Going full frame on a budget with film cameras

I wrote many articles on film photography and cameras before. With a recent increase in the usage of high-end (and also costly) full frame cameras I wondered if guys with small pockets had any choices. Ofcourse they do.

Film photography is cheap, output is qualitative and within the reach of common man. 

Given the prices of high end cameras like Nikon D3x (almost $8000) and Canon 1Ds Mark III (almost $7000), there has never been a good time to choose film photography. Inspite of the shortcomings of film, the advantages far outweigh the heavy price tags of the aforementioned cameras. It is of note that no matter how high-end a DSLR is, it can never replicate the cinematic aura of the film camera.

Even in this day and age of digital saturation there still some purists who shoot on film. A certain percentage of top tier fashion photographers still shoot film. Terry Richardson shoots with a Yashic T4, Miles Aldridge shoots with a Rollieflex, I don’t exactly know which camera but David Bailey too shoots exclusively on film and there are many others like them.

 If your primary professional work demands speed then film photography isn’t for you. Modern journalism is a bit difficult with film, but for magazines like National Geographic where the assignment time is several months, film photography may be most suitable. 

For any up and coming fashion photographer money is the most important criteria. Instead of investing thousands of dollars on camera bodies additionally some more thousands on the subsequent lenses, it is wiser to start off with a good reliable film camera system. The lenses too for film cameras come very cheap. Choose a good system and you are as good as your friend with the 1Ds Mark III. 

 

No matter how expensive a digital camera can never deliver the color rendition of a film camera. A while ago I read somebody’s quote that capturing all the information on the film frame will generate a image file of 1500MB (That’s 1.5GB) and that means shooting with a 500 megapixel camera. Just think about it. 

In this article I have listed what all you need to start off your film photography. 

When buying a film camera see to it that you buy something that has/supports auto focus lenses. This way it will save some valuable time, when it is factor. 

 

You can easily learn film processing and also setting up your own dark room very cheaply. Digitizing film is also not rocket science. You can do it with a good capable computer and scanner system

The whole point of this article is not to tell you to throw away your digital cameras, but only to tell you that there is also an economical alternative to full frame DSLRs.

And remember, without curiosity, inspiration and imagination no matter how high end camera you have, you are just a guy in the middle of the ocean with no sails.    

Happy Clicking.

--Viisshnu Vardhan--

Good Lenses for Fashion Photography

Offline or online there is no definitive answer as to what particular lenses we need to do specialist jobs like fashion photography. Some prefer zooms and some primes. Out of these two, prime lenses seem to have better sharpness, though I haven’t tested or compared the two.

They say it’s the photographer not the lens. Yes its true for some jobs but for specialist jobs like fashion, jewelery etc. gear matters a lot.

Since the last few weeks I have been doing an enormous amount of research online (where else) on lenses suitable for fashion photography. Since I am primarily a Nikon shooter I will list out some Nikon lenses here. The same equivalent focal length and aperture lenses are available in Canon, Sony and Pentax as well. 

Firstly I would like to remind you that these specialist lenses do not come cheap and may cost hundreds of dollars or even more than a thousand dollars. You CANNOT do fashion photography with cheap lenses like the 50mm 1.8D because it will ‘show’ on the picture. The optical properties, optical formula, coating on these lenses is not as good as expensive lenses. Doing fashion photography with a 50mm 1.8D may work sometimes in some lighting conditions but you may not always be lucky. Don’t count on your luck, get the better lens. 

Even though these expensive lenses are a bit of a financial strain you will have invest in them. Over a period of time these lenses will pay for themselves and they are a better investment than camera bodies.

Unfortunately to make matters worse, even Nikon does not mention what kind of lenses it has for fashion, the classification of their lens selection is pretty generic.

As a reference I had a few month old Nikon lens catalogue along with a price list. I painstakingly started researching each lens and what kind of pictures it produced and went through thousands of pictures on both flickr and 500px. My main criteria were color reproduction, sharpness and contrast. NOT price.

The G (Gelded, with no aperture ring) series lenses somehow seem to have a bit low quality and low color reproduction.       

So time and again, during the course of my research I have been coming across a few lenses and they are popping up on various forum discussions. I have mostly listed primes as zooms are considered a bit soft and not so sharp. 

           AF Nikkor 20mm f2.8D – Though not entirely practical for fashion but possibly feasible, the 20mm lens can be used for wide outdoor shots. Color rendition is superb as is edge to edge sharpness. After this one the 24mm f2.8D, 28mm F2.8D and 35mm F2 follow up in focal length but are not good at all, so better skip these three. Price: INR 32,335/-

          AF Nikkor 50mm f1.4D - The catalogue says quality optics, superb resolution, color reproduction and fine detail. It is mostly true. The pictures I have checked out on flickr confirm this. A great lens for portraits. Can be used for body shots in a mid size studio. Price: INR 16,000/-

          AF Micro Nikkor 60mm f2.8D – The catalogue describes this lens as crisp and it surely is. This is also a great portrait lens as it comes to around 90mm on APS-C cameras. Note that this is designated ‘Micro’ that means a real macro lens from Nikon, flowers bees, you know the drill. Price: INR 25,180/-

           Nikkor 85mm f1.4D IF – This is ‘the’ lens to have for fashion photography. Everything else is an excuse. Melissa Rodwell swears by this one. Both the color rendition and sharpness are amazing. Internal Focus. Surprisingly, for some strange reason this lens is not listed in the catalogue I have. Price: INR 67,000/-

           Nikkor 85mm f1.8D – The catalogue says crisp, natural image reproduction with high contrast. Though not that bad a lens to have, definitely not as good as the 85mm 1.4. The only consolation is the sharpness and the price. Price: INR 23,785/-

          AF DC Nikkor 105mm f2D – This is a Defocus Image Control lens which means you can control the soft focus in the foreground and background. The sharpness and bokeh on this one are out of this world. Just get this one. Price: INR 57,215/-

          AF DC Nikkor 135 f2D – This one too is a Defocus lens and has excellent sharpness and color rendition. It costs 10k more for the extra reach in focal length and at f2 is reasonably fast. Price: INR 67,165/-

Though this list not exhaustive, it pretty much covers from wide angle to telephotos. Readers can also suggest other lenses with samples if possible, that will help other people as well. One or two or three lenses from this list will get you started. To save money you can buy lenses during festive offers with special discounts, rent them if you don’t have the money or pool some money together along with some like minded photographer friends to buy it or borrow it from some one who is not using them.

Goodluck and happy clicking J

--Viisshnu--

Tamron 85-210 f4.5 Telezoom Lens Review

Tamron 85-210mm Vintage Telephoto Zoom Lens

At some point in my life when I didnt have any telephoto for my Nikon D200, I got this lens as a stopgap till I bought a 70-200 f2.8 or a 80-200 f2.8. Since I bought an 80-200 f2.8 a little while ago, I havent been using this lens at all. Planning to sell it soon. 

The lens has ‘FOR NIKON’ written on the mount side. I just mounted the lens and viola. Right after a few pictures I realized this is a damn good lens. Even though it was in storage and hadn’t been used much in the last decade, the optics were clean and mostly dust-free.   

History:

This particular model of lenses were made by Tamron between in the 70s and 80s, luckily in Japan, so the optical and build quality are both very good compared to other lenses. My particular seems to be from the late 80s. As this is a completely manual lens I had to feed in the focal length and aperture in my D200 in the non CPU lens data to get accurate metering. Thanks to the range finder like function on the D200, the lens will confirm focus with stop down metering, inspite of the fact that it does not have any electronic communication exchange. 

The shots are a tad better after I did that. It is considerably sharper in daylight but there isn’t much corner to corner sharpness as I have observed. There is also the flare issue. Owing to its older design and technology there is a bit of flare when shooting subjects with sun behind them. The built in lens hood is also a bit handy.  

 The stylish typographic logo on the lens hood 

These lenses are available on ebay and elsewhere between $35-$200 depending on the condition.  This lens and its many variants are available many different mounts like Canon FD, Pentax, Contax, Pentax/Practica/M42, Miranda Bayonet, Nikon F, Olympus OM, Rollei SL 35, Topcon RE Series etc. 

Technical/Specifications: 

• Model Name: Z-210
• Mount: Adaputoru
• Focal length: 85-210mm
• Open F value: 4.5
• Lens construction: 12 elements in 9 groups
• Minimum aperture: 22
• Minimum focusing distance: 1.5m
• Filter diameter: 55mm
• Zoom system: rotary/inetranl zoom (does not protrude when zooming)
• Weight: 670g
• Maximum diameter X overall length: 65mm x 151mm

Though the exterior of my version is not in mint condition, owing to its metal construction the lens is in very good condition. The build quality is excellent with polished and coated aluminum. The manual aperture is from f4.5 f22. I am sure the lens optics are properly coated as the color rendition and contrast are amazing. Unfortunately there is no macro mode on this one which is a big letdown, but at the given price you can’t complain. This lens is excellent for candids. This can be almost compared to the legendary Minolta Beercan 70-210 f4 in terms of build, weight and optical quality. Oh yes it weighs a ton.

Rendering

This lens has a very sublime rendering with a little bit of blooming effect in certain lighting conditions. This in essence is an excellent quality of a portrait lens which will give subjects a kind of aura around them. I have shot many  portrait portfolios with this lens and all my clients are very very happy with the pictures.  

For film makers

This is also a great lens for DSLR film makers. Since this is s a full frame lens its can used on cameras like 5D Mark II, 5D Mark III, Sony A7s, a7R and  a7, Nikon D800, D750 and also on cameras like Panasonic GH2 and GH3 etc. The colors are very filmic and nostalgic. Given the price this is the cheapest film lens with an excellent focal range from 85mm to 210mm.

If you want more information on adaptall lenses go to this site. 

http://www.adaptall-2.com/ 

Given the price this should be an excellent value lens. If you haven’t got anything better at the budget you can happily buy this lens.

Happy Clicking...

Here is another article about old lenses, this may seem contradictory, but bear with me a bit 

http://subliminalwhispers.blogspot.in/2015/09/should-you-buy-old-manual-focus-lenses.html

Hey would you like to read the story of how I lost and found my beloved Sony a200 DSLR?? yeah there's a review too ;)
Here you go: http://subliminalwhispers.blogspot.in/2015/10/sony-a200-review-2015-or-how-i-got-my.html

While you are at it, you could see the Nikon D200 Review 2015 as well...here:

http://subliminalwhispers.blogspot.in/2014/07/nikon-d200-review-2014-some-new.html

--Viisshnu Vardhan--

The Lone Wolf Scenario

Sony a200 DSLR

In the professional photography arena, being special and unique in the equipment you use and to be known that way comes at a cost. Ever since I wanted to buy a DSLR I have always craved somehow for ‘off’ brands like Panasonic, Fuji, Sony instead of the mainstream Canon and Nikon. At that time my amateur mind could not deduce the risks and retributions that were going to come my way if I chose an ‘off’ brand.  I wanted to be seen as and remain special among my peers and have an air of exclusivity around me.  I would look down upon anyone with a Canon and Nikon. For me they were lesser mortals. At that time I didn't know soon I was going to be rewarded for that foolishness and a lot of things were in store for me.

When I went up to the camera store to check some cameras offered for sale, I was lucky to find the almost brand new Sony a200. So I chose it instead of the beaten down, overused Nikon D50 and D40x. See, by itself the Sony a200 is not a bad camera. It belongs along with the D40, D50 and D60 with more or less similar specs, size and build quality.  Before going to the store I did do my research and check pictures online. I was more than satisfied. Additionally I also asked around if it was a good buy inspite of the fact that I was going to buy it anyway. People advised me against it. Lot of reasons - new system, costly and a few number of lenses, untried, but I went ahead and bought it anyway.

Fujifilm S5 Pro

Initially everything was smooth sailing, picture quality was amazing, semi automatic modes were phenomenal. For general purposes it was a great camera. Few days later when I started to use the camera for weddings and other shoots things started to unravel one by one. 

At a wedding where I was called as a backup photographer I had great difficulty to achieve synchronization with my fellow photographer. All I had was the 18-70 kit lens and 70 mm was as far as I could get. I couldn’t use his lenses, I couldn’t use his camera triggers or flashes, strobe sync was possible only if the built in flash fired and it is dangerously delicate, prone to malfunction and crash even with a mild overuse (as of oct 2013 it isnt working anymore, but I didnt need it anyaway, I am now using the Sony FA-HS1AM adapter for the hot shoe to mount third party triggers and flashes). I was now facing the ‘Lone Wolf Scenario’.      

It is not only important to make a great camera, it is essential to understand things from the photographer’s perspective. Some camera companies rarely do that. Money is the major motivation.  You make profit, fine, but give me something to feel happy about.

When Sony entered the DSLR arena with Minolta and Zeiss’s muscles, it was indeed a new leaf for photographers and industry, but how far will you get by being extremely proprietary? 

Leica M9 Black

Thankfully just recently Sony introduced its hot shoe adapter which can be used for third party flashes, triggers etc. It debuted in the market at INR 7999, yes you read that right Rs.7999. When I recently checked the latest Sony catalogue the price listed was INR 1999, INR 6000 less. Its very uncharacteristic of Sony to reduce the prices so drastically but sure is a welcome change. 

 Pentax K-30

Amateur DSLR market is probably the most crowded presently with sellers offering cutting edge cameras that are ready to compete with even pro cameras. These amateur cameras serve their purposes in the amateur market. When it’s a DSLR like a Sony a200, it is possible that professionals will use it as a backup or main camera and it becomes an imperative task for the manufacturers to address compatibility factors and bring into the market a camera that is versatile as well as seamless for professional use. If that does not happen photographers will continue to face the ‘Lone Wolf Scenario’ and might develop disdain and disenchantment for particular brands. I hope somebody at Sony is reading this. 

-Viisshnu Vardhan-

Sigma Autofocus 28-105 Lens Review

-->

This is probably the most prized lens I currently have with me. It works great on my Nikon D200, though not without some glitches, it has its own quality. Somebody gave it to me out of goodwill last year. I only bought a Nikkor 18-55 VR lens because group shots are impossible at 28mm. Also I had to have a back-up lens. So the set up I have is really foolproof. From 55 to 105 I am covered with the Sigma for portraits and close-up work.

When I tried it with the Nikon D200 for the first time, I was astounded by the results. The pictures had an even, bright tone all over. It is not too contrasty though. Luckily for me this is an old Sigma and made probably more than a decade ago. Also it is made in Japan, NOT China. I hear a lot of Sigma lenses these days are coming from China and I really don’t have a clue as to how the quality of China and Japan made lenses compare or whether its identical. I personally feel made in Japan ones are better.

So coming back to the lens, a lot of people told me third party lenses have compatibility issues with proprietary cameras. True indeed. My Sigma 28-105 only works at .22 aperture. Oh yes btw there is a manual aperture ring which you can set, but the D200’s top LCD panel shows an error reading ‘rEE’ (that’s ‘r’ and 33 in reverse) if I use any other manual aperture except .22. At this point I really don’t know what it means, so I am just shooting at 22 aperture and the pictures are just fine.

Unfortunately, yesterday when I was sorting things from my bag the lens fell down from a small height. It fell face down with the lens hood. The old lens hood (Indian made ‘Shine’ 72 dia) broke immediately and I had rush to the nearest camera store to unscrew the broken ring that was still attached to the lens. Fortunately there is no damage to the lens and its working fine.  The lens is all plastic but is well made and is comparable to the build quality of Nikkor lenses. 

The Nikon D200 review

Updated - 26JUL2014

Nikon D200 with 28-105mm AF Sigma on the box

Thoughts

 

I got one for myself just a week ago. In the professional circles I have been in, the D200 is a much sought after camera. The only minus that it seems to have is the battery economy. A spare battery can solve that problem. 

Not surprisingly a lot of professionals I know swear by it and for good reasons. The camera was launched in November 2005 and was succeeded by the D300 in august 2007. However, in the mid range Nikon line this was the last camera with a CCD sensor after the D100. The D300 and D300s are both CMOS sensor cameras. The CCD sensor in the D200 was made by Sony. 

  Nikon D200 right side
 

I have also seen photographers from rural and sub rural towns in this part of the world use the D200 for weddings and other sundry. They are available used from anywhere between INR 255,000 to INR 50,000 depending on the condition and accessories its coming with. 

Even from the time when I didn’t know anything about cameras, I had always wanted a D100 or a D200. It was based mostly on what I read and heard. I nearly bought a D100 some months back, but had to drop out because of the price and besides, the camera was too old.   

Nikon D200 with the Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR lens

I always thought the camera is not as important as the photographer. May be its true in some cases but in some cases its not. You need a good camera to make a good picture. I used to think amateur/entry level cameras can be used for professional purposes. May be, but the professional quality is something else. When you have a great camera, your expression becomes that much easier. 

  

The Camera

        Studio

Shot with the D200 and Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G ED II lens

Now that I have seen the D200’s output, I can easily differentiate amateur quality. The D200 produces rich tones and vibrant hues. Though I mostly shot with the Sigma 28-105 that I had, it was enough to discern the output quality. 

Though used, my camera still is in a relatively pristine condition. Good thing, the seller I bought from also gave me the original box (in a very good condition) along with the manual and CDs (Never opened from their covers). Getting a camera in pristine conditon, new box, unopened CDS, now thats a bit rare. Most sellers  

I was told the camera has done a little over 15k clicks.  I didnt check the shutter count when I first bought it, the seller could have lied, I am speculating it might have been around 20-25k.  

Battery

The only flaw the camera has is its low battery economy. Comparatively, with my Sony a200, I can shoot a whole wedding without even checking the battery status. The D200’s battery is the same one as in the D80. You can even swap the D80’s battery door in case you lose the one on your D200. Also having the D80 as a backup is not bad idea as both use the same batteries. Having an extra battery or two is advisable.  Both the D200 and D80 have the same sensors. The D80 has Active D-lighting, the D200 does not, thats the only difference. 

Handling

The D200 is heavy and feels very solid. The contours give a very professional feel. I can’t understand why some people complain about weight. I wonder, are people too weak to even lift three or four pounds? No? then that’s a pity. The buttons are all placed well and good. They contribute heavily to the overall aesthetic of the camera. The menus are easy to navigate. With the selectable autofocus points, shooting with the D200 is pure happiness.

What I shot with?

I had an old Nikon mount Sigma 28-105 AF lens and the camera has fared excellently with it. Performance seems on par. Justyesterday I bought a 18-55 VR for the D200 and here is a review of the lens. 

Ohh btw here is the latest review I wrote for the D200 after almost two years. Here you go....


--Viisshnu Vardhan--