M42/other lenses with "character"

*pingflood* · 06-25-2009, 11:39 AM

I just got done downsizing my (evil brand) gear a bit; sold the 50-500, the 35/2 and probably will sell the 50/1.4 as well as a couple of bodies...

So I am looking for a few fun "alt" lenses that don't cost a fortune. I can adapt M42 easily, Nikon F easily, and K mount with some effort. Also can handle Leica, Olympus OM etc etc... Canon has a short registration distance so most lenses are adaptable as long as they don't stick too far inside the body.

For say < $150-200, what are your favorite "odd" lenses that have real character? Not necessarily sharp, but ones that really stand out with a certain "look". Examples are welcome! These will be used on a FF body so wide will really be wide and so on.

stevebrot · 06-25-2009, 11:59 AM

I am sure that your "evil" body might appreciate these cheap lenses that I have found to have character:

Auto-Rikenon 50/1.7 (M42)
MC Jupiter-9 85/2 (M42)
Vivitar 135/2.8 (M42, also available in various other mounts)

Steve

(Ok...the J-9 is no longer as cheap as it once was, but I will leave it on the list...)

*pingflood* · 06-25-2009, 12:01 PM

Ah yes, forgot about the J-9... it was always on my M42 list in the past.

The Auto-Rikenon is a new one to me. What do you like about it?

*thomascdk* · 06-25-2009, 12:19 PM

Helios 44M-4.

stevebrot · 06-25-2009, 12:23 PM

Originally Posted by pingflood

Ah yes, forgot about the J-9... it was always on my M42 list in the past.

The Auto-Rikenon is a new one to me. What do you like about it?

Here is the link to my review. The sample pics should show what I like. I should probably update my rating from 7 to 8.

PentaxForums.com Third-Party Pentax Lens Review Database - Auto-Rikenon 50mm f/1.7 (m-42)

Steve

*pingflood* · 06-25-2009, 12:27 PM

Thanks Steve. It reminds me a lot of my Industar-50 f/3.5

Nesster · 06-25-2009, 12:48 PM

check out the following threads in this lens section for some ideas and examples:

The M42 Crew
The Off-Brand Club!!
DCL (dirt cheap lens) Club

kuuan · 06-26-2009, 12:04 AM

the mentioned Jupiter 9 and Helios are known for their 'character', my personal fav is the Takumar 50/1.4

*deadwolfbones* · 06-26-2009, 12:13 AM

ping, I've been thinking about letting go of my J-9. Let me know if you're interested.

*pingflood* · 06-26-2009, 09:13 AM

One J-9 is on the way, now debating what's next...

*Blue* · 06-26-2009, 09:15 AM

I'll tell you the cool one I'm looking for AFTER I get one.

I have only seen 2 in the past 6 months . . .

jsherman999 · 06-26-2009, 10:34 AM

Originally Posted by Blue

I'll tell you the cool one I'm looking for AFTER I get one. I have only seen 2 in the past 6 months . . .

Give me a hint and I'll help you find it.

.

*cardinal43* · 06-26-2009, 10:41 AM

Originally Posted by jsherman999

Give me a hint and I'll help you find it.

.

It's round and has little bitty numbers on it.

**Peter Zack** · 06-26-2009, 10:49 AM

With glass at each end.

Back on topic, Taks most of them, 35 f2 and 28 f3.5 particularly, use these and you can see where the limiteds came from. Not only sharp but beautiful rendering. On a FF they are a joy with the VF and wide view.

estudleon · 06-26-2009, 02:01 PM

The J-9 with more character is the not MC.

The helios 44M-7 is the best for contrast and sharpness but lost the character of the 44 or the 44-2.

My lens with more character is the vivitar pre set 1,8/85 in T mount.