and I didn't even have a lens shade. Will post a couple of shots tomorrow though you can just go back and look at HCB stuff from the 60's if you want to see what the lens is like.
Matt - as far as street shooting goes - when you get that 35mm thing going - boy you don't want to jump back to any other focal length.
Ah, very cool, Dave!
I had to Google around to understand what the "goggles" were for - I had seen 50mm Summicron with "goggles", but these were for closeup work.
Anyway, it didn't occur to me that the M3 doesn't have a 35mm frame - so now I understand what the goggles are for.
Use it in good health!
-- STeveR
Steve,
Yup. It adds frame lines and is a demagnifier so that you having some breathing space outside the framelines. Funny looking but works well and yes - especially designed for the M3.
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