The first reason, I like the look they give.
I like the ease of use, now I’ve found zone focusing.
I follow a simple path, find the lens size I think I need, for both video and photography, a wide-angle, a 50mm, a longer portrait lens, etc.
Zooms sometimes, but mostly prime lenses.
I research, look at examples of film and photographs, I see what others post about each lens, then start the search to pick one up.

The second and most important reason for buying and using vintage lenses, is cost.

I’m less than an amateur photographer. I like video.
I can never hope to be able afford anything like the price of today’s lenses or cameras.
To be honest, I’d never spend that much on a lens. The prices are ridiculous.
Totally unreachable for most.
I can only afford some vintage lenses. Some are out of my price range.

Now I have zone focusing as a tool to use for video and photography, it makes vintage lenses an A1 choice for me.

I’ve noticed many zone focusing youtube videos, telling me how this and that modern day lens, has markings that can be used.
What most, if not almost all youtuber’s don’t realise is that without vintage lenses I’d not be an enthusiast. I’d not enter the field taking pictures and video because I’d simply not be able to afford it!

Now, with zone focusing, it’s opened up the whole vintage lens world and bridged the gap to today’s modern glass and equipment.
This and the Canon mirrorless now allowing auto ISO to go above 400, has opened the door to this amateur.
Now I can get into the world of media.

My latest acquisition?
A Chinon 50mm f1.7 lens.
There’s a video on youtube that shows how some of the Chinons make excellent video lenses. (It over exposes by a stop or two, but that’s easily fixed).
Cost: With a Chinon film camera, lens was full of dust so I cleaned it and it’s clear as a bell, price at the charity shop… £5
At this price, I can afford to take a chance.

Be well.