Another Person Who Appreciates the Zeiss ZM Sonnar 50mm f1.5 Lens

 

by Reed A. George

 

The Zeiss Sonnar 50mm f1.5 lens engenders a lot of debate in the photo community. Acknowledged by Carl Zeiss as an updated build of a classic Sonnar design, it does not have all the technical performance of say a modern Leica Summilux. It does have character. I own both lenses, and love them both. But, the Sonnar has more character than the Summilux. If I want near perfection, I use the Summilux. If I'm willing to take a chance and maybe make something more unique, I use the Sonnar.

 

(Click Here) to read an account of using the Sonnar on the blog DearSusan. I think it's nicely done.

 

Thanks to my friend Bill for alerting me to the DearSusan blog!

 

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Need a Manual for that Old Camera? butkus.org is the Answer!

Image Source: http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/filmcamera/slr/nikomat_ft3/

 

 

This morning, I loaded up my first roll of film in the Nikkormat FT3 I won in the Film Photography Project (FPP) Walking Workshop last weekend. When I went to set the film speed, I realized that the indicator didn't want to move. I couldn't remember how to unlock it, but was at least smart enough to not force it.

 

What to do? Needless to say, it didn't come with a manual. Simple. There's an incredible resource of scanned manuals for cameras and accessories online at butkus.org

 

(Click Here) to go to butkus.org if you need a manual for (nearly) any old camera.

 

I found the complete Nikkormat FT3 manual there, just as I expected.

 

Whenever I find a manual and download it, I donate (~$3-5) to the site. It's easy, with a Paypal button right there. There's also a mailing address, if you want to send a check.

 

By the way, while the FT3 is simply described as "AI version of the Nikkormat FT2 (1975)" on the Nikon website, I've come to realize that it's truly the best Nikkormat (Nikomat) model for me, as it happily accepts AI lenses, and like the new digital Nikon Df, has the option of flipping the AI lever out of the way so that you can mount and use non-AI lenses. When you do this, you have to use stop-down metering, but hey, that's a small compromise. So, the FT3 is a wonderful camera to always have in your bag as a backup when shooting Nikon film SLRs, no matter which model is your primary or which manual focus lenses you're carrying.

 

Now to see if I can make any interesting images with it!

 

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Russar (Russian 20mm Wide Angle) Remake v. 2014

The folks at Lomography have been doing some interesting things lately. For me, any company that keeps film photography alive is okay. But their latest antic is really pretty interesting.

Image Source: http://microsites.lomography.com/russar-lens/

 

Lomography is producing an updated version of the 1958 Russian "Russar" 20mm f5.6 lens with what seems the perfect combination of classic optical design and modern materials and manufacturing methods.

 

The new Russar+ will be made in Leica Thread Mount (LTM), also known as "L39," which is great for us Leica users. That makes it native on the Barnack cameras, and easily adaptable to Leica M cameras. It also makes a nice base for adapting to other mounts, like Micro 4/3.

 

It sounds like they really are making some upgrades to the lens. For example, while the original lens body was made of aluminum, the new one is brass. Reportedly, it's being manufactured by Zenit in Russia. I don't know Zenit's full history, but I know from classic camera shopping that they've been around a while.

 

Now, a maximum aperture of f5.6 is a little hard to live with, especially if you're shooting film. But, that's the classic design, and one of the tradeoffs of using them. I have a Cosina Voigtlander 12mm f5.6 lens that rarely sees use because of that small maximum aperture.

 

But, any way I look at it, this is a cool development. One of my highest-use lenses is the awesome Carl Zeiss C-Sonnar 50mm f1.5. If the Russar+ implements a classic design with modern improvements in even a slightly similar fashion, it will be worth having.

 

You can pre-order yours by (Clicking Here). The price is US$649, and they're scheduled for delivery in July 2014.

 

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

Nikon Rangefinder - I Finally Bought In

I have sworn off owning any Nikon rangefinder cameras, since it means yet another lens mount system. However, I've always wanted to try one. Not too long ago, I talked myself out of buying a Nikon S3 2000 set, which was in mint condition. A reintroduction of the classic S3 by Nikon in the year 2000, this would have been one gorgeous camera. But, I didn't want a collector's item; I wanted a Nikon rangefinder that I could take out and shoot.

 

Well, I recently found a very nice Nikon S with the legendary Nikkor 5cm f1.4 rangefinder lens for a reasonable price.

 

Nikon S

Image Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikon_I,_M_and_S

 

 

Mine happens to be one of the rare "8 digit serial number" cameras. Interesting story. Nikon started the Nikon rangefinders with a serial number of the form 609XXXX, which allowed them to go up to camera number 6099999 before they had to change. Well, they liked the 609 prefix, so for about 1230 cameras (mine's number 60911216), they just added an eighth digit. So, mine's one of about 1230 cameras of this particular series.

 

(Click here) to read about the S and the 8 digit cameras.

 

I'm part of the way through my first roll of film in the S. At first, I felt that the focusing patch was a little squinty as compared to my Leicas, especially my Leica Ms. Now that I've used it a little, I don't notice much of a difference. I think I was simply trained on the Leica and the Nikon is different, not worse, especially compared to Barnack (screwmount) Leicas.

 

Of course, I found it necessary to buy an adapter so that I can use the Nikkor 5cm f1.4 (Sonnar design) on my Leica M bodies. I bought one directly from Amedeo in Venezuela.

 

(Click Here) to find Amedeo on the web.

 

Amedeo responded to my email quickly. He told me that the economy in his country is very bad right now, and finding shops to chrome plate his adapters has been an issue. He sold me one with minor cosmetic issues for a discounted price. It arrived in just a few days, free Fedex shipping. Amedeo is working on setting up his own chroming process, so maybe this problem will go away soon.

 

I've now tested the Amedeo adapter on my Leica M9, and found the focus to be spot-on with the Nikkor 5cm lens, even wide open at f1.4. Note that these adapters are for Nikkor rangefinder lenses of 5cm (50mm) or longer focal length. I'll share some test shots from the Nikkor on the M9 in my next post.

 

So, I broke my own rule and decided to give the Nikon rangefinder a try. Even if I decide I don't like the camera, I'm pretty impressed with what the lens produces on my Leica M9.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

 

Most Beautiful SLR Ever? Nikon F, Plain Prism

Image Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Nikon_F_SLR_camera_with_NIKKOR-S_Auto_1,4_f%3D5,8cm.JPG

Author: Dnalor 01

I started getting serious about photography in sixth grade, back in about 1977. My camera at that time was a Pentax K1000. I still have that camera, and it's close to my heart.

Lately, I've continued to explore Nikon SLRs, which were simply outside my financial reach back in the day. I've had several Nikon film SLRs, including an N2000, which is a manual focus SLR with built-in motor drive, an FM2N, and a few others. My most recent additions have been a pair of F2s, which a just plain lovely cameras. Both of mine have the DP-1 Photomic finder.

I've always wanted to try a regular Nikon F with plain prism. I recently bought one, an early example, from KEH. The price of the BGN condition F with prism was about $15 more than a BGN prism ONLY! Well, that $15 bought me a lot. The camera body is in excellent condition. The only thing that makes the overall condition BGN (by KEH's rating) is a dent at the apex of the prism, which has absolutely no effect on the function. I fell in love immediately with this beast from 1962. I've read it being described as the SLR equivalent of a Leica M3. I think that's appropriate. The layout of the original F was borrowed from the Nikon S series rangefinders. No electronics whatsoever. 100% viewfinder coverage. It's really very nice to carry and use.

My first roll of film from the new F is on its way to The Darkroom as I write. Hopefully I'll have some results to share with you in a few days.

 

Is the F "better" than the F2? Almost certainly not. But, it sure is a beauty, and quite fun to use. At $144 from KEH, I decided I couldn't really go wrong. This is one of those cameras I always told myself I'd own someday.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

Old Lenses, New Bodies - I'm Not the Only One

 

Lotus, by Reed A. George

Leica M9, Leica 135mm f4.5 Hektor Lens

iso 200, f8, 1/125 sec.

 

I read an interesting post by Bill Fortney, about his experience of selling off his collection of Nikkor Ais lenses at some point in the past, in favor of more modern Nikkor lenses and digital equipment. Apparently, Bill had the good fortune of being a rep for Nikon, and therefore found the opportunities to again purchase his old favorite lenses, rebuilding his collection.

 

(Click Here) to read Bill's story and see some of his images.

 

Bill now shoots a Nikon D800 DSLR, but using his favorite manual focus lenses. Not one to avoid new technologies, Bill also shoots a modern Fuji digital body, the XE-1, with current Fuji lenses.

 

I think the lesson here is that a great lens or camera is timeless. Yes, newer, even better technology may come along, and if you get the chance, you should try it. However, think carefully before letting it replace an older kit that you've been happy with, made good pictures with.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

Another Ricohflex TLR!

My New Ricohflex

 

My Mom sent me a couple of old cameras. The first is this Ricohflex (Dia L, I believe). I really have a soft spot for TLRs. This Ricoh has a light meter built in, and is more advanced than my other Ricohflex (Super). The shutter works but is a little sluggish. The lenses apperar to be in great shape.

 

I have emailed Mark Hansen (ClassicCamera@comcast.net) for an estimate on service. I've since removed the rear element from the lens of this camera, applied a very small amount of lighter fluid, and gotten the shutter back to normal. I also cleaned the lenses. It's ready to go, at no additional cost.

 

This may be a future Skeletons From The Closet camera!

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

Whole Lotta Leica - June's Lens is the Modern Carl Zeiss C Sonnar 50mm f1.5!

 

Zeiss C Sonnar 50mm f1.5 Lens

 

This month, I'm going from an old, slow (f3.5) wide angle LTM lens to a modern, fast (f1.5), 50mm.

 

The Zeiss C Sonnar is a very interesting and controversial lens. The "C" stands for classic, which means that this is a modern incarnation of the classic Zeiss Sonnar design, made with modern materials and manufacturing processes. I believe it's manufactured in Japan. To me, this is the perfect marriage - classic German design and modern Japanese manufacturing.

 

Because it's based on a classic design, there is some focus shift when shooting close up at wide apertures. This means that while your rangefinder indicates you're in focus, the lens' focal point is a little closer o further away. There is a lot of talk online about having your Sonnar "optimized" for focus at either f2.8, which is a common wide aperture to use, or f1.5, which is why many people spring for an expensive fast lens - to shoot wide open.

 

I got my C Sonnar used, so I honestly don't know which aperture it's optimized for. I've shot it at both f2.8 and f1.5, and have no complaints.

 

(Click Here) to see a shot at f2.8 on film.

 

So, wish me luck! I'm taking the M9 and the C Sonnar (only) to a weekend Leica workshop in DC. I hope to have some nice results to share with you soon.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

Here's an Example of Something I'm Considering for DMC-365

Olympus mju 2

Image Source: http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2012/12/07/the-ultimate-film-compact-the-olympus-mju-ii-by-illya-reddy/

 
Well, here's what happens when you write posts ahead of time. Two days ago, I posted a follow-up to this post, which I had meant to go up earlier. So, they're out of order.
 
If you've been reading my blog lately, you'll know that I'm exploring some changes to the format of DMC-365. One of the things I'm considering is highlighting some favorite cameras, including using them and sharing the results.
 
Steve Huff's site has hosted a very nice little post about the Olympus mju, written by Ilya Reddy.
 
(Click Here) to read Ilya's post about love for the mju on Steve Huff's site.
 
The post includes a nice description of why Ilya enjoys the mju so much, some critical review of some of the drawbacks (including the need to reset center focus and exposure, and turn off the flash, every time you turn the camera on), and several nice example images.
 
Way to go, Ilya and Steve. I hope to use a similar format to share some of my photographic favorites.
 
My wife has an old Olympus Stylus in a drawer. Maybe I'll drag it out for a weekend.
 
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