Camera lenses - expert help needed

[Rob_K]

I've attached some photos of some camera lenses inherited by my stepson from his father. They fitted an Olympus OM10 film camera, and have been in storage for over 10 years I'd say. Neither of us know anything much about photography, and we'd like to know whether they can be hooked up to modern digital cameras (Olympus, or even other brands?), or whether they belong in a museum . And, if I can get a lend of them, whether they might be useful for astrophotography .

The first is a monster - I know enough to recognise it as an SC OTA, without an eyepiece of course, which was the camera. It focuses with a central grip. Made in USSR (remember that?) and the only other markings are around the front lens - "10.5/1100" (aperture cm/focal length mm?), "MTO-1000 AM" and "N813003". What would this have been normally used for?

There is a Soligor Zoom Macro, 85-205mm, F:3.8, 62mm diam, quite a lumpy heavy thing. There is also a Hoya 72mm Skylight [1B] Zoom, 28-80mm.

Among the smaller items are a Rokinon 2X Auto Tele Converter [OM] (what does this do? like a Barlow?), and a Hoya 49mm Skylight f=28mm lens (this is probably the day-to-day lens used on the camera). There are also a heap of filters, etc.

I'd stress that my son doesn't want to sell these items - thinks he might have a go at resurrecting their useful life! Anyway, the crucial information we need I suppose is compatibility with modern digital cameras. I know it's possible to park CCD chips in old camera bodies, but we won't be going that far (yet)!

Thanks.

Cheers -

[gbeal]

Rob,
the MTO is a Mak/Cass, and is quite usable. It seems (if the picture shows it correctly) to have an OM T ring on it.
If so then it will certainly fit most DSLR's, especially the popular Canon range. Try it, you may be surprised.
The others? Yes, as long as you find the appropriate adaptor, OM to whatever DSLR body you have.

[okiscopey (Mike)]

Originally Posted by Rob_K

"10.5/1100" (aperture cm/focal length mm?), "MTO-1000 AM" and "N813003".
.... There is also a Hoya 72mm Skylight [1B] Zoom, 28-80mm. ..
Among the smaller items are a Rokinon 2X Auto Tele Converter [OM] (what does this do? like a Barlow?), and a Hoya 49mm Skylight f=28mm lens

I'm no expert on Olympus lenses but "10.5/1100" presumably means f/10.5 (which in this 110cm focal length is more-or-less 10cm aperture anyway).

You seem to be reading some information from the screw-on filters on the 28-80 and the 28mm: "Hoya 72mm Skylight [1B]" and "Hoya 49mm Skylight" are filters, probably mainly there to protect the front element of the lenses.

The 2X Auto Tele Converter is indeed like a Barlow - should turn the 1100mm into a super-telephoto 2200mm lens! That's x22 compared with the usual 50mm standard focal length for a 35mm film camera, but the aperture will be reduced by 'two stops' to a measly f/20.

I wonder if that mirror lens is now more of a collector's item than anything else? I'd look on the Internet if I were you.

[taminga16 (Greg)]

Rob, I have an original OLYMPUS manual for Zuiko interchangeable lenses that I will gladly send to your son, PM me. Regards Greg.

[Rob_K]

Thanks for your offer Greg - have PM'd you. And to Gary & Mike, thanks very much for the information. IIS is a great forum, because there's so much knowledge out there that people are happy to share. And yes Mike, I did get the info off the filters! Anyway, as you suggested I did a search - your term "mirror lens" was invaluable, and opened up a wealth of information. The brand is MTO, and this company was the first to bring mirror lenses onto the market. Russian mirror lenses are looked upon as a bit 'down market' in some quarters, but other people swear by their quality.

Anyway, the interesting news is that 1.25" visual backs are available for MTO mirror lenses, meaning that for a few extra bob my son could have a nice little Mak Cass telescope if all else failed! Link is:
http://www.telescope-service.com/mak...O1000Zubehoehr

Still used in telephoto photography, although 500mm/f8 seems the most popular. Even found a site with MTO 1000mm/f10 photography, mostly lunar, some terrestrial etc:
http://api.flickr.com/services/feeds...format=rss_200

So there you go! Seek and ye shall find! Thanks again -

Cheers -

Rob