Following on from the success and enjoyment I had using my vintage lenses in Marrakesh (blogged here) I decided to invest in a few more old lenses. I’ve spent hours researching on YouTube channels, blogs and Flickr and came up with a short list of lenses that might compliment those I already owned.

So armed with a short list, and some Alamy stock savings, I’ve been scouring second hand sales sites such as Facebook Market Place, Vinted and Charity Shop websites, but I’ve had the most success with Ebay. I haven’t bid on anything and just used the ‘Buy it Now’ option for all my purchases. I decided to pay a little bit more for the best examples I could get, for my chosen lenses, and so far that’s worked out really well.

Canon FD 24mm f2.8

I was lacking a vintage wide lens when we were in Marrakesh so whilst we were there I bought a Canon FD 24mm f2.8 from Ebay. There’s not so much choice in the vintage lens range for something this wide. The lens had good reviews and I didn’t own a vintage canon lens so I decided to go for it. The lens was a 1978 version, advertised as pristine and came in it’s original box. I paid £150 but the lens was just as described and like new, despite its age. It’s lovely to use and the images from it are really good.

Jupiter 9 85mm f2

My next buy was a Jupiter 9 85mm f2 lens. Its a medium telephoto, so great for portraits but also well known for the soap bubble bokeh balls it produces when shot wide open, which is what I was after. I wanted an early version as they’re thought to be a bit more reliable, quality wise, and I found a chrome model from 1957 on Ebay. Again the lens was advertised as superb condition for its age and came with it’s original Bakelite case. I paid just under £200 for this lens. A little bit over the odds but I wasn’t disappointed when it arrived.

Canon FD 55mm f1.2

My most expensive purchase to date but this was a lens I decided I’d really like to own once I started reading the vintage lens blogs. I feel I actually got the lens for a really good price paying £211. They can go for a lot more. My version was manufactured in the late 70’s. It’s in great condition, built like a tank and very heavy. It’s nice to use although I haven’t had much chance to get out with it yet. The f1.2 will be nice. I’ve always wanted a portrait lens that gives such a narrow depth of field.

Vivitar 55mm f2.8 Macro

My final purchase was a Vivitar 55mm f2.8 macro lens made in 1980. This lens has a cult following and you won’t find a bad review of it. I wanted a macro, or at least a close focusing lens, in my vintage collection and this lens was my chosen option. I’ve only had it since yesterday but first impressions are its as good as the reviews. This lens was another mint example and cost me £130. I don’t think its ever been used.

It seems like I’ve spent a lot but I’ve ended up with four great lenses for the price of a decent fujifilm lens. I feel like I now have a vintage lens for every eventuality and I’m looking forward to using them all for my photography next year.

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All images: ©Stephen Hyde 2007-2025 – All rights reserved.