Originally posted by acoufap
Mostly we are looking for sharp and contrasty images, aren't we? So the manufacturers of lenses try to reach this goal. With extreme lens design and coatings they deliver.
Although I have the feeling for some kind of images something is lost. Old lenses often vignetted, flared and wide open produced soft images. One old lens I seldom use because it shows these weaknesses is the Vivitar Series 1 f2.8-4.0/70-210 (version 4). But for images like this I like it very much because it transports mood of the moment. Sharp and contrasty would be contradicting and flare makes the most important thing in photophraphy apparent - light ...
K-1 and Vivitar Series 1 f2.8-4.0/70-210 Macro
From time to time it's good to take a step back and sing the song of old lenses and their capabilities.
You will also note that cinematographers get a pass somehow when it comes to applying "filters" either electronic or physical to get these same effects of old lenses... I think anything can be over-used, but if tastefully done and for the right occasion, I do like the effects of some older glass. Some older Vivitar glass I had long ago has a distinct red shift and was lousy for color work but made B&W film really pop! (I "think it was one of the f3.8 lenses, can't remember, many years ago...)
Fun stuff.
Eric