Vintage Oddities - Best Lenses For The Old School Look

[@derekholmes1302]

Lovely to see how these lenses produce the old school look of the 1930's , especially in black + white! The use of these lenses seem to satisfy the soul! Thanks for yet another informative video demonstration in your own unique style! Derek

[@zenography7923]

Thanks Derek, glad you enjoyed it! Would have been difficult to make without your little Orion!

[@Lawman212]

The script on this video was excellent. Well done.

[@ArminHirmer]

great video. it was quite hard to find an uncoated Fed10, but I managed. I hope it will arrive soon. I love the photos you took with it

[@GONZOFAM7]

That beautiful Orion is averaging 250USD on eBay. Thanks for another great video. I watch one episode each morning with my coffee.

[@philhodgkinson1460]

Very nice video Nigel thank you muchly....

[@camerarover7124]

Excellent and enjoyable treasure chest of forgotten classics. I’d like to add another, If I may. The Industar 69 28mm F2.8 is another that offers an old school look.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! I've been meaning to try an Indy 69 for some while now, and it may be that one is not far away in my future! Thanks for the tip!

[@georgeparkins777]

To me the difficulty there is that the 69 is designed for half frame. I don't know what the coverage would be like on any of the common mirrorless sensor sizes.

[@camerarover7124]

George Parkins The coverage is fine, a little vignetting when scrutinised but the overall feel of the photos it produces are beautiful & mysterious

[@blood_n_guts_murphy]

Yep, the 69 is absolutely fine on APSC cameras. Some vignette of course, as it was made for half frame, but I don’t feel the need to switch from 3:2 aspect ratio to 1:1. The benefit is that it is tiny and black and only needs an L39 adapter, so it is ideal for hyperfocal street photography at f11 or so. People catching me taking candids have smiled at it a few times as it is so old looking on a Fuji. So they expect I am using/spending film on them. I think it’s too bad to use wide open on APSC. It is tricky finding the right day for it too. Cloudy but bright is best, so it can be stopped down and avoid flare/haze from sun.

[@Abutado]

The final lense is delicious. It's so beautiful.

[@zenography7923]

It really is! Thanks for looking in.

[@caldera878]

Vintage lenses are a joy to use and they create imperfect photos which is perfectly fine.

[@zenography7923]

Agreed! Imperfections are not necessarily imperfections - in fact, we wouldn't know what perfect was if we didn't have imperfections to point it out!

[@jpcalamaro961]

Very nicely done and inspiring as usual. In terms of wide angle Soviet lenses there are a few although they tend to be expensive, hard to find, heavy, from few old rangefinder camera mounts or all of the above except perhaps for the Industar 69 which might fit many of the criteria you often mention in your videos - but it is for crop sensors.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video! I've been tempted to try an Industar 69 for some time now - I feel sure an encounter can't be far away!

[@samcoleman8275]

Greetings, I love the videos and I have learned so much! I do have a question - can you recommend any 35mm SLR lenses that provide the old school look? (Nikon, M42, old Argus lenses, etc) Please advise. Again thank you for all you do!

[@zenography7923]

There are various Leica 35mm lenses from the 1930s, however the best budget option might be the Jupiter 12.

[@Migmikful]

Hello! I really love your channel! You make amazingly informative videos, I’m in loveeee!! I also fell in love with the look of the last lens featured in this presentation. Ichizuka 25 mm. Particularly how it performs in a square frame. I made a bit of research and found no such lenses for sale sadly. You do mention that there are alternatives. Could you be so kind and mention a few for me? Also the camera body I’ll need... You do mention micro 4/3. Will I be able to shoot square format with them? I know I sound like I have no experience at all, and it’s quite true, I only started shooing film recently, but this video really gave me some new exciting ideas!🙏🏻 If you could advise me what gear I need to achieve that fantastic square frame and the feel of that illusive lens I’d be so so grateful!☺️ Thank you so much!!

[@zenography7923]

Glad you're enjoying the channel! That little Ichizuka is a really lovely piece of glass, but they are sadly quite rare! Fortunately, many similar lenses exist. Pretty much any lens from a 16mm cine camera will cover the sensor of a micro four thirds camera, although you may get dark corners in wider aspect ratios with some of them. Also, if you're using micro four thirds, make sure your lens has a 'C' mount - 'C' mount to micro four thirds adaptors are widely available. To shoot in the square aspect ratio, cameras that I know will do this are the Panasonic GH2 (that's the one I use), the GH3 and the GH4, though I'm sure there are others. They're micro four thirds cameras; the GH3 is available quite cheaply second hand, and the GH2 is even cheaper. These Panasonic cameras all do very nice video too! And of course you can shoot in the square aspect ratio with any lens on these cameras! Good luck in your search!

[@grahvis]

Now that the lockdown is being eased, I'm looking forward to trying out my Voigtlander Avus 6x9 with its uncoated Skopar lens. Once I've had some practice, I'm going to really go old school with the Ilford Ortho film.

[@zenography7923]

That sounds like a very cool plan!

[@IainHC1]

I need to ban you from my computer!! You cost me a fortune each time I watch your video's!!

[@zenography7923]

Resist...resist...resist...oh go on then, buy it!

[@IainHC1]

@@zenography7923 :-D Yup....... that's pretty much it :-D

[@yesrbiradar]

I ended up buying a lot of vantage lenses. Earlier it was Angry photographer now it is @Zenography.

[@DennisNowland]

Interesting and calming. Thank you very much for this.

[@zenography7923]

And thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

[@jamesbrickert1301]

Enjoy your videos! Keep up the good work.

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks James, glad you're enjoying them!

[@_H_2023]

I've just bought the FED lens (exactly the same as the one in this video) and I wanted to know how close your lens can produce a focused image. Mine is producing a focused image at roughly 15 feet onward, so most of the throw on the focusing ring produces a blurred image.that tells me the focal distance must be out, Is this correct? I'm using M39 mount on a FUJI XH1. Any help out there.

[@zenography7923]

If you're using the correct adaptor (L39 to Fuji X Mount) it should focus from minimum focus distance (3 feet) to infinity. I'm not sure what the problem could be, unless the lens has been dismantled and re-assembled incorrectly? There should be no problem with focus on your Fuji, assuming you have the right adaptor. It would be worth trying another L39 lens on your camera - if that one works properly, your Fed lens must be at fault.

[@paullantuch2205]

For the last three years I'm using the lenses from enlargers, Rodenstocks and Schniders. The quality of the images are the most superb, no CA, no blurred edges. It is excellent traveling gear, small, mounted on light weighted bellows, you can hold a couple in your pocket. Only a small maximum apertures are troubling in low light. For the wide angle, however, the modern lens are better choice.

[@rileysmithphoto]

I love the voigtlander, It is an incredibly sharp & versatile lens. The min focus distance is very useful as well. Cheers

[@zenography7923]

I've heard it's a great lens, would love to try one someday. Thanks for watching!

[@patriziodalessandro1693]

Hi. I just noticed the German marking on the Ichizuka lens "Fernsehlinse" = TV lens

[@zenography7923]

Ja, fernsehlinse, das ist richtig! It might be from a cctv system, but the cameras were rather larger back then, so I'm not sure... I did think super 8 at first but it's marked as a TV lens... A mystery!

[@patriziodalessandro1693]

@@zenography7923 Sometimes you can find Ichizuka Optical Co. lenses branded as Cosmicar or Kinotar - typically for 16mm - C mount. More than CCTV lens, it's rather Industrial TV lens: check this old ad ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?arnumber=7261990 This lens seems very similar to the one you have: www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/ichizuka-optical-co-cosmicar-25mm-f1-1974022551 This is a 50mm f/1.4 spiral-m42.blogspot.com/2020/03/ichizuka-opt-professional-kinotar-50mm.html Check this "no name" 50mm f/0.95 for "only" 500$: www.ebay.ca/itm/Noname-Japanese-25mm-f0-95-C-mount-MINT/264233173438?hash=item3d858641be:g:6qwAAOSwrv5chSBQ And this wide angle 12.5mm f/1.4: www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/ichizuka-optical-co-vintage16mm-movie-1759825027

[@choyhongtan9]

Hi can check that it's normal that a collapsible lens, it's min focus become like 3-4m away instead of original 1m on a mirrorless, apsc? Thanks

[@zenography7923]

Which lens are you using, and which cameras?

[@choyhongtan9]

@@zenography7923 fed 10 on Fujifilm X Pro 1

[@zenography7923]

With an L39 to fuji x adaptor, the lens should focus correctly, that is, to 1 metre. Not sure why it should only focus to 3 or 4 metres away - has the lens perhaps jammed at that distance? Can't think what else could cause the problem you describe.

[@choyhongtan9]

@@zenography7923 thanks for the info, the lens focus tab is turning smoothly from min to infinity. Maybe I shall send it to technician to check then

[@ulfjonsson2122]

Suberb and inspiring review. I have to go out and use my Sony Tv lens (25mm /f1,8) this weekend. Regards Ulf.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks Ulf, glad you enjoyed it! Have fun with that TV lens!

[@Nearest_Neighbor]

Did you had the chance to compare the fed 10 with the aperture of 3.5 to 18 against the 3.5 to 16 version?

[@zenography7923]

Check out my video '10 Classic 1930s Clones' for the comparison you desire!

[@Nearest_Neighbor]

Of course KZbin recommended me that video right after I wrote this question. :) I ordered a quite early one yesterday because I love the look of the black and white images. Thank you and have a great 2021.

[@fotolookconde]

With which medium format camera did you use the Ichizuca lens, Zenography?

[@zenography7923]

I shot the Ichizuka on my Panasonic GH2, a micro four thirds camera.

[@fotolookconde]

@@zenography7923 ah OK thanks

[@carltanner9065]

There's someone on ebay at the moment selling the Fed lens in lots of 10 for around US$400!!! If you wanted to make some money, you could buy a lot, keep one or two and sell the rest for $60 a lens. I reckon you'd probably get the money for them.

[@zenography7923]

I think you would - if you could buy them without import charges...

[@hotrode6969]

hi,can i use a orion 15 lens on a zorki 1 camera?

[@zenography7923]

You can indeed!

[@hotrode6969]

@@zenography7923 thank you much

[@avistop1]

Thank you for your videos very much

[@zenography7923]

No problem, thanks for watching!

[@_H_2023]

To anyone who has the same problem I've found out that the lens barrel has been removed and threaded back at the wrong place so infinity was close up. It's simple to just re thread and put the pins back. Nice lens.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the tip!

[@barryscarr]

That Ichizuka lens might work without any vignetting on a Pentax Q. The original Q had a 1/2.3" sensor (~5x crop-factor!) and later models had a 1/1.7" sensor. I've tried a couple of old cine lenses on my original Q with a c-mount adapter: a Kern Palliard 13mm f/1.8 and a cine-Yashinon 6.5mm f/1.4. IIRC, the Yashinon vignetted very badly (it was unusable) and the Kern didn't. Like the Ichizuka, they are both beautifully made and were quite inexpensive. And, since the Ichizuka nearly covers an M4/3 sensor I would hope it fully covered the Pentax Q sensor without issues. This might be a good excuse to blow the dust of my Q and get my hands on one of these Ichizukas.

[@zenography7923]

It would probably work fine on a Q, as the sensor is so much smaller than m43. I've often thought of trying a Q - delightful little things!

[@Lethalogica]

I'm early this time, great and relaxed video as always

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@diforbes]

Is the Fed an M39 mount? Thanks.

[@zenography7923]

Indeed it is!

[@diforbes]

@@zenography7923 Thanks. Is there a way to adapt M39 lenses to an existing M42 adapter without buying separate M39 adapters?

[@patriziodalessandro1693]

@@diforbes Hi. You can buy a M39 to M42 adapter ring (less than 10$ on Amazon, less than 50¢ + shipment on Aliexpress...)

[@Lavi-Aemilia-Astori]

I want to know how is the leica ltm elmar 50/3.5

[@zenography7923]

Well, I haven't used this lens but have heard it's very nice. Are you thinking of a coated or uncoated version? Uncoated will give a look similar to the Fed in this video, though it might be a little sharper; a coated version will significantly reduce effects like flare and light bleed and produce a slightly more modern image. Hope that helps!

[@Lavi-Aemilia-Astori]

Zenography thanks you！

[@paullantuch2205]

It is a great lens, perfectly works on my A7R II.

[@vikmanphotography7984]

Your image at 8:26 is lovely.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks Ava! It was shot on a cold early morning in London, before the streets got too busy. By the way, you may have noticed your Minolta 135mm in this week's video - it rides again, or at least, its images do!

[@patriziodalessandro1693]

Hi. A little addition... You forgot about the Mir-10A 28mm f/3.5, a nice lens which had a native A - adapter for both M39 and M42 and the Industar-69 28mm f/2.8 (passable quality, but apparently good results when used for macro) produced exclusively for LSM. Then we should include in the list the FED 28mm f/4.5 produced in 1938-1939 with a 6/6 (!) almost symmetrical Tessar-like optical design which looks like a FED 50mm collapsed. There's even a 20mm f/5.6 for M39 (Russar MR-2). Orion 15 should have single layer chemical coating. The resolution should be at least 50 lpmm in the centre and more than 22 lpmm in the corners (from an original brochure...marketing strikes again?). As far as I know the postwar FED 50mm f/3.5 and the Industar-10 are exactly the same lens produced by the same factory, but the FED marking remained. From 1952 till 1955, when production of this lens ended, lenses were coated. There is even a not so common f/2 version of this lens (coated). Take care.

[@zenography7923]

That's interesting, thanks for the info - you clearly have a wide knowledge of these lenses!

[@henrybn14ar]

Why do we like these old lenses? Modern lenses are too perfect. When the picture is blurred, the brain fills in - that is why impressionist paintings work.

[@zenography7923]

I couldn't agree more!

[@NJ-zi9lr]

The languages of painting and photography are different That confusion was finally resolved by fine art photographers through to Box Brownie users taking family snaps over a century ago. It's tiresome. Try reading Susan Sontag or Walter Benjamin.

[@sclogse1]

@@NJ-zi9lr How about Proust Was A Neuroscientist?

[@NJ-zi9lr]

@@sclogse1 Conflation, so much of it about. Proust always forgot that, too busy remembering other stuff I suppose.

[@NirnBootMod]

This Orion seems like the exact lens I need for paranormal photography if its uncoated. A shame that it is rare and I need 4 or 5 of them.

[@zenography7923]

The Fed is definitely uncoated, and much cheaper!

[@NirnBootMod]

@@zenography7923 I know but 50mm is not wide enough on APS-C for how I set the cameras up in the rooms. Trust me I would definitely go with that one.

[@aerialfilm1]

I’m currently playing with some 100 year old Kodak lenses from their old 1900-ish folding cameras. Some cheap bellows, adapters and double sided tape are all that’s needed to let these optics come to life again. In fact, one of these lenses is so good I’m almost disappointed.

[@zenography7923]

That's really interesting. They gave great results back in the day though, as the sharpness of old photos confirms. I'd love to know how you did it, and I'd like to try one even more!

[@markbeadle6434]

Very nice, Orion would look great on my FED 1 :) I’d rather have the Russar-20 if I could find one at a decent price point

[@zenography7923]

I'd be interested to try that Russar too - rather expensive though, as you say!

[@markbeadle6434]

Zenography if I ever find one I’ll get in touch wouldn’t mind sending it got you to review. I’ve just received my FED NKVD back from Roger Lean and loving shooting with it but it would be nice to have a wide. I have a LTM j12 on the way from Ukraine but it will still be a month or so :(

[@blood_n_guts_murphy]

I wish the Chinese manufacturers made some small aperture wide lenses. Everyone loves a pancake. Have always wanted one of those collapsible lenses. Have been considering a Chinese C mount for my Fuji, shooting in square format if need be. I fancy the 50mm f1.4 for extra bokeh.

[@zenography7923]

Some of those C mount lenses are lovely - and square is an interesting format!

[@udovelvet]

I would like to see a video on old school lenses for M43 alone. Selfish me, thats what I shoot.

[@zenography7923]

Another m43 lens is coming in an episode very soon!

[@philhodgkinson1460]

Industar 10 seem to average £50/60...as of January 2022 Nigel

[@slyvillaestiva4299]

Subscribed

[@zenography7923]

Thanks, welcome aboard!

[@bruce_on_the_loose]

every time i watch one these vids makes me want to go out and shoot, but it's 9.26pm and raining, i do hope for non raining weather tomorrow have a roll of hp5 itching to be shot

[@roybixby6135]

Russian lenses can be fun. Unfortunately you play Russian Roulette with the quality and functionality. Consistent quality control seems non-existent...

[@zenography7923]

I've heard this said on a number of occasions, but in my experience (and I may have been lucky) I've only found one bad Russian lens (a Jupiter 8) out of the hundred or so that have passed through my hands. Perhaps I've just been really lucky?

[@AceHardy]

✍️

[@zenography7923]

:)

[@bennmurhaaya8518]

There's another russian wideangle - russar 20/5.6

[@zenography7923]

I didn't realise, thanks for the info!

[@blood_n_guts_murphy]

Looks great, but certainly not in the budget range. Will have to keep my fingers crossed one of the Chinese manufacturers get enough requests for a wide pancake. Anything from 12 to 22 would be great with an f5.6 aperture.

[@felixcat4346]

Stop whispering, your creeping out your viewers.

[@sclogse1]

What?