If you want a different effect use the lens at it's widest open aperture, focusing on things that are somewhere between the closest focusing point and about five feet, and choose a shutter speed that you think should be adequate. This might be a suggested starting point for portrait photography. I don't know anymore because I have the lens permanently fixed at f5.6. It's just so damned happy there.
The lens in question is small, light, beautifully made and actually is so perfectly crafted that I sometimes think it outshines my favorite Leica cameras for industrial design and realization.
People don't really understand this lens as well as I think they should so you are in luck. There are plenty in the used market and mostly can be had for somewhere around $250, in great condition.
I used to have two of them. The vagaries of buying bundled stuff. I gave one to a friend. He loves it as well.
These lenses work best if you put them on a nice camera, head out the door and spend some time looking around and making photographs. Left in a camera bag which is itself left in the house? Not so much. What did you shoot today?
Odd but I've never had a pour over. It might be time to try. I used a stovetop Mocha maker for years as homage to my family heritage. Recently I've been using a French press because I enjoy using the plunger. I have refused to buy a home espresso machine because I'd rather watch the barista, and it's a good excuse to get out of the house even when it's -30 windchill like it was this morning. The croissant was good too.
ReplyDeleteIt all depends on your coffee preferences. I like to hand grind medium roast beans and I use a paper filter because it takes out the nasty stuff that will eventually kill you. But...some people really like dark roast and espresso grinds and I have no idea if the pour over will provide the same taste and pizzazz for espresso aficionados. Trial and error is your friend. We are in blessed harmony when it comes to the enjoyment of good croissant.
DeleteLens currently found used on ebay.ca for $344.93USD (including shipping) shipped from Japan.
ReplyDeleteMPB and KEH currently are showing the 45mm for around $300 USD, used.
DeleteThat would be $375USD for me thanks to the orange one in DC.
DeleteAlso new from The Camera Store in Calgary for $445.57USD. Oh but I guess you Americans have to add 25% to that.
ReplyDeleteShoot every day. Or print. Or archive (ugh). Shooting is the most appealing, of course. In the morning, when I fire up the computer, the first application I open is Photoshop, then Bridge. Although I usually don't start the day with photo work, it's a way to remind myself that if I have anything to contribute, that will be the form it takes. All of this impossible without good coffee, of course.
ReplyDeleteI'm a big fan of the 45/2.8. I don't always like the extreme contrast that some modern lenses produce - it sometimes looks a bit hyperreal. (The Lumix S Pro 50/1.4 being an example - it can render a slightly hard, artificial-looking image.)
ReplyDelete