Happy SUNday! – classic glass made new

January 14, 2024January 14, 2024Chris and Carol Leave a comment

The “easy” way to get a nearly 500mm lens. With a modern mirrorless digital camera, an inexpensive adapter, and a classic lens initially made in the film era, you have a super telephoto lens you may already own.

A Nikkor-H Auto 300mm f4.5 telephoto lens from around 1970 mated to my 2016 Fujifilm X-T2 mirrorless digital camera via a Fotodiox NIK-FX lens adapter.

The Fuji T2 uses an APS-C sensor with a crop factor of 1.5. So when attaching film-era lenses, simply multiply the lens focal length; here, it’s 300mm by the crop factor (1.5), resulting in a 450mm lens. More about crop factors can be found here https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/tips-and-solutions/understanding-crop-factor

The Fotodiox adapter I’m using here was purchased directly from them for under $30 (no affiliation). I use Fotodiox because they have an easy-to-navigate site that makes buying easy. Any third-party lens adapter maker will do so shop around. Some adapters can be expensive, so know what you want and need before overbuying.

Autofocus. In my situation here, my camera lens combination can no longer use autofocus, and any type of image stabilization is also lost (unless your mirrorless camera has built-in IBIS). So it’s back to old-school photography – manually focusing the camera and adjusting the aperture, ISO, and shutter speed to get the correct exposure – the fun stuff!

It wasn’t the best day for shooting with a long telephoto lens as the sun was obscured by a thick layer of cirrus clouds – not much color going on. The long focal length of this lens compresses distant objects creating an exciting look. This row of townhomes at the beach was quite distant from my vantage point, and close objects were not in focus (shallow depth of field).

Check your camera collection – maybe there’s new life for your old lenses and a new perspective for your next photo outing.

Thanks for stopping by, Chris

Follow me on Instagram at @ccphotographyai

Comments are always welcomed, as I’ve learned quite a bit from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by, and while you’re at it, feel free to visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (CC Design Studios hosted by Etsy). – Chris Whelan

Please respect that all content, including photos and text, is this blog’s property and its owner, Yashica Pentamatic Fanatic, Yashica Sailor Boy, Yashica Chris, Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris.

Big glass from 1970 – Nikkor H Auto 300mm

January 13, 2024January 13, 2024Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Today’s Lens Camera Combo

Fujifilm X-T2
FotodioX Nik-FX Adapter
Nikkor-H Auto 300mm f4.5 Lens
Nippon Kogaku Japan – 1970
35mm Equivalent 450mm

FotodioX NIK-FX Adapter on Fujifilm X-T2.

35mm equivalent is a 450mm telephoto. Seen here as an out of the camera JPEG image. ISO 1600, 1/1900, f5.6.

I enjoyed my first outing with this massive lens on my T2 but without any type of image stabilization I had to bump the ISO and shoot at a high shutter speed to get the images in focus (no tripod).

The neighbor’s chimney top as seen from my studio at 450mm. It was a rather dull day with high cirrus cloudiness blocking any chance of brighter colors. Hopefully, the sun will shine brighter tomorrow so I can get out and about again.

Thanks for stopping by, Chris

Follow me on Instagram at @ccphotographyai

wordless wednesday

August 23, 2023August 26, 2023Chris and Carol 3 Comments

Vintage lens testing. Thanks for stopping by, Chris

Follow me on Instagram at @ccphotographyai

Comments are always welcomed as I’ve learned quite a bit from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by, and while you’re at it, feel free to visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (CC Design Studios hosted by Etsy). – Chris Whelan

Yashica’s Yashikor f/2.8 5cm Gem

November 14, 2022November 14, 2022Chris and Carol Leave a comment

A wonderful LTM lens from 1959 was likely made for Yashica by Tomioka Optical for use on their new Yashica YE 35mm Leica-inspired rangefinder camera. The YE was also known as the 35 YE and the 35 E type during its short run.

Here the lens is shown mounted to my Nicca 3-S.

It’s a handsome lens and it looks well-suited for this mid-1950s Nicca.

A test image from my Fujifilm X-A10 with Fotodiox adapter. I believe this was taken at f/11.

This one was taken late in the day in deep shade. The Fujifilm X-A10 was set to Velvia film simulation mode. Nice strong colors and sharp contrast.

If you’re interested in discovering more about this under-the-radar lens and Yashica camera might I suggest you stop by my good friend Paul Sokk’s site at http://www.yashicatlr.com/YE&YF.html#yashicaye

As always, thanks for stopping by, Chris

Follow me on Instagram at @ccphotographyai

Canon New FD 50mm f/1.8 Lens Test

November 5, 2022November 5, 2022Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Canon New FD 50mm f/1.8 Lens – ISO 200, 1/200 at about f/2.8

I enjoy shooting with my classic (vintage) lenses on my mirrorless cameras as it reminds me just how special these lenses were and still are. They almost have the same look as a film image. Here I mounted the Canon lens to my Fujifilm X-A10 mirrorless digital camera body using a Fotodiox Pro FD-FX adapter. The X-A10 is a 16.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor camera. I simply set the camera to aperture priority and make a few adjustments in the camera’s menu (manual focus) and start enjoying using your old glass again. If you own a Fujifilm mirrorless digital X-Series camera, here is a link that can get you started. I have no affiliation with Fotodiox other than I like using their adapters. https://fotodioxpro.com/collections/fujifilm-x-adapters?page=1

Thanks for stopping by! – Chris

Follow me on Instagram at @ccphotographyai

Reflecting on reflections – a favorite subject.

May 25, 2021May 25, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Bold reflection of the Fernandina Beach Post Office. Taken with a Fujifilm X-A10 with Canon FD 24mm f2.8 lens.

I think I enjoy the challenge and the opportunities presented by reflections when composing difficult shots. Should both subjects be in focus or only the primary subject? I think of photographing reflections as creating double exposures and I also view reflections as a way of seeing something new in an otherwise ordinary image.

Subtle reflections in a jewelry store window. Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, Florida. Taken with a Fujifilm X-A10 with Canon FD 24mm f2.8 lens.

Fujifilm X-A10 with Canon FD 24mm f2.8 lens and Fotodiox adapter. There’s even reflections in this shot which I love to see.

Centre Street, Fernandina Beach, Florida. Reflections in a classic doorway.

Reflected buildings in the late afternoon sun. Amelia Island, Florida.

Natural reflections – the best kind. A summer sky over the salt marsh, Amelia River, Florida.

Comments are always welcomed as I’ve learned quite a bit from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by and while you’re at it, feel free to visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (CC Design Studios hosted by Etsy). – Chris Whelan

Please respect that all content, including photos and text, are the property of this blog and its owner, Yashica Pentamatic Fanatic, Yashica Sailor Boy, Yashica Chris, Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris.

Digital time machine by Fujifilm

March 18, 2021March 18, 2021Chris and Carol 2 Comments

Just a quick post to introduce you (again) to a great little time machine. Take a simple and in this case inexpensive digital mirrorless camera (Fujifilm X-A10) mount a Fotodiox adapter behind some vintage 35mm camera lens and suddenly your older lenses have a new life.

In this set-up, a Fujifilm X-A10 digital mirrorless camera, a Fotodiox Pro FD-FX adapter, and a Canon FL 50mm f1.8 lens from around 1965.

Set your camera to aperture priority and select the proper lens focal length in the camera’s menu, set to manual focus and you’re good to go.

In this example I’ve mounted a vintage Spiratone 135mm f2.8 lens on a Fotodiox M42-FX adapter. The ‘FX’ identifies the mount found on Fujifilm digital camera bodies. The ‘M42’ indicates the type of mount on this lens. M42 is also known as a universal screw mount and is used on film cameras like Yashica, Pentax, Fujica, and a bunch more.

This image of the ferns below was shot using the Canon FL 50mm f1.8 lens and the appropriate adapter. Captured at f2.8 at about one meter.

This image of the same ferns below was taken using the Spiratone Tc 135mm f2.8 lens nearly fully wide open at f4 from three meters.

If you’re like me you have a bunch of beautiful vintage lenses just sitting around looking good in your display cabinet. Now and then you’ll shoot a roll of film and then it’s back into the cabinet. By purchasing a few inexpensive adapters for use on your mirrorless camera these classic lenses can see the literal light of day again. Remember that when these lenses were new they cost big bucks back in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Why let that investment go to waste.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to stop by my shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com – Chris

Please respect that all content, including photos and text, are the property of this blog and its owner, Yashica Pentamatic Fanatic, Yashica Sailor Boy, Yashica Chris.

Happy SUNday! – Trying out my new old lens.

October 13, 2019October 13, 2019Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Bunches of old lenses + a mirrorless digital camera + a bevy of lens adapters = lots of fun!

Fujifilm X-A10. One of Fuji’s most affordable mirrorless cameras mated with my cherished Nippon Kogaku Nikkor-H.C f/2 5cm lens from around 1956 or so. The adapter is from Fotodiox.

The adapter was about $17 direct from Fotodiox (that included shipping). The adapters from Fotodiox are of excellent quality and their customer service has been exceptional. M39 allows you to use Leica type screw-in lenses (L39) made by a variety of lens makers back in the day.

The results (so far). I’m pretty happy with the contrast, sharpness, and colors that the lens captures. Using vintage glass can be a lot of fun!

About f/11

f/5.6

f/8

About the trickiest part of using vintage manual focus lenses of a modern digital mirrorless camera is achieving an accurate focus in bright sunlight. Most of my focusing is guessing at the distance and knowing my depth of field limitations. On my Fujifilm X-Series camera, I set the exposure dial to aperture priority, select manual focus, set my ISO, then set the desired aperture on my lens and monitor the shutter speed selected by the camera.

Focused at infinity at f/16

None of these images received significant post production – pretty much as captured and certainly no cropping. Below is a different Nikkor lens that has a case of fungus.

Here’s another Nikkor-H.C f/2 5cm lens with significant fungus on the last internal lens element(s). Other than the fungus the lens is in mint condition.

DSCF7100

Same kitty different results. By using a digital adapter I can quickly test a lens and decide if it’s worth getting the lens serviced.

Here’s a different adapter made for a Sony E-mount body mirrorless camera.

Fotodiox adapter for mounting Canon FD lenses to my Fuji.

If you haven’t tried using an adapter for your old manual focus lenses you’re missing out on a bunch of fun. They’re inexpensive and you’ll probably like the “look” the vintage glass gives your images.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com – Chris

Please respect that all content, including photos and text, are the property of this blog and its owner, Yashica Pentamatic Fanatic, Yashica Sailor Boy, Yashica Chris.

Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris

Yashica cameras and so much more!

Tag Fotodiox Adapters

Happy SUNday! – classic glass made new

Big glass from 1970 – Nikkor H Auto 300mm

wordless wednesday

Yashica’s Yashikor f/2.8 5cm Gem

Canon New FD 50mm f/1.8 Lens Test

Reflecting on reflections – a favorite subject.

Digital time machine by Fujifilm

Happy SUNday! – Trying out my new old lens.