rokkor fan Posted January 21, 2004 Share Posted January 21, 2004 Hi all, I just discovered that the Leitz Telyt-S f/6.3 800mm was made available in Minolta SR mount direct from Leitz dealers back in the 70's. I would be very interested in hearing more about it, and if anyone has ever used one, what the quality is like. Apparently it was only three elements in one group! The same source of info told me that Leica actually included a free Volkswagon Fox with the lens as an advertising gimmick in the US market so I imagine it was VERY expensive. Can anyone tell me what they cost originally and what the value of such a lens would be today? Just interested, I imagine I would never be able to contemplate purchasing such a lens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hans_beckert Posted January 21, 2004 Share Posted January 21, 2004 There was one a few months ago on e-bay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rokkor fan Posted January 21, 2004 Author Share Posted January 21, 2004 Hi Hans, do you recall ballpark what it sold for? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al_kaplan1 Posted January 21, 2004 Share Posted January 21, 2004 It was a huge long heavy lens. Minolta at the same time made their short light weight 800mm mirror lens in a Leicaflex mount, which was cataloged and sold by Leitz. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hans_beckert Posted January 21, 2004 Share Posted January 21, 2004 No, but you really would not want this lens. It was huge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shambrick007 Posted January 21, 2004 Share Posted January 21, 2004 <img src = http://www.wildlightphoto.com/leica/800s63a.jpg> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary_pinkerton1 Posted January 21, 2004 Share Posted January 21, 2004 Saw one once. Leica info book from '75 says it's 15 pounds and 31 inches [without lenshood. Max diameter 5.9 inches. Closest focus [it says] is 41 feet! Had a 'gunsight' built into it's handle. Saw some magazine photos taken with it and it was a good performer, but Lordy !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary_pinkerton1 Posted January 21, 2004 Share Posted January 21, 2004 Found an old price list from '81, it had an MSRP of $18,000. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rokkor fan Posted January 21, 2004 Author Share Posted January 21, 2004 It would sure look really cool at any sporting event ;o) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feli Posted January 21, 2004 Share Posted January 21, 2004 I think I once saw a photo of Leni Riefenstahl shooting with one at what I think were the '72 Olympics in Munich. Feli Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carey_russ Posted January 22, 2004 Share Posted January 22, 2004 The 8th edition Leica Price Guide (which is not exactly the most accurate thing these days) says $7,500. Sounds like a deal on a per-pound basis. Reifenstal's native porters not included.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuart_gottlieb Posted January 22, 2004 Share Posted January 22, 2004 If found please follow the following instuctions for it's use.1)DO NOT use in public.2)DO NOT use in a third world country.3)DO NOT wear camo.type clothing.4)DO NOT point it at anyone who has a weapon.5)DO NOT use it any where near an airport or military base.Following these careful instructions for the safe use of the 800mm.F6.3 telyt.When it was designed and made, the world seemed to be a much more sane place.Today,it would be mistaken for a SAM launcher or an RPG.Ruins your day to have bullets removed from your backside for just taking photos.In trueth,the pictures I saw from it where pretty good as long as it was a cool day and no wind atmospheric haze played havoc with this lens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
georg_s1 Posted January 22, 2004 Share Posted January 22, 2004 RokkorFan, a Telyt-S 800 with original case was sold for 3010 euros (*bay Germany, late November 2003). The seller described this lens as absolute clean with tiny scratches where you mount the tripod. I saved the *bay-page as pdf - mail me if You are interested. Excuse my poor English, Georg. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sal dimarco Posted January 22, 2004 Share Posted January 22, 2004 To add my two cents worth.... Al Kaplan was correct, under the original Leitz/Minolta agreement. Leica offer their 800mm f/6.3 Telyt-S in a Minolta mount and Minolta offered their 800mm f/8 Mirror-Rokkor in a Leicaflex SL-2 mount. I do not think Leica ever sold any 800mm lenses in a Minolta mount. A few 800mm Mirror-Rokkors do exist. Many years ago, a dear firend of mine bought an 800mm Telyt-s lens. I won't tell you the price, you'll cry. He made his reputation in the Associated Press photos with this lens. We worked a political convention together one year and I had a chance to shoot a roll with his lens and compare it to my Canon 800mm f/5.6 in a Leica R mount. The Telyt was as sharp at the Canon but it had a slight edge on contrast and obviously the color balance was an exact match to other Leica lenses. My Canon was a tiny bit warmer. I came to the conclusion while the Telyt was a better lens, it wasn't that much superior for invest $5,000.00 for me to get one. Happy Snaps, Sal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerry cabluck Posted January 22, 2004 Share Posted January 22, 2004 Well said Sal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mskovacs Posted January 22, 2004 Share Posted January 22, 2004 Nah its puny compared to the <a href=http://www.ozdoba.net/nikon/nikon_superzoom.html>Nikon 1200-1700/5.6-8 ED P</a>. 880mm (34.5") long, 237mm (9.3") diameter, 16kg (35.2lb) in weight! This thing could be mistaken as AAA to a military pilot in flight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mskovacs Posted January 22, 2004 Share Posted January 22, 2004 <a href=http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/zoomsMF/12001700mm.htm>Here is a better link, <i>auf English</i>.</a> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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