Comments on: Photo Geek Weekly Episode 72 – The Great Transition

By: Don Komarechka

Don Komarechka — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 23:52:18 +0000

Thanks for all the commentary, Rich!

You know, one of my favourite lenses is a Meyer Optik Trioplan 100 – using an optical formula that dates back to 1916. Wide open it has a sought-after soap bubble bokeh effect, stopped down to F/11 it’s just a fun sharp mechanical lens that I’ve used for a number of my macro images (with copious amount of extension tubes). There are so many facets to the discussion, and photographers will always be able to make great images. The real question is when you have the latest-and-greatest tech marketed towards an audience that includes people of all skill level, skill and creativity are not what people start comparing. 🙂

I have a good number of film cameras, from a Pentax 110 system to a Century Studio 11×14 that I’m hopeful to fully restore at some point. Film is a different experience, and one that photographers should embrace on occasion. At the very least I use those old film lenses on digital cameras – those Pentax 110 lenses fit nicely on MFT bodies with an inexpensive adapter!

By: Rich Ball

Rich Ball — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 23:36:57 +0000

Don and Jeff – I’m not sure I would put any credence in the ruminations of the various commentators on the state of affairs at Canon or for that matter Nikon. The tepid reviews of the RP based on the specs were pretty negative. There was a similar negativism with the release of the 5d Mk IV. I still have to believe they know exactly what they are doing. There are some actual user reviews that are pretty positive. Including your friend Martin Bailey. The new R mount supposedly gives them freedom to design some otherwise impossible lenses. Don’t know if that is marketing hyperbole or the true. I know that lens design has progressed (changed?) considerably in the past few decades. Last episode Photo Joseph commented on the bokeh from the Mamiya 80mm f1.9. I dug out my 645 manual – that lens has 6 elements compared to the 20ish in modern designs.

So in that vane – I loaded the 645 with film. Then I saw a review ( I think on F stoppers) of the original Pen F half frame and decided I HAD to have one – you can see where this is leading. Then on the “analog insights” you tube channel I watched a review of the Leica IIIg. Couldn’t quite afford that camera but did find a Canon IV range finder with a Leica Summar lens. The camera is about the same size as my Pen F (digital and film).

In closing shooting with film can teach a person a lot. But, with a caveat. If you are using a newer camera that is highly automated, let’s say a Canon EOS 3, it is not much different than a digital camera with a small memory card. If you have a more elemental camera that you have to focus and set a shutter speed and f stop you now are starting to learn things. (Speaking of the EOS 3 and it’s analog siblings I wonder why Canon didn’t continue with the eye auto focus.)

Ted Forbes had an interesting commentary on this over at his youtube channel on gear an limitations that is worth watching.

I have rattled on enough – Keep up the good work.

Rich Bahl

By: Don Komarechka

Don Komarechka — Sat, 22 Jun 2019 15:40:48 +0000

In reply to John. Hah, thanks John! You're actually the only person to point it out, so thanks for that! Glad you're enjoying the podcast, it's a passion project for me and always the highlight of my week. :)

By: John

John — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 06:36:30 +0000

Hi Don
Probably been pointed out a hundred time but there is a “t” missing from KickStarter on your home page
Love your show by the way