PhotoBlog of Random Images

Panasonic LX5

Before I go on with this post a MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all. Another year is nearly over and time seems to just fly by, I know it does for me. I have been enjoying doing this photo blog for the last two years (even though not many people read it) and I have no intention of stopping. If truth be told, I'm really doing this for myself and if other people read it at the same time, all the better.

The above image again taken at the beach. I tend to just go around with this camera and really using it as a P&S. It's amazing sometimes how the images come out. I really like the image above, it just shows people on the beach, having some drinks and just enjoying the day out. It really was what was intended. I took a lot of images on that day and although quite a few got thrown out immediately, I did manage to get some keepers.

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DMC-LX5
Focal Length: 10.7 mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure Time: 1/125 sec
ISO: 80

Dil 12/25/13 19:00 comments (0)

Viewed 985

• Panasonic • LX5

12/24/13

Panasonic LX5

These images were taken in Spain at the same time I took my Nikon V1 cameras along to test a few lenses. There are times when you just don't want to take anything big-ish along with you somewhere so these little P&S cameras do have their uses.

This image for example was taken down on the beach on quite a windy day and I didn't want to start changing lenses with all that fine sand flying about, so out came the LX5. I didn't have the EVF with me at the time so these images were taken with the camera being held at arms length. I keep thinking at the time I take these photos that they'll only be snapshots and nothing special but correct post processing brings out some really nice images.

1053

DMC-LX5
Focal Length: 6 mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure Time: 1/100 sec
ISO: 80

Dil 12/24/13 19:00 comments (0)

Viewed 1053

• Panasonic • LX5

12/24/13

Sony Alpha A7 - Voigtländer Skopar 35 f2.5

I just love the Voigtländer lenses because to use them is a joy and image quality is very very good. I own a lot of these and I haven't found a lens lacking up to the Heliar 75 f2.5. Above that, in my opinion, the Voigtländer lenses start to deteriorate. I have the 85 f3.5 which I think is the worst Voigtländer lens I have used. I also own the 90 f3.5 which I find difficult to warm up to. maybe I have bad copies of both but I'm now going to test or exchange them for better copies, as I have other better lenses in the focal length range.

But all the others ranging from the 15 f4.5 heliar to the 75 f2.5 heliar, all are great lenses. On some of these lenses, like the 35 f2.5 Skopar and the 40 f1.4 Nokton the construction also includes the thumb lever for focusing. I think this is one reason I don't use these lenses more, I just hate using it. This thumb lever is found on Leica and rangefinder lenses also and I suppose somebody thought it a good idea to incorporate it into the lens design. I personally just can't get used to it and it just gets in my way. Apart from that I just can't fault these lenses, and the solid construction means these lenses will be with me for many many years to come. One final thing I have to mention is the price you pay for these lenses is very reasonable, in my part of the world you can get them for €400-€500. Try and purchase a Leica lens for that price.

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Aperture: unknown
Exposure Time: unknown
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Dil 12/24/13 12:04 comments (0)

Viewed 1290

• Sony • Alpha • A7 • Voigtländer • Skopar • 35 f2.5

12/23/13

Panasonic LX5

This is a camera that keeps amazing me over and over again. I've probably said it before but I suppose I'll keep on saying it. Not the newest from Panasonic, the LX7 is on the market, but it's small and I can use the same EVF that fits my still going Panasonic GF1. Although the VF is not the best, actually it's quite terrible by todays standards, it does allow me to use the camera at eye level.

2439

DMC-LX5
Focal Length: 19.2 mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure Time: 1/125 sec
ISO: 80

Dil 12/23/13 19:00 comments (0)

Viewed 2439

• Panasonic • LX5

12/23/13

Sony Alpha A7 - Zeiss Planar 50 f2

This is my first Zeiss lens and I must admit I rather like the build quality and the focus ring is buttery smooth. I can't imagine a Leica lens is better than this but I'm open for opinions. The reason I bought it was for the simple reason I wanted a nice 50mm lens for the full frame sensor and not one of the older legacy lenses. This is a quality lens that delivers really nice images and the signature is instantly visible. The reason for not buying a quality 50mm from Leica was simple: cost. I just can't justify that sort of outlay for one lens and the Zeiss comes in at a very reasonable cost. I didn't need anything faster than an f2.

I've been playing around with the Voigtländer Nokton 35 f1.2 II at f1.2 and boy, do I need to get some practice in. If you haven't been using a fast lens on full frame before I must warn you it's totally different than using one on an APS-C sensor. It's much more difficult to get critical focus in the right place. I've only been able to nail the focus correctly probably only 25% of the time. I must now take my hat off to Steve Huff for getting the images he does, but then again, he's been doing it a lot longer than I have and I'm sure there's something in practice makes perfect. I'll be showing a couple of images in my daily posts, so stay tuned.

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Focal Length: unknown
Aperture: unknown
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Dil 12/23/13 12:04 comments (0)

Viewed 1192

• Sony • Alpha • A7 • Zeiss • Planar • 50 f2

12/22/13

Nikon V1 - 1 Nikkor 32 f1.2

I thought I might show this image taken with the 32 f1.2. It's sharp and focus locked without any problems. I think it shows why this is the best lens for the 1 system at present.

I'm not going to show any more because I took another old friend with me to Spain, whose images I will be posting as from tomorrow. One thing I will say, it's not an interchangeable lens camera but I have been please with the images I've been getting from it for a few years now. It's my take everywhere camera and it's good up to ISO 400.

See you tomorrow.

1060

NIKON 1 V1
Focal Length: 32 mm
Aperture: f/1.2
Exposure Time: 1/250 sec
ISO: 3200

Dil 12/22/13 19:00 comments (0)

Viewed 1060

• Nikon • V1 • 32 f1.2

12/21/13

Nikon V1 - 1 Nikkor 32 f1.2

Let's get back to the 1 Nikkor 32 f1.2 for a couple of shots. I decided to show this image (which I posted a couple of days ago) in a larger version. I just wanted you to see what these images from the V1 are like at ISO 3200. I think it's very film like and no grain has been added. The image has just been converted to monochrome in Nik SFX II but nothing was done to the grain itself. Some sharpening was done after downsizing which may enhance the grain somewhat but not too much in my opinion. This is the sort of monochrome image I like which has nothing plasticky about it, which I see from time to time. It's very film like I believe.

1049

NIKON 1 V1
Focal Length: 32 mm
Aperture: f/1.2
Exposure Time: 1/250 sec
ISO: 3200

Dil 12/21/13 19:00 comments (0)

Viewed 1049

• Nikon • V1 • 32 f1.2

12/20/13

Nikon V1 - 1 Nikkor VR 6.7-13 f3.5-5.6

I was there during the hot season and the above image shows what people do during the day; sit by the pool, swim a little and read lots of books. It's just too hot to do anything else during the day. When late afternoon comes however, things start to liven up and the fun starts. One thing we've learned about the place is that the company is very good and it draws us back every year. I'm not going to divulge where it is because the return rate is above 80% at present. You have to book now 2 years in advance which is remarkable. Fantastic place.

Taken again with the 1 Nikkor VR 6.7-13 f3.5-5.6 which is ideal for shots like this. I'm certain that this lens will be going with me on every outing where I take the 1 system. It's slowly becoming indespensible and being small and light help too.

P.S. If you look through my galleries, you just might get some more clues about the place.

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NIKON 1 V1
Focal Length: 13 mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure Time: 1/160 sec
ISO: 100

Dil 12/20/13 19:00 comments (0)

Viewed 1036

• Nikon • V1 • 6.7-13 f3.5-5.6

12/19/13