Brothers from different mothers – Contax RTS and Fujifilm X-T2

January 15, 2024January 15, 2024Chris and Carol 1 Comment

Brothers from different mothers – the classic Contax-Yashica RTS (original model) and the Fujifilm X-T2. I find the weight and feel to be the same, and many of the manual controls I use are right on top of the T2. That could be why I was attracted to the Fuji in the first place.
In the world of modern mirrorless digital cameras, the T2 just feels and acts like an old-school SLR.

The Fuji features a sharp Fujinon zoom lens, and the RTS has a fast and sharp f1.7 Yashica lens. I enjoy the aesthetics of both cameras, and I often shoot with the half-cases attached.

Fujifilm got it right when they designed their T2 (and similar models), drawing on the successful designs and functionality from the past.

A better view of the lenses. I chose the Yashica lens over the much more costly Planer lens because, let’s face it, Yashica made both (maybe from a Tomioka design in collaboration with Zeiss). The famous T* coatings may be missing on the Yashica, but I doubt it. The T* mainly was a marketing exercise. Full disclosure – I’d take the Zeiss Planer in a heartbeat if money were no object.

I enjoy using my Fuji; it is my go-to camera whenever I shoot with my classic lens collection or when I need to test a lens before listing it in my Etsy shop or on eBay. It’s fast and easy, and the APS-C sensor has a 1.5 crop factor that “boosts” the focal length of every lens I use. See yesterday’s gorgeous 450mm shot below from my 300mm Nikkor-H lens.

Boeing 777 (likely) at over 30,000 feet over northeast Florida (not cropped).

Thanks for stopping by, Chris. Which is your favorite mirrorless camera? Are you a Canon or Nikon photographer? Has anyone tried the new Nikon Z cameras?

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.

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

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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

A fun new lens for my Fujifilm X-T2

January 8, 2024January 8, 2024Chris and Carol 2 Comments

Fujifilm X-T2
TTArtisan AF 27mm f2.8 Auto Focus Lens
Limited Edition Yellow-Orange
APS-C
35mm Equivalent is 41mm

Sharp, colorful, compact, fun, inexpensive, especially compared to the Fujifilm equivalent.
The orange ring is the lens hood.

Not subtle. The orange thingy is a lens hood.

First image. f5.6, 1/20, ISO 1600, 27mm (41mm full-frame equivalent). Velvia Vivid film simulation.

Velvia Vivid film simulation. Overcast day here in North Florida.

FUJIFILM XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR Lens – $399.00 at B&H. Yes, the Fuji is a lot more lens, but to be quite frank, Fujifilm lenses are way too expensive to start filling my camera bag with them.

Thanks for stopping by, Chris

Follow me on Instagram at @ccphotographyai

wordless wednesday

December 27, 2023December 27, 2023Chris and Carol Leave a comment

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

Happy SUNday!

November 19, 2023November 19, 2023Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Fujifilm X-T2 Fujichrome Velvia Simulation

I’m just now getting over COVID-19 which is another reason to celebrate a ‘Happy SUNday’. Thanks for stopping by, Chris

Follow me on Instagram at @ccphotographyai

New Macro Lens

October 20, 2023October 20, 2023Chris and Carol 2 Comments

I just received a new lens to try from 7Artisans. It’s not technically sold as a macro lens but is capable of a 1:1 life-size capture. Here is one of my first test images.

Fujifilm X-T2 with 7Artisans 60mm f2.8 II lens. Christmas cactus blossom.

A bit closer to full macro. I believe I shot this around f8. My depth of field was extremely narrow.

Closer still. Only a few of the yellow stamen are in focus. Closest focus is 175mm.

The full name of the lens – 7Artisans 60mm f2.8 II APS-C manual focus, prime lens. It uses Hoya ultra-low dispersion glass. 11 Elements in 8 Groups

Short telephoto prime is designed for APS-C-format FUJIFILM X-mount mirrorless cameras and provides a 90mm equivalent focal length.

Life-size 1:1 maximum magnification pairs with a 6.9″ minimum focusing distance to suit working with close-up subjects.

Manual focus design, along with focus distance and depth of field scales, aids in precise focusing control.

Floating elements design maintains consistent image quality and high sharpness throughout the focusing range.

A 9-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality.

De-clicked aperture ring offers smooth, silent rotation throughout the aperture range, making it ideal for video applications.

I purchased mine directly from an eBay seller in China and paid a comfortable $146 for it with free shipping. It’s a compact and well-built lens with a super smooth focus. Remember to get the upgraded Mark II V2 model.