Canon LTM Canon 7 + 0.95 lens

[gdi]

If a new Leitz 0.95 is to be announced, it will certainly be somewhere in the vicinity of the $8,000 estimate previously given. That shouldn't have a major effect on the conversion of TV lenses (probably $350-500) plus mount cost (estimate $275-350). At the high end, that's only slightly more than 10% of the probable cost of the new lens. That opens the field to many buyers who would be willing to make the much smaller investment in a specialty lens, that would retain a high percentage of its value.

Harry

I keep seeing the estimate that a TV lens is worth less than $400-500, but where can they be found close to that? Most I have seen in the last 4-5 months have been $700 plus, with the last I saw going for $1000. I would like to see that price, but I don't think it is going to happen really.

A new Noctilux (which is obviously just rumoring) may have a significant effect on the used Noctilux - but probably little related to the Canon.

 

[LeicaTom]

I keep seeing the estimate that a TV lens is worth less than $400-500, but where can they be found close to that?

Private sales/ Estates Etc.

The internet market for the f0.95 is all but gone, all dried up, only the greedy have them posted for outragous prices that they will be sitting around for a long time, only the desperate buy these lenses for over $1,000 - if you have the $$$$ spend it, but these are STILL not worth what most people ask for them JMO.

I see/hear of f0.95 deals monthly were lenses are still being found complete for $700 or less *offline*
(I have just been late for them dammmit!)

The "Fast" stuff is out there, I have also heard of two Noctilux`s selling for less than $3,500 as well, best bet is to buy the weird stuff from estates - I live in Florida and sooner or later a f0.95 will show up from an estate for $500 or less
(I just saw a user one that another Fla. Photographer picked up yesterday for $400 - it`s converted and on his M8 now all for less than $600!)

I just have to be patient, till then I`ll have the rest of my Canon pallet all wrapped up, it`s taken a little more than a year now but I have almost all the lenses I want for my business, personally it`s getting to a point now where it`s BORING to go on ebay and online to look for things, when you have a case full of everything you want, I guess I`m glad I`ve really put a limit on what`s the case of "what I need" as to "what I want" kinda deal 😉

Now most of the items I buy online will be bargains so I can turn them quickly or TRADE them for the few lenses or helpful nick nacks I still need to work with

Tom

 

[akptc]

You complete me ....

You complete me ....

.. said the R-D1 to my recently converted Canon 0.95 😀😀

- and I had to agree.. until I saw the 0.95 adorning the R-D1, the camera's face side always seemed somehow "naked" to me, compared to an M7 for example (I consider the M7 design to be a pinnacle of photographic gear aesthetics, btw.) But now finally both the R-D1 and I are happy campers.

a sample test shot with the Canon .95 (R-D1)

 

[Hacker]

Great stuff Andy. Can you post some pictures of the mount that Steve S made?

.. said the R-D1 to my recently converted Canon 0.95 😀😀

- and I had to agree.. until I saw the 0.95 adorning the R-D1, the camera's face side always seemed somehow "naked" to me, compared to an M7 for example (I consider the M7 design to be a pinnacle of photographic gear aesthetics, btw.) But now finally both the R-D1 and I are happy campers.

a sample test shot with the Canon .95 (R-D1)

 

[Hacker]

Hi Andy:

How fast was the turnaround time? I was told that the lens would be shipped last week. Today, I was told that Steve Serota's computer had crashed and he would be sending out the lens today.

Stephen

 

[akptc]

Hi Stephen, it took just a bit longer than a week to convert the mount. It's hard for me to pinpoint the exact duration of the service as Steve had to wait for me to ship him the M adapter and I don't recall exactly when it was shipped or delivered. Anyway, compared to other lens services I used, Steve's was lightning fast. A couple snapshots of the mount below.

 

[Hacker]

Thanks for the pictures. I'm a bit worried not having done my homework completely and instead relying on another member's recommendation. I was told my lens would be shipped last week and nothing, no communication until I enquired about another lens to be sent for servicing yesterday. I was then told that his computer crashed.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26470&highlight=serota&page=2

http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00Jups

http://www.flickr.com/groups/hasselblad/discuss/72157594401020150/?search=camera+care

Hoping for the best,

Stephen

 

[M. Valdemar]

I've used Steve Serota numerous times in the past and he also did my Canon 0.95 conversion.

Sometimes he flakes out a few weeks when he gets overwhelmed. He wants to please and promises fast turnaround, but then you don't hear from him for a week or two past the deadline.

He's one of these guys who doesn't want to say "no" so he tells you it's a computer crash, a "family emergency" or something else like that. When my Canon 0.95 was late he called me and told me he was stuck at the "dog hospital" with his pet who had been "hit with a car".

He's OK. His contact and home address are printed everywhere and he doesn't "steal" equipment.

He always turns out to be reliable and do a nice job, albeit sometimes not exactly when he says it will be done. But he's much faster than the other guys.

He gives out his phone number and picks up the phone when you call. He also advertises on eBay.

Don't panic.

 

[LeicaTom]

Hi Stephen, it took just a bit longer than a week to convert the mount. It's hard for me to pinpoint the exact duration of the service as Steve had to wait for me to ship him the M adapter and I don't recall exactly when it was shipped or delivered. Anyway, compared to other lens services I used, Steve's was lightning fast. A couple snapshots of the mount below.

Why do all the conversion people leave the back element open through the kidney holes?
Great place for dirt, dust and little animals to roost.......

I`m still an advocate for using the original Canon 7 mount and always will be, the lens works perfectly fine on a 7s or a 7sz no problems

Tom

 

[xayraa33]

Why do all the conversion people leave the back element open through the kidney holes?
Great place for dirt, dust and little animals to roost.......

I`m still an advocate for using the original Canon 7 mount and always will be, the lens works perfectly fine on a 7s or a 7sz no problems

Tom

It seems that this lens was being converted to M mount as soon as it appeared on the market.

Marty Forscher's shop did alot of the conversions at a time when the Noctilux lens did not yet exist.

 

[harry01562]

I`m still an advocate for using the original Canon 7 mount and always will be, the lens works perfectly fine on a 7s or a 7sz no problems

Tom

Absolutely, the camera is just a light-tight box at the end of the glass...

But Leica people don't like buying "lesser" equipment (read: Canon camera bodies) to attach their latest glass to, even if it's designed to work better than their M-whatever. And don't jump Leicaphiles.. I own 'em also, just call it as I see it.

It's actually a tribute to this much maligned lens that so many have been converted. For the money, there just isn't anything else like it, anywhere.

Harry

 

[Hacker]

Thanks Valdemar, it was your recommendation and post that made me try out Steve S, even though I have never even heard of him before that. It seems that overseas customers may get a really bad deal as recourse is very difficult, though not impossible. I had contacted Steamer (another Steve) and since 2006, his camera has all but disappeared. I have done lots of transactions overseas and have no fear in dealing with many folks here and elsewhere, but I Googled and am very worried by the amount of negative feedback. Though I'm eager to try out the lens, it is not a case of being eager, but being cautious.

I was given a USPS tracking number today, but based on what I have read, these can turn out to be bogus.

Hoping for the best,

Stephen

He's one of these guys who doesn't want to say "no" so he tells you it's a computer crash, a "family emergency" or something else like that. When my Canon 0.95 was late he called me and told me he was stuck at the "dog hospital" with his pet who had been "hit with a car".

He's OK. His contact and home address are printed everywhere and he doesn't "steal" equipment.

He always turns out to be reliable and do a nice job, albeit sometimes not exactly when he says it will be done. But he's much faster than the other guys.

He gives out his phone number and picks up the phone when you call. He also advertises on eBay.

Don't panic.

 

[M. Valdemar]

Don't worry. He's disorganized, not a thief.

I don't think he's ever given me a bogus tracking number. Just today I sent him a few other things to repair for me.

Call him on the phone if you're worried, he answers. He does do good work.

 

[Hacker]

I got a tracking number (notification, not actual shipping) in case anyone wants to know: CV 003 358 698 US. We will know in about 7 working days, if the lens is shipped in the first place.

Let's see how things develop further. Thanks to everyone who has volunteered to check on my item if necessary. Will keep everyone updated.

This is the item that was shipped to Steve S from Don (Star Photo 07, Ebay Item: 310038267763).

 

[Hacker]

UPDATE: I just got a call from Steve S to see how things were. He also attached a scanned image of the USPS receipt. I have now to wait and post pictures of the lens when it arrives in a week or so.

 

[Hacker]

After the call, Steve S sent some pictures of the work. I have to say that I have been unduly worried over a few days' delay and that he is very painstaking in making sure everything is overhauled:

 

[akptc]

All's well that ends well...

 

[Hacker]

Hi Stephen, it took just a bit longer than a week to convert the mount. It's hard for me to pinpoint the exact duration of the service as Steve had to wait for me to ship him the M adapter and I don't recall exactly when it was shipped or delivered. Anyway, compared to other lens services I used, Steve's was lightning fast. A couple snapshots of the mount below.

Is the hood that you have on the lens original? Also, how do you mount and dismount the lens as the release button would have been covered?

 

[M. Valdemar]

On an Epson R-D1 there's plenty of room to stick in your finger and touch the lens release button.

For an M-Leica, he give you a little plastic release tool. It's a good solution since you don't need to have flimsy add-ons on the mount.

 

[akptc]

On an Epson R-D1 there's plenty of room to stick in your finger and touch the lens release button.

For an M-Leica, he give you a little plastic release tool. It's a good solution since you don't need to have flimsy add-ons on the mount.

Yup. I didn't get a plastic tool but use a toothpick 🙂

The hood on my .95 is from Heavystar on ebay, brand spanking new.