First Impressions: Kenko TelePlus MC7 AF 2.0X DGX Teleconverter

AF-S Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED + Kenko TelePlus MC7
900mm; 1/5 s @ f/11.0, ISO 800

This year, a Kenko Teleplus MC7 teleconverter found its way under my tree.

Review: Voigtländer Color-Skopar 20mm f/3.5 SL II

I can never seem to stop looking for F-Mount pancake lenses, which are somewhat limited if you’re considering a Nikkor. There’s the 45mm f/2.8 P , the 45mm f/2.8 GN, the second-generation 50mm f/1.8, and the 50mm f/1.8 Series E, the craving for all of which has been satisfied by the Voigtländer Ultron 40mm f/2.0. It’s an outstanding lens.

2012: A Good Year for Cameras

As 2012 approaches, more and more exceptional cameras are scheduled to debut, models that are sure to delight rangefinder fans. Here’s the short list:

First Impressions: Fujifilm X10

The Fujifilm X10; The Digital Rangefinder has Arrived.

The packaging was not exactly the velour-lined variety you’d find in a Leica, but it was still definitely upscale (and environmentally friendly) nonetheless. The camera comes in a bag with a foil factory seal that cannot be removed and replaced without visible evidence. I bit utilitarian, but it was exciting to unpack nonetheless.

Apple iPhone vs. Nikon Coolpix P5100

Nikon Coolpix P5100; 1/8 s @ f/2.7, -2, ISO 800 (12MP)

So, just for a quick comparison, I shot the same scene with my Nikon P5100 as I did with the iPhone 4S. Mind you, I had to set the exposure compensation on the P5100 to -2 stops to get the equivalent exposure. This is what I came up with…

Baking and Photography

There are people who bake, and then there are Bakers. People who bake make cakes and pies, but Bakers make bread, and piecrusts. You know, the advanced stuff. The stuff that really separates the men and women from the boys and girls.

So it is with photography. People take pictures, but photographers make photographs. 

51st Street, Early Morning

1/15 s @ f/2.4, ISO 800

Samyang 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical UMC

Another extraordinary lens from Samyang…

Samyang/Rokinon 35mm f/1.4 AS UMC for Nikon

Marketed in the US under the Rokinon brand name, this is the latest addition to an expanding line of manual-focus lenses by the Korean manufacturer Samyang. It retails for about $549.00.

Quest for the Digital Rangefinder, Part III

My quest may soon be over. And Fujifilm may be my next serious camera.

Review: Minolta MD 50mm f/1.7

Minolta MD 50mm f/1.7

This is an equipment review of a somewhat different nature.

Review: Fotodiox Minolta MD-Nikon Lens Mount Adapter

Fotodiox Minolta MD-Nikon Lens Mount Adapter

My primary reason for acquiring this was to use the Minolta MC Macro ROKKOR-X 100mm f/3.5 lens that I had acquired from its previous owner. Being in good condition, and at the time the only dedicated macro lens I owned, it seemed worthwhile to put it to good use in the digital realm.

Review: Minolta MC Macro ROKKOR-X 100mm f/3.5

Minolta MC Macro ROKKOR-X 100mm f/3.5

This is an equipment review of a somewhat different nature.

I’ve found working with conventional lenses converted for macro photography using extension tubes, macro reverse rings and closeup lenses quite rewarding. However, since I do posses a dedicated manual-focus macro lens, it also makes sense to use that as well. The only problem is, it’s not a Nikon macro lens, but a Minolta.

Why Nikon?

It’s probably apparent by now that I’m a big proponent of Nikon. Not that I don’t appreciate, own, and use many other brands of camera, but many followers have asked me why Nikon is my camera of choice.

Sample Images: Conde Nast in a Fog

Four Times Square, aka the Condé Nast Building, veiled in morning fog.

Walking south along Broadway on this temperate morning, I came upon this. It had been foggy since the previous evening. The iPhone 4S camera was able to resolve all the highlight detail in the sky, capturing the fog in full detail, which was what the picture is all about.

More on Flange Focal Distances

I decided to take my research on flange focal distances a little further and add the year each was first introduced. You can see the updated post, and also the updated tutorial page.

Flange Focal Distances

The distance between the outermost surface of the lens mount and the film/sensor plane is known as the flange focal distance. SLRs typically have longer distances to acommodate the mirror, which results in larger lenses. Rangefinders and mirrorless cameras which do not require a mirror box tend to have smaller lenses and more compact dimensions.

Camera Update: Samsung NX200

Samsung NX200: Serious design, but still missing a viewfinder.

They hit the ground running with the NX100, but sadly they’ve dropped the ball with the NX200.

Sensor Size Comparison

Confused by how sensor sizes are designated? You’re not alone.

Sensor sizes smaller than small format are expressed in a ratio that describes the diagonal measurement of the frame. For example, a 1/1.7" sensor is 1 ÷ 1.7 = .588", and a 2/3" sensor is 2 ÷ 3 = .666". This gives a rough means of comparison, but doesn’t take into consideration the aspect ratio.

Introducing the Fujifilm X10

Fujifilm X10; For Rangefinder Lovers.

Well, this is not quite what I had in mind, but it’s a start. A wonderful start.

More Than Meets the Eye

It pays to read the manual from time to time.

I remember reading in the iPhone promos that the camera could be acessed quickly from the lock screen. Boy, could I have used that on my commute home.

First Impressions: iPhone 4S…This Changes Everything

Mark this day: October 14, 2011: The Day of the iPhone

My Honey and I finally purchased our first iPhones today. We couldn’t wait any longer, so we did it as soon as they were available. We didn’t pre-order them, and the whole process for three phones took about two hours. Relatively painless.

Minolta Lives

After speaking with my friend Anthony, a Minolta devotee, and learning of the genius of the NEX-7, I’m finally beginning to equate Sony with Minolta.  He has some legacy Minolta A-Mount lenses from the Maxxum era that he wants to use, and we’ve gone full circle, exploring some of the new offerings.

F-Mount Lens Formulae Comparison

The other day I decided to do a quick comparison between Nikon F-Mount lens formulae from Nikon and third party manufacturers. Here are the results…

Steve Jobs, 1955-2011

There’s a New Camera in My Future…

There’s a new camera in my future. 8 MP backside-illumination sensor, 5 element f/2.4 autofocus lens. 3.5", 614,400 pixel display display. Built-in flash. 1080i HD video with sound. Three-exposure HDR capture. 32GB on-board storage. Geotagging. All in a package measuring only 4.5" x 2.31" x .37".

Nikon Boldy Takes Two Steps Back…

Nikon’s first new system camera since 1959 features a 13.2mm x 8.8mm sensor with a 2.7x crop factor. Huh?

Nikon had the opportunity to develop a new camera system with the first new lens mount since 1959, and what did they do?…

More Radical DSLR Designs

Olympus Evolt E-330 Four Thirds Format DSLR

While I’m on the subject of early DSLRs, Here’s another design that didn’t follow the traditional paradigm…

Five Years Ago Today: The Leica Digilux 3 DSLR

Leica Diglux 3: Looks like a rangefinder, shoots like a DSLR

It was five years ago today that Leica introduced The Digilux 3…

A Farewell to Ken…

I’ve decided to remove Ken Rockwell’s blog from by blogroll.

When I was reading his recent post about the Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G, I came across this text, listed under specifications:

Depth-of-Field Scale 

Not really, just two little tits for f/16.

Besides that, his information is often inaccurate, overly opinionated, and his blog is no longer dedicated solely to photography. It’s a mash-up of whatever Ken feels is important at that moment, more of a general blog than a photography-centric one.

So Ken, I bid you farewell, and wish you the best of luck.

“If I wait for something here, I may lose something better over there.”

— Edward Weston

And Now for the Latest MFT Contender…

Olympus PEN E-P3 now has a built-in flash, but still no viewfinder.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the latest addition to the Olympus PEN lineup…

The Future of the Fujifilm Finepix X100

Fujifilm Finepix X100 Hybrid Viewfinder, in OVF mode.

So, we have two opposing forces in the mirrorless market; the APS-C Three (Fujifilm, Samsung, Sony) and the MFT Two (Lumix, Olympus).

Sony Alpha NEX-7: Now We’re Talkin’

Sony NEX-7 Mirrorless APS-C EVIL Camera

Something else for makers of MFT cameras to worry about…

The Panoramic Camera

The panoramic image is a popular pursuit in photography. So much so, that features to assist or create them are almost always incorporated in modern digital cameras.

Camera Update: Nikon Coolpix P7100

Nikon Coolpix P7100

Coming in September, the Nikon Coolpix P7100 updates the venerable P7000. It apparently improves on it’s predecessor with snappier performance, and an improved software interface. It succumbs to peer pressure with an articulated LCD display and front command dial. Subtle cosmetic changes alter its appearance only slightly.

Camera Update: Nikon Adds All-Weather AW100 to their Coolpix Lineup

The Nikon Coolpix AW100 is Nikon’s first ruggedized compact digital camera

Able to weather the extremes of moisture, shock and temperature, Nikon’s latest addition to the Coolpix line features GPS in-camera mapping and an electronic compass. With an aperture range of f/3.9-4.8 and a top shutter speed of 1/1500 sec. it has modest performance, but really delivers with a capture rate of 7.1 fps for a total of three frames; enough to get the shot under challenging conditions.

Film Galore!

Today I received my first batch of film. All fresh, with expiration dates in 2013. More is on the way. At least I dodged Kodak’s price increase this time. Maybe next time not so lucky.

The Digital Deception

For me, the jury’s still out on digital photography.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not knocking digital photography. I find it convenient, liberating and am quite enjoying my digital journey. But I must admit, the fascination has worn off a bit. Its superiority to film is debatable, and as time progresses something new is factoring in; planned obsolescence.

Holga Camera Bag

LowePro Advetntura 170 Camera Bag

With two Holgas and a slew of accessories, I was looking for an inexpensive bag to store all my Holga gear in one place. Something off brand. I even tried the Lomography store (even though that would NOT have been particularly inexpensive), but I just couldn’t find the right bag.

Day for Night: The Holga HL-N

Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Nikon D90 + Holga HL-N

One thing that the Holga HL-N seems to excel at is taking dark pictures. It’s tricky judging the exposure by chimping, and as you work your way down to the correct shutter speed, you invariably wind up with images like this…dark and underexposed.

Just What IS Normal, Anyway?

So, if the focal length of the lens doesn’t determine the perspective, but your position does, what focal length should you use? The same as your eyes? What is the focal length of our eyes? What really constitutes a “normal” focal length?

Size Comparison of Popular Cameras

Just for fun, I decided to size images of my favorite popular cameras so they are all in scale with one another. Here are the results…

The Case Against Zoom Lenses

Zoom lenses are convenient for sure, but unless you know how to use them properly, they can cause more problems than they solve…

First Impressions: Loreo Lens in a Cap

How ironic is it that the Loreo Lens in a Cap arrived the day after my Holga HL-N? And just as I was snapping some test shots on a more Holga-friendly sunny day!

First Impressions: Holga HL-N 60mm f/8.0 “Lens”

I can’t believe I’m actually writing this. But then, this is likely to be such a misunderstood product, that it bears the shedding of some light.

Happy Father’s Day, Brought to you by Holga

Holga HL-N 60mm f/8.0 Lens. Photo Courtesy B&H Photo & Video.

Well, I was right. Amongst the many thoughtful gifts I received today from my wife and daughter, was a genuine Holga NL-N.

Lomographic Lenses for DSLRs: The Holga HL-N and Others

Holga HL-N, a 60mm f/8.0 “Toy” lens for Nikon DSLRs
Photo courtesy of RamboHK

Somehow this one slipped by me. While I wasn’t looking, The fine folks at Holga began producing their own SLR lenses in Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax and Sony mounts. This is good news for me, because I have the Holgamods version of this lens, and well, it leaves a lot to be desired.

First Impressions: Voigtländer Color Skopar 20mm f/3.5 SL II

I had been fighting this for a long time. I’m a big fan of the Voigtländer Ultron 40mm f2.0 SL II, but often need a lens that’s wider. I carefully weighed the differences between the Nikkor 20mm and this lens, and settled on the Nikkor due to it’s additional speed and auto focus capability. The Nikon was also a tad sharper. But I’ve been seeing a lot of great sample images from the Color Skopar, and started to give it some thought.

Quest for the Digital Rangefinder...Continued

Samsung NX100, an APS-C Mirrorless, Finderless Interchangeable-Lens Camera.

In my ongoing quest to find the digital equivalent of a rangefinder, two cameras have caught my attention; the Samsung NX100 and NX10.

Entry-Level DSLRs Rock!

I’m becoming a big fan of those entry-level SLRs. They’re light and small, and so far beyond the quality of the compacts that they’re really relavent. They may not be as thin as a rangefinder, but when the only option is the $10,000.00 Leica M9, they start to get pretty attractive.

What’s New: Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G

It’s nice to see that Nikon is focusing on prime lenses with this new release. What’s amazing is that this is taking place in the wake of Japan’s recent crisis.

This is an important addition to the Nikon lineup, as it adds a low-cost option for DX portraiture, or full-frame shooters taking a walk on the lean side. It may however be somewhat redundant to those who already own the AF-S 50mm f/1.4. If experience reveals that the 1.8 has superior bokeh, it might give it some competition. It will be interesting to see how it fairs in reviews.

Review: Nikon 28mm f/2.8 Series E

Nikon’s smallest, lightest 28mm AI-S lens offers impressive image quality at a modest price. Fine color rendition and contrast, no distortion and surprising sharpness make this manual-focus lens a true find on the second market.

Alternative Lenses for Nikon

If, like me, you enjoy working with manual focus prime lenses, at some point you may find that Nikon’s current list of F-Mount lenses is a quite limited. While the lenses that have survived are excellent examples, they are neither economical nor compact. However, there are alternatives for those willing to make some compromises in the name of classic photography.

Happy Worldwide Pinhole Day!

Nautica: Example of Lensbaby Pinhole/Zone Plaate Optic in pinhole mode.

Today, April 25, is Worldwide Pinhole Day. I had grand plans of attempting an infrared pinhole landscape, but the ensuing rain ended all that. So I decided on an indoor still life instead.

First Impressions: Nikon 28mm f/2.8 Series E

It was always part of the plan to eventually get a manual focus Nikkor AIS lens for my D90 and N80. The silky feel of a damped focus helicoid and the assuring click of an aperture ring are a part of the photographic experience one should still be able to experience even in today’s digital world.

Adapting Other Lenses to Nikon Bodies

While Nikon bodies do not serve as an ideal platform for use in experimenting with alternative optics, there are some interesting possibilities.

First Impressions: Gossen DigiSix Exposure Meter

For me, this little gem is not so much an exposure meter as it is a Photographer’s Swiss Army Knife. In addition to being a compact exposure meter, it also includes a clock, alarm, countdown timer and thermometer.

It Feels Like a New Camera

I must say, I’ve really been enjoying the AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8. It’s given new life to my D90, and is helping me work through my “Rangefinder” phase. I’m still not out of the woods yet, though.

Voigtländer Bessa: The Evolution of Film

Voigtländer Bessa R3A 135 Aperture Priority Rangefinder
Voigtländer Nokton 40mm f/1.4 lens

It’s a bold statement, but more positive than my initial title, “Voigtländer Bessa: Last of a Dying Breed”. There are currently three top players in the rangefinder market; the Leica M7, Zeiss Ikon, and Voigtländer Bessa R. This post is about the most affordable of the three, and the best value in terms of quality vs. price.

Cherry Blossom Festival

Yesterday was the Cherry Blossom Festival in Branch Brook Park, Newark. It’s always a photofest, and the perfect opportunity to put my AF NIKKOR 20mm 2.8D through its paces.

“A Holga Camera is a study in plastic imperfection, and to use it is an exercise in breaking free from dependence on technology, precision, and uber-sharpness. The slight softness of the images, uncontrollable vignetting and peculiar light leaks create a partnership between you and your Holga. These “flaws”, accompanied by your creative choices, result in a quasi-serendipitous form of art. A Holga stretches our visual perception. Using a Holga adds another facet to the way we see the world. We notice more things, and thus we examine and evaluate their status. A Holga is an educator teaching us a new visual vocabulary with which to describe out world. A Holga is a rule breaker. To use a Holga is to utterly change the terms of reference most people use to interpret Photography.”

— The Holga Credo, from the box of the Holga 120WPC Wide Pinhole Camera

First Impressions: Holga 120WPC

Pinhole photography works best with a larger frame size, and 4x5 is ideal. But processing 4x5 yourself can be a bear, and having it done commercially is expensive, especially for pinhole. So when I learned of this Holga 120WPC, it seemed a perfect solution. And when I was gifted with a $50.00 Amazon gift card, it seemed the perfect choice.

Museum Day

Yesterday I visited the Stieglitz, Steichen, Strand exhibit at the Met, and took along the D90 so I could get a feel for the AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G.

First Look: DX Lensbaby

Just the other day I was thinking, what Lensbaby really needs to do is make a series of optics for DX Cameras. And ironically, they did just that, with last week’s introduction of the Sweet 35.

Is There a Macro Lens in My Future?

So I guess it’s pretty clear by now that I’ve been consciously avoiding the purchase of a dedicated macro lens. I can’t help it; I’ve been having so much fun exploring all the ways I can get around it. It might even have something to do with the $500.00-$900.00 price tag.

Review: Fotodiox Canon FD-Nikon Lens Adapter

They said it could not be done and yet here it is. A means to use Canon FD lenses on a Nikon body.

Review: Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG for Nikon

If you want to explore macro photography but don’t want to invest in a dedicated macro lens, for an investment of around $170.00, you can convert any lens into a macro lens.

First Impressions: Sigma EM-140 DG Macro Ring Flash

Santa was generous this year, and brought me this welcome addition to my macro outfit.

Review: Hoya Pro1 Digital MC UV(0)

It may seem overkill to write a review on a filter, but the bottom line is, there doesn’t seem to be much valuable information out there concerning these rather expensive accessories. So, today I am reviewing the Hoya Pro1 Digital MC UV(0).

First Impressions: AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G

This superb little lens was so popular this holiday season, that it sold out completely and was no where to be found. So you can imagine my amazement when I found one quite by accident at my local Best Buy store.

First Impressions: Nikon SB-28DX Speedlight

I was in the market for a speedlight for my N80, but it’s not as simple as just ordering the current model. Film bodies require D-TTL, the original through-the-lens flash technology released in the mid 8o’s, and with the discontinuation of the SB-600, Nikon no longer supports D-TTL.

The NIKKOR 20mm f/2.8 in Action

My daughter’s school was having a concert at a local mall today, where she played violin. Naturally my wife and I were there to take pictures, her with her new D3100, and me with my D90. Since she had everything covered with the mighty AF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 zoom, I decided to take along the AF NIKKOR 20mm f/2.8D.

Nikon Changes its Body Cap

I know, I know. This Earth-shattering piece of news is going to keep you up all night. But while searching for a Nikon-branded baseball cap, body caps popped up and what did I find? The words “discontinued by Nikon” beneath a photo of a BF-1A. And internally I said to myself, “WTF!”.

Review: Samyang 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens

It’s hard to get really wide on a DX camera without spending a lot. The AF NIKKOR 14mm f/2.8D ED which lists for $1,894.95 will get you to 21mm, and the AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED will get you from 15mm to 36mm for $899.95. But the Samyang/ProOptic 8mm f/3.5 lens is a great way to get REALLY wide on a budget.

Review: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

When I purchased my first Nikon DX body, I elected to forego the kit lens and select my own. The criteria was simple; if this were the only lens I would ever buy, which one would I choose? So, I was looking for the best combination of quality, versatility, size and price, pretty much in that order. It came down to the 16-85mm zoom or the 18-200mm zoom. Because the 16-85 was optically superior, smaller, and cheaper, it ultimately won out.

Review: Voigtländer Ultron 40mm f/2.0 SL-II

If you’re looking for a compact, normal lens with a traditional feel, This is the one to get. With the compact dimension of a “pancake” lens, but a little extra room for ease of operation, this manual focus lens is sharp and fast. The focus is so smooth, it will make you reconsider the whole autofocus phenomenon.

Review: AF NIKKOR 20mm f/2.8D

Let me start out by saying that this lens is not really designed for digital cameras. Oh sure, like most Nikon F-Mount lenses, it will fit and function as it should. But digital camera sensors behave differently than film with wide angle lenses.

Nikon Retires the SB-600

Isn’t retire so much nicer than “discontinue”? Still, no matter how you call it, the SB-600 is taking it’s place in history as one of Nikon’s all-time great speedlights.

Olympus Throws in the Towel

The Olympus E-5 DSLR; The last of a long line of compact SLRs.

My Honey, queen of Olympus, champion of the compact SLR, has decided she needs a DSLR, so naturally I start researching Olympus. And in so doing, I discover that the company that pretty much invented the Four Thirds format, is leaving the game.

Review: Nikon Circular Polarizer II (slim)

It may seem overkill to write a review on a filter, but the bottom line is, there doesn’t seem to be much valuable information out there concerning these rather expensive accessories. So, today I am reviewing the Tiffen Low Light Polarizer.

FujiFilm Finepix X100 Sample Images

The Future Looks Bright

I’m very enthusiastic about the new Nikon D7000 D-SLR. I’m not going to buy one anytime soon, but like all the other cameras I can’t afford, I can still take possession of it, intellectually speaking.

Review: Canon PowerShot SD780 IS

Walter Zapp would be proud. As you can see from the photo above, the SD780 is similar in size to the Classic Minox B, a camera that was designed “to be with you always”. But it’s shape is much more practical for those of us who are photographers and not spies.

Flange Focal Distances

Mount	Flange focal distance
Pentax Q mount	9.20 mm
C-mount (Bolex, Eclair and Bell & Howell)	17.52 mm
Sony E-mount	18.00 mm
Micro Four Thirds System	20.00 mm
Samsung NX mount	25.50 mm
RED ONE interchangeable mount	27.30 mm
Leica M mount	27.80 mm
M39 (Leica) Screwmount	28.80 mm
Contax G	29.00 mm
Olympus Four Thirds System	38.67 mm
Konica AR	40.70 mm
Canon FL	42.00 mm
Canon FD mount	42.00 mm
Start (Soviet SLR)	42.00 mm
Minolta SR mount	43.50 mm
Fujica X bayonet	43.50 mm
Canon EF mount	44.00 mm
Canon EF-S mount	44.00 mm
Praktica B mount	44.00 mm
Sigma's SA mount	44.00 mm
Minolta/Sony A mount	44.50 mm
Pentax K mount	45.46 mm
M42	45.46 mm
Contax C/Y Mount	45.50 mm
Olympus OM mount	46.00 mm
Nikon F-mount	46.50 mm
Leica R mount	47.00 mm
Arri PL	52.00 mm
T mount	55.00 mm
OCT-19	61.00 mm
Mamiya 654	63.30 mm

Sensor Sizes

			Sensor (mm)
Type	Aspect Ratio	Dia. (mm)	Diagonal	Width	Height
1/3.6"	4:3	7.056	5.000	4.000	3.000
1/3.2"	4:3	7.938	5.680	4.536	3.416
1/3"	4:3	8.467	6.000	4.800	3.600
1/2.7"	4:3	9.407	6.721	5.371	4.035
1/2.5"	4:3	10.160	7.182	5.760	4.290
1/2.3"	4:3	11.044	7.70	6.16	4.62
1/2"	4:3	12.700	8.000	6.400	4.800
1/1.8"	4:3	14.111	8.933	7.176	5.319
1/1.7"	4:3	14.941	9.500	7.600	5.700
2/3"	4:3	16.933	11.000	8.800	6.600
1"	4:3	25.400	16.000	12.800	9.600
4/3"	4:3	33.867	22.500	18.000	13.500
1.8" (*)	3:2	45.720	28.400	23.700	15.700
35 mm film	3:2	n/a	43.300	36.000	24.000