Mirrror Lenses

[Ausfree]

Anybody had any experience with mirror lenses. I have been looking at this one from Polaroid to go on my Nikon D5100 for nature photography.:D

Polaroid 900mm 1800mm Mirror Lens Nikon D3100 D3200 D5100 D7000 D7100 D800 D4 689466549126 | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Polaroid-900mm-1800mm-Mirror-Lens-Nikon-D3100-D3200-D5100-D7000-D7100-D800-D4-/360617582411?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item53f67b9f4b&_uhb=1)

I understand that it is a manual focus T-Mount Adaptor setup with fixed f/8 aperture and the depth of field is very shallow. This particular lens is definitely a tripod job but on the plus size, it is cheap for a 900mm lens and also not bulky to carry and lightweight.

Thoughts from people who have used these type of lenses, much appreciated.:D:D

[bobslandies]

I still have a catadioptric Russian MTO 1000mm 1:10 that I used on Nikon Fs, but have thought about dusting it off and fitting to my D5100 when I get the chance. After fifty years the mirror has deteriorated a little.

Definitely needs a solid tripod. Occasionally was used for sports and motor racing but did take some wildlife and industrial stuff. As you say little depth of field, may be good for wildlife and astronomy though. Anything over 400mm needs a monopod at least.

Found the Novoflex Followfocus in 280/400/640mm with the shoulder stock easier to use and more compatible with motor drives.

The one in the advert is a very neat looking one - the old Russian one is 300mm long and weighs 3.6 Kg!

Bob

[loanrangie]

I looked at one of the cheap Russian 600mm ones years ago before heading off to Africa, in the end i bought a 1.6X converter which gave me a 420mm @ about F8 . 1800mm is huge but the loss of aperture would make F11/ F16 ? which may not work well with your chosen subject- plus the mirror ring effects might be off putting.

[Ausfree]

Thanks for the input, I realise there are light rings in the highlights in the out off focus background. I think if you understand the shortcomings of a mirror lens and learn to live with it, it would make a handy addition to the lens collection. No way could I afford a normal AF lens of around the same focal length.:D I have been looking around the internet and it seems the lens is either loved or hated depending on your expectations.:D I was looking for input from people on this forum who have practical experience with these types of lenses. Again thanks for the input everybody!!:D It really is a pity that the modern digital camera does not have the split image focusing assist in the view finder as did the older film type manual focus camera's.

[bobslandies]

It really is a pity that the modern digital camera does not have the split image focusing assist in the view finder as did the older film type manual focus camera's.

Absolutely, would be a good improvement when using other lenses and on other equipment!
Maybe also a swinging needle indication of ambient light level for syncro sun daylight fill-in flash (says he hankering for an digital version of a Nikkormat FTN or Canon F1):D

Bob

[Ausfree]

Absolutely, would be a good improvement when using other lenses and on other equipment!
Maybe also a swinging needle indication of ambient light level for syncro sun daylight fill-in flash (says he hankering for an digital version of a Nikkormat FTN or Canon F1):D

Bob Loved the old Nikkormats, I used to own an FT2, a solid rugged old camera, traded it in on a Nikon FM2!!!:D:D

Had the focusing down to a fine art with the split image view finder, I would focus on a line of some sort, say the edge of a persons tie or coat, quick focus turn to the left and right of focus then back to the centre of focus no mucking around and get the shot quickly before the "moment' is gone!!!

[bobslandies]

The Nikkormat (or Nikomat if bought in Japan), along with the Minolta SRT-101 were pretty popular amongst Press photographers when 35mm came to the fore, bulletproof and easy to use.
I still have two black Nikon Fs, one an FTN Photomic. All later electronic stuff F2, F3 etc long gone as too unrealiable (bit like later vehicles). I like the D5100 though, particularly the swivelling screen! Back to Nikon from Canon.

Bob

[Bushie]

.................................................. ..It really is a pity that the modern digital camera does not have the split image focusing assist in the view finder as did the older film type manual focus camera's.


Do a google/ebay search for Katzeye split focus screen, about $30 - $40 and don't look too hard to swap.


Martyn

[bobslandies]

Thanks Martyn,

Here it is for the Nikon D3100, D3200, D5100:

Nikon D3100 D3200 D5100 Focusing Screen - KatzEye Optics (http://www.katzeyeoptics.com/item--Nikon-D3100-D3200-D5100-Focusing-Screen--prod_D3100.html) $105.00

Pity they did not make the split at 45 degrees though - that would be even better as it works on both horizontal and vertical edge lines.

Bob

[Ausfree]

Do a google/ebay search for Katzeye split focus screen, about $30 - $40 and don't look too hard to swap.


Martyn Well, thankyou Martyn, I never knew one was made for AF cameras, I will have a closer look at it, would be VERY handy with the Mirror Lens.:D:D
I guess it would be easy enough to swap screens in my Nikon D5100???:D Trying to focus the mirror lens without a splitimage viewfinder was a major concern, but thanks to you that has eased my mind.

[Ausfree]

Thanks Martyn,

Here it is for the Nikon D3100, D3200, D5100:

Nikon D3100 D3200 D5100 Focusing Screen - KatzEye Optics (http://www.katzeyeoptics.com/item--Nikon-D3100-D3200-D5100-Focusing-Screen--prod_D3100.html) $105.00

Pity they did not make the split at 45 degrees though - that would be even better as it works on both horizontal and vertical edge lines.

Bob Agreed, 45 degrees is easier to work with!!!:D:D

[bobslandies]

Well, thankyou Martyn, I never knew one was made for AF cameras, I will have a closer look at it, would be VERY handy with the Mirror Lens.:D:D
I guess it would be easy enough to swap screens in my Nikon D5100???:D Trying to focus the mirror lens without a splitimage viewfinder was a major concern, but thanks to you that has eased my mind.

The problem with split prisms is that over f6 or so one half regularly blacks out - so mirror lenses are already maybe f8 and even less light getting to the prisms. Maybe the enhanced screens made by the KatzEye optics company may be better, have a read here:

OptiBrite Brightness Enhancement - KatzEye Optics (http://www.katzeyeoptics.com/page--OptiBrite-Brightness-Enhancement--optibrite.html)

Bob

[Ausfree]

Thanks for that Bob, I do remember (now that you mention it) one half of the split image blacking out. Is a long time since I used a manual focus camera, maybe twenty years.:D:D

[Bushie]

Looked closer at the Katzeye screens, $US105 is a bit exxy, but then they want you to add $US55 :o:ofor shipping. For a bit of glass/plastic that will probably weigh 5-10 grams.
Errr don't think I'll bother.


Martyn

[Ausfree]

Looked closer at the Katzeye screens, $US105 is a bit exxy, but then they want you to add $US55 :o:ofor shipping. For a bit of glass/plastic that will probably weigh 5-10 grams.
Errr don't think I'll bother.


Martyn
Tend to agree with you there. I notice shipping is expensive on all items from US, Have a look at the shipping on the Polaroid lens, I'm looking at. I wonder if you can get a split image screen from other sources??:confused: I'll look around when I get some time.:D

[Bushie]

The original ones I were found were through ebay, but are probably just a cheap chinese knock off (~$30).
I'd be a bit concerned how effective they were for fit etc.


Martyn

[Ausfree]

Here is a Chinese one with 45 degree split image focusing and free postage. :D

Dual 45° Split Image Focus Focusing Screen FOR Nikon D5100 D3100 DSLR Camera | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Dual-45-Split-image-Focus-Focusing-Screen-Nikon-D5100-D3100-DSLR-Camera-/261210045483#vi-content)

[bobslandies]

Here is a Chinese one with 45 degree split image focusing and free postage. :D

Dual 45° Split Image Focus Focusing Screen FOR Nikon D5100 D3100 DSLR Camera | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Dual-45-Split-image-Focus-Focusing-Screen-Nikon-D5100-D3100-DSLR-Camera-/261210045483#vi-content)

Bulk buy? Looks good - feedback for the seller on this item was very good, went through twelve pages and translated a couple as well. Certainly worth a trial.

Bob

[Ausfree]

Yeah, I think for twenty odd bucks you can't go wrong!!!:D

[superquag]

Apart from the previous comments (apologies if I'm doubling up...) mirror lenses as a species, give a slightly flatter or less contrasty result. This can be useful.
Also, the bokeh or the little out-of-focus bright spots look somewhat donut-ish, due to the presence of the secondary mirror. For some folk this is the End of Civilisation.... or 'whatever' to the rest of us.

Don't skimp on the tripod, as too cheap & cheerful will let you down more with a (lighter weight) mirror than an equivalent (heavier & longer) prime lens.

[clubagreenie]

I used to use a 800mm on a spotmatic for still surf photography for the above reasons, on overcast and dull days it gave better results, especially in B&W. Was great for full page enlargements for publications where full lens' would have dark areas or grain out more.

[Ausfree]

Well, I've purchased the Polaroid 900mm Mirror Lens with the monopod.:D I didn't think the tripod looked stable enough but the monopod would be handy in a crowded situation, where you need some stability. As mentioned before, there is no way you can hand hold a 900mm lens.:D
I'll look around later on for a good solid Velbon or Manfrotto tripod.:D

[Ausfree]

Also, just purchased the 45 degree Chinese split image viewfinder, I think for 22 odd bucks, it's worth the risk. :D

[Ausfree]

I have received the split image focusing screen and installed it in my camera, it works a treat.:D Manual focusing is soooooo much easier!!!:D

[chunk]

Loved the old Nikkormats, I used to own an FT2, a solid rugged old camera, traded it in on a Nikon FM2!!!:D:D

Had the focusing down to a fine art with the split image view finder, I would focus on a line of some sort, say the edge of a persons tie or coat, quick focus turn to the left and right of focus then back to the centre of focus no mucking around and get the shot quickly before the "moment' is gone!!!

Funny you should mention the Nikon FT2 and FM2 as I still have both, the FT2 was a great camera but the FM2 was even better. Matched to the Vivitar 70-210 both cameras produced great pictures.