Cheap old macros

I'm thinking of getting into a bit of macro photography (nature-

flowers, pet birds up close), but don't want to spend tons of money

as I can't afford it! I currently have a Pentax Super A with a 50mm

and 28mm pentax A and M lenses. However, even the old Pentax macros

e.g. 100mm f4 M lens, seem to be quite expensive and difficult to get

hold of.

 

I was therefore considering the Tamron 90mm, but this is difficult to

find with a pentax adaptor on, and consequently the one's I've seen

are going for quite a bit of money (140-180 GB pounds).

 

I don't want to have to resort to the new Cosina f3.5 as I prefer a

more robust build to a lens, but it is in my price range (around ?100

or less).

 

So, I've found a couple of Vivitars-a f2.5 90mm for ?75 and a f2.5

105mm for ?99 (both series one). The latter lens got a high lens test

score on some website I found, but I can't find any information on

the former (and I don't know if it goes 1:1).

 

Anyone used either of these lenses?

 

I want to get good optics for the price, and don't mind something

that's a bit knackered and old (as long as it still functions). Any

other lenses people can suggest?

 

Probably difficult to get a good macro lens for ?100, but extension

tubes seem to nearly cost that much, and I don't like screw on lenses

(although they are quite fun for travel).

How about the "adaptall" (I think it's called) version of the Tamron, with or without an attachment for the Pentax, plus (if needed) an attachment for Pentax? It's not particularly cheap, but it's said to be very good indeed. (Oh, and is there a Super Takumar you could use with K adapter?

The cheapest way is probably to get a reversing ring adapter to reverse mount the 50mm. You lose any automation functions, but the quality is usually pretty good.

 

Another option is camera fairs, just hunt around a bit and you should be able to get some extension tubes quite cheaply.

<p>I have a Vivitar Series 1 90mm f2.5 Macro lens with the 'life-size' adapter in Canon FD mount. Staggeringly good images, and the heavyweight lens/adapter combo just exude quality. However, it is a bit pricy.</p>

<p>There is actually an inexpensive choice that I find myself reaching for far more often - the Vivitar Macro-Focusing 2x Teleconverter. This was available in a variety of lens mounts and there are many often listed on that auction site. As a 2x, it is a high-quality multiplier. However, it has a focus ring and an internal helical, and it turns your 50mm (or whatever) into a 2x size macro lens. I use it with a 105mm lens and get the ability to stand-off a bit when I do Rose closeups (I hate bees).</p>

<p>You can see some examples of my shots with this adapter on my home page under Roses. I also found this reference that you might find useful:</p>

<p>http://www.blackrabbit.com/closeups.htm</p>

<p>The Vivitar Macro-Focusing 2x Teleconverter is a secret and is (was, until now) little-known. They go for cheap. I'd advise getting one while you can. I have two, so I don't mind letting the secret out of the bag.</p>

<p>Best,</p>

<p>Wigwam Jones</p>

<img src="http://mattocks.sytes.net/wilson_roses/10_24_2004_046_small.jpg">

I used to use the Vivitar 100mm f/3.5 macro and was very happy with its performance for price. But its not L type glass for under a $100 but it is darn good for the price. With Vivitar they make it available in many camera types so you should have no problem with it.

 

B&H has the lens new for Pentax mounts for $119 only $19 more for a new lens?

 

Thats my recommendation. :+)

Katherine, if I didn't already have one, I would certainly jump on the Vivitar Series I 90f2.5 Macro. It is possibly the sharpest lens ever to be manufactured for a 35mm camera. A lens that can resolve 80 l/mm is considered an excellent lens, well this 90 tested 109 l/mm at more than one stop in "Modern Photography"'s lens test that they did about 25 years ago. I still have the issue...Jim..P.S. it's built like a tank and is as heavy as one,so don't drop it on your foot.

I have a vast arrray of macro lenses at my disposal (including dedicated true macro lenses that need to be used with a bellows).

 

I just stumbled on the Vivitar Series 1 90mm f/2.5 lens with its matching 1:1 macro adaptor, recently. I can vouch for what others have said above and this is the FINEST macro lens that I have in Nikon F mount.

 

As Jim said, grab it, use it. You will not regret it.

 

The later Vivitar lenses ("Series 1"or not) are not the same caliber lenses. Do not be misled by features like, it will do 1:1 on its own without an extension, and the like.

 

FWIW, recently, I found a 90-180mm f/4.5 Flat field zoom from the orginal Series 1 line. It is going to be yet another fabulous lens for me to use extensively and with pleasure.

 

Jim, I would love to have a copy of that MP test results. Will try to contact you.

 

Vivek.

And again, FWIW,

 

the 90mm f/2.5 and many other original Series 1 lenses happen to be some of the finest lenses for 35mm and these were American Designed optics. Only assembled in Japan and elsewhere by different companies. The 90mm f/2.5, for example, was put together by Tokina.

 

Vivek.

Vivek, let me know your address and I'll send you a Xerox copy of it...Jim

Katherine

 

I know the lenses that you speak of, well. The Vivitar Series 1 90mm f/2.5, was designed by Vivitar and built by Tokina. It will deliver very good results. It's one of the best macro lenses ever made. It does require the matching adapter to take you to 1:1 life size. The Vivitar Series 1 105 f/2.5, is a copy of the phenomenal Kiron 105mm f/2.8, which is a fantastic lens, and goes 1:1 life size without any adapters. It was also made for Vivitar, by Kiron (Kino Precision Industries) If you go to the "Klub", you can find lens test results and user reviews on them. I happen to know quite a bit of info on the Vivitar and Kiron line. If you have any questions about any particular lens, just ask away. If you give me a serial #, I can tell you much more about a specific lens. Both the Vivitar S-1 90mm and the Kiron 105mm macro wonderlens, do not go cheaply. However, if you contact me off-group, I'll steer you in the right direction, where you may get them at a little less $ and some of the other oddball (very good) macros that were made by Kiron, Vivitar, Komine, etc.

 

Russ

My old Tamron is dissapointing - Monday lens? - Pentax plain k-mount extension tubes should be damn cheap; I wouldn't pay more than 15 Euro for a set and have 3 of them. (They were irresistable cheap and nice to have, but yes, a mcro is much more convenient and surely worth owning.) All plain k-mount became very cheap after the *istD and similar crippled cameras. I'd try the 100mm f 3.5 Cosina because Cosina builts the Pentax f3.5 too as far as I know. O.K. it might be plastic, but it's got a good reputation for its optics and from my experience a Super A won't last forever (get KX, K1000 or MX, if possible). I highly suggest to keep your hands of anything offering more than 1:2 with only one 360? turn of the focusing ring. My Pentax FA 100 f2.8 is painful to be used manual. The Leica 100mm lens offers 2 full turns for 1:2, which is very convenient for portraits and landscapes although a 1 turn 1:2 is still somehow usable. Try to get a Pentax M for small change on ebay. There might always be a chance. Don't get dissapointed after just 20 auctions. Just place your "ridiculous" bid every time. If you get 2 resell one.

Wigwam Jones, is correct. The Vivitar 2x "macro-focusing teleconverer, is a very good one. It's a seven (7) element design, and was made by Kiron, for Vivitar. With a quality lens, and proper technique, it'll give you very good results. I've attached a picture of mine, in it's fully extended macro mode.

 

Russ

Many thanks, Jim!

Vivek,haven't got an e-mail yet from you.Try again, we have been setting up this new computer and I think some we didn't get that we should have...Jim

I forwarded my email again to you Jim.

 

If you have not got it, I may be sending it to the wrong Jim?

 

Please let me know.

 

Thanks,

 

Vivek.

Thanks for all of the advice! I think I'll go with the Vivitar 90mm. I don't need to go 1:1 that often but do need more working distance than a 50mm. The local camera shop is selling a Tokina 1:1 macro converter (which being PK mount should work with the Vivitar, but I'd have to check). Tempting.

 

I like the super A-I've had it 3 years, and it has had to be fixed twice, but having said that I still prefer it to the K1000 (for it's depth of field preview, smaller size and I strangely love the shutter speed buttons), and I think it's light meter is superior to the ME Super. It's an underated camera in my opinion. I'd love an MX though,but they are v. pricey these days on the used market. I'd rather spend on lenses and then if the super A goes, I'll just pick up a battered ME super for ?60. My super A has been scratched rather badly, so I intend to use it until it's completely dead.

Katherine

 

Are you referring the the Series 1 90mm? If so, that's a very good lens. You'll love it.

 

Russ

Vivek, no luck yet,my e-mail is lkerr@netusa1.net...Jim

Jim, For un-understandable reasons, I can not seem to get an email across the atlantic to you. I have requested a friend (Dan) to supply my address/email to you. Hope, it will reach you! Vivek.

Vivek, success has come our way. Some how I recieved your mailing address in The Netherlands. I intend to Xerox the material tomorrow and mail it also. Wish we had a flatbed scanner so I would be able to e-mail it, since I have no idea how long the mail will take. No re-imbursment is needed,just glad to help...Merry Christmas...Jim

Much obliged, Jim.

 

All the best wishes for a merry Christmas and great new year to you as well!

 

Regards,

Vivek.

Jim Kerr

 

If at all possible, I too, would like a copy of the results of the Vivitar Series 1 90mm macro test.

 

Thanks

Russ

Russ,I do have another copy, I will need your mailing address.E-mail it to me when you can...Jim

Hi. I have a Program A and Super Program, and they work OK. Not my first chice for Macro work but I am sure they could do the job if pressed into service.

 

My suggestion would be to consider the purchase of a M42 lens - Pentax if possible. Then you use a M42/PK converter. They are not that hard to come by - should be AWITP in the UK. The M42 stuff is good and very reasonably priced. You could also look out for the M42 bellows (or T mount) that would then be usable on the A series Pentax.

Katherine, Have you decided on which macro yet,am interested to find out how this all turned out...Hope you have a Merry Christmas...Jim