Day 3 on new S3, what about a 3.5?

Charlie

Charlie

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My new S3 2000 arrived this week from B&H. While still giddy with excitement, I'm already thinking about a 3.5 Nikkor or the Voigtlander 35. From what I've read, the 3.5 sounds like a very nice lens. What's a good price this? There are two currently on e-bay and one has a buy-it-now price of around $320, which is about what a new Voigtlander costs. Does anyone here have experience with the Voigtlander 35 on a Nikon?

Thanks,

Charlie
 
I have the Nikon 3.5 on my 'old' S3. I really like the lens. Depending upon it's condition, $320 seems a bit high to me since these are not too hard to find. You could check with some other places like KEH or post a WTB here on RFF. The new Voigtlander is multicoated like the lens on your new S3 so you may prefer it, image wise.
 
I have not shot a Cosina Voigtlaender 35mm on a Nikon. If its anything like my 25mm, it should have more contrast than the 50-year-old lens. The 3.5cm f/2.5 Nikkor lens is extremely sharp. The cheaper 3.5cm f/3.5 version is considered to be a lot less sharp.
 
At that price I assume it is a f2.5?

Vince is right that the price seems a bit high. I think I paid about $270 for mine back around last November.
 
That was sbug with the warning that the price is a little high. But he's right. Unless it's pristine, they can go for a lot less. The chrome versions are a little on the heavy side. The black verisons are feather-light but cost a lot more. Glass is the same in chrome or black.
 
Keep in mind, when buying off ebay, that a CLA is sometimes needed. Also, if you get a new product from Cameraquest, then you also get a handy 1 year warranty.
 
enilou is right about needing a CLA. Personally, I am very wary of ebay. I prefer reputable dealers or ideally, RFF members. Either way, get one, the 2.5. It is nice and sharp and with the S3 you have framelines for it just waiting to be used. I'm using mine in my avatar shot. :)
 
I fondled Scott's 3.5 for a little bit, and took a few shots with it on my Contax IIIa (I used my accessory viewfinder). The shots aren't memorable, but gave me the Nikon 3.5cm bug.

Now, off ePrey; it's mine I tell ya... :p

But he's right, that does sound a bit high.
 
I've been lucky and never had a problem with lenses on eBay. All of my 5.0's came with bodies (no surprise there! :) ). I bought the 3.5/f2.5 as mentioned and it was clean and clear. I got another 3.5/f2.5 with a "kit" and the less desirable f3.5 the same way. My 13.5's are all via "kits".

That said, I bought new both a 25 and 85 (two) CV's from Stephen G. and I like the CV glass.

Anyway, at the BIN price you are seeing you should certainly expect it to be in near-pristine condition. If you're unfamiliar with them, try to get a "feel" for the seller by reviewing the feedback comments - make sure the ones you rely on are from other buyers.

There are some very reputable sellers on eBay, as well as some thieves (just like in the brick & mortar world).
 
Kiu,

Thanks for the notice. I had put a bid on this a few days back and was beaten at the wire. Now have another bid on another e-bay sale for the same lens. Not opposed to the new Vpoigtlander but I've heard so many good things about the Nikkor 3.5. New is nice but they don't make them like they used to!

Charlie
 
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