Telyt 200 f4.5: a venerable treasure (pic)

[Artichoke]

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I stumbled across this lens for the Viso at my local camera shop and got it for what I felt was a bargain price

the glass looked in good shape and I was very impressed with the aperture, which is perfectly round and smooth in operation ...I love apertures that don't click and allow for smooth adjustment ...clearly they don't make them like this anymore

I realize that the Putts compendium does not rate this old lens well, but the results I have gotten from it with my M8 are delightful ...here is an example

 

 

I also did some simple test photographs with it and am delighted with its sharpness

while a bit long on the M8 with its adapter, it is still a great deal less a load than any of my 200 mm lenses on my DSLR and seems a good performer optically ...here is a link to these "test" photographs Leica M8 photographs Photo Gallery by Artichoke Vinagrette at pbase.com

I also wonder if the glass used in this old lens might filter more IR than modern lenses, as I find foliage greens with it pleasing, though this may be may initial buyers infatuation

I have a larger version of this photograph here

Leica M8 photographs Photo Gallery by Artichoke Vinagrette at pbase.com

for me, one of the joys of owning an M8 is being able to use older lenses ...the Viso is a wondrous device that gives the M8 far great utility ...thanks to all here who have helped me learn about this great legacy

[luigi bertolotti]

...20 - 25 days max and I have my M8... so, thanks Arthur for your impressions, for they enforcered the feeling I did not do a stupid buy with M8... I have the Telyt 20 cm 4,5, and I confess that in the old lenses I counted on to rejuvenate, using them on M8, this venerable Tele was not at the center of my thoughts... I thought more of the 280... but 20 4,5 is so a nice old time lens (smooth, small but massive) that I am very happy to know I will enjoy it on M8.

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[flavio]

Arthur,

the cat looking is almost incredible. Congratulations not just for the lens and camera but for the time of your shot, too (and a kiss for the lovely cat)!