E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Oldies and goodies! Someof the order lenses, in many focal lengths and categories, may not be as ultra-highly corrected and super-coated and some of the latest and supposedly greatest. Some aged glass has a "look" that can not be imitated or replicated in most modern lenses. This is difficult to explain unless you use them, make comparisons and learn the ins and out of someof the old-timmers.

You can purchase a brand spankig new Imagon soft-focus lens- Rodenstock still makes them. The last user's manual I saw outlined the basic principles of the lens, how to use the aperture grids, etc. Unlike most manuals, it states that there is no exact method of using the lens to arrive at specific effects. It further states that among many of its users,s each has their own ways- someone uses the aperture grids, some operate without the grids, others use the conventional diaphragm in the shutter, and some use a combination of both. Surprisingly enough, the lens has an enormous depth of focus, not the depth of field! When you focus there is a daily length extent of travel where the image is still in focus- just the effect changes.

A for y'all bokeh addacts, an Imagon will blow your mind!

Old UNCOATED lenses are fun too. In certain kinds of portraiture, a little flare can be your friend.

hrblaine

I've been shooting since the '60s and I can't tell you the last time that I bought a lens. 50 years ago maybe. My friend pro Charlie Harbutt shot a Leica and god only knows how old that lens was. Harry

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I call bull. You last post you listed all the lenses you use on your 5D and I’m betting not one of them is 50 years old.