Spiratone worth anything, or just crap?
Sep 13, 2017 17:10:05 #
I am coming to the end of the pile of photo equipment for my widowed friend. I have looked all over and can't find this lens anywhere. Is it any good? Anybody want it? It measures about 16" long. Has a tripod head collar.
Sep 13, 2017 17:23:17 #
Spiratone was Sigma in early days back in the 70's. On today's standards their stuff was very questionable to say the least. I doubt if that lens would sell for anymore than 20-50 bucks at the most. I would consider it a conversation piece and a paper weight.
Sep 13, 2017 17:24:41 #
I actually have one of those. Used it for investigative work back in the late 70s. It produced evidence quality photos, but nothing better than that. It's probably worth, today, less than the shipping price anywhere. Still, someone might be interested enough.
--Bob
--Bob
Dziadzi wrote:
I am coming to the end of the pile of photo equipment for my widowed friend. I have looked all over and can't find this lens anywhere. Is it any good? Anybody want it? It measures about 16" long. Has a tripod head collar.
Sep 13, 2017 17:27:36 #
It looks like Spiratone's 'girl watcher' lens. As I recall it sold for maybe $59.99 - plus shipping of course.
Good luck with your 'goodies.'
Good luck with your 'goodies.'
Sep 13, 2017 17:57:13 #
Sep 13, 2017 18:00:05 #
twowindsbear wrote:
It looks like Spiratone's 'girl watcher' lens. As I recall it sold for maybe $59.99 - plus shipping of course.
Good luck with your 'goodies.'
Good luck with your 'goodies.'
I remember the advertisement in the back of Popular or Modern Photography magazines.
Sep 13, 2017 19:21:22 #
Jim Bianco wrote:
Does this lens have a nikon mount,F (mount)? If so I may be interested.Thanks Jim Bianco
Yes, we need an image of the mount end before anyone can guess reasonable value - these days, for example, K-mount would be marginally more valuable than FD-mount
Sep 13, 2017 19:30:17 #
Sep 13, 2017 20:00:01 #
Well, my bad! Spiratone did not call their 400mm f6.3 preset lens, a 'Girl Watcher.'
Here's a link to a YouTube video about this lens.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxUXp8KJrOM
Here's a link to a YouTube video about this lens.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxUXp8KJrOM
Sep 13, 2017 20:20:31 #
Spiratone was the Harbor Freight of the photo industry. An occasional gem was found but not too often. I still have a bag full of 3 inch square filters with stackable frames. They were made by Amico. There was a clearance at the Spiratone store and the filters were $1 each.
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Sep 13, 2017 22:45:25 #
StanMac
Loc: Tennessee
That's the lens I just posted about in the "What is the longest lens ...." forum post! It was an affordable long reach lens for the skinny wallet crowd back in the 60s. Certainly not top drawer by any stretch!
Stan
Stan
Sep 14, 2017 06:15:01 #
If I recall they were T-mount so a fits all? The lens itself just has threads to accept a T-mount adapter, no auto diaphragm lever. That lens sold by many different names. I used to have one, at the time (1960?) it was OK compared to hyper expensive name brands like Nikon or Canon. They were preset lenses. That means you computed your exposure, and set the aperture manually. Then rotate the preset ring to open it up to focus and compose the shot. Then rotate back gently until you feel it stop and now expose your image. I see them on the used market now and then, and like someone said they are not worth a lot. The $20-50 range was being generous, and shipping would throw it way out of range for its value.
Sep 14, 2017 07:43:40 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Dziadzi wrote:
I am coming to the end of the pile of photo equipment for my widowed friend. I have looked all over and can't find this lens anywhere. Is it any good? Anybody want it? It measures about 16" long. Has a tripod head collar.
Spiratone, just like it's parent company Sigma, has and still do produce dubious quality glass, actually, they do not produce their own glass, the cheapest bidder produces their glass and they, Sigma, put the lens and glass together. Now, to your lens, it will make a fine paper weight, but, you can still get a few bucks for it on ebay.
Sep 14, 2017 08:16:00 #
Had one, hard to hand hold, T-mount, might be nice to have, BTW, got mine at the Spiratone store in NYC, they were out the back door of Willoughby's, not sure if I got the spelling right, one of the oldtime camera stores in the City, Bob.
Sep 14, 2017 08:33:54 #
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