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yucafrita · 10-10-2018, 10:39 PM

Hi, does anyone have experience with the Ricoh XR Rikenon Fisheye 2.8 16mm?

It has a K-mount, no Ricoh pin and on DSLR one would need green button measuring. There is almost no information on the web, at least I am unable to find it. There is one review here (havent found anything else on PF) and some pictures taken with on pentaxians.de. Looks like its a not so bad option but some first-hand experience would be nice... The lens is difficult to find anyhow.

rullrich · 10-11-2018, 01:03 AM

Originally posted by yucafrita

Hi, does anyone have experience with the Ricoh XR Rikenon Fisheye 2.8 16mm?

It has a K-mount, no Ricoh pin and on DSLR one would need green button measuring. There is almost no information on the web, at least I am unable to find it. There is one review here (havent found anything else on PF) and some pictures taken with on pentaxians.de. Looks like its a not so bad option but some first-hand experience would be nice... The lens is difficult to find anyhow.

There's one review on the pentaxian forum as well, but it's in german. You have to be registered to see the pictures though: https://www.pentaxians.de/40456504nx51499/lens-clubs-f46/ricoh-xr-rikenon-fi...ub-t23186.html Maybe that helps.

Cheers,
Ralf

yucafrita · 10-11-2018, 01:24 AM

Originally posted by rullrich

There's one review on the pentaxian forum as well, but it's in german. You have to be registered to see the pictures though: Ricoh XR Rikenon Fisheye 16mm / F2.8 - Lens Club* ? Pentaxians Maybe that helps.

Cheers,
Ralf

Yes, thanks

, I know that post, I was referring to that, actually. Hope some people here have some more experience with that lens...

**robgski** · 10-11-2018, 03:38 AM

From my reading of the German forum, I would not buy it unless it was very, very inexpensive, it seems to be a love it or hate it lens.. I have an M42 mount Takumar 17mm FE, and I would not hesitate to recommend that lens, most copies cost about US $ 350, and worth every penny.

yucafrita · 10-11-2018, 04:33 AM

Hmm, thanks, didnt have such a bad impression from that post... but I am not in a hurry to buy one...

**pepperberry farm** · 10-11-2018, 05:01 AM

unless it was significantly cheaper than the DA 10-17, I don't think I'd be terribly interested...

yucafrita · 10-11-2018, 05:06 AM

Well, I want to to be FF...

rullrich · 10-11-2018, 06:01 AM

Originally posted by yucafrita

Hmm, thanks, didnt have such a bad impression from that post...

Me neither. The author says that he liked it quite a lot (sharpness, CA, color rendition).

stevebrot · 10-11-2018, 10:37 AM

All I know is that it is an uncommon lens. If you found one for a reasonable price, I see no reason to not give it a try. XR-series Rikenons are usually quite good.

Steve

**clickclick** · 10-11-2018, 03:18 PM

Originally posted by yucafrita

Well, I want to to be FF...

As mentioned, if you don't do this, keep an eye on eBay for the SMC 17/4. I picked mine up for a bit over $150. Someone's description didn't quite nail it and no one bid. So, if you're not in a rush, you might luck out.

Gary H Perth · 10-11-2018, 03:31 PM

Originally posted by clickclick

As mentioned, if you don't do this, keep an eye on eBay for the SMC 17/4. I picked mine up for a bit over $150. Someone's description didn't quite nail it and no one bid. So, if you're not in a rush, you might luck out.

One cheaper alternative to look for as a FF ultrawide - but not a fisheye - is the Tokina 17mm. Mine has great colour and contrast, is very sharp. This has been great t o play around with and later to take some really good images. I bought it new in the 1980s.

There are some very positive comments on the forum under several topics as well as the user review section. This one would probably be about $100-150 on ebay.

yucafrita · 10-11-2018, 09:23 PM

Some SMC 17/4 have currently quite crazy prices in ebay (Germany). I'd consider some A-lens but these are even more expensive. For that money I'd probably buy a new Samyang. Ultra-wide is not what I seek ATM, it's fish-eye, for that effect. Since I probably dont use it too much, I'd prefer stay cheap, which is not easy.

That Rokinon might be the catch but so few pictures taken with it... maybe they didnt sell too many at the time so even fewer survived until today.

cyberjunkie · 10-13-2018, 04:05 AM

Originally posted by yucafrita

I'd consider some A-lens but these are even more expensive. For that money I'd probably buy a new Samyang. Ultra-wide is not what I seek ATM, it's fish-eye, for that effect. Since I probably dont use it too much, I'd prefer stay cheap, which is not easy.

If you didn't want a fish-eye I'd add the Tamron SP 17mm to the Tokina 17mm as possible (affordable) rectilinear choice.
Two relatively cheap fish-eye lenses are the Zenitar and the old Sigma. Both are 16mm, while the Zenitar needs the green button procedure, the old MF version of the Sigma was also made in PKA version. I have one.
I used the Zenitar long ago, it was sold only because I wanted to get an "A" lens for the Super A, so I purchased the Sigma Filtermatic 2.8/16mm.
Both are good lenses, that would serve you well. Just set the diaphragm at f/8 and focus in hyperfocal using the marks.
The Sigma "Filtermatic" stayed substantially the same through a few different aesthetic updates, and can be found in PK and PKA versions.
It has the filter (which is a must, the clear filter is part of the optical design!) at the middle of the objective. If you want to check its presence, or fit another filter in its place, you have to unlock the lens and open it in two halves.
Considering the age, it's a very good lens.
I haven't tested the Zenitar on digital, only film. It was long ago, but I still remember it was not a bad lens at all.
15/16mm fish-eye lenses are easier to use, and less affected by front/lateral light, than the 8mm ones (which give a circular image on FF).
Given your needs, I'd keep an eye on eBay. Maybe you can find a PKA version of the Sigma. It would probably be the best choice.

There is another fish-eye that seems to be quite good: Belomo Peleng 2.8/17mm.
It looks like a scaled down version of the Arsat 30mm fish-eye made for the Pentacon Six.
Unfortunately I don't think it has ever been made in PK mount, only M42 and Nikon.

yucafrita · 10-13-2018, 06:48 AM

Thanks for the hint. From the reviews it looks like the Sigma is the same like the RIkenon?!

stevebrot · 10-13-2018, 10:46 AM

Originally posted by yucafrita

Thanks for the hint. From the reviews it looks like the Sigma is the same like the RIkenon?!

It might be, though the similarity does not mean the Rikenon was made by Sigma or even the other way around.

Steve

10-10-2018, 10:39 PM	#1
yucafrita Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 459	Opinions on Ricoh XR Rikenon Fisheye 2.8 16mm ? Hi, does anyone have experience with the Ricoh XR Rikenon Fisheye 2.8 16mm? It has a K-mount, no Ricoh pin and on DSLR one would need green button measuring. There is almost no information on the web, at least I am unable to find it. There is one review here (havent found anything else on PF) and some pictures taken with on pentaxians.de. Looks like its a not so bad option but some first-hand experience would be nice... The lens is difficult to find anyhow.

10-13-2018, 04:05 AM	#13
cyberjunkie Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Chiang Mai, Bologna, Amsterdam Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,198	Originally posted by yucafrita I'd consider some A-lens but these are even more expensive. For that money I'd probably buy a new Samyang. Ultra-wide is not what I seek ATM, it's fish-eye, for that effect. Since I probably dont use it too much, I'd prefer stay cheap, which is not easy. If you didn't want a fish-eye I'd add the Tamron SP 17mm to the Tokina 17mm as possible (affordable) rectilinear choice. Two relatively cheap fish-eye lenses are the Zenitar and the old Sigma. Both are 16mm, while the Zenitar needs the green button procedure, the old MF version of the Sigma was also made in PKA version. I have one. I used the Zenitar long ago, it was sold only because I wanted to get an "A" lens for the Super A, so I purchased the Sigma Filtermatic 2.8/16mm. Both are good lenses, that would serve you well. Just set the diaphragm at f/8 and focus in hyperfocal using the marks. The Sigma "Filtermatic" stayed substantially the same through a few different aesthetic updates, and can be found in PK and PKA versions. It has the filter (which is a must, the clear filter is part of the optical design!) at the middle of the objective. If you want to check its presence, or fit another filter in its place, you have to unlock the lens and open it in two halves. Considering the age, it's a very good lens. I haven't tested the Zenitar on digital, only film. It was long ago, but I still remember it was not a bad lens at all. 15/16mm fish-eye lenses are easier to use, and less affected by front/lateral light, than the 8mm ones (which give a circular image on FF). Given your needs, I'd keep an eye on eBay. Maybe you can find a PKA version of the Sigma. It would probably be the best choice. There is another fish-eye that seems to be quite good: Belomo Peleng 2.8/17mm. It looks like a scaled down version of the Arsat 30mm fish-eye made for the Pentacon Six. Unfortunately I don't think it has ever been made in PK mount, only M42 and Nikon. Last edited by cyberjunkie; 10-13-2018 at 04:17 AM.

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10-11-2018, 01:03 AM	#2
rullrich Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Berlin Posts: 122	Originally posted by yucafrita Hi, does anyone have experience with the Ricoh XR Rikenon Fisheye 2.8 16mm? It has a K-mount, no Ricoh pin and on DSLR one would need green button measuring. There is almost no information on the web, at least I am unable to find it. There is one review here (havent found anything else on PF) and some pictures taken with on pentaxians.de. Looks like its a not so bad option but some first-hand experience would be nice... The lens is difficult to find anyhow. There's one review on the pentaxian forum as well, but it's in german. You have to be registered to see the pictures though: https://www.pentaxians.de/40456504nx51499/lens-clubs-f46/ricoh-xr-rikenon-fi...ub-t23186.html Maybe that helps. Cheers, Ralf

10-11-2018, 01:24 AM	#3
yucafrita Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 459 Original Poster	Originally posted by rullrich There's one review on the pentaxian forum as well, but it's in german. You have to be registered to see the pictures though: Ricoh XR Rikenon Fisheye 16mm / F2.8 - Lens Club* ? Pentaxians Maybe that helps. Cheers, Ralf Yes, thanks , I know that post, I was referring to that, actually. Hope some people here have some more experience with that lens...

10-11-2018, 03:38 AM	#4
robgski Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,817	From my reading of the German forum, I would not buy it unless it was very, very inexpensive, it seems to be a love it or hate it lens.. I have an M42 mount Takumar 17mm FE, and I would not hesitate to recommend that lens, most copies cost about US $ 350, and worth every penny.

10-11-2018, 04:33 AM	#5
yucafrita Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 459 Original Poster	Hmm, thanks, didnt have such a bad impression from that post... but I am not in a hurry to buy one...

10-11-2018, 05:01 AM	#6
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,781	unless it was significantly cheaper than the DA 10-17, I don't think I'd be terribly interested...

10-11-2018, 05:06 AM	#7
yucafrita Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 459 Original Poster	Well, I want to to be FF...

10-11-2018, 06:01 AM	#8
rullrich Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Berlin Posts: 122	Originally posted by yucafrita Hmm, thanks, didnt have such a bad impression from that post... Me neither. The author says that he liked it quite a lot (sharpness, CA, color rendition).

10-11-2018, 10:37 AM	#9
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	All I know is that it is an uncommon lens. If you found one for a reasonable price, I see no reason to not give it a try. XR-series Rikenons are usually quite good. Steve

10-11-2018, 03:18 PM	#10
clickclick Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2016 Location: East Coast Posts: 2,904	Originally posted by yucafrita Well, I want to to be FF... As mentioned, if you don't do this, keep an eye on eBay for the SMC 17/4. I picked mine up for a bit over $150. Someone's description didn't quite nail it and no one bid. So, if you're not in a rush, you might luck out.

10-11-2018, 03:31 PM	#11
Gary H Perth Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Floreat Posts: 623	Originally posted by clickclick As mentioned, if you don't do this, keep an eye on eBay for the SMC 17/4. I picked mine up for a bit over $150. Someone's description didn't quite nail it and no one bid. So, if you're not in a rush, you might luck out. One cheaper alternative to look for as a FF ultrawide - but not a fisheye - is the Tokina 17mm. Mine has great colour and contrast, is very sharp. This has been great t o play around with and later to take some really good images. I bought it new in the 1980s. There are some very positive comments on the forum under several topics as well as the user review section. This one would probably be about $100-150 on ebay.

10-11-2018, 09:23 PM	#12
yucafrita Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 459 Original Poster	Some SMC 17/4 have currently quite crazy prices in ebay (Germany). I'd consider some A-lens but these are even more expensive. For that money I'd probably buy a new Samyang. Ultra-wide is not what I seek ATM, it's fish-eye, for that effect. Since I probably dont use it too much, I'd prefer stay cheap, which is not easy. That Rokinon might be the catch but so few pictures taken with it... maybe they didnt sell too many at the time so even fewer survived until today.

10-13-2018, 06:48 AM	#14
yucafrita Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 459 Original Poster	Thanks for the hint. From the reviews it looks like the Sigma is the same like the RIkenon?!

10-13-2018, 10:46 AM	#15
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by yucafrita Thanks for the hint. From the reviews it looks like the Sigma is the same like the RIkenon?! It might be, though the similarity does not mean the Rikenon was made by Sigma or even the other way around. Steve

Opinions on Ricoh XR Rikenon Fisheye 2.8 16mm ?

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