Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Denver, Colorado |
Having a digital SLR that allows the use of legacy lenses is a prime reason, often cited by newcomers, for joining this Forum.
Which is truly a source of pride for us, we lucky few who understand the joy of acquiring and using old glass; sometimes overdoing it (thus, LBA), writing about our experiences, posting samples, sharing info that most modern DSLR users would find strange, dated or incomprehensible.
But beyond the thrill of the chase (hearing about, researching and eventually finding, THAT lens!), using, viewing and sharing the results, learning new techniques required by manual lenses, there's another positive aspect to this hobby/work/sport/addiction.
The look, heft and feel of the 40-year-old mechanics. Yep, it's true; They don't make' em like that anymore. Or, possibly, they do, at several thousand scoots each. If, you can find it in K-mount.
Those solid f/stop clicks, dense metal body, the marvel of a built-in hood (how do they DO that?), rubberized focusing grip right where it should be (the middle, of course! Where else?), metal filter ring, tiny engraved and painted numbers and actual, working depth-of field scales.
But the best is last; The focusing action, dampening and throw. Sorta' makes it all worth while, doesn't it? Just roll that outer barrel and see for yourself.
Because there are sacrifices made, lessons to learn and a slower, more deliberate pace. It's not free, easy or quick, you must know that going in.
Sometimes, when I'm packing for a larger photo outing, I'll pop a few M or A prime standbies in with the auto lenses. They're so small and useful, why not? But then it occurs to me, I've got one larger space left. Without a second thought, in goes my MX or ME Super. Because, as we all know, those metal gems work even better on film bodies, better viewfinder and full frame, too!
Stick a couple rolls of Ilford or Fujjifilm or Kodak in my pocket. Good to go.
New lenses are great. So is the old glass, great in a different way.
Try it and see.
Ron
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