CathyAnn Loc: Apache Junction, AZ

I thought I had deleted these, but didn't -- thank goodness. These are awful, but you get the idea. I've labeled each picture as to which one is which.

I forgot I had taken this many. Obviously, I wasn't impressed, thought about deleting the file, and forgot about them thinking they were gone.

The outdoor shots were handheld, but the orchids were taken using a tripod. It's quite apparent that I have to work on focusing. lol!

Pinhole

(Download)

Zone Plate

(Download)

Zone Plate

(Download)

Pinhole

(Download)

Zone Plate

(Download)

jayway55 Loc: Philadelphia Area - USA

Interesting shots, Cathy. I can see how focusing would be a problem, and I love the glow from the Zone Plate shots, especially the clouds and the orchids. Thanks for another great demo and for sharing your talents.

angela k Loc: Long Island

Awesome, Cathy!! Your examples are just like the book!!! You definitely inspired me to try again! I'm thinking a bright day would be the best, and just think of all the fun we'll have with it in the winter with snow!! They say this optic works best with a lot of contrast!!
Thanks for sharing!!!

CathyAnn Loc: Apache Junction, AZ

They are interesting, for sure, Jane. lol! In analyzing the Zone Plate landscape shots, I need to either raise the ISO or slow down the shutter speed, as well as focus more carefully using a tripod. I'll just have to practice. I appreciate your comment!

CathyAnn Loc: Apache Junction, AZ

We sure will have fun, Angela. I'm just picturing in my mind some of the snow scenes around here with the gorgeous trees and mountains. Onward and upward! lol!

I'm thinking that these landscape pics should have been shot at either a higher ISO and/or lower shutter speed The Zone Plate shot of the house was at 1/30 s, ISO 400, and the shot down the street was at 1/50 s, ISO 400. Also, I think I'll use my remote shutter release to make sure the camera isn't vibrating. That should help with the sharpness, such as it is.

This Zone Plate shot had a longer exposure that the others, and it's still quite murky.

BTW, I did no processing on these pictures except to resize to post here.

1/15 s, ISO 400

(Download)

angela k Loc: Long Island

I think you have figured it out.... I took it outside this morning and it's pretty bright out, I still saw nothing through the viewfinder!!! It wasn't until I looked at the replay on my camera that I could make out some images! I don't know about this one.... it might be sent to the dog house!! LOL..

CathyAnn Loc: Apache Junction, AZ

That's the way the pinhole is, being so very small. That's like when photographers use neutral density filters, the really dark ones. They get the shot framed and focused first, along with the shutter speed and ISO, then put the ND filters over the lens to take the picture where the view through the viewfinder is black.

With this optic, we do all of the framing, etc. with the zone plate first, then switch to the pinhole to take take the picture. Then, after we look at what we took on playback and don't like the result, we readjust our camera settings and try again. I've watched a lot of pro photographer YouTube videos, and notice they're only showing the part where they successfully take a picture of the waterfall, or whatever, but don't bore us with all of the rigamarole they went through to get to the final, successful settings. After so much experience, they just know approximately what the settings should be, but I don't think they get it just right at the first shot every time. For sure, there's no taking snapshots with this optic.

I'm thinking it's an exercise in patience which I need since I'm not a very patient person.

angela k Loc: Long Island

I know you are so right.... I think when the right subject calls to me, I'll try it again. I know when I looked at all the shots on Flickr, I was so impressed with the results.... I will try again, but I don't think it works well on close ups!

CathyAnn Loc: Apache Junction, AZ

I agree! I don't like the pics of the orchids at all. I'll bet you'd get some great shots at places like Peconic (sp?) Farm.

angela k Loc: Long Island

I don't think small, busy shots will work.... I'm thinking bare trees in the winter against a grey sky might work, or a beach with just a few umbrellas...

Dixiegirl Loc: Alabama gulf coast

These are lovely, Cathy, and remind me a bit of the results we get with the plastic optic!

CathyAnn Loc: Apache Junction, AZ

Yesssssssss!

angela k Loc: Long Island