Monday, November 30, 2009

Leitz Summicron 50mm f/2 Dual Range!!

Recently acquired the famed Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2.0 Dual Range.

This is a really interesting lens and it's basically a Rigid Summicron (which is known for it's resolution) with close focusing capabilities! As we all know, macro photography and rangefinder cameras aren't exactly the best match.

The 'spectecles' are actually removable. Without it, the lens works just like a regular Summicron lens. Once you clip it on, it can go below the usual 1m minimum focusing distance, in this case, to about 48cm. Also interesting to note is that this setup allows parallax corrected viewing in the close focus range! The way the whole setup comes together is amazing and the quality of the construction is top notch.

However, do take note that to mount or remove the lens, you have to remove the 'specs' first. If you don't have any where to put it, it might just end up missing sometime later or be damaged when it falls out of your hands accidentally. There was some like of a carrying case for the lens and spec setup, but it's bulky. There's also a leather holder for the spec alone, but it's not easy to find.

Whilst the len was made for the M3, the close focusing function also works on most of the other Leica cameras (except some M6 with a different film chamber). It won't work on M mount cameras from other brands with the exception of the Konica Hexar. Of course the lens on its own works just fine on any M mount cameras.

Anyway, let's see how this lens performs!

Cheers,

Monday, November 23, 2009

Wide Angle Fun!!

Voigtlander Bessa R4A + Color-Skopar 21mm f/4

Decided to take some of the lesser used gear out for a spin. So the R4A with the 21mm wide angle lens was the pick of the day.

Originally, the bunch of us was going to shoot sunset in Changi, but it was quite a washout. Ended up goofing around the broadwalk and took a few snaps of each other. As usual.

Shots from this set should be up soon. Hope they'll turn up alright.

Cheers,

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

What in the world is a MOOK?


Epson R-D1 World, originally uploaded by benny ng.

I think this word only exist in Japan. It's a cross between Magazine and bOOK.

Similarly, the content is much more substantial than a magazine, but less 'heavy' compared to a full fledge reference book. And of course, like magazines, it's plastered with loads of pictures. In Japan, you can find MOOKs for just about anything. Watches, Luxury Brands, Cars, and of course cameras!

I think this must be the only publication on Epson R-D1.

Cheers,

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Here comes the rain again...


Here comes the rain again..., originally uploaded by benny ng.

This was also taken in France when I was there in October. Played with the image a bit and changed it to monochrome for the dark gloomy effect.

I wonder if I'll like the place better in summer. Then again, I probably can't afford to be here in summer given the ridiculous prices they charge here. There are many other places I rather be anyway.

Cheers,