Orion 15

[Kim Coxon]

I recently had to service an Orion 15. As usual with a lens from an FSU seller the mechanics were gummed up. As it not the easiest thing to collimate a 28/6 lens with a loup, I ran some very quick shots off on the Mir. These were using a cheap film and developed by a cheap mini lab just to check the focus. Most were shot wide open on very dull days but as there has been some questions on the FSU wider lenses I thought I would show the results. Hopefully, my Canon 28/2.8 will be here in a few days and if I get the chance before the Orion goes back, I will do a more realistic test.

The fist shot is in the marina where my son lives on our boat. The second is of the back of the house and the third and fourth are at closest focus, the enlargement is a portion of the 2700 dpi scan done on the Nikon Coolscan.

 

[wlewisiii]

Very interesting shots, thank you.

Anyone know if the Orion will fit on a Leica CL? 🙂

William

 

[VinceC]

Mine is in Kiev mount. But the glass doesn't protrude very far back into the body, so a screwmount version ought to fit most LTM cameras, or Ms with an adapter. (That's just an educated guess, though).

There seem to be very few copies of these lenses around. Mine has a 71XXXXX serial number and, if memory serves correct, is number 19 for the year.

It's a four-element design. Very contrasty. I used it as a vacation lens for several years, including our wedding trip through Turkey. Leitz made a 28mm f/5.6 in the 1950s, and this is perhaps a copy of it. The Kiev version isn't rangefinder coupled, which makes it quite compact.

 

[wlewisiii]

I've been thinking bad thoughts about that Fedka lens... 😀 I might just have to do that now that I know it'll fit both the 7 & CL. Gotta figure out where the $$$ is going to come from though...

William

 

[Kim Coxon]

Hi William,
The problem with the Orions is their cost. Fedka is looking for $249 for an Orion. IMHO that is far too much. It is a slow lens. Stepehen Gandy is offering the 28/3.5 Color-Skopar for $285 new! Bearing in mind the quality of the CV lenses, Fedka's Orion is outpriced and outclassed. If you want an older feel, a Canon 28/3.5 should also be in that ball park. Performance wise and value/$, I think the Orion should be in the $100-$125 bracket for a serviced good one unless of course you are a collector of FSU lenses.

Kim

I've been thinking bad thoughts about that Fedka lens... 😀 I might just have to do that now that I know it'll fit both the 7 & CL. Gotta figure out where the $$$ is going to come from though...

William

 

[kbg32]

Yes, it will, William. Price is usually around 150-170 US, Fedka has one available at the moment, I believe.
Plus, the CL has a 28mm viewfinder 🙂

Roland.

The lens works fine on both the CL, no 28mm finder, and the CLE which has a 28mm finder.

 

[kbg32]

I've been thinking bad thoughts about that Fedka lens... 😀 I might just have to do that now that I know it'll fit both the 7 & CL. Gotta figure out where the $$$ is going to come from though...

William

There are three on the bay right now.

http://cgi.ebay.com/28mm-f-6-lens-O...591685308QQcategoryZ30063QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ORION-15-6-28mm...ryZ30063QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ORION-15-6-28mm...ryZ30063QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[wlewisiii]

Yeah, the prices they get are a bit out of line. I'm presuming a bit of bargaining with Yuri when considering his, but still. I'd like to find a cheap 35 or 28 f/whatever that will fit the CL, but I doubt there are any cheap enough for my bottom feeder budget.

William

 

[Kim Coxon]

Actually, there are 4. there is also one in Italy which is about the only reasobably priced one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7591971108&rd=1&sspagename=STRK:MEWA:IT&rd=1

 

[doubs43]

Here's my Orion-15 in LTM. I paid $150 + shipping for it and wouldn't sell it for that. It's in brand new condition in every way.

The first three pictures are of the lens and it's case bottom while the final picture was taken with the Orion wide open against the light.

Walker

 

[wlewisiii]

Thanks Kim. I put that on my watch list. If it stays low...

William

 

[Kim Coxon]

I have dealt with this seller. My Canon 28/2.8 is in the post and being tracked 😀
The only difficulty is that he won't take Paypal so getting the funds to him could be a problem but otherwise he seems to be a good seller and very helpfull.

Kim

Thanks Kim. I put that on my watch list. If it stays low...

William

 

[Jocko]

I just want to pay tribute to Kim's extraordinary skills.

The Orion 15 Kim has just CLA'd belongs to me, although it will soon be with Jan in Canada.

The lens which i sent him was mechanically unusable, gummed up to high heaven and feeling wholly "off". The lens I received today is exquisitely smooth and feels wonderfully balanced. It is an astonishing transformation - Jan will have a real gem. And I might have a little cry!

Kim - thank you. This level of knowledge and expertise, so freely given, is what makes RFF a special place.

Ian

 

[jonasv]

Thanks Kim. I put that on my watch list. If it stays low...

William

That's a pretty good price! Congrats on the purchase, let us know how the pictures turn out..

 

[kbg32]

I have one for sale if anyone is interested? $140 shipped within the US. EXtra for shipping elsewhere.

 

[pwnewport]

Orion 15

I'm interested, Keith. pm sent.

Regards,
Peter