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Category: Camera Lenses

Photography Question 

Sharon
 

Quantaray Lenses


I recently purchased a used Nikon FG. It came with a 50mm lens (rather beat up, actually) and I want to replace the lens. I have the opportunity to purchase a Quantaray 38-80mm and wonder about sharpness, etc. of the Quantaray lenses. Also- is $55.00 a good price for this lens? Also having some buyer's remorse over the Nikon so would like to know if $90.00 was a good price for it used. No lens cap for the 50mm it came with - any idea where to purchase such a simple thing? How about an FG manual (paper)? I've tried eBay but only cd manual avail. there. Any help is appreciated.


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October 06, 2003

 

Tony Sweet
  Hi Sharon:

First off, the FG is a good camera and WELL worth $90, if it doesn't have any problems.
Second, avoid Quantaray lenses if you care about the quality of your images.
If the 50mm is a Nikon lens, keep it. You can get generic lens caps at any camera store.
Contact Midwest photo in Ohio, which is a huge used photo dealer, and should have some old manuals laying around, or will be able to redirect you to someone else. Do a web search on "midwest photo," and it will come up.

Good luck!


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October 06, 2003

 

Sharon
  Thanks, Tony!

Do you have any recommendations on good, sharp lenses other than the Nikon/Nikkor? What about Promaster, Tamron, etc.? Or should I stick only with the Nikon/Nikkor? Also, any idea of a good target price for a used zoom (approx 28-70mm or so) in whatever brand you recommend? It has been nearly 10-15 yrs since I've been involved in photography and it feels like I'm brand new to it!

One more question and please forgive my stupidity - I shot a roll of film with this camera and found no obvious problems with the camera. Are there any specific problems I should be looking for? So far - DOF seems fine, clarity is good, aperature seems accurate.


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October 06, 2003

 

Jon Close
  While not the actual owner's manual, there is a comprehensive overview of the features and how to use the FG at
http://mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/emfgfg20/fg/index.htm


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October 06, 2003

 

Tony Sweet
  Tamron and Tokina are highly recommended!
No idea on used lens prices. If you find something of interest, let me know before you buy it.

Sounds like the camera is in good working order. You apprear to have gotten a real deal!!


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October 06, 2003

 
- Greg McCroskery

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Greg McCroskery
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  Sharon,
A very good source for quality used lenses, as well as other used photo equipment, is KEH Camera. You can shop on-line at KEH's website. I highly recommend these folks -- I have done tons of business with them over the years and have always been pleased.
God Bless,
Greg


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October 16, 2003

 

Mark O'Brien
  The FG is certainly a good camera, and since it will use a lot of AI lenses, you should be able to pick up a used or new Tamron lens for it at a reasonable price. However, Nikon lenses are not that expensive in the used market, and a 35-105 Nikkor zoom should be obtainable used for less than $150. Start with ebay and reliable sellers and see what pops up. Alternatively, go to Cameta camera on the web. they have some good delas, too.
I'd stay away from the Quantaray lenses. They were made by Sigma, though I'm not sure who makes them now. A Tamron lens or Nikkor lens will be a lot better, and since you saved a lot of $ on the camera, buy the best glass you can afford. Some earlier Vivitar lenses are also exceptional lenses, but not all were.


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October 16, 2003

 

Ted E. Strong
  Sharon,

For manuals try www.craigcamera.com

Ted


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October 16, 2003

 

Michael McCullough
  I really recommend you stick with used Nikon,Nikkor, lenses for your FG,they are remarkable,and there is an endless supply on the used market.Sometimes you can put together a nice setup on the cheap and thats great ,you have a good body ,now you should seriously invest in some fine lenses to go with it you will not regret a choice like Nikon and they do retain there value if you do sell or trade them in the future,oh and while Tamron and Tokina might be highly recommended I believe Nikkor is a better product IMHO,have a good day!!!!


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October 16, 2003

 

Sharon
  Thanks, everybody! Lots of good info I can work with. I'll definitely check out those websites that some of you recommended. Have a great day!

Sharon


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October 16, 2003

 

Buddy Purugganan
  Yeah, Sharon Tamron,Sigma,Tokina are the alternative choices for your Nikon manual camera....Don't get me wrong NIKKOR series E,Nikkor AI/AIS lenses are the essential Nikon lenses! Most manuals of old cameras can be obtained via the websites of Nikon..or look for them at SHUTTERBUG magazines and request for them at most collector's item shops...Last but not least, its time you get an AF cam from NIKON such as the N80,F100 as you get better-they all have manual overrides and extraordinary features for any aspiring lady photographers!


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October 16, 2003

 

Sharon
  Hello Buddy,
Thank you for the great resources information. I'm not really in the market for a camera with manual overrides, though. I specifically wanted an inexpensive, manual-only camera. Once upon a time many years ago, I was a professional photographer. After having children, I realized a little point and shoot would be much easier to take around and photograph the kiddies. (I previously had 2 Pentax K-1000's with wide angle zoom and big ole' Sunpak flash units attached). Also in a serious financial bind, I decided to sell all of my equipment and I mean I sold every piece except my Bogen tripod. So, recently, I realized I was missing my Pentax's because the little point and shoot was a piece of crap. I prefer to set my own f-stop, speed, etc. Hubby knew this and bought me this Nikon for my b'day (after checking with me on quality, features, etc.) So, the reason I'm asking so many questions on this website is not because I am an "aspiring" lady photographer, but because it's been soooo long since I've done any serious photography that my equipment knowledge is rusty and not quite up to date. Amazing though, how much comes back to you with a little prompting. Also amazing is how the "classics" are always popular, no matter how much "new-fangled" stuff comes out. Blessings and sunshine upon your day,
Sharon


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October 17, 2003

 
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