Single in ........ (random ramblings of a lens junkie 2016)

[pinholecam]

Got to gather up some courage to do a third running of the series, especially an attempt at this year's format.
The previous "random ramblings of a lens junkie" was rather popular, so I do hope that this thread continues to inspire others to post more themselves as well as appreciate the how/why some of us use these legacy lenses.

Links to the previous threads :
2014 - http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1475299
2015 - http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1488003


The problem with "A week with.... " was that sometimes, being short of shooting time, I just find that I've not explored a lens enough.
One week, often seems ... "too short".


I'd like to challenge myself a bit more and try to learn shooting with my lenses a bit more.
As such, instead of using one lens as the main lens for a week, I will try to use it for a month.

I won't try to go for 30 pics in a month, but will just try to keep the flow going whenever I get some shots that I like.


So here goes .....


Single in ....January

Pentax Takumar 58/2



20160124-DSC09470 by jenkwang, on Flickr

 

[pinholecam]

20151229-DSC09158 by jenkwang, on Flickr

So when was the Xth time you've read that someone needs the latest and greatest AF system to catch their kids in action?
To me, action shots need not need all that.
The old saying stays true; "Know your subject"




20160122-DSC09319 by jenkwang, on Flickr

New year, new ride.
Hope I do plan to bring this bike about for some short bike tours and more photos along those trips.

 

[zaren]

great, my favourite lens/photo thread in CS has returned!

 

[pinholecam]

20160124-DSC09526-BW by jenkwang, on Flickr


I am of course 'cheating' a little here with using a 50'ish focal length over a month.
Thats a rather normal perspective and not as challenging as say using a 135mm or 14mm over a month.
But I do need to pick up some warm up time and courage to proceed with those.

That said, one just can't go too wrong with a 50mm type focal length imo.
Its just so versatile imo.

 

[Tiredofallthese]

Thumbs up....pls do share more of your secret weapons....

 

[pinholecam]

Thumbs up....pls do share more of your secret weapons....

Thanks Joe.
Hope its not just to show off lenses but to build an appreciation for lenses in all vein and flavors, plus how to try to use them as best as one can.
Not just look at spec sheets on today's online reviews.

 

[Tiredofallthese]

Thanks Joe.
Hope its not just to show off lenses but to build an appreciation for lenses in all vein and flavors, plus how to try to use them as best as one can.
Not just look at spec sheets on today's online reviews.

For you is appreciation for lenses cause u gave a good write out and photo taking skills regarding what lenses u r using. To show people what all these lenses can do/produce and the characteristics of each lenses. Is all about you and the lenses but not based on others people review etc. I do hope that i could write and take good photos like u hahaha...while if owe so many rare lenses but just for display, what is the point/purpose right? Don't let it shy but let it shine bro....thx for making this thread. Thumbs up!!!

 

[pinholecam]

20160124-DSC09539 by jenkwang, on Flickr

The only 50mm lens for the SLR that is of the Sonnar design.

One thing about the Sonnar design, I think the performance and wide open bokeh becomes better, more controlled as the focal length gets longer.
The ltm J3 50/1.5 and Nikkor 50/1.4 both seem 'strained' at wide open in these aspects especially when used for full body shot distances.
The 58mm Takumar does seem to exhibit a bit more control, which is what I really like about it.
Sonnar characteristics with some control.

Of course it gets better with 85mm, and straight out good with the 105mm, 135mm and 180mm Sonnars, imo.

 

[Tiredofallthese]

https://flic.kr/p/DjexYF
20160124-DSC09539 by jenkwang, on Flickr

The only 50mm lens for the SLR that is of the Sonnar design.

One thing about the Sonnar design, I think the performance and wide open bokeh becomes better, more controlled as the focal length gets longer.
The ltm J3 50/1.5 and Nikkor 50/1.4 both seem 'strained' at wide open in these aspects especially when used for full body shot distances.
The 58mm Takumar does seem to exhibit a bit more control, which is what I really like about it.
Sonnar characteristics with some control.

Of course it gets better with 85mm, and straight out good with the 105mm, 135mm and 180mm Sonnars, imo.

I love this...pop pop pop

 

[Nikonzen]

Sonnarlicious!

 

[wonglp]

20151229-DSC09158 by jenkwang, on Flickr

So when was the Xth time you've read that someone needs the latest and greatest AF system to catch their kids in action?
To me, action shots need not need all that.
The old saying stays true; "Know your subject"

Decisive moment shot, good to see your junkie thread back , Happy New Year Huat Arh Bro!

 

[pinholecam]

20160124-DSC09324 by jenkwang, on Flickr

Portrait distance (head shots) come easy for the 58mm focal length.
Its this working distance that I generally find that the 50mm lenses shine.

 

[pinholecam]

Spirit of a Young Lady by jenkwang, on Flickr


The 50mm focal length (58mm in this case) is just my most comfortable focal length to use.
Be it reportage style (with a more stopped down aperture) to a portrait, to isolation.

 

[Tiredofallthese]

https://flic.kr/p/Dcyfva
Spirit of a Young Lady by jenkwang, on Flickr

The 50mm focal length (58mm in this case) is just my most comfortable focal length to use.
Be it reportage style (with a more stopped down aperture) to a portrait, to isolation.

Another pop pop pop....it the lens, it the pp.....It photography skill.....nice jk...

 

[pinholecam]

Another pop pop pop....it the lens, it the pp.....It photography skill.....nice jk...

Thanks Joe, glad you like the picts.

 

[wonglp]

Time to put these K lenses onto the new K1 perhaps ?

 

[pinholecam]

Time to put these K lenses onto the new K1 perhaps ?

Certainly so, especially those AF primes.
Its been a long time waiting....

 

[pinholecam]

There is that good central sharpness (esp stopped down by one stop), that bit or shifty/swirly bokeh the focus falloff with the field curvature that makes me like the lens very much.
If accessed only tecnically, all these are 'flaws'.
But its relevance to a picture, its what such lenses impart to an image, that is more than just having a lens that is technically correct.



Bearers of legacy by jenkwang, on Flickr

 

[pinholecam]

20160124-DSC09638 by jenkwang, on Flickr

There is a learning curve in using some legacy lenses.
Certainly the case for Sonnar lenses.

Such a lens a week or month exercises do help.
Not only to get used to the focal length, but also to have a gauge of the sweet spots at various apertures (ie. focus distances, f-stop to give better overall sharpness, bokeh situations, etc)

 

[pinholecam]

Time really files, its already a month and seems I got very little done.
A load of work and a revival in distance cycling certainly does not help.

Perhaps all is good that I just take an easier pace with the lens of the month
and just make the best of it......

Vue over the viewers by jenkwang, on Flickr