Wide Angle Fun!!

Voigtlander Bessa R4A + Color-Skopar 21mm f/4, originally uploaded by benny ng.

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,

Fujifilm GA645Zi + GA645Wi

Fujifilm GA645Zi + GA645Wi, originally uploaded by benny ng.

Two recently acquired compact medium format rangefinder cameras. For a medium format camera, these are extremely small form factor options. They even come with Auto Focus and flash! From various user reports, the GA645 series seems to be a winner, but being obsolete electronic cameras, their service life may be severely limited.

The GA645Wi is a wide angle version of the GA645i. It has a 45mm f/4 lens unlike the GA645i, which has a 60mm f/4 lens. The earlier version of these two cameras are without the i designation at the end of the model number. Basically, the difference between the newer models are the introduction of Auto DX funtion on Fuji films and a second shutter release.

The GA645Zi on the other hand, is a totally different camera. It has a 4 step zoom from 55 to 90mm! Aperture rating at f/4.5-6.9. And it even has a 'lens cap on' warning feature! Cool!

Anyway, I was intending to take it along for the African trip, but in the end, thought it was better to leave unfamiliar gear back home. Still, took the GA645Zi along and came back with some blurred shots. Oh well...

Here's some interesting reads on these cameras.

Fuji GA645wi review on American Peyote

Dan Stella's review on Fuji GA645 series

Cheers,

The fascination with Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4

Lots have been said about this lens from Leica. Many aspire to own one for the sharp image and creamy bokeh that it produces.


This image is shot with the earliest version, commonly known as Version 1. This is also available in screw mount, albeit in very limited numbers.


This image is shot with the third version, also commonly known as the "pre-ASPH" version.

Both images taken with Epson R-D1 digital rangefinder camera.

However, are there no lenses that matches up in performance? Actually, if you look around there are plenty of options available, and often at much cheaper price points too. Here are some common alternatives:

Modern
Zeiss Sonnar 50mm f/1.5
Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 LTM

Vintage
Canon 50mm f/1.4 LTM

To be honest, how many can differentiate the prints from any of these lenses or those from the various Summilux?

However, in terms of construction and handling, there is of course no doubt that Leica lenses are superbly finished and feels worthy of it's price when held in your hand. The rest don't even come close.

Cheers,

Black or Chrome

P1010019E, originally uploaded by benny ng.

Before I used Rangefinders, colors of gear were usually never an issue. For some strange reason, there is a tendency to try to match the RF gear with the appropriate finishing. So there's the usual chrome, then there's black chrome, and then there's even painted finish like black, olive or other exotic colors.

I've decided to be vain and trade out this beautiful black chrome Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 pre-ASPH for a chrome version. Basically, they are the same lens that produces the same images.

Shallow. I know. Shallow. But it's so pretty!.... Shallow...

Cheers,

(Canon 7 Rangefinder + 50mm f/0.95) X 2!

(Canon 7 Rangefinder + 50mm f/0.95) X 2!, originally uploaded by benny ng.

So Yiming got seduced. Ended up with one of these speed monster instead of the Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.1.

Check out the serial numbers of this pair of "brudder" lens!

Let's see how long he last with this. Focusing on the rangefinder ain't forgiving. Especially at f/0.95!

I give him 6 months.... Ha Ha!

Looking up

Looking up, originally uploaded by benny ng.

Hanging out with the guys again at the usual spot.

I think the patrons of Isle Cafe must be sick of being shot to death by the hordes of photographers that hang out there. Here I was trying to create a perception of depth with the use of the 'sandwich' effect. Obviously not very successful.

Shot with the Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.1 wide open on Zeiss Ikon on Kodak Portra VC.

Film is so much more challenging as there is no second chance...

3 Ladies

3 Ladies, originally uploaded by benny ng.

So I took the new speed king for a spin in Hong Kong. This was actually shot at the airport as I didn't get much shooting opportunities.

This is shot wide open at f/1.1. In the original size image, you can even see the text/brail on the two little aluminum plates!

The more I play with this lens, the more I like it.

Cheers,

What's with the old crap?

So some friends asked, after looking at some of these vintage photo gear that I've been accumulating over the last twelve to fifteen months. I think to a lot of folks, especially in Singapore, where efficiency and productively is valued, old analog technology is discarded as fast as what new gadget/gizmo the big companies can dish out.

So... What's with the old crap?

My first camera was actually a small little 110 Kodak that my mum bought for me when I was about ten. It's a tiny, all manual, no frills camera and I was so proud of it. Being the sentimental fool that I am, I still have it today. When I was about twenty one or so, my dad let me played with his Canon AE-1 and that's when I got a bit more serious about photography, albeit that it's all film those days. Without the internet or money for books, I was pretty much a self taught one camera, one lens guy. Photography as a hobby phased in and out of my life, switched to digital in 2002 and at one point, almost dumped all my old film gear as I simply don't use them anymore.

Of course, the recent interest in rangefinder gear took me back into film photography as there's only really two digital RF option, the Epson R-D1 and Leica M8. Being the gear geek that I am, the foray into vintage M39 mount optics was a progressive development, and subsequently the old bottom loading cameras.

These old crap today are no less than what they were built for during their hey days. Some of them still produces fantastic images that rivals the lastest gizmo. But what exactly is their appeal? It's subjective of course, but to me, it's a system that takes time to achieve results. No Auto focus, no auto exposure, no exposure compensation. Full manual. If you don't know your basics, you don't get decent pictures. Period. That being said, the process as well as the final result are equally as enjoyable when you use these antique equipment.

So, one thing lead to another and now, I have a box full of old Canon Rangefinder gear. Junk to many, but to me, its a celebration of the photographic process as well as a reminder of a time where things were made to last and instant gratification weren't the order of the day.

Cheers,

All hail the new speed king!

Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.1 + Leica M6, originally uploaded by benny ng.

Yup. The new Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.1 is finally out!

Due to geographic proximity, Chii Fei was the first to get it outside of Japan and I'm sure this lens will be a hot seller for sometime.

The initial impression was that it seems slightly smaller (but loads lighter) than Leica's Noctilux 50mm f/1.0, but bigger than Canon's 50mm f/1.2 LTM. I'm not sure what the form factor for the new Leica Noctilux 50mm f/0.95 ASPH will be like, but I doubt it will be as compact.

A screw on hood is supplied, together with a 58mm pinch cap. I would have prefered a push on cap like the Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.2. However, the pinch cap can be used on the lens without the hood, which makes it slightly more compact. You win some, you lose some.

Overall built quality seems quite good. Focusing is smooth and aperture click stops are crispy. The black finishing is decent, like the lighter Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 LTM. The absence of an infinity lock is not an issue for a lens of this size. Besides, some folks absolutely hate it!

By the way, there's an even bigger vented hood available for those who like their gear to be visually imposing. I'm sure the hood will intrude into most of the cameras viewfinder, especially those with lifesize magnification.

Image quality is usually subjective, especially when there are legions of Leica diehards defending the reputation of the Noctilux in their collection. In any case, as a modern lens, this lens produce sharp and contrasty images of good resolution. Color film/slide users will surely like the output from this lens. Although I think the out of focus redition is great, but I shall not go into bokeh discussions. It's either you like it or you don't.

Being the only other fast 50mm rangefinder lens in production besides the Leica Noctilux and at only a fraction of the price, Cosina really have a winner on their hands. Whilst the Fujinon 50mm f/1.2 LTM, Zunow 50mm f/1.1 LTM and the Nikkor 5cm f/1.1 may not lose any value due to their cult/collector status, the desirability of the Canon 50mm f/1.2 LTM, Konica Hexanon 50mm f/1.2 M may be impacted with the availability of the new speed king.

Cheers,

The top gadget of all time!

Leica M3 + Leitz Elmar 5cm f/3.5, originally uploaded by benny ng.

Leica M3 + Leitz Collapsible Elmar 5cm f/3.5 lens.

This is one all time classic that just goes on ticking and ticking. Although there's more than a million units out there, it's just nice to own a piece of photographic history that part of the 35mm photography revolution.

On November 20th, 2006 the Leica M3 was even voted "the top gadget of all time" by ebay.co.uk and Stuff Magazine! Quoting David Bell, Leica UK's Managing director:

"Leica is very proud that the original Leica M3, the oldest gadget in the running, beat more modern day gadget wonders such as the Apple iPod, Sony Walkman and the Game Boy — a true testament to Leica's longevity and iconic status."

So... here's my user copy of the all time classic, together with a matching lens and a quirky soft release!

Cheers,

Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.1 in M mount released!

Was trolling the Japanese sites and came across Asahi Camera's page on their upcoming June issue. Seems like Cosina will be releasing a new M mount 50mm with an aperture of f/1.1!!! Priced at around JPY 125,000, it's about 10 to 15% of the new Leica Noctilux 50mm f/0.95 ASPH!!

I think with this and the new Noctilux, the older Noctilux prices will be impacted. As will the recent insane prices of the Canon 50mm f/0.95 and f/1.2.

Styled like the Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5, the new lens will have a screw on hood and an optional vented clip on hood. Minimum focusing distance of 1m.

Focal length: 50mm
Aperture range: f/1.1 to f/16
Lens construction: 7 elements in 6 groups
Angle of view: 45.9 °
Number of diaphragm blades: 10
Minimum focusing distance: 1m
Integration range in range / ∞ ~ 1m
Dimension (diameter X length): 69.6 × 57.2mm
Filter size: 58mm
Weight: 428g

Good to know they've added a red mounting mark on the barrel, which they missed on the Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.2 Aspherical.

Shipping from July 2009. Can't wait!

http://www.cosina.co.jp/seihin/voigt/v-lens/v-l-m/50-1.1/index.html

Cheers,

p.s. This won't be the only 50mn lens that Voigtlander is releasing! Watch for the rest soon!

My new book - Leica Copies!

Leica Copies + Canon P + 35mm f/2.8 LTM, originally uploaded by benny ng.

Leica Copies by HPR, shot together with Canon P and 35mm f/2.8 LTM.

Got a copy of the out of print Leica Copies by HPR with the help of Michael. Quite an interesting read as it contains a lot of information about the other cameras that 'referenced' the old Leica screw mount barnacks. Usually, information about these cameras are pretty hard to come by.

Cheers,

New Voigtlander 15-35mm zoom finder

Focal length: 15 - 35 mm
Macro ratio: 0.22 – 0.47
Lens construction: 7 groups, 8 elements
Diopter: -1.0 – 0.3
Diopter correction: yes, standard +1.3 / -2.8
Parallax adjustment frame: yes
Parallax distance: 1 m
Eyepoint: 15 mm from last element, 12.5 from eyepiece
Focal length indication: 15, 18, 21, 25, 28, 35 mmwith crop factor for digital camera 1.3X and 1.5X
Attachment: Via accessory shoe (integrated ring lock)
Size: 42.5 x 49.5 x 65.4 mm
Weight: 98 g

Not more juggling with finders! And it has 1.5X crop for R-D1 and 1.3X crop for M8!!

I gotta get me one of these! But I don't think it will be cheap though....

Cheers,

New Voigtlander Super Wide-Heliar 15mm f/4.5!!

New lens Voigtlander again!


New lens again!

Aperture: f/4.5 to f/22
Lens construction: 6 groups, 8 elements
Picture angle: 110˚
Aperture blades: 10
Minimum focusing distance: 0.5 m
Diameter: 59.4mm
Length: 38.2mm
Weight: 156 g
Filter mount: 52mm
Lenshood: Integrated
Mount: M-bayonet
Rangefinder coupling: ~ 0,7m (depends on camera body)

Looking at the above, it's interesting to see filter threads available for 52mm filters. Will be much easier to mount colored filters for black and white shoots. Also, it's rangefinder coupled! Not critical for such wide angles, especially at f/4.5, but still a nice to have.

I wonder when will it come to Singapore... Tempting....

Cheers,

Canon Rangefinder Lens update

So... I must admit it got a bit out of hand..

I never thought of myself as a gear collector but I do know that I'm a bit of a horder. In any case, I am very much drawn to these obsolete (but no less functional) rangefinder offering from Canon.

The list so far...

19mm f/3.5

25mm f/3.5

28mm f/2.8 (Chrome)

35mm f/1.5
35mm f/1.8
35mm f/2.0
35mm f/2.8 (Chrome)
35mm f/3.2
35mm f/3.5

50mm f/0.95
50mm f/1.2
50mm f/1.4
50mm f/1.5
50mm f/1.8 (Chrome)
50mm f/1.8 (Black)
50mm f/2.2
50mm f/2.8 (black/chrome)

85mm f/1.5 (Black/chrome)
85mm f/1.8
85mm f/1.9 (Chrome)
85mm f/2.0

100mm f/2.0
100mm f/3.5 (Black/Chrome)
100mm f/3.5 (Black)
100mm f/4.0

135mm f/3.5 (Black)
135mm f/4.0

There about 9 more lens to complete the range of lenses, but actually a lot more if we are talking about a comprehensive collection.

Let's see how long it takes to hunt down the remaining lenses.

New Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f/2.0

New lens! New lens!

Lens Construction : 8 groups 10 elements
Smallest Aperture : F22
Picture Angle : 75°
Aperture Blades: 10
Nearest Distance : 0.7m
Diameter x Length : φ55 x 51.2mm
Weight : 244g

Retailing in Japan for JPY75000, which is about S$970! This should replaced the Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f/1.9 in LTM mount. Looks like it's slightly smaller and already incoporate an M mount.

http://www.cosina.co.jp/seihin/voigt/v-lens/v-l-m/28-2/index.html

Likely to hit the shores of Singapore by end August 08!

Cheers,

Contax TLA 200 Flash!

640_MG_0006, originally uploaded by benny ng.

Finally the black Contax TLA 200 flash arrived! Most of those around are the titanium color version to match the Contax G2. I got this off ebay from a German seller who would not ship out of Germany. Had to ask him to ship to Andreas Werth, my friend in Germany and he subsequently shipped it with the Novoflex bellows over here. Mounumental effort indeed to get this fella.

Anyway, the black one looks just nice on my R-D1. Now to figure out how well this baby works with flash!

Cheers,