Finding one in good condition for starters. And when you do they are very, very expensive. In fact even the ones in poor condition are disproportionately expensive. When you do spot one that appears to be a good price, further inspection reveals it to be in Exacta mount rather than m42. Talking of poor condition: stiff focus rings, seized or slow aperture, fungus, haze, scratches to the glass and poor body work. Unless you can service lenses yourself, a professional service will rack up the cost considerably. Yes it's nice to own a vintage lens with history but it has to be useable. The TTArtizan being new suffers none of these maladies and is considerably cheaper. Well worth the money in my opinion, especially if arty glass is your thing.

I've only just received my lens in the last 24 hours and have not yet had the opportunity to play with it properly. My good friend however, who also recently acquired one makes this recommendation,
If you are photographing small subjects, as the minimum focus distance (the only downside in my opinion) is quite long, a small extension will make all the difference.

Bottom line is, with experimentation and practice will come soap bubbles. Enjoy!

As a lens addict seriously afflicted with LBA I wholeheartedly concur.

However, in addition to the Samyang, as I already have:-

Takumar 85mm f1.8
Takumar 85mm f1.9
Jupter 85mm f2
Carl Zeiss Biometer 80mm f2.8
Roeschiein-Kreuznack Telenar 90mm f3.8
Pancolar 80mm f1.8

I reckon I've sufficient to be going on with for a little while. Don't you think:

But! Never say never. Addiction knows no bounds.[/quote]PS Oh! and How could I forget my beautiful Voigtlander 90mm f3.5

M Canon Pixma just died and try as I may I could not resuscitate it. So I've invested in a very affordable Epson EcoTank ET-1810. Comes with gallons (slight exaggeration) of ink and so far I'm very pleased with it indeed.

TTArtizan 100mm f2.8 (Faux Trioplan) Brand spanking new from Pergear at a very fair price. Beautifully made,
full metal jacket with all the benefits of the Trioplan and non of the downsides.

Can't argue with that price.

I'll certainly check them out.

As a lens addict seriously afflicted with LBA I wholeheartedly concur.

However, in addition to the Samyang, as I already have:-

Takumar 85mm f1.8
Takumar 85mm f1.9
Jupter 85mm f2
Carl Zeiss Biometer 80mm f2.8
Roeschiein-Kreuznack Telenar 90mm f3.8
Pancolar 80mm f1.8

I reckon I've sufficient to be going on with for a little while. Don't you think:

But! Never say never. Addiction knows no bounds.

No offence intended GrumpyGrandPa, just teasing. I have this lens and it's excellent and some luck soul got a bargain. Provided you are satisfied then nowt else matters.

SOLD! Me thinks you gave it away GrumpyGrandPa

Tis a bargain indeed and If I didn't already own the lovely and very capable Samyang 85mm f1.4 I would have relieved you of this already.

Admittedly If I was wanting to spend 6k on a camera I rather think I'd be looking at the latest Pentax 645.
Never-the-less, judging by some of the very enthusiastic reviews I have seen on this new Sony, it would appear it's going to be a hit. Time will tell!