[skamaraju]

A clone of Meyer Optic Orester

[the_snark]

I guess I can join this club now. A few hours ago I looked in a charity shop and found an XR Rikenon 28/2.8 which looked to be in pretty much new condition apart from some fingerprints on the rear element. It had a filter on the front. The lens was $8.75.

I don't know anything about this lens or its reputation - can anyone enlighten me?

I just had a short while before the sun went down to try it out on my K100D. It seems quite sharp when I get the focus right, though I can't remember when it was stopped down and when it wasn't. I have B&W'd 2 of the shots as I thought it suited them. I did think some greens (plants, not in the shots below) were a bit less green than usual, but that was probably due to the weird warmish light in Adelaide late this afternoon.

I don't think I'll have any problems getting $8.75 worth of enjoyment out of it.

[Nesster]

Oh way COOL. I just bought one as well... oh wait, mine's an Auto-Rikenon M42, and it has a problem: it screws in too far.

In quick tests vs. the Tak 3.5 and the 16-45 at 28mm: mine's somewhat soft wide open, and lags the Tak at 3.5 and 4. By f/8 the gap is much closer. At 4 and 8 it manages to beat the zoom. Color is good.

[Asahiflex]

A clone of Meyer Optic Orester

Nice shots, but especially a superb bokeh! It's not without reason that it's called the "Bokeh Monster". I also have bought a Meyer Orestor 135mm f/2.8 (haven't received it yet) but I cannot wait to try it out.

[j-pol]

Hi gang! I have 2 off-brands, both vivitars. The first off-brand I acquired was the Vivitar Series 1 70-210 (not he hailed 3rd version). The second, and the newest, is a Vivitar MC Close Focus 28mm f/2.

Allow me to share some photos taken with the 28mm using an MX and Kodak Gold 200.

[Blue]

Vivitar an offbrand? I guess 3rd party = off-brand.

Edit: Wait, I don't own a Vivitar any more since my 105mm f2.8 series one died.

[ghost]

I think my off brand lens has a funny name. It is the "Magnum" MC 135mm f2.8. Its MFD is pretty long, and for some reason the Av mode severely underexposed, while the AE in M is spot on. I haven't had a real world test with it but the test shots are very sharp. I can't wait to use it!

[j-pol]

Vivitar an offbrand? I guess 3rd party = off-brand.

Edit: Wait, I don't own a Vivitar any more since my 105mm f2.8 series one died.

I'm sorry if the vivitar isn't considered an off-brand lens. I will pull out my reply if that is so. Please let me know whether it is truly an off-brand or not.

[Mike Cash]

Pentax K20D
Cosina MF 20/3.8
National PE-3057 flash

I'm ashamed to admit that this was the only decent festival pic I got, despite having taken an SMC-M 50/1.4 and DA70 Limited with me. The Cosina got the lone keeper.

[Blue]

I'm sorry if the vivitar isn't considered an off-brand lens. I will pull out my reply if that is so. Please let me know whether it is truly an off-brand or not.

I think that "off-brand" is open to interpretation. There was a time when anything not made by the main camera manufacturers was considered off-brand. I was just thinking how ironic it is to call the Vivitar Series 1 105mm macro an off-brand since they have been going for $4-500 lately which is almost the same price range as a Pentax D FA macro and close to the same as a new Tamron 90mm or more than a new Sigma 105mm.

[j-pol]

I think that "off-brand" is open to interpretation. There was a time when anything not made by the main camera manufacturers was considered off-brand. I was just thinking how ironic it is to call the Vivitar Series 1 105mm macro an off-brand since they have been going for $4-500 lately which is almost the same price range as a Pentax D FA macro and close to the same as a new Tamron 90mm or more than a new Sigma 105mm.

So my reply is cool to stay I assume? Thanks for clarifying it btw. FWIW, I don't have the Vivivtar Series 1 105, but I do have a Vivitar Series 1 70-210.

[Nesster]

Someone of course can open up a new club, for major 3rd party or Vivitar Manual Focus, or Series 1, etc- there's a Tammy club already. Personally, there are lenses that fit more than one category: the Takumars bought ultra cheap or found in the trash, the major 3rd party lenses that are rare or offshoots that died (e.g. the TX series)...

[JETninja]

Can anyone tell me about the Hanimex 135mm F2.8 "A" lens?

I had won what I thought was a SMC (that was the discription) 135mm F2.5 K mount.....they emailed me after saying that it was actually the Takumar F2.5 K one. Since I wanted Coatings, we voided the sale.

I found this Hanimex, it has the "A" mode on the Ap ring...and is supposedly never been used. But I know zero about that company! I can tell you its 4 elements/4 groups, 55mm Filter, 385 grams, 2m min focus. F2.8 - 16. I would think it's new enough for decent coatings...but know nothing about the design. Wondering if I should re-try on the Tak and get a good Hood!

[stevebrot]

Can anyone tell me about the Hanimex 135mm F2.8 "A" lens?

I had won what I thought was a SMC (that was the discription) 135mm F2.5 K mount.....they emailed me after saying that it was actually the Takumar F2.5 K one. Since I wanted Coatings, we voided the sale.

I found this Hanimex, it has the "A" mode on the Ap ring...and is supposedly never been used. But I know zero about that company! I can tell you its 4 elements/4 groups, 55mm Filter, 385 grams, 2m min focus. F2.8 - 16. I would think it's new enough for decent coatings...but know nothing about the design. Wondering if I should re-try on the Tak and get a good Hood!

Hanimex is/was an importer of cameras, lenses, and accessories. At various times they handled and branded Topcon, Praktica, Pentacon, and various other makes. When I was a kid in the late 60's, they were the US distributor of Praktica.

It is hard to say about the lens you are asking about, though it most likely dates from the mid-80's.

Steve

[Nesster]

Often, afaik, Hanimexes are made by Cosina.