[10speeduk]

Hi guys and gals.

I really want more lens flare, i want hazy pictures with coloured spots and burned out bits!!

I have a k5 and 18-55mm kit lens, and smc-m 50mm 1.7 and smc-m 28mm 2.

What do i need? Or is it just pure technique?

Thanks

Paul

[adpo]

try sticking a cheap uv filter in front

[Philoslothical]

Shoot without a hood. I've noticed that my larger diameter lenses flare worse (better, in your case) than small diameter lenses. It could be coincidental, I don't know if this is a trait of wider lenses or not (~72mm for example).

[v5planet]

Take some steel wool the front element of that 50/1.7.

[boriscleto]

HOYA FILTERS - The Difference is Clear

Or try adding the effects with a photo editing program.

[builttospill]

Like this?

1/8s, f/19

[newarts]

You might consider old lenses without coatings, like early m42 lenses that make no reference to coatings or use the word "super." The cheaper the better.

You might buy a few such lenses from KEH.com rated as UG (ugly) - they expect image problems with such lenses.

Try using a uv filter with drops & smears of fluid on its surface.

It sounds like FUN project. Please show some results!

[CWyatt]

Flare is a great way to give the viewer a feeling of looking into the light. I wish the modern lenses weren't often so coated against it, because I think it's really great too.

There are certainly things you can do, as noted above. Technique does matter, but it depends on the lens. Some need the sun in the frame and give those coloured hexagons or whatever. With my Sigma 30 (never use the hood), I know if I shoot with the sun just out of the corner of the frame, I get this strong angled triangle of flare across the frame:
Camus Wyatt: Photographs | Latest
Camus Wyatt: Photographs | Street I

But if I shoot with the sun in frame it barely flares.


To be honest, from your post, it sounds like you might also want to try a Holga or Diana camera. The classic Holga 120's (N or S? can't remember) have plastic lenses and are dirt cheap. You just need to factor in the film and developing costs. They flare and have light leaks and are near impossible to focus dead on, which is why they're so popular.

[yeatzee]

get a tak 55mm F/1.8

[v5planet]

Camus, those images are brilliant.

[interested_observer]

Take some steel wool the front element of that 50/1.7.

He is joking - don't go and ruin your lens...

[zany225]

Get some f1.2 lens and shoot with wide open.........................

[10speeduk]

Wow, thanks or all the feedback and pictures, you all seem to get what i am after. Will see if i can pick up some cheap UG lenses on ebay and will look into the Holga and Diana. Also i did noy know such creative lens filters existed! Interesting that sun out of frame can trigger it in some cases... I assumed the sun would have to be in shot! Will experiment today. Paul

[reeftool]

I've found the DA 18-55 pretty flare prone, spreading those green spots around very generously. I've been shooting into the sun ever since my grandfather told me never to when I was 10 years old. To be honest, I usually try to avoid flare and I've never spent much time trying to be creative with it. It might make a fun mini challenge.

[Heiberg]

Buy the cheap old sigma mini-wide 28mm, It flare like crazy....at least mine does