Size (Sometimes) Does Not Matter

When it comes to photography, the general perception is that bigger is better. This is true for some areas, of course. Bigger lens usually means better low light performance; bigger camera is usually built for pros. But there are a lot of good stuff that come in small packages. Mirrorless cameras and associated lenses (some anyway), pancake lenses, and of course, tiny enlarging lenses.

Schneider-Kreuznach made quite a few very small enlarging lenses and most of them are really good. The 50mm f4 with 4-bladed aperture, 50mm f4.5, and 80mm f5.6 are few of them. When I tried the 80/5.6 on the Canon 5D Mark II, I was very surprised to find out how good it is. Enlarging lenses are optimized for close up use, but even at infinity, the lens is extremely sharp, from corner to corner on full frame. Not too many lenses can make that claim, and let's not forget that tiny enlarging lenses like this are extremely cheap in the used market. Admittedly, the use of this lens is kind of limited. Even though the focal length is good for portrait, but the small maximum aperture makes it unsuitable if you want shallow depth of field. It's not long enough as a telephoto lens, but if you do make use of it, the optical quality is simply amazing, especially when stopped down to around f8 or f11.

If you like to fiddle with old stuff, it might be worth the $5 to pick one up in the flea market, or photo show. This focal length and the 75mm, is about the shortest focal length you can use on the Canon EOS mount and still get infinity focus. Anything shorter can only be used as macro lenses with a bellows on EOS.

Small Wonder next to a penny - Photo taken with 5D II & EF 40mm f2.8 STM. Click for larger.

On the helicoid - Photo taken with 5D II & EF 40mm f2.8 STM. Click for larger.

New BridgePoint Hospital in the evening. Canon 5D II & Schneider Componon 80mm f5.6. 

Silhouette - Canon 5D II & Schneider Componon 80mm f5.6. 

Vivitar 28mm f2 - Sample Pictures

Vivitar sometimes designed a lens and have it manufactured by more than one company. This is true for many lenses in the 24mm and 28mm focal length. This particular 28mm f2 in Canon FD mount with a 49mm filter thread was made by Komine, one of my favourite manufacturers. I had a Vivitar 24mm f2 at one time and it looked almost identical to this lens; both having the same filter size. There are at least two versions of this lens; one has a 55mm filter thread, made by Kino/Kiron, and this one with 49mm filter thread.

Build quality is good but the large lens barrel with a small front elements makes the lens look unbalanced and funny looking; definitely not the most handsome lens around. One nice feature is its close-up capability, which focuses down to 0.23m with a magnification ratio of 1:5. Quite good for a wide angle lens.

The image quality is very good. Wide open, a little soft and contrast is lacking (but not as bad as the Komine made 24mm f2). I am quite surprised to find that this little lens has very good micro contrast which gives the picture its bite when stopped down. On the NEX-6, the outer edges are acceptable at f8, but not as good as the center of the image, so I presume it's even worse on full frame. Too bad this is the Canon FD version and I can't try it on my 5D II. The bokeh, to me, looks distasteful, like most wide angle lenses, but your mileage may vary and may find it nice. But not to me.

Vivitar 28mm f2 FD Mount made by Komine. Click for larger.

Bokeh - Sony NEX-6 & Vivitar 28mm f2 @ f2. Click for larger.

Bokeh #2 - Sony NEX-6 & Vivitar 28mm f2 @ f2. Click for larger.

Mask - Sony NEX-6 & Vivitar 28mm f2 @ f5.6. Click for larger.

Tree - Sony NEX-6 & Vivitar 28mm f2 @ f8. 

Canon 40mm f2.8 STM Pancake Lens

In case you haven't heard, Canon is selling pancakes, the tiny 40mm f2.8 pancake lens, that is. This is the first time in Canon's lens making history that they introduced an interchangeable pancake lens. They did designed and made some pancake lenses used on point & shoot film cameras before but not on SLRs. So what's the big deal? It's tiny, of course. More than that, it's cheap, and most importantly, it's optically excellent. The picture below shoes how small the lens is, compared to its big brother, the Canon 50mm f1.2L.

The little brother - Canon 50mm f1.2L vs 40mm f2.8

Size is relative, of couse. When compared to other pancake lenses, the Canon is not the smallest. Let's not compare it to the wafer thin auto focus Pentax 40mm f2.8 SX, it's even larger than the older Pentax-M 40mm f2.8 and the Contax Carl Zeiss 45mm f2.8 Tessar, as you can see below. When mounted on my 5D II or 1D III, it looks kind of funny, but on the small Canon 100D, the combo will look incredibly small and compact.

The three Amigos: Pentax-M 40mm f2.8, Canon 40mm f2.8 and Contax 45mm f2.8

If you haven't read Roger Sicala's test on the Canon 40mm f2.8, please do read it. Roger is a great writer and his blog is always worth your time to read. I haven't used this lens much, but for those pictures I have taken, it's a great little lens and I like it a lot. If memory serves me correctly, the Canon 40mm f2.8 is sharper than both the Contax and Pentax pancakes, especially at the corners. It doesn't focus as fast as a USM lens, and is noisier too. I don't see how this lens, which was made for video using Stepper Motor (STM), the focusing noise will surely be recorded.

Should you buy one? Yes. Sometimes when it's on sale, it goes as low as $150, not much more than the Plastic Fantastic EF 50mm f1.8, but a much better build lens, and optically better. You won't be disappointed.

Bicycle - Canon 5D Mark II & 40mm f2.8 STM @ f2.8

Birns & Sawyer [TEWE] Omnitar 200mm f3.2 on Full Frame

Not trying to start a flame war, but I do think that there is difference between full frame and crop sensor to the look of images taken with the same lens. Somehow, the images have more "wholeness" to it on full frame. Not saying one is better than the other, but different, as it should be, if a lens was designed for full frame, and is used on crop-sensor. Some of the characteristics of the lens is cropped out, but is whole on full frame. The depth of fields is also different on the same aperture; the size of the sensors modifies the depth of field.

The Birns & Sawyer (Tewe) Omnitar 200mm f3.2 was designed for 16mm, but image circle almost covers 35mm full frame format. It's heavily vignetted, but I like the effect on some of the pictures, especially when used on larger apertures. Strangely, sometimes, the exposure needs to be increased by more than a stop or the images would underexpose, even with live-view. As it turns out, this lens is usable on full frame and I rather enjoy the way the pictures turn out. This lens is very sharp even at maximum aperture, and like most good cinematic lenses, it handles highlights very gracefully without harsh clipping. Images look very pleasing to the eyes. It's almost velvety but not unsharp.

Too bad there isn't too much information on the Birns & Sawyer Omnitar 200mm f3.2 and its brother Omnitar 150mm f3. These lenses were made by Tewe of Germany. If you know these lenses, please share.

Logs - Canon 5D Mark II & Birns & Sawyer (Tewe) 200mm f3.2 @ f3.2. Click for larger.

Turns Heads - Canon 5D Mark II & Birns & Sawyer (Tewe) 200mm f3.2 @ f3.2. Click for larger.

Bike Posts - Canon 5D Mark II & Birns & Sawyer (Tewe) 200mm f3.2 @ f3.2. Click for larger.

More Condos - Canon 5D Mark II & Birns & Sawyer (Tewe) 200mm f3.2

Back to Full Frame

Yesterday I picked up not one, but two full frame bodies, out of terrible bad timing. I had a day off yesterday so I decided to visit the Outlet Store, since they still had the 25% off on everything in the store. I was expecting to see a used 5D Mark II, or an Olympus OM-D EM-5. Needless to say, they had neither, but there was a mint condition 5D Classic and I bought it.

As soon as I got home, I received an email from a 5D II seller, whom I emailed earlier, but didn't get an answer, told me that the camera was still available. That's how I ended up with two bodies. Unfortunately, the Outlet Store no longer give refunds anymore, so now I have to sell the 5D myself. The 5D II is very well used with high shutter count, but it was a good price and it came with a Canon 40mm f2.8 FTM STM lens.

Man, did I miss the wide angle on my old lenses! It's good to see these lenses perform as they were designed. A 20mm lens is no longer a 30mm mini wide angle, but a true ultra wide angle lens. In fact, the Pentax-M 20mm f4 is such a fabulous lens on the 5D II with sharpness to the corners I am so glad I didn't sell it.

One of the nasty issues with the original non live-view enabled full frame Canon cameras was the compatibility with certain lenses; at infinity, the lens would hit the mirror. But, live-view has solved this annoying problem. With the mirror flipped up, this is no longer a pain in the rear, though you still can't use the optical viewfinder to focus, but I can accept that limitation.

Well, this does not mean I am abandoning NEX or Micro 4/3. In fact, I still want to buy an OM-D EM-5, when the price is much lower.

United Metropolitan Church - Canon 5D Mark II & Pentax-M 20mm f4

Ernostar 110mm f1.9 Projection Lens - Photo Set

It's been a little while since I used a projection lens to make pictures. Though many people don't share my love for them, I find them fascinating. I do admit, without aperture control, sometimes I find it a bit frustrating as I don't always want to have paper thin depth of field and a sharper image is desirable. Complains aside, these projection lenses are very cheap and the quality is excellent, especially in low lights.

Tree Trunks - NEX-6 & Ernostar 110mm f1.9. Click for larger

Sparrow on fence - NEX-6 & Ernostar 110mm f1.9. Click for larger

Pay Phones - NEX-6 & Ernostar 110mm f1.9. Click for larger

Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f2 - Photo Samples

This Pancolar 50mm f2 is the cheaper version of the Pancolar 50mm f1.8. Both versions have a few cosmetic variations. Later ones are multi-coated. Personally, I don't know what the craziness is with Pancolar lenses, as their prices are much higher than the garden variety Pantacon 50mm f1.8. I admit, I like the Pentacon 50mm f1.8, and I still have a few sitting around somewhere. Perhaps some day, I will shoot the same subject/scene with both lenses and see if there are any differences between them.

Aside from the optical aspect of the lens, it has the typical built quality of the zebra version of the Pentacon 50mm f1.8. This one is in great condition, although the focusing ring is a bit dry; no doubt due to the aging grease. The elements are pretty clean for such an old lens. No hazy stuff inside, which is really nice.

The series of pictures below were taken inside my company's cafeteria, while waiting for my wife to finish, and all were shot wide open at f2. I can say that at f2, the lens is very usable. Not really sure how the edges performs, though. I think it probably won't be as good as a Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 50mm f2.8. The Tessar design is know for very good corners. We will see later when I get around to shooting outdoors with it.

Real Beauty, eh? Click for larger.

Boheh - NEX-6 & Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f2 @ f2. Click for larger.

Water Valve - NEX-6 & Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f2 @ f2. Click for larger.

Bar Stool - NEX-6 & Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f2 @ f2.

Algo Cafe - NEX-6 & Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f2 @ f2.

Topcor 10cm [100mm] f2.8 - First Impression

I was quite excited to try out the lenses I bought at the show yesterday, so I chose the Topcon Topcor 10cm f2.8 and took some snaps with it. Beware that there are at least two mounts with Topcon cameras. The earlier Topcons have aperture settings on the camera body, much like the DKL mount. I wouldn't be surprised if Topcon used the DKL mount as the blueprint. Lenses with this mount is to be avoided. As far as I know, there is no adapter available to mount these lenses on the digital camera. The later Topcons have an Exakta compatible mount. The two Topcor lenses I got mount fine on the EXA to NEX adapter and I think the Topcors would work with most mirrorless Exakta adapters. Since these lenses have the arms with shutter button, they probably would not mount properly on EOS cameras, as the EOS adapter is much larger (wider) and would interfere with the arm on the lens.

The Topcor 10cm f2.8 is a beatifully built lens. Aperture ring has a locking mechanism which prevents accidental aperture change. You will have to depress a button in order to change the aperture. This button is located on the right of the lens and falls naturally on one of the fingers. It's a very well designed feature. The lens is very compact, about the same size as the 58mm f1.8. Minimum focus distance is about 1.2 meters, which is normal for lenses of that era.

The colors of the images taken with this lens seem very neutral, which is great for portraiture. Perhaps it was designed to be this way, as a 100mm lens is normally used for this purpose, though a maximum aperture of f2.8 seem rather slow. In terms of sharpness, the lens performs quite well even at f2.8, definitely OK for portrait. At f4, it has very high contrast and sharpness. So, initial impression is very favorable. Can't wait to put it through some more shooting sessions.

What a beauty! - Click for larger.

Red Umbrellas - Topcor 10cm f2.8 & Sony NEX-6. Click for larger.

Cotton Candies - Sony NEX-6 & Topcor 10cm f2.8 @ f2.8. Click for larger.

Megan - Sony NEX-6 & Topcor 10cm f2.8 @ f4

New Toys from the Camera Show

I was debating whether or not to go the camera show today; last time I went, I spent more than I should and didn't get anything unique. In the end, gear addiction won, and my body had to follow so camera show I went. Met a few old friends there which was nice.  Ever since the old Henry's Outlet Store moved, those of us used to hang out there no longer see each other much, except at photo shows.

In a way, I am glad I went today. Got a few unique lenses, and most importantly, they are very reasonably priced. The Pancolar 50mm f2, which I owned a copy before but had problems, and sold it at the yard sale at give away price. The copy I got today is a beaut. It's in very nice condition and came in the Exakta mount. This lens will be a nice complement to my Pancolar 80mm f1.8.  We will see how it performs. If the Pancolar 80mm f1.8 is any indication, the 50mm f2 will be a fine lens.

Steve, who talked about Topcon lenses in the comments section of this post got me intrigued in these lenses. Ever since, I have had my eye and ear open for them and today my wish is partially fulfilled. Got a Topcon body with two beautiful lenses: 58mm f1.8 and 10cm (100mm) f2.8. Both lenses are in excellent condition. Frankly, I am overjoyed. Don't much care about the camera body, though it is in equality nice shape, but these lenses really make you fall in love with them. Steve is right, these are great lenses. I would probably try to get a collection of the Auto-Topcor and find the 28mm, 35mm, 85mm,  135mm and the 58mm f1.4 and any other focal lengths that they made.

Can't wait for the colors of spring to roll around and try out these lenses.

Three Amigos - Pancolar 50mm f2, Topcor 58mm f1.8, Torcor 10cm f2.8. Click for larger.

Leslieville Pumps

Leslieville Pumps is my favourite gas station.  For the last few years, this, and the Costco gas stations, are the only places where I get my gasoline.  Leslieville pumps is consistently cheaper than most other gas stations around my area. I reward them by buying from them whenever possible.

Leslieville Pumps - NEX-6 & Canon nFD 50mm f1.2L @ f4. Click for larger.