I hate being a cheapscape! :)

[Lonnie Utah]

The last lens I am really looking for to complete my kit is a 50mm fixed. I have been browsing the local classified adds and have found a few F1.7's on old minolta film cameras. Even though I know that I could buy the outfits for what they are ask, and turn around a sell the 50's on ebay and make money, I am still trying to haggle with the sellers. Both cameras are less that $100 US. Should I just pull the trigger?

L

PS One of the outfits comes with a SOligor 75-200. Is that lens worth anything at all?

[bfitzgerald]

Question is, do you want the film bodies?

If not, just buy the lens. Unless you can claw back some on a decent body etc.

I am pretty conservative on purchases, but even I managed to outlay the cost of a 50mm f1.7, though it was at a time when prices were somewhat better. I think the lens is worth every penny myself, I've used it a lot, it's effectively been paid for many times over, with the jobs I have done with it.

No idea on that other lens, though again..it could get a bit of cash back if you ebay it.

[KevinBarrett]

What I've found, owning a 50/1.7, is that you really just start wanting the 50/1.4. My 50/1.7 is good, it is my sharpest lens, but it is also my softest, depending on the aperture used. My biggest hurdle to getting the 50/1.4 now is that I already have a 50mm lens and want other focal lengths, besides, but then, the 50/1.4 isn't really expensive by new lens standards, anyway...decisions...

[Lonnie Utah]

Have an Appt to go look at it tonight. Asking price (with a basically worthless 3xi) $60. I will, however, be testing it on the a200 not the a900 (don't want to tip the guy off that it might be worth more! )

[bakubo]

Have an Appt to go look at it tonight. Asking price (with a basically worthless 3xi) $60. I will, however, be testing it on the a200 not the a900 (don't want to tip the guy off that it might be worth more! )

I paid $59.95 + tax for a new one in California in 1991. Assuming the one you look at is okay then, I think, $60 is an excellent price. Yeah, the 3xi isn't worth much, but it is a freebie thrown in with the lens and you might be able to give it to someone who will appreciate it or to a charity.

[Lonnie Utah]

I got it. It was my night to cook dinner so, I haven't had much of a chance to play with it yet. It came with a skylight, a 49 to 55 step up ring and a cir pol on it, so I feel even bette about things. I really like it so far....

I paid $59.95 + tax for a new one in California in 1991. Assuming the one you look at is okay then, I think, $60 is an excellent price. Yeah, the 3xi isn't worth much, but it is a freebie thrown in with the lens and you might be able to give it to someone who will appreciate it or to a charity.

Around $100 seems to be the going price on Ebay. I think I will take that body and stick the 18-70 kit lens from my a200 on it and either donate it or keep it for "special projects".

[alphaPDX]

Sounds like you got a very good deal! My copy does great work, at its best at or beyond f/2.5 but I prefer the soft look of f/2 to that of camera shake beyond SSS' capability. As I've said more than once, "it's not blurry, it's ethereal!"

[bakubo]

I got it. It was my night to cook dinner so, I haven't had much of a chance to play with it yet. It came with a skylight, a 49 to 55 step up ring and a cir pol on it, so I feel even bette about things. I really like it so far....

Yes, you got a really good deal.

Around $100 seems to be the going price on Ebay. I think I will take that body and stick the 18-70 kit lens from my a200 on it and either donate it or keep it for "special projects".

Just a reminder, the 18-70mm kit lens is an APS-C lens so it won't really work right on the high-end full-frame 3xi.