2 Classic Kits

[rover]

I proudly have taken deliver of two lenses in the past week or so which I am very happy to call my own.

The Minolta MC 85/1.7 is a lens I have been wanting for a while.



Do you do this? I knew I wanted this lens as it is reputably a wonderful for portraits. It should have good sharpness, excellent bokeh and a classic lower contrast look. Since I had the 58/1.2 though I decided to get the MC 100/2.5 thinking it would fit in a kit better focal length wise. This is an excellent lens too, but I just had it in mind that I needed the 85.



Well I gave in and found one without caps for a fair price at KEH and jumped on it. It is the older version with thick scalloped focusing ring just like the fast 58. I took two lenses out yesterday with an eye actually on the photo contest here and I have to say I am very happy with the pair. Though they seem to be too close relative to each other, I found there was enough difference in the two to make them a comfortable carry. We will see how the photos come out, my fingers are crossed, but I am very happy now that my 58 has a big brother to hang around with.

[rover]

My second scoop was a compliment to my Leica M3 kit, an LTM Nikkor 85/2.



The Nikkor 85/2 is of course a Sonnar copy and one of the lenses that made Nikkor lenses classics when it became a favorite of photojournalist covering the Korean War. Well, I borrowed one to shoot at a jazz show I went to and I just loved it. What a perfect match for the M3. Mine arrived today from Portugal and I can't wait to get it out in the wild.



Here it is with a Rigid 50 Summicron and Canon 135/3.5. The M3 is wearing a Luigi case and strap, classic items in their own right.

I am not much of a 135 shooter, especially with a rangefinder, but this classic kit just makes me feel great, a proud papa.

[PeterW]

There's something about those classic chromium finished RF lenses. Makes me wish I'd never sold my Canon rf but, like an idiot, I did.

OK, for 'like an idiot' read 'being an idiot'.

PeterW

[backalley]

very nice looking gear!
that minolta pair look so big!

i bet that nikkor is gonna be nice.

[GeneW]

I can only echo Joe -- nice looking gear indeed! Good finds, from the look of them.

Gene

[rover]

Thanks guys,

The Rokkors are a full sized soup cans, but very well made and great handling.

The M3 and friends are in my bag and will be hard to displace. I fell for the Nikkor when I borrowed one, it has been 6 months, I am surprised I was able to hold off this long before getting one.

[Randy]

Nice looking kits indeed. I like that new MC you got, don't have that one.

[herron]

That Leica M3 and those lenses have me drooling! My Mamiya's are going to be jealous when they find out! ;D LOL!

[kamera]

Nice finds on all the gear. The old Minolta MC lens are indeed rugged and great optical quality as well.

Ron H. is drooling over the Leica outfit, but so is Ron H.

Enjoy those outfits and shoot them a lot!!

Ron Head
Kalamazoo, MI

[rover]

Thanks Brian, I knew you would love the M3. You know what they say, everyone needs an....