{"id":114519,"date":"2019-06-10T07:00:05","date_gmt":"2019-06-10T12:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/?p=114519"},"modified":"2019-06-06T15:48:46","modified_gmt":"2019-06-06T20:48:46","slug":"finding-using-vintage-lenses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/finding-using-vintage-lenses\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to Find Vintage Lenses (and Tips on How to Use Them)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Let’s take a look at some creative and affordable options into finding, purchasing, and utilizing vintage lenses in your film and video projects.<\/h2>\n

I recently went to a filmmaker meetup in Austin, Texas, to chat and hang out with some other videographers, documentarians, and film professionals. I\u2019d been several times before, but was looking forward to this meetup because many of us were planning to bring our cameras and share our go-to lenses, gear, and favorite build-outs.<\/p>\n

While it was cool to try out some different rigs and talk shop with how others had problem-solved many of the same camera and lens issues (for their unique production experiences), one of the most intriguing aspects about the event was checking out everyone\u2019s go-to lenses.<\/p>\n

And a surprising amount of those lenses were vintage.<\/p>\n

Now, I\u2019ve shot on vintage lenses several times. However, I don\u2019t own any myself. But to hear everyone talk, more often than not their prize lens possession was a cool vintage lens they either found in an attic, was handed down to them by a parent or grandparent, or was purchased at a thrift shop. Several others were purchased on Ebay or online elsewhere, but the majority of the videographers had a lens with some personal significance.<\/p>\n

For those who have a vintage lens in their possession, or for those looking to get one of their own, here are some of the best places and resources for finding and purchasing vintage lenses, as well as tips on how to work with them once you have one.<\/p>\n

\n

Mom and Pop Camera Stores<\/h3>\n

If I could suggest one place every video professional should look first for vintage lenses (or cameras, gear, etc.), it\u2019d have to be your local mom and pop camera store. These shops are constantly in danger of closing down \u2014 many have already shut their doors for good. Not only should you do your duty to support these shops while they\u2019re still around, they actually can be treasure troves for vintage lenses, which you\u2019d be hard pressed to find anywhere else.<\/p>\n

Sure, there might be a mark up as compared to buying online (more on that below), but you\u2019re also getting both the convenience of walking out the door with your purchase, as well as a chance to try out your vintage lens on your camera(s) of choice. You can also spend time chatting with your resident video expert about the vintage lenses, find out more info about when and where they came from, and even advice on how this equipment might help you on your next shoot.<\/p>\n

\n

Online and Marketplace Options<\/h3>\n

\"Where<\/a><\/p>\n

Image by bogdandimages<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yet, for many, there are no mom and pop stores around the corner anymore. So, purchasing a vintage lens online might be your best \u2014 and only \u2014 option. There are drawbacks to finding vintage lenses online, namely that you can\u2019t test them out on your camera or rig right away.<\/p>\n

But, if you\u2019re patient and are willing to check back often \u2014 especially on the online auction sites \u2014 and consider making returns, you can find some quality and rare vintage lenses. Here are some different online options.<\/p>\n

Mainstream Options:<\/p>\n