camera

I think i'm going to buy a used camera(manual,35mm),and was wondering what focal length i should look for when i buy a lens.The camera i was looking at comes with a 50mm lens.I have some lenses from my old camera(if i can find them)but am not sure what length they are.Does a pinhole lens have a focal length?
Probably many more questions to follow after i get the camera!

 

Dangerboy,
I am going to move this topic to the Photography forum. Let's pick up the discussion there!

Harold

 

Dangerboy,
I'd say that your intended use definately will be a determining factor in what focal length lens you need to buy. My first 35 mm had a 50mm lens, but as I planned to take (prototype) train pictures, I found it to be almost useless. A good wide angle lens (28mm) is ideal for fairly close up pictures of locomotives (from Public Property ). One of my favorite choices is a zoom lens. I think I have a 28-135mm which covers most of my needs. At one point I had a 28-70 and a 70-210, but found I rarely used anything over 120mm.
Also check in the "archives" for this forum (change Show topics from "#" of days to show ALL to see the archives in any forum). There may be some good info there too.

Harold

 

I should have been more specific,Of course i want to take prototype photos,but i was curious about lenses for model pictures.I have a n scale layout that i want to show off!thanks though,i will look through the archives.

 

A macro lens is a good choice but you should be aware that there are two less expensive options:

The first is a "close-up" filter (technically a close-up lens) - this is essentially a magnifying glass that screws into the front of the camera lens. They come as factor 1, 2 or 3 and can be combined to get even closer – they also come in sets. This is the least expensive way to get close but does not offer the best quality.

The next option is to use extension tubes. These go in-between the lens and the camera to allow closer focus. These are more expensive than close up filters but offer better quality.

A macro lens, because it is designed for close up work will provide the best quality - but of course this quality comes with a price

Hope this helps you out.

 

I have a home-made pinhole lens, made from an article (I think) in Model Railroader some good while back. I can't find my copy of the article, sent to me by a friend. Focusing is rock-solid from about 1 1/2" - 2" to infinity, but you have to play with exposure times. Also some colour films don't like long exposure times so experimentation is in order. Try the MR site and search under back issues - then either write for a photo copy, or try www.railpub.com and check pauls listings. Hope this is useful

 

You can buy a pinhole lens from Walters. If you are buying used, that implies money is an issue. If that is the case, then get a fixed lens (not a zoom) wide angle; the lower the better. Probably on older lens that will work out to be 24 or 28 mills. You will use this lens the most on both your layout photo's and rail fanning. Next a macro lens. My guess is that your old lens are longer in focal lenght. I have a buddy who has "permantly" loaned me a 300 mil lens, and I have yet to use it, even though I have had it for over two years.

If I were to buy two new lens, I would get Tamron's wide angle zoom (can't exactly remember the wide angle area) of around 20 to 35 mil...and the 28 to 200. Those two lens will take just about any rail fan photos you want. A cheap but excellent quality new macro is the Vivitar Series One 90 or 95 Macro. A cheap but new very good wide angle zoom is the Vivator Series One 19 - 35 wide zoom - a great lens which I own and love.

 

Thanks everyone,that is what i needed to know.I just found a camera shop that has a lot of seemingly strange lenses and accesories that i want to investigate.