This Lens Is Terrible (But I Love It!)

Once I got the hang of it, I really enjoyed the special (somewhat flawed) images coming out of this lens. The 7Artisans 18mm f6.3 II UFO lens is TINY. The smallest lens I've ever used. But that comes at a cost. Not the price - it's a super cheap lens. The constraint of shooting at a fixed aperture and the image quality that comes out of the lens. I provide a lot of examples of images in various situations to hopefully give you a good idea of whether or not you like the look of the images.
Buy the 7Artisans 18mm f6.3 II UFO Lens:
Sony E Mount - amzn.to/3KyY7qm
Fujifilm X Mount - amzn.to/3KZKbaq
Nikon Z Mount - amzn.to/40jk82s
I am part of the Amazon Associates program and the above links are affiliate links. I will earn a commission for purchases made through those links.
Batteries for all your cameras: bit.ly/WasabiP...
Use coupon code "snappiness" for 10% off
This is where you should be buying used camera gear (to get great prices)
MPB - bit.ly/MPBUsed...
eBay - ebay.us/C5ZNgC
UsedPhotoPro - bit.ly/UsedPho...
KEH - bit.ly/KEHUsed...
Mercari - bit.ly/Mercari...
(The links above are from affiliate programs. Purchasing through these links will provide me compensation.)
Get access to a private discord, exclusive videos, free eBook and more here - www.buymeacoff...
Come connect with me!
Snappiness forum - www.snappiness...
Instagram - / _snappiness_
Flickr - www.flickr.com...
#7artisans #photography

[@snappiness]

Check out these other amazing affordable lenses for mirrorless cameras! kzbin.info/aero/PLqAV6q10bnbM_fP63g94m9-uoqbjtsT6U I'm having so much fun with my "old" mirrorless camera, can't you tell? :D

[@MathieuStern]

Terrible indeed, but at least it gives you the look of a $15 disposable camera or you can directly use one from a disposable camera.

[@snappiness]

That's something I want to try one day! Or I've even seen people do this with semi-nicer p&s lenses that are still cheap. I have my eyes on you, Pentax pc35af...

[@tyhodnett3031]

The adaptor that Mathieu did a video on is nice for the Kodak disposable, but I went either the Wtulens from Gizmon. Gizmon is also fixed focus and 3D printed but uses Fuji lenses and arranges them for different focal lengths.

[@MyChevySonic]

I think the $59 is worth all the work of tearing apart a disposable and 3d printing a lens mount.

[@slr7075]

Cool seeing Mathieu here. Both you and Snap made me broke!

[@dude157]

by any chance do you know if this has a Hotspot in IR?

[@OwenEDell]

I'm having fun with mine and getting some impressive moody images. Frankly, I didn't expect much, and so I was quite surprised at how much I liked the results. As Henri Cartier-Bresson once observed, "Sharpness is a bourgeois concept." Of course there is a place for ultra-sharp photos, but lots of subjects lend themselves to soft, painterly looks, and this little lens takes you much of the way there. Add in some creative post-processing and you can end up with some really nice work. Fifty-nine dollars well spent, at least for me.

[@borderlands6606]

There's no such thing as a bad lens, only inappropriate subjects. It would be interesting to see how the 7A 18mm handles high contrast B&W.

[@fanjan7527]

I think this is kinda cool to pair with one of Fuji's older smaller bodies as a carry around camera that isn't totally point and shoot niche.

[@lego_minifig]

Reminds me of the 3D printable adapter that adapts the lenses from the single use film cameras

[@JennyDarukat]

combined with an older body and some film simulation experimentation, this has huge potential for a particular kind of charm without creating the waste and jank that instant film cameras of the past did. and when you're going out to take serious photos, you can just swap to a real lens -- very cool

[@sdhute]

Great content most people these days forget that at one time people purchased lenses for their character. However most lenses today are clinical sterile. This 18mm would be good for black and white street photography. BTW when walking around in the wooded areas in the Midwest it’s totally different from Texas. No poisonous crawling things lol

[@snappiness]

It's a way different feel! I'm loving it. I loved Texas too. But I grew up in the Midwest. It's good to be back.

[@sdhute]

@@snappiness from MN and in Florida now. The water is never safe here. Gators and water snakes. Gives me a new appreciation from the freedom in nature of MN. There is no let’s wade in the water or decide to hang your legs off a dock.

[@lanolinlight]

On the contrary, I believe more people buy lenses now for "character." Yesterday's "sharp" lens can be today's "character" lens, with characteristics we didn't even notice at the time. It takes the greater "perfection" of newer lenses to make us more conscious of the charm of older lenses. In their time, a lot of "deficiencies" were consciously seen as a nuisance but subconsciously contributed to the atmosphere and personality of an image. Mind the quotes. Not referring to the specific lens in this video but the overall notion that we even noticed "character" back in the day. We were pursuing speed, resolution, contrast and sharpness as much as the young gearheads are today. The design and engineering eventually gave us all we could want in that respect, and now we want vintage character. 🥏

[@bodinian]

Nothing like buying a camera for thousands of dollars then using a lens that makes one's pictures look worse than disposable film camera pictures.

[@davidgambin2551]

@@bodinianliterally

[@pepeye]

I had a Panasonic GX85 sitting around not doing much having been displaced by other kit. So I ordered one of these and that camera has been my near-constant companion since. Not because it is perfect (its not as you state), but because it’s functionally perfect. Its just so dang easy. The rangefinder style of the GX85 means that the whole kit is maybe an inch and a quarter thick making it truly pocketable. And the m4/3 crop factor means less vignetting than you’re getting on the Fuji. It pairs well with the 16 megapixel sensor and the colors are excellent. Sometimes not perfect is just the most perfect thing.

[@borderlands6606]

Totally agree. The GX85 (GX80 over here) is a vastly underrated camera, and compact or collapsible lenses make it near perfect as a walkround shooter. I have no interest in m4/3 as a "serious" format, but it makes a great platform for quirky and innovative lenses and superior to digicams in the pocket camera niche.

[@rhodericklising5847]

This is one of my favourite lenses and I use it with my original EOS M body permanently. Great LOMO style images and tiny form factor.

[@thebitterfig9903]

There’s a 10mm f/8 Fisheye from Pergear (at least, mine is Pergear branded) that’s pretty similar. Kind of a fun little thing, wicked small and cheap. I recommend it, unless someone is really into Fisheye lenses. If I was a big fan of the high distortion, I might rather have a real lens which took quality pictures. But since the fisheye effect is only occasionally fun for me, a lens about $70 that’s no bigger than a body cap seems perfect. It can be a fun little thing to take out now and again, does strange things, and just brings joy.

[@samdzairy]

frankly the style gives me single use cameras vibes and brings me back to my childhood 😄

[@thissidetowardscreen4553]

Reminds me of the Pentax Q Shield lens! It has a really interesting look and at times frustrating, but when you get the shot to work it is great! Always great content here! Thanks for sharing!

[@ericaceous1652]

I bought a lens similar to this, a 15mm f8 Olympus bodycap lens, to use with a Panasonic GM1 as a sort of pretend point and shoot film camera. Coupled with editing with DxO Filmpack, you can get some really fun faux film results, especially if you use a built in flash!

[@bcostin]

Looks like fun! It reminds me a bit of the Olympus 15mm f8 body-cap lens for M43. I enjoy using that one as a walkaround lens on my EPL1, especially in Grainy B&W mode. I bet the 7Artisans works well in B&W also.

[@NPJensen]

This reminds me of the Lomography Diana+ Fisheye lens, I bought second hand with an F-mount lens adapter. It has a fixed aperture around f 10, it isn't pocketable at all, there is chromatic aberration and barrel distortion in most shots and the focusing is pure guess-work. But, it's very low weight, there is a beautiful glow to light sources in the photos shot with the lens and of course all over just a ton of character to the shots - even when shot on an overcast winter afternoon. In fact, I keep it more or less permanently attached to my Nikon D70, because I like to keep it ready for use at any time.

[@CPD0123a]

Hey if you haven't heard, the new nickname for the K3iii is the KiMono. Can't wait to see your thoughts on it!

[@NorthWolfPhotography]

Olympus released two "lens cap" lenses that are even smaller then this for the M43 system, a 9mm Fisheye and 15mm rectilinealar lens. Both are more or less fixed focus fixed aperture lenses (F8). I own the 9mm Fisheye lens and it's novel to shoot with but just like this one pretty terrible when you look at the images you get.

[@CrimsonCrime2234]

I think this is great when taking videos! I like the look of it and it’s so small, it should be very easy to put on gimbal

[@Drpftnst]

I just wish there was a camera that's as small as my roller 35. Man that would really change photography if any camera manufacture ever did that but were probably decades away from having the tech to make a digital version of a film camera that came out 60 years ago.

[@kcphotogeek6207]

This lens would be cool on one of the Fuji XE cameras, kind of like a mini Holga, love seeing these weird fringe lenses 🤓👍

[@jackyiwi]

I feel like the whole concept behind this lens is to kind of replicate the beginner film camera in the good old day. Just take the camera out, point and shoot. Nothing's fancy. It reminds me of the days where I had all the joy just by capturing the moment.

[@sbeckmesser]

I bought the MFT version of this lens for street photography with my smallest MFT bodies (Olympus E-P5 and E-PM2). The MFT crop factor turns the 18mm focal length to a more street-photo-friendly 36mm and reduces the vignetting. The cameras with this lens are truly pocketable, especially the E-PM2. I found the lens acceptably sharp for my purpose. No focusing, unless shooting nearby subjects, or other adjustments combined with the Olympus IBIS really speeds up my reaction time to rapidly changing photo opportunities in NYC street photography. But I do wish that it had its own lens cap or filter threads for me to attach one. My pockets aren't dust free.

[@B9scrambler]

This is kinda how I feel about the Olympus 9mm f8 fisheye body cap lens. Not a great lens whatsoever, but pair it with the equally petite Lumix GM1 and you've got yourself a fun setup :)

[@snappiness]

That sounds like a super fun setup!

[@B9scrambler]

@@snappiness For sure. About the size of a small point and shoot, perfectly pocketable, and the images have plenty of character. Good times :) Might have to give that 18mm a try though. Could be fun on my X-H1.

[@ericaceous1652]

Posted a comment saying similar before seeing your comment 😄 I have the 15mm f8, which I also use on a GM1 - it's a fun pretend point and shoot

[@B9scrambler]

@@ericaceous1652 Nice! Want to try that one but they never show up on the used local market. GM1 with pancake lenses is awesome fun :D

[@andyamos8594]

I had a quick look at prices for the Pentax 40mm pancake (similar size but way better) and was surprised how much it has gone up in price!

[@snappiness]

It would be cool to give it a go on my K-1 if it covers the frame alright.

[@andyamos8594]

@@snappiness There are several versions including an old manual and apparently all work with full frame although you would need to manually override the automatIc APS setting for DA models.

[@micy80]

Stick this on an XT2 with Acros and enjoy the magic! It didn’t leave my camera for the past month of travelling!

[@zand]

You do have Kecks with a 30mm f10 and nicer the Chroma Double Glass 24mm f11 which are quite thinner and really cool too.

[@zand]

My review of the Double Glass if interested kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqaaapKAZ6xpnaM the Keks comes out 1st of May.

[@deydododontdedoh.5672]

I love the 'Lomo' or toy camera look, I'm an amature and appreciate really good photographs but unfortunately I just don't have the skills...but trying to learn. Many things in life is like food, You can fine dine on the most exquisitely prepared finest food the pinnacle of the culinary art but then quite often nothing really satisfies like a big mac from Maccy D's eh. You can have both and both really are great in the right context and environment. So yes, I love this burger lense 👍😁 Also it's not just about technical prowess but also about emotional element and as you pointed out it brings out that retro family snap vibe from point and shoot cameras from 70's and 80's my growing up era's, so I do have that emotional connection to crappy old point and shoot 35 or 110 film. 🙂

[@derrenleepoole]

Set it and forget it. The original Olympus body cap lens on the EP bodies was fantastic. This lens would be probably better suited to the even smaller XE line. They’re fun to use.

[@snappiness]

It would be great on the xe/xm line! Even more pocketable. The ability to set focus and forget and no AF lag - it is really cool for snapshooting.

[@steffen_a]

You should try the Pentax DA 40mm F2.8 XS. It’s just as small and has amazing image quality for what it is. And it even works quite well on the K-1.

[@404Anymouse]

The problem is that that's a DSLR lens so adapting it to any mirrorless will make it very non-pancake shaped.

[@steffen_a]

@@404Anymouse yes of course. But since he uses Pentax cameras quite a bit and is all for the quirky stuff it’s a lens he should be checking out.

[@wotsac]

Gotta get my da40 and my K01 out. Not the most pocketable tho. As for bad lenses I like - Pentax 50/f2. Crunchy, bastard bokeh

[@pers4855]

I think if you would shoot in raw and throw a edit on the photos it would bring them to life

[@KarlAdamsAudio]

Reminds me of the 11.5mm f/9 "07 Mount Shield Lens" for the Pentax Q. - strange, dreamlike, unsettling images. Only rarely did I find it to be 'the right lens for the job', but on those few occasions - very effective.

[@prizepictures1]

I have the original UFO version of this lens for M4/3 and I don’t find the image quality too bad. I use it on my EM10 to turn it into a point and shoot. The output is enjoyable. I agree it’s not for everybody but that lo-fi style is starting to grow on me a little. It’s cool when you can pair it with something like a Zuiko 45mm 1.8. The combo makes for an easy carry. How does the Fujifilm handle exposure with that lens? Does it tend to over or underexpose? Do you shoot it in aperture priority? Do you find the restrictions overall liberating or a hindrance?

[@marike1100]

A lot cheaper than a Lensbaby. But I’d probably just grab a TTArtisan 17mm f/1.4 or Laowa 10mm f4 (I have the 35mm f/1.4 and the amazing 50mm f/1.2 that I bought in 10 condition from B&H for $57 🤣). I totally get the lomo vibe but I’d hate to miss that one great shot because of size / convenience concerns.

[@PaulWilkinson]

They have offered this on micro four thirds for ages now and it is actually quite decent. It also looks cooler. It's called the UFO, it's 18mm and f6.3 and it has Roman numerals on the front. Maybe ask them for one of those ones too! 🙂

[@erikfarkas7868]

the UFO is also on fuji mount, and it is quite decent as well. afaik.

[@kerc]

Thinking that this lens on my A6000, shooting in B&W with the in-camera contrast cranked all the way up, might get some really cool photos...

[@rofferdal]

Just got one for my Nikon Z30. I think “artistic effect” and “character” is the terms that describe it better than “terrible”. Toy or tool? I think both, it depends on the mindset. But definitely not an all round lens, even if it is a very useful focal length on APS-C. And the unbeatable portability makes me even consider getting one for my MFT camera. That could very well put me back into the mindset of the Kodak Instamatics of my childhood.

[@seymourecarnage]

Almost bought one just for grins but I couldn't get past the small aperture so I went twice as big and about 50% more expensive and got the AstrHori 14mm f4.5 instead. No regrets. Rectilinear, sharp at center and good enough in the corners for street. Absolute gem. Check it out if you haven't already.

[@TMxtt]

I had the first edition of this lens for M43, and whilst optically it was by no means fantastic, it was certainly much sharper than yours appears to be. Perhaps you got a poor copy, I'm sure QC isn't particularly high for these lens, but it does surprise me how badly it renders images compared to the original on my Olympus EM 10.

[@quandale_dingle7585]

Try the industar-69 its a tiny m39 rangefinder lens with beautiful swirly bokeh, and it isn't fixed aperture

[@Poorgeniu5]

I have the previous one, the 'UFO' lens they called it, same specs but with fixed focusing. Its so dang small, it really turned my Olympus Pen into, well an Olympus Pen minus the loss in image details and having it fit in my pocket just compels me more to shoot! With this Mark II version, the inclusion of the focusing ring really fixed the 'UFO' lens' short coming but i haven't been able to get one yet!

[@snappiness]

The ability to focus occasionally when you want it really is a plus. I have fun with that a few times. But mostly just shot in infinity setting

[@kicyiu]

This len draw my attention because of the size for street until I saw your video. Thanks for saving me 60 dollars man

[@felrickson]

I think the best pocketable camera system for aps-c will forever be Canon's ef-m with the infamous pancake 22mm f2.0, put it on a m6 mark ii and get fantastic mobility and great resolution

[@burndog155]

A great video and I pretty much agree with everything you said. I bought the lens out of curiosity and because of the tiny size, not expecting much. The thing is any lens is capable of making great images, and I don't necessarily mean tack sharp without flare or distortion. A character lens...definitely and sometimes the look it gives is perfect for what you are trying to convey. I think one has to look past its obvious flaws and use it for the images it can produce. Myself I like to convert my images to monochrome and crank up clarity and dehaze giving a ton of contrast so the image is very stark and grainy. Corners are terrible, but that is something to keep in mind only. As I say, you can still make terrific images with it. I only wish it had a smaller fixed aperture. f11 would have been better for my style of shooting.

[@denniscahlo]

Reminds me of my old Holga photos. It's kind of a cool little lens.

[@elchaposexcitingadventures1674]

I hope to get this lens one day. If I am careful with my saving, I should have it in my hands in about 3 years.

[@snappiness]

😂

[@piotrch0]

Not sure if you mentioned it, but for anyone that's not familiar with those kinda Chinese lenses - it's manual only

[@mattdavis5058]

Definitely got that disposable camera vibe, I kinda like it haha.

[@x3dgime]

A have a LensCap (?) for Canon EF, it has f/11 and f/22 aperture...it was about 10-15 USD few years ago...and makes similar feeling images. :)

[@d30gaijin]

You should know that there are far better similar lenses, some about the same price some a little more. All follow the same fixed aperture but do have a bit of creative control via allowing a bit of focusing. All are better image quality than the 7 Artisans, The Pergear 10mm f/8 is one, the Funleader 18mm f/8, another, and another by Funleader "The Cap Lens Pro" 18mm f/8. I have all of them.

[@lamaludwig1470]

Somehow I like the look of the pictures, as you said, like in our childhood.

[@jensarne5773]

I have the Olympus lens cap lens 15mm f8 and some PinHolga lenses for Sony and Canon and I have got some nice photos from those. This winter I have shot a lot with Canon point and shoots s95, S100 etc and older lenses like Jupiter 8, 3 on my mirrorless cameras so now I always decrease sharpness and texture when editing in LR. My newer cameras and lenses are too sharp att least for people photography.

[@JoeLopez]

Looks like the Mark ii version. I use one on my X-E1 and love it!

[@scottsfilmgrain]

Can’t a Fuji 18mm f2 also be pocketable? If you want better image quality. But if you want the character then I feel like a vintage slr lens would be great, but less pocketable. I think the need to manual focus slows it down and gives those small imperfections that feel nostalgic.

[@vidthreenorth4007]

I think I have the original version (might have gotten rid of it by now). Do you know what the differences are?

[@ulfjonsson2122]

Nice video. I think those lenses are very useful. I use Olympus BCL-15 (body cap lens, f8 ) on my 14 year old (close to) Panasonic GF1, truly like the results I get!

[@colin_macg]

Silly question, but where did you get that rack for your lenses that shows up @3:27

[@DetectingDavo]

I love this lens, it is practical and fun to use. Worth every penny.

[@mjsvitek]

Give Olympus' BCL lenses a try; similar idea, amazing fun

[@billkaroly]

How does it compare to the Kodak Funsaver 35 lens hack?

[@Athrunwong]

It's like you're using disposable camera!! It reminds me of my childhood stupid stuff i used to snap!!

[@jenslingspaint3523]

This thing looks adorable and fun. Good review!

[@melbutterworth7976]

I own this and the chroma camera 24mm f11. on m4/3 they make a fantastic fun ultra compact kit of 35mm and 50mm equivalent lenses.

[@marckroll9544]

I use a $50 36x Apexel lens on my iPhone. It’s dreadful, and I love it.

[@Lorak669]

my one just fell apart completely, didn't even use it I just open the box and the optics were loose. when I open the case everything just dropped on the floor. Just have it in mind that can happend.

[@okaro6595]

Does it even focus? Many such lenses are fixed focus.

[@XXX-vy6xv]

Looks exactly like the Pentax 40mm f2.8 xs.😊😮 Of course the Pentax lens has excellent IQ being optics wise the same with the 40mm limited...just even smaller in size.

[@Neeverseen]

Use it with a 2x teleconverter to create a truly cursed experience.

[@trym2121]

6.3 and still vignette. If I want vignette at above f4, I can add it in post

[@Domin0ss]

Its similar to my industar 69 - not really wide sure - but optically better for sure ;)

[@ChadWilson]

I have and love this lens! It is terrible in an awesome way. I put my X-M1 in monochrome mode, set it to infinity, and go walk on the street. No focusing, just point and click. Its imperfection is its advantage. 😆

[@snappiness]

That sounds like a great way to shoot it!

[@ChadWilson]

@@snappiness, sometimes I don't even lift the camera, I just reach down to shoot, literally, from the belt.

[@johnnyc.5979]

Better off using a Pentax auto 110 lens w/adapter. I think the pictures would come out better.

[@Ringmaster101]

I have one on my Fuji XH1 - it’s simply fun

[@xray111xxx]

Known as a pinhole lens. It is pretty fun to play with. But just isn't that kind of thing. You just experiment with it, and yeah it is plenty of fun. If you are looking for an effect lens, you found it. What do you want for $59.00? You can buy a much better used lens for that money, but for playing around, sure why not.

[@xray111xxx]

@@GeraintDafis Okay a really big pin. How about a dowel?

[@nonyabusiness665]

Alternative Title: "I turned my 1300 USD Fujifilm X-T1 into a Smartphone and I love it!"

[@stefanbehrendsen330]

It actually reminds me of the look of a cheap disposable camera.

[@DSLRguide]

good find, this is my kind of lens haha

[@don_tpanic6052]

0:29 (not this one)[this is a bodyless camera]

[@Rockofaz]

Its metal, not plastic! Works fine on Nikon Z 50. Set it to infinity and forget it.

[@milanovevlogy]

i like soft images :)

[@POVwithRC]

Charming in all the right ways.

[@TheMischAxelChannel]

Thank you so much for this video, so useful

[@nico.m8346]

Use a toilet paper roll as a lens hood

[@snappiness]

Cheap lenses call for cheap solutions! 😆 Would probably work...

[@briangbur8743]

It makes a good body cap & toy lens

[@thegroove2000]

No lens or camera creates good photos. It's the operator overall.

[@TheUrbandilema]

😅u know the weirdness ting I was watching this a few ago for my canon m50...it's an interesting lens 18mm is seriously wide and make some nostalgia shots...won't call it terrible as how I say beauty is the eye of the be holder..tanks for the review and have a good nite snappy

[@MyChevySonic]

You can't open up wider because it's already wide open.

[@PetCactusA_HarmlessLittlePrick]

One step up from a pin hole body cap.

[@PetCactusA_HarmlessLittlePrick]

PS: Not that there's anything wrong with that.

[@MusabTahaTarik]

thank you & subscribed

[@Moonrakerd]

heeey, you took minolta apart, show more ! :D

[@hukumongdu]

this lens has terrible vignetting, and very soft, but fun to use

[@classic.cameras]

Yikes that "Body cap" lens really is not very good. The look it gives reminds me of the disposable film cameras of the 1990's.

[@benbunch4159]

Wait does it really say “NEW” on the lens?

[@snappiness]

Yeah I don't really get that part either xD

[@throttlebrah]

Lens for photographers that "too expensive for lomography"

[@siebevranken581]

it has a bit of an analog feel doesn't it.

[@HandleName_CB]

I mean do you really need to ask them to send a $59 len…

[@korujaa]

lets go America !!!

[@diegobluc]

I can't believe this is worse than the canon 24mm efs

[@Donbros]

Its simply too small. Samyang 35mm is probably max one could go

[@pittyman]

What is the fun?😁 If you want to get a camera in your pocket just get your phone, it takes 10 times better photos and also fits in your pocket. 😂😂😂