Price Check on a Canomatic 55-135 R Series

[Mackeral]

So, I was lucky enough to stumble on a stellar FT QL lot that included a wide assortment of great lenses including the FL 55mm 1.2, and the title mentioned Canomatic 55-135mm R Series lens. Apparently this is pretty rare and historically important. I have no need for it and wanted to sell it so I was hoping someone had experience with pricing it. The lens came in it's original case and the hood is included. Information is sparse on this lens so any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Dez]

The aperture stop down of the Canomatic lenses only works properly on the Canonflex cameras. I have one of those, and would be interested in the lens. Sorry, no experience on its value. The FL version wohld be quite inexpensive.

Cheers,
Dez

 

[Mackeral]

Well, I wouldn't be interested in selling until I can come up with a fair price. I'll let you know if anything develops.

 

[Mackinaw]

A rare lens indeed. As Dez pointed out, the R 55-135 will only couple to the aperture-actuating mechanism you find on the Canonflex line of cameras (though it will mount on any FL/FD-bodied cameras). Probably something only a Canon SLR collector would be interested in.

No idea as to what it's worth. I don't ever recall seeing one of for sale.

I have the FL version of this lens and, optically, its only OK. Soft wide-open, though it will sharpen up a little as you stop down. OK for portraits though.

Jim B.

 

[Mackeral]

Yeah, the data on it is scarce and nothing about price anywhere. It seems to be quite the rare find. I'm sure it's value mostly lies in its collectibility but we'll see what develops.

 

[Mackinaw]

You may want to contact Mike Otto at Pacific Rim Camera. He's a Canon SLR collector and may have some idea of what this lens is worth.

http://www.pacificrimcamera.com