kymarto Loc: Portland OR and Milan Italy

Just for fun, here are some examples of my latest explorations in the world of old lenses. I know these are not to everyone's taste, but I am having a ball and I guess there are some others out there who will enjoy these.

If you do, let me invite you over to my site (toby-marshall.com) where I've added a bunch of "Bokeh Tales" photo galleries by lens, with some background on the lenses and of course lots of images.

Waiting for the train--Taylor and Hobson projection lens (modified)

(Download)

Rose in winter--Cosina 55mm f1.2

(Download)

Juniper--Cosina 55mm f1.2

(Download)

Japanese camellia--Laack Rathenow Doppel Anastigmat (old view camera lens)

(Download)

At the park--Dallmeyer 190mm f4.5 Enlarging Anastigmat

(Download)

Early autumn--Ilex Cinemat 100mm f2.9 cine lens

(Download)

Ping pong at 0 degrees--Ilex Cinemat 100mm f2.9 cine lens

(Download)

Chinese exercising in the park--Ilex Cinemat 100mm f2.9 cine lens

(Download)

my cat--Dallmeyer 2 inch projection lens

(Download)

Another winter rose--Kilfitt Makro-Kilar 90mm f2.8

(Download)

BassmanBruce Loc: Middle of the Mitten

Very nice set, I can see why your having fun.

Kuzano

Some great shots there. My favorite the first image with the Taylor and Hobson. Next the Cine lenses which many people are rendering some incredible images with on mirrorless camera's. They are often known as CCTV lenses, or Closed Circuit Television Lenses. Tons available.

Great number of wall worthy shots sir!

Gianfranco47 Loc: Senoia GA

the gray cat photo is fantastic , details are awesome , good shot

Gianfranco47 Loc: Senoia GA

i have three lenses of my old Rollei slide projector a 50mm a 90 mm and a 250mm how can i use them with my Nikon D3 and D700 cameras ?

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Nice work with those old fellows.

kymarto Loc: Portland OR and Milan Italy

I'm guessing that the 50mm will not work because it is probably designed for a smaller flange distance--if you mount it I think it would not focus anywhere near infinity. The other two would probably work. The first step is to take the lens off one of your FF Nikons and simply hold the projector lenses in front of the lens mount. First try holding the lens right to the mount, and see if it is focusing past infinity or if it doesn't reach infinity and can only be used close up.

If the lens doesn't reach infinity then you are out of luck unless you want to use it only for close up work. If it is past infinity, then just move the lens forward off the mount until you get something in focus. Note more or less how far the lens is separated from the lens mount on the camera.

If that distance is more than a couple of centimeters, you can get a focusing helicoid. The focusing helicoids come in various diameters (they are available cheap on eBay). Then there are some mounts to accept projection lenses that will attach to the helicoid, and adapters to mount the helicoid onto a Nikon. It sounds complicated but it really isn't--cost will be altogether about $40-50 for all the parts.

If you're interested I can guide you through the process. Check your lens diameters and how far off the mount they need to be to focus around infinty (roughly) and then PM me and we can go from there.

Stanley McCleave Loc: NYC

Another beautiful set sir, my favorites being the Dallmeyer park and Kilfitt rose photos.

Gianfranco47 Loc: Senoia GA

thanks again, i will try what you said tomorrow morning and i appreciate so much your help in we can go ahead with the process

CathyAnn Loc: Apache Junction, AZ

I really like these shots! The bokeh is fascinating!

sailorsmom Loc: Souderton, PA

Beautiful images, kymarto! I love the cat..looks like one we used to have!

Islandgal Loc: Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Canada

Technically I can't imagine what your doing, but I sure look forward to your posts. Stunning and brilliant Toby!

kymarto Loc: Portland OR and Milan Italy

Technically I'm not doing anything but using old lenses that have certain characteristics that modern lenses do not have. Not all old lenses have these characteristics, but many do. These lenses are almost always shot wide open to "take advantage" of the aberrations present, and of course you need some depth of field--something has to be out of focus to display the rendering characteristics of the lens. These lenses do not take "good pictures"--sharpness and contrast are almost always low as compared to modern lenses, so you have to find situations where they display their particular talents ;)

That all being said, I do use Photoshop to enhance contrast and sometimes dehaze and saturate the pics. I also do some sharpening. Beyond that, what you are seeing are characteristics of the lenses themselves.

CathyAnn Loc: Apache Junction, AZ

The results speak for themselves! They're gorgeous.