LBA: The Zenitar f2.8 Fish Eye meets the Flatiron Bldg

LBA: The Zenitar f2.8 Fish Eye meets the Flatiron Bldg · 07:43 PM

I've heard many people sing the praises of this little lens, but I wasn't sure a Fish Eye would be in my future until I saw the "Show me your Fish Eye photos" thread here:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/2841-show-me-your-fisheye-shots.html

So I decided to get one. It was much smaller than I expected, kinda cute acutally, and came with it's own little lens pouch, a touch not usually associated with a sub $150 lens. I mean this lens is Russian right? No offense to any Russians who might be reading this but I always associate Russian stuff with big brawny built like a brick. Strong like bear! No petite and cute. Anyway the lens comes during the week so today being a very nice day, I decide to take it downtown and try it out on the Flatiron Building. For those who don't know, the Flatiron Building is built on a triangular shaped piece of land and the building itself is triangular. Doh!. It was one of the first skyscrapers in NYC but I think not THE first. I get downtown and the light is not the best, high sun shining right behind the "point" of the building, but what the hey, what's a few blown highlights amongst friends? All shots taken with the DS and the Zenitar. Apertures mostly f8 to f11 or higher.

View from the north, giving a good idea of it's triangular shape

Rear (south) and west sides of the building

Rear and east sides of the building.

Kinda like this one, "front" of the building peeping out from over the scaffolding protection, reminds me of a boat edging out into the harbor.

One of the best features of the Flatiron Building is that it is right around the corner from this place. And honestly I didn't choose the Flatiron Building for this lens test because of that!...yeah right!

So I've decided this lens is a fun lens to have. I won't be using it lots, but it was inexpensive and "works as intended". I haven't really learned how to get the best from it yet, but that's half the fun no?

NaCl(and yes, I did spend some time in Adorama)H2O

-=JoN=- · 03-11-2007, 08:11 PM

nice shots salty. I trekked out today too, but didnt make it that far down. (was around CP)

I did see a few fellow users....

Jonas B · 03-11-2007, 08:26 PM

Originally posted by NaClH2O

I won't be using it lots, ...

That's a prediction I wouldn't take for a safe bet.

A fine start. Ah, the Flatiron building... some day I hope to be able to see it in real life.

regards,

clarenceclose · 03-11-2007, 08:33 PM

Thanks Jonas for reminding me of the name of the Flatiron building. The shots look like lots of fun.

The post processing must have been a little heavy on the sharpening as there appears to be a halo around every building/sky shot.

What say you get some detail shots of the Flatiron building exterior. From these shots it looked like there were lots of opportunity for relief, carving and architectural elements to keep you occupied for a time.

jthommo · 03-11-2007, 09:27 PM

Enjoyed those Salty - it's an amazing building indeed. I'm glad you like your Zenitar - when I'm travelling light its always one of the three lenses in the bag - I use mine more than any other lens apart from the FA50 1.4

FotoPete · 03-11-2007, 10:01 PM

Wow, I thought the Adorama store was alot bigger than that judging from the website. haha.

-=JoN=- · 03-11-2007, 10:58 PM

Originally posted by FotoPete

Wow, I thought the Adorama store was alot bigger than that judging from the website. haha.

it's really, really tiny, compared to B and H.

really really small compared to B and H. B and H is about 1/4 of a city block.

you can fit 5 adorama's in B and H. LoL

and just a little info on the Flatiron building

it was used as the Daily Bugle in Spiderman

Photochop · 03-12-2007, 12:02 AM

Congrats Salty! I'm really itchin' now, I wonder what time my mailman will arrive tomorrow and I wonder if he'll have that Russian box in hand.

The Flatiron is a beautiful building, the architects were inspired by the very first Flatiron building which happens to be right here in Toronto. Our Flatiron building is much smaller by comparison though.

Looking forward to seeing some more fun shots from you

Jonas B · 03-12-2007, 12:43 AM

Hey V,

Your original Flatiron building is super cute! Do you have a bigger picture available somewhere?

Photochop · 03-12-2007, 12:49 AM

Originally posted by Jonas B

Hey V,

Your original Flatiron building is super cute! Do you have a bigger picture available somewhere?

You mean bigger than one I posted here? Sure you can see it on my Flickr page, right here: http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=327154824&size=o
Thanks for the comment

Jonas B · 03-12-2007, 01:00 AM

Thank you. Hmm. A very nice building. I don't fancy those fire escape stairs though, it's a pity they have to be there. It's a nice picture with the enironment and fog cptured there.

**NaClH2O** · 03-12-2007, 04:22 AM

Originally posted by clarenceclose

Thanks Jonas for reminding me of the name of the Flatiron building. The shots look like lots of fun.

The post processing must have been a little heavy on the sharpening as there appears to be a halo around every building/sky shot.

What say you get some detail shots of the Flatiron building exterior. From these shots it looked like there were lots of opportunity for relief, carving and architectural elements to keep you occupied for a time.

Hi Clarence, there's a halo around the front faced shots because the sun was just behind the point of the building. Did as much as I could to reduce the blown highlights w/o totally destroying detail and with a bright sun just behind the building the highlights were well and truely blown! Maybe I'll go back at a different time when the sun isn't such a pesky interferer. And while the Zenitar fisheye is good for wide angle, it's not so good for detail. I did take some shots of rooflines around the district with the 50-200. If I'm lucky I'll have time to process them tonight, and maybe post a few.

NaCl(thanks for looking and the comments, C&C is always appreciated)H2O

**NaClH2O** · 03-12-2007, 04:41 AM

Originally posted by Photochop

Congrats Salty! I'm really itchin' now, I wonder what time my mailman will arrive tomorrow and I wonder if he'll have that Russian box in hand.

The Flatiron is a beautiful building, the architects were inspired by the very first Flatiron building which happens to be right here in Toronto. Our Flatiron building is much smaller by comparison though.

Looking forward to seeing some more fun shots from you

Hi V, I didn't know that Toronto had the first one. Thanks! It looks like a really neat building and a good shot with the fog and all. And I'm sure you'll have a good time with the lens, it is fun to play with. If it's warm enough and I can sneak out a bit early, I might just go down to a beach.

NaCl(the heck with chores....I'm gonna have fun instead)H2O

**NaClH2O** · 03-12-2007, 04:49 AM

Originally posted by FotoPete

Wow, I thought the Adorama store was alot bigger than that judging from the website. haha.

The Adorama 'brick and mortar' it the prototypical camera store, tiny, crowded, with big cases full of old cameras and lenses, none of which fit Pentax

. Actually that's not true, they have a bunch of old K and screw mount lenses, just nothing I want, but they do get stock in from time to time so it's a good place to check for used glass. They have also stopped processing film, which irks me no end.

NaCl(it's fast becoming a completely digital world)H2O

**NaClH2O** · 03-12-2007, 04:54 AM

Originally posted by Jonas B

That's a prediction I wouldn't take for a safe bet.

A fine start. Ah, the Flatiron building... some day I hope to be able to see it in real life.

regards,

Well Jonas, if you ever make it to our fair city I'd be more than happy to show you around a bit. There's LOTS of photo opportunities to explore in NYC!

NaCl(And you may be right about me and the Zenitar!)H2O

NaClH2O
	View full profile
	Contact via private message
	Find other posts by NaClH2O
	Find threads started by NaClH2O
	Find threads in which NaClH2O has posted

03-11-2007, 09:27 PM	#5
jthommo Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Canberra, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 338	Enjoyed those Salty - it's an amazing building indeed. I'm glad you like your Zenitar - when I'm travelling light its always one of the three lenses in the bag - I use mine more than any other lens apart from the FA50 1.4 Last edited by jthommo; 03-11-2007 at 09:32 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
For Sale - Sold: MC Zenitar-K 2.8/16mm FISH-EYE (Worldwide)	dave9t5	Sold Items	12	09-29-2010 01:03 PM
For Sale - Sold: Zenitar 2.8 16mm mc Fish Eye (US)	Warren s	Sold Items	9	04-01-2010 08:59 AM
Zenitar 16mm Fish-Eye Front Cap Replacement?	iht	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	3	08-09-2009 06:30 PM
For Sale - Sold: Zenitar-K f2.8 16mm Pentax Fish-Eye	topcaps	Sold Items	8	05-21-2009 08:34 AM
For Sale - Sold: FS: Zenitar 16/2.8 Fish eye	Ishpuini	Sold Items	2	02-01-2008 12:03 PM

03-11-2007, 08:11 PM	#2
-=JoN=- Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 999	nice shots salty. I trekked out today too, but didnt make it that far down. (was around CP) I did see a few fellow users....

03-11-2007, 08:26 PM	#3
Jonas B Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Göteborg, Sweden Posts: 810	Originally posted by NaClH2O I won't be using it lots, ... That's a prediction I wouldn't take for a safe bet. A fine start. Ah, the Flatiron building... some day I hope to be able to see it in real life. regards,

03-11-2007, 08:33 PM	#4
clarenceclose Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Pocatello, Idaho Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,506	Thanks Jonas for reminding me of the name of the Flatiron building. The shots look like lots of fun. The post processing must have been a little heavy on the sharpening as there appears to be a halo around every building/sky shot. What say you get some detail shots of the Flatiron building exterior. From these shots it looked like there were lots of opportunity for relief, carving and architectural elements to keep you occupied for a time.

03-11-2007, 10:01 PM	#6
FotoPete Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,774	Wow, I thought the Adorama store was alot bigger than that judging from the website. haha.

03-11-2007, 10:58 PM	#7
-=JoN=- Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 999	Originally posted by FotoPete Wow, I thought the Adorama store was alot bigger than that judging from the website. haha. it's really, really tiny, compared to B and H. really really small compared to B and H. B and H is about 1/4 of a city block. you can fit 5 adorama's in B and H. LoL and just a little info on the Flatiron building it was used as the Daily Bugle in Spiderman

03-12-2007, 12:02 AM	#8
Photochop Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Toronto, Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 455	Congrats Salty! I'm really itchin' now, I wonder what time my mailman will arrive tomorrow and I wonder if he'll have that Russian box in hand. The Flatiron is a beautiful building, the architects were inspired by the very first Flatiron building which happens to be right here in Toronto. Our Flatiron building is much smaller by comparison though. Looking forward to seeing some more fun shots from you

03-12-2007, 12:43 AM	#9
Jonas B Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Göteborg, Sweden Posts: 810	Hey V, Your original Flatiron building is super cute! Do you have a bigger picture available somewhere?

03-12-2007, 12:49 AM	#10
Photochop Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Toronto, Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 455	Originally posted by Jonas B Hey V, Your original Flatiron building is super cute! Do you have a bigger picture available somewhere? You mean bigger than one I posted here? Sure you can see it on my Flickr page, right here: http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=327154824&size=o Thanks for the comment

03-12-2007, 01:00 AM	#11
Jonas B Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Göteborg, Sweden Posts: 810	Thank you. Hmm. A very nice building. I don't fancy those fire escape stairs though, it's a pity they have to be there. It's a nice picture with the enironment and fog cptured there.

03-12-2007, 04:22 AM	#12
NaClH2O Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bronx NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,631 Original Poster	Originally posted by clarenceclose Thanks Jonas for reminding me of the name of the Flatiron building. The shots look like lots of fun. The post processing must have been a little heavy on the sharpening as there appears to be a halo around every building/sky shot. What say you get some detail shots of the Flatiron building exterior. From these shots it looked like there were lots of opportunity for relief, carving and architectural elements to keep you occupied for a time. Hi Clarence, there's a halo around the front faced shots because the sun was just behind the point of the building. Did as much as I could to reduce the blown highlights w/o totally destroying detail and with a bright sun just behind the building the highlights were well and truely blown! Maybe I'll go back at a different time when the sun isn't such a pesky interferer. And while the Zenitar fisheye is good for wide angle, it's not so good for detail. I did take some shots of rooflines around the district with the 50-200. If I'm lucky I'll have time to process them tonight, and maybe post a few. NaCl(thanks for looking and the comments, C&C is always appreciated)H2O

03-12-2007, 04:41 AM	#13
NaClH2O Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bronx NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,631 Original Poster	Originally posted by Photochop Congrats Salty! I'm really itchin' now, I wonder what time my mailman will arrive tomorrow and I wonder if he'll have that Russian box in hand. The Flatiron is a beautiful building, the architects were inspired by the very first Flatiron building which happens to be right here in Toronto. Our Flatiron building is much smaller by comparison though. Looking forward to seeing some more fun shots from you Hi V, I didn't know that Toronto had the first one. Thanks! It looks like a really neat building and a good shot with the fog and all. And I'm sure you'll have a good time with the lens, it is fun to play with. If it's warm enough and I can sneak out a bit early, I might just go down to a beach. NaCl(the heck with chores....I'm gonna have fun instead)H2O

03-12-2007, 04:49 AM	#14
NaClH2O Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bronx NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,631 Original Poster	Originally posted by FotoPete Wow, I thought the Adorama store was alot bigger than that judging from the website. haha. The Adorama 'brick and mortar' it the prototypical camera store, tiny, crowded, with big cases full of old cameras and lenses, none of which fit Pentax . Actually that's not true, they have a bunch of old K and screw mount lenses, just nothing I want, but they do get stock in from time to time so it's a good place to check for used glass. They have also stopped processing film, which irks me no end. NaCl(it's fast becoming a completely digital world)H2O

03-12-2007, 04:54 AM	#15
NaClH2O Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bronx NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,631 Original Poster	Originally posted by Jonas B That's a prediction I wouldn't take for a safe bet. A fine start. Ah, the Flatiron building... some day I hope to be able to see it in real life. regards, Well Jonas, if you ever make it to our fair city I'd be more than happy to show you around a bit. There's LOTS of photo opportunities to explore in NYC! NaCl(And you may be right about me and the Zenitar!)H2O