Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2005/12/01
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Richard asked: Subject: Re: [Leica] Retro Blast... IIIA and a Summar >>> So Ted, here's a question: lets assume that the flat contrast is from >>> the > lens alone (which I will not be surprise about) and lets say the pictures > themselves have some merits (e.g. nice expressions), do you think using a > lens like this is more detrimental than adding to it?<<<< Richard that's your call and how you like the look of your photographs. It also depends what subjects you like shooting where this effect would add to the feel of the photograph or atmosphere of the content. If we think about some of the real old pictures of misty days, foggy nights and street lamps with the "look of the day". Then with this lens you might have a run at shooting under similar weather/light conditions and see if you can capture a similar look. I'd also look for some turn of the century or '30's looking locations and shoot around this type of subject. I think part of the problem of what we're looking at is, shooting what I'd refer to as..."modern day subjects" as you've shown where most of us might relate to shooting it with modern day lenses. While your attempt has turned out flat and grey looking I think you made an unfortunate choice of subject. Not to mention the added possibilities suggested by others. I'd certainly try some with mist, rainy night scenes or snow in the evenings with street lights. Certainly before doing what others have suggested, getting it CLA'd. But not before using it in it's "natural state" as we see the effects here. Which of course may not all be due to the lens alone. >>I mean, the pictures have certain characters because of the lens (e.g. >>certain soft portrait <<look?) but in your opinions, do the advantages >>outweigh the disadvantages?<<< Not if you look at it as a "specialized tool" taking this into account when you select the kind of subject where it's most effective before you shoot. Olden-times they didn't have the lens options we have today and I bet there are lots of photos from those days that don't look so hot when we'd look at them with modern day photographic eyes, expectations of sharpness, contrast etc. I don't feel it's an everyday lens for all subjects in modern times. But using it under the right conditions I feel it's a magical tool for creating '30's looking pictures with the right content. But to find out means shooting a pile of film using the right subjects and light conditions. ted Ted Grant Photography Limited 1817 Feltham Road Victoria BC V8N 2A4 250-477-2156