Kalimar Lenses

I would like to know if anyone has had any experence with these. I found a 60-300f4.5 zoom that will fit my AE1p at a local pawn shop for $100, are they any good?

Lenses from labels like Kalimar, Cambron, Sears, Wards, Penneys, and

other unpronounceable brands can be hit-or-miss. A couple of years

ago I bought a "RitzCam" 28-85 cheapo. When a set screw fell inside

the barrel, causing an element to loosen up, I went shopping for a

suitable replacement (meaning cheap, because I use a 28-85 only for

family snapshots anyway). I bought a Soligor 28-85 figuring most of

'em are/were made by the same OEMs used by Vivitar, etc., anyway, so

what's the diff? It was a stinker. Worst contrast and sharpness

I've seen on any lens that wasn't mounted on a disposable camera. So

I dumped it, fixed my RitzCam which now works even better because the

distance markings actually correspond with reality.

 

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The lesson? None. Buying used lenses is a tossup, even if you

inspect them carefully for proper function and absence of fungus. I

bought a like-new Canon FD 75-200 4.5/5.6 "macro" zoom, $100. It

works exactly as it was designed to: mediocre. I got what I paid

for. But it's a heck of a lot better than that Soligor.

 

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Here's a website with loads of great info on lenses in general,

particularly used lenses: http://www.smu.edu/~rmonagha/third/cult.html