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11-11-2009, 03:40 PM   #1
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Old M42 Off Brands

Looked at a couple old 200mm primes in a pawn shop today. The first was a Bushnell Automatic 200mm f3.5 (M42) and an Owens Automatic 200mm f3.5 (M42). Both were massive, solid and had beautifully damped focusing rings. Has anyone heard of or used either of these before? How do they perform?

11-12-2009, 10:51 AM   #2
Igilligan
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QuoteOriginally posted by Halco Quote
Looked at a couple old 200mm primes in a pawn shop today. The first was a Bushnell Automatic 200mm f3.5 (M42) and an Owens Automatic 200mm f3.5 (M42). Both were massive, solid and had beautifully damped focusing rings. Has anyone heard of or used either of these before? How do they perform?
How much were they?

I had a bushnell 200 that was very similar to a tamron 200. It had some fungus so I did not use it, other than to just shoot a few shots. A bit of PF and not real contrasty...
I think the 200mm lenses are similar to the 135's in that there were a lot of rebranded versions of just a few actually lenses. So lots of similarities.
I personally would grab the Owens if it is dirt cheap just because I have never heard of it. But that is just me.


There are many great old M42 lenses out there. From my experience the 200mm is one of the least desirable only because of the size and weight vs focal length. I like the 25 dollar vivitar 135 2.8 for a more usable 'cheap' option. If I am gonna carry a lot of size and weight I would go for a longer old lens like a 300 or 400...

To give you a sense of price... The Tamron 200 3.5 goes for around 25-50 bucks I think and our own very nice Super Tak 200 F4 goes for 70-100 ish (I think)

Last edited by Igilligan; 11-12-2009 at 10:56 AM.
11-12-2009, 02:26 PM   #3
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The pair I think were 9.00, the Bushnell was in a bit better condition than the Owens, but neither seemed bad. Glass was clear, so I may drop in again and grab them.
11-12-2009, 02:50 PM   #4
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For $9, buy them, try them, and if they suck at least you have a couple of cool paperweights.

11-12-2009, 02:53 PM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by Steve Beswick Quote
For $9, buy them, try them, and if they suck at least you have a couple of cool paperweights.


And I disagree with Gus on the 200/135mm. I like my 200mm better than the 135mm's I have. Probably just me. Or even probably just him.
11-12-2009, 03:04 PM   #6
Igilligan
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How dare you disagree with me, when you are so obviously wrong!
11-12-2009, 03:08 PM   #7
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For one time, only one time, I disagree, and you're getting angry? Why Gus, why?

11-12-2009, 07:12 PM   #8
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I have a 200MM S-M-C Tak that I love, it is sharp, easy to focus, and I got it in a camera shop for $40!!! And even though it is an all metal and glass lens, it is not very heavy at all...

Here is probably my favorite shot I have taken with it..

11-12-2009, 07:37 PM   #9
Igilligan
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QuoteOriginally posted by Rense Quote
For one time, only one time, I disagree, and you're getting angry? Why Gus, why?
I Feel Like I May Have Used The Wrong Face

but you are so wrong this time --- haha
11-13-2009, 12:47 AM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by Igilligan Quote
I Feel Like I May Have Used The Wrong Face

but you are so wrong this time --- haha
It's just because you can't follow your girls with such a long lens, they're too inpredictable! But you wished you could love your 200mm more, I know! I KNOW!
11-13-2009, 10:57 AM   #11
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It seems to me very interesant the question abuot a) to choose a 135 mm lens and go directly to 300/400 range; or b) to choose a 50 mm every day lens and/or a portrait 85 mm (or so) lens and then go to the 200 mm ones.

I prefer the a) option. The first class and cheaper 135 mm lenses are, generally, better and lighter than the first class and cheaper 200 mm ones. Having the 135 lens, go to the 300/400 mm lens let, generally, have more posibilities than the 200 lens.

Only my optic. Rino.
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