I thought it might be helpful to compile a few images of the aforementioned variations of this Spiratone 18mm. The images below are not my own, but simply ones I have found across the web from forums to eBay (I have asked permissions to use these).
Here is an image of the earlier Sigma-made version of the Spiratone 18mm (with Olympus OM mount). One of the most obvious differences between the new and older design is the full circular hood vs. the newer version's dual-petal design.
I also discovered this Vivitar 17mm, which does bear striking (and by striking I do mean exactly the same) resemblance to the Spiratone 18mm here on flickr (via google).
Here is the older sigma version branded Spiratone. Notice the fully circular hood as well as the Sigma logo beside the serial. The cap of this model also brandishes a Sigma logo.(with pentax mount)
Shown below is what appears to be another version of this lens branded Asanuma 17mm in Olympus OM mount.
I will continue to update this post with images as I come across new information and unique samples.
Hey there. Maybe you can help me figure something out (because Im having a hard time doing so from the minimal findings online). I have the Spiratone YS 18mm 3.5 lens (the older one with the full circular hood) that i used with a 76 Minolta awhile back. I would like to use it with my Canon 7D now. What adapter(s)/Mount(s) do i need to do this? Ive read about T/T2 mounts, YS mounts, M42, etc, but none of this makes sense to me. Any help or links to whichever mount/adapter i need would be awesome. thanks!
ReplyDeleteAmazon sells an adapter that would allow this lens to be used on a Canon EF mount camera. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002JX33HS/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B001G4NBNC&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=03R2CF39TJ5NWV9PETM5
ReplyDeleteThe YS mount was used by Sigma and Sun under many different seller's names, including Spiratone. When you remove this often-clumsy mount, the lens becomes a T2 mount lens with a pin for the aperture control (like the Pentax screw mount). Easy to get a T2 to EOS, and just about every other camera, mount adapter. Many YS lenses had a manual switch for the aperture control, those that don't (like the YS 18mm) will have be modified to hold the pin in fully for manual exposure control operation.
ReplyDeleteThe dual-petal design Vivitar 17mm 1:3.5 lens has a serial number starting with "37," indicating it was made by Tokina (according to pretty well-established web/urban legend). Tokina made lenses for Lentar and tons of other import brands, including some great lenses for Soligor. Who knows, maybe they were a sub-contractor to Spiratone (or even Sigma) at one time as well....
ReplyDeleteGreat post thaanks
ReplyDelete