Finding out specs on lenses?

[Matthew Rogers]

So here's what I am wondering... I see lenses for sale on places like this (http://www.cineused.com/lenses_zoom.html) but besides the mm and t-stop, there's no other info about there. Is there a website or book that I can get that I can find more info about them. Like when they were made and what kind/style image they produce?

Thanks,

Matthew

[Zakaree Sandberg]

www.google.com


I have this used camera store by my house.. the owner is super cool and they have TONNNSSSS of used lenses.. He knows about the RED and so when I get mine.. hes gunna let me cruise in and test all of the lenses out (Nikon of course)

[Alexis Hanawalt]

I spent some time looking for such a book and I'm pretty sure there isn't one. I'm surprised though, because there aren't THAT many lenses out there - and there are already breakdowns of just about every camera that exists in the Cinematographer's Manual - seems like some geek would have done the same thing for lenses by now.

I found that looking around the web at different sites selling lenses, asking about things on the cinematography.com forum - and checking out the relative rental prices of lenses from the major rental houses - eventually you get the idea. Back issues of AC can tell you what movies were shot with certain lenses too. Finally, it's good to find someone who works in a repair shop for lenses - because they've seen it all.

[chuck colburn]

IMHO, your best bet is to try talking to:

1- The seller.
2- A previous owner.
3- The service technician on record (if any).
4- The manufacturer.

Of course, not necessarily in that order.

You see, there may be so many variations in the manufacture of these type of lenses, that true specs may not be readily available to the public. There are also a lot of "customization jobs" done on them through the years, that only those who've actually owned or serviced them firsthand would really know for sure.

Pretty much just like a hairdresser.

Hi regista,

You pretty much hit the nails on their heads. Espically the "customization jobs" they can come back and BITE ya! If possible it's best to have any unknown lens (meaning one you haven't tested or seen footage from) qualified before using.

Chuck

[Matthew Rogers]

I spent some time looking for such a book and I'm pretty sure there isn't one. I'm surprised though, because there aren't THAT many lenses out there - and there are already breakdowns of just about every camera that exists in the Cinematographer's Manual - seems like some geek would have done the same thing for lenses by now.

I found that looking around the web at different sites selling lenses, asking about things on the cinematography.com forum - and checking out the relative rental prices of lenses from the major rental houses - eventually you get the idea. Back issues of AC can tell you what movies were shot with certain lenses too. Finally, it's good to find someone who works in a repair shop for lenses - because they've seen it all.

Man, that's frustrating to hear. I wish there was some resource (you'd think you could find more info from cooke about how their lines of lenses from years past.) I did find on some site that cooke didn't start making the 18-100 until 1988--which means any cooke lens with that mm is no older than 20 years old. With that news, I am now looking to buy that lens instead of the 18-55 Red lens. Of course, I still don't know how many versions of the 18-100 there are...sigh...

Matthew

[Stephen Williams]

Hi,

The 18-90 T2.8 is a reworked 20-100 T3.1

There is also a fast version of the 18-90 but it's very rare.

Stephen