Prime lens recommendation for film camera

gokenin · 11-04-2012, 03:15 PM

I am thinking of taking a film camera down to Disney with my this year and was wondering if one were to only do Prime lens would you recommend a 35 f2.4 or the 50 f1.7 as the walking around prime lense i know the 50 is faster than the 35 but the 35 is wider anyone have any opinions about it. I might also bring a Tamron zoon that is FF that is 24-135 as my general purpose lens but its not really fast for night shots. anyone have any suggestions ?

**TomB_tx** · 11-04-2012, 03:28 PM

Depends on personal preference - the way you "see" pictures. I find when I take only a 50 I tend step back for the view I want; so I work most with a 35 1.4 on a rangefinder, as that's more the way I see scenes. I also use an SMC-M 35 2.0 on my MX more than a 50, but tend to use an 85 2.0 more on the SLR, while carrying a rangefinder with a 35 for most of my shots.
But a 50 tends to encourage closer framing and more individual shots that are generally seen as "better" pictures. SO your mileage may vary. I do find it helpful to take a single focal length and use it consistently so that you learn to "see" the pictures it is best at. A single lens simplifies choices, and while you may not take as many pictures, you are also more likely to enjoy the experience more.

**JimJohnson** · 11-04-2012, 05:10 PM

Yeah, if only doing one prime lens on a film camera, I too would skip the SLR and reach for my late 50's era Kodak rangefinder. The focal length is only a trifle wide, but it is fast to focus in almost any lighting, quiet, and fits in an oversize pocket. But being restricted to one prime lens is not how I personally would do Disney.

Something else you want to keep in mind regardless of your decision is to make sure you either use a weather resistant camera and lens, or have a weather resistant tote. Not only is rain always a possibility, but 'wet rides' are a certainty. Also, know that flash photography is forbidden on all of the rides.

MysteryOnion · 11-04-2012, 05:25 PM

Originally posted by gokenin

35 f2.4 or the 50 f1.7 as the walking around prime lense i know the 50 is faster than the 35 but the 35 is wider anyone have any opinions... I might also bring a Tamron zoon that is FF that is 24-135...

So, as a snap shooting manner of use...
If you are as close as 8 feet to get head to feet coverage with a 35mm.
You get the head to feet from about 9 feet with a 50mm in a vertical/portrait hold.
You get the close in portraits from 6 feet with a 85mm.

If you are outdoors then the 24-135 f3.5-f5.6 is nice... a wide to tele coverage and not worry about fumbling with a lens if you are not good a fast changing them.

Indoors say your 35 is a f2.4, that is good for some indoor work, but not too dark unless you are loaded up with 400 speed.
The 50 is a f1.7 and that is better for the indoor work with some flexibility even loaded up with 100 speed stuff.

henkvanzuylen · 11-05-2012, 01:00 AM

If only one..... I would sure choose the 35mm!

If I take only one lens on a trip ...it's always the 28mm.
I set it on f8.0...line out the red dot on the distancescale and everything from 1,5m to infinty is sharp.
Perfect for family trips and so on in my opinion.
No thinking...just shooting :-)

Henk

builttospill · 11-12-2012, 09:32 AM

I missed this thread, but if you're still taking suggestions I'd forget about the zoom and take two primes: my K 28/3.5 (or your 35) and the FA 77.

A longer prime will be great for getting pictures of family on rides. I'm assuming you are going with kids...

11-04-2012, 03:15 PM	#1
gokenin Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: lowell,ma Posts: 1,899	Prime lens recommendation for film camera I am thinking of taking a film camera down to Disney with my this year and was wondering if one were to only do Prime lens would you recommend a 35 f2.4 or the 50 f1.7 as the walking around prime lense i know the 50 is faster than the 35 but the 35 is wider anyone have any opinions about it. I might also bring a Tamron zoon that is FF that is 24-135 as my general purpose lens but its not really fast for night shots. anyone have any suggestions ?

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Recommendation for Film Body?	potatolicious	Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras	19	09-28-2010 08:29 PM
Recommendation for landscape prime please	holdgaj	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	4	04-19-2009 10:44 AM
Recommendation for 35mm color film?	alex.r	Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras	34	03-30-2009 10:18 PM
Lens Recommendation (prime) - Bokeh, Indoor, Low Light	FckShoes	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	16	12-02-2008 08:06 PM
film body recommendation - EVERY lens OK	architorture	Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras	26	09-04-2008 10:24 PM

11-04-2012, 03:28 PM	#2
TomB_tx Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,446	Depends on personal preference - the way you "see" pictures. I find when I take only a 50 I tend step back for the view I want; so I work most with a 35 1.4 on a rangefinder, as that's more the way I see scenes. I also use an SMC-M 35 2.0 on my MX more than a 50, but tend to use an 85 2.0 more on the SLR, while carrying a rangefinder with a 35 for most of my shots. But a 50 tends to encourage closer framing and more individual shots that are generally seen as "better" pictures. SO your mileage may vary. I do find it helpful to take a single focal length and use it consistently so that you learn to "see" the pictures it is best at. A single lens simplifies choices, and while you may not take as many pictures, you are also more likely to enjoy the experience more.

11-04-2012, 05:10 PM	#3
JimJohnson Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Summer:Lake Superior - Michigan Winter:Texas Hill Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,772	Yeah, if only doing one prime lens on a film camera, I too would skip the SLR and reach for my late 50's era Kodak rangefinder. The focal length is only a trifle wide, but it is fast to focus in almost any lighting, quiet, and fits in an oversize pocket. But being restricted to one prime lens is not how I personally would do Disney. Something else you want to keep in mind regardless of your decision is to make sure you either use a weather resistant camera and lens, or have a weather resistant tote. Not only is rain always a possibility, but 'wet rides' are a certainty. Also, know that flash photography is forbidden on all of the rides.

11-04-2012, 05:25 PM	#4
MysteryOnion Giveaway winner! Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: beantown Photos: Albums Posts: 944	Originally posted by gokenin 35 f2.4 or the 50 f1.7 as the walking around prime lense i know the 50 is faster than the 35 but the 35 is wider anyone have any opinions... I might also bring a Tamron zoon that is FF that is 24-135... So, as a snap shooting manner of use... If you are as close as 8 feet to get head to feet coverage with a 35mm. You get the head to feet from about 9 feet with a 50mm in a vertical/portrait hold. You get the close in portraits from 6 feet with a 85mm. If you are outdoors then the 24-135 f3.5-f5.6 is nice... a wide to tele coverage and not worry about fumbling with a lens if you are not good a fast changing them. Indoors say your 35 is a f2.4, that is good for some indoor work, but not too dark unless you are loaded up with 400 speed. The 50 is a f1.7 and that is better for the indoor work with some flexibility even loaded up with 100 speed stuff.

11-05-2012, 01:00 AM	#5
henkvanzuylen Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Netherlands, 's-Hertogenbosch Posts: 457	If only one..... I would sure choose the 35mm! If I take only one lens on a trip ...it's always the 28mm. I set it on f8.0...line out the red dot on the distancescale and everything from 1,5m to infinty is sharp. Perfect for family trips and so on in my opinion. No thinking...just shooting :-) Henk

11-12-2012, 09:32 AM	#6
builttospill Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Utah, Idaho Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,398	I missed this thread, but if you're still taking suggestions I'd forget about the zoom and take two primes: my K 28/3.5 (or your 35) and the FA 77. A longer prime will be great for getting pictures of family on rides. I'm assuming you are going with kids...