INSPIRED

[FUJI]

I have received inspiration from three sources this week, the first was an online magazine article extolling the use of Vintage Film lenses on Digital cameras, the second was after a quick email exchange with BP on the subject of old lenses and going completely manual as with the new LEICA, then, lastly by Bill and his post above using a pricey FUJI lens.

All this got me to remembering that I have a growing collection of Vintage Film M42 screw-thread lenses; I use these with Ebay purchased adapters for my SONY A55 and for my PANASONIC GX7 M 4/3 Camera.

The photographs here were taken through...

1: A SUPER KATUMAR 1:2/55

2: A HELIOS 44.2  2.55

3: An AUTO REFLECTA 1: 1.8  55

My subjects aren't that interesting, the weather was threatening so I stayed in the garden:

All pics have received minimal but essential Processing from RAW' they aren't posted for subject or composition

Comments and observations welcome on the results considering each lens in turn....which one would be best to use on a fairly regular basis if I choose to go totally manual?

I can encourage anyone with a M 4/3 rds Camera to try using Vintage lenses...those with DSLRs need to read up on which oldies are suitable....

FUJI

[Black Pearl]

Fantastic images Fooj.

I think the key is to have a range of options to shoot with and to always try something new.....or in this case old. Modern lenses like Bill's new 23mm and my 35mm are your bread and butter shooters, they're super sharp, the AF is useful, they're well corrected and they have very controlled OOF rendering. You put them on when the shot counts and you need a consistent and predictable result. Contrast that with older glass which may have flaws, but those very flaws are what give them character.

[FUJI]

18 minutes ago, Black Pearl said:

Fantastic images Fooj.

I think the key is to have a range of options to shoot with and to always try something new.....or in this case old. Modern lenses like Bill's new 23mm and my 35mm are your bread and butter shooters, they're super sharp, the AF is useful, they're well corrected and they have very controlled OOF rendering. You put them on when the shot counts and you need a consistent and predictable result. Contrast that with older glass which may have flaws, but those very flaws are what give them character.

Thanks BP...._your observations much appreciated.

Of these shots, which pleases you most?     Or.        Which of these three lenses would you choose? 

All were fitted to my beautiful PANASONIC GX7 M4/3 camera.

FUJI

[Black Pearl]

The last shot does it for me - simple, bold, great isolation and I like the rugged OOF rendering the old optics give. 

[Korky]

Interesting stuff - that last image is beautifully simple.

Korky

[Korky]

On the strength of this thread I've bought a Carl Zeiss 50mm 2.8 lens and an adaptor on eBay. Here goes................

Any tips for use on the GX7, Fooj?

Korky

[FUJI]

An interesting comparison here......A very similar study taken through my Auto focus SIGMA 2.8-30 ART Lens wide open:

 

FUJI

[Black Pearl]

Shows the difference a few more mm's and a wider aperture can do to a shot - the one from the vintage 50mm is far, far better.