Just one lens?

[Ole Tjugen]

So here's me like an a%#@#le looking for a bargain...

I just got a catalog from Calumet - they are selling new Caltar II-N 210mm f/5.6 lenses for $489 and Caltar II-E 210mm f/6.8 lenses for $289, and I'm thinking, "Sounds like a good price, maybe I should buy one - you know - for later when I need another lens."

"New"???

Then again, I'm a "Bottomfeeder"...

[Frank Petronio]

Yeah those are on the high side. You can buy the latest nicest 210s ever for the mid-$200s if you are patient. I should know, I've sold half a dozen of them for peanuts on the dollar.

Last one was a Linhof select in a Prontor Pro for under $300... grrr

[John Bowen]

"New"???

Then again, I'm a "Bottomfeeder"...

Used!!

[dpetersen]

You could't really go wrong with a 135 or 150 from the big 4 (Schneider, Rodenstock, Nikon or Fuji) in a good shutter. Either FL will serve you well now and in the future. Personally, I would not buy new as there are usually many near new examples for sale by stores such as Midwest Photo or on the internet. If you buy used, I would plan on having the shutter CLA done when you buy-that way you know where the speeds are at. Flutot's Camera Repair does a nice job for a reasonable price.

My first lens was a 152mm Ektar on a Crown Graphic. Some really effective images were made using that lens, When I sold the Crown (why did I do that?) I went with a 135mm Apo Symmar and have never regretted it. That was 15 years or so ago and the lens still gets its fair share of photon transmission.

DP

[blevblev]

I'm not seriously going to buy one. It just shows how your mind can wander when someone says "SALE"

[Lucas M]

I use only a 180mm lens and it works fine. I didn't know what lens I'd get right away either but the 180 was available used for a decent price and of a good brand, Rodenstock, so I got it. Works fine for me.
What I'd say is just get what you can. Focal length isn't that big a deal.

[Dave_B]

I also vote for the 110 SSXL. It is simply a superb lens. It is the last lens I would get rid of.
Dave B.

[roteague]

110mm SSXL.

Ditto.

[davidb]

Ditto.

ditto ditto

[Mark Sawyer]

A haiku, dedicated to those who use "just one lens":

Fine, sharp plasmat,
My only lens, forever!
(hmmm, ebay Petzvals...)