Bokeh Baby Bokeh

[Robert Apple]

So Diane AKA Tersha suggested a throw down and I’m off and running, show us what you got. Smooth, Rough, shapes, flares, you name it.

Please post the lens you used in case I want to hunt one down.

[Robert Apple]

So I mentioned earlier having a vintage lens collection, its a sickness really. So here are a few to start with. Its rainy and dingy out side so I shot these sets in my office using a piece of mylar insulation as a back drop Click them all for more res.
Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Domiplan 50m 2.8
This one gets a little soft in the wider apertures.

 

[JasenkaG]

Simply amazing! I should definitely buy one of those vintage lenses.

[Robert Apple]

This one is a Sears and Roebuck made by Ricoh Co. 135m 2.8

One of my favorite lenses. Very sharp even Wide Open.

[Robert Apple]

Here we have a Rokkor-X  50mm  1.4

Excellent  macro lens as well.

A tad soft wide open.

 

[Robert Apple]

This one never leaves my Camera Bag, Excellent Wide angle as well as macro lens with the same wonderful Bokeh. I’ve posted countless images on Light Stalking shot with this lens.

G. Zukio 28m 3.5

 

[Dahlia Ambrose]

Gosh Robert, such beautiful images and I am in love with the bokeh here. Love them and thank you for sharing. This looks like a very interesting throwdown and waiting to see what others will post. I have not heard of some of these names 🙂

[Patrick]

Just to say thank you for sharing your images and with what lens was used , the first image with the hexagonal Bokeh pattern is looking good , i also got to say i love the use of mylar insulation as a back drop and its positioning with the light and the rocket it creates a lovely flow:)

[Tersha]

Great set of bokeh Robert! The rocket one is fun! 🙂

[Tersha]

Blackthorn blossom …

Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Oreston 50mm f1.8

[Patrick]

This is another nice effect from this lens , nice shot Tersha 🙂

pre owned vintage lenses seem to getting or are very popular by what i see on YT i bet the prices will start increasing as well.

[Robert Apple]

You got that right, I have one, I’m waiting for the right shot for, I bought on eBay for $50 USD, about 10 years ago,that was the going price for one in excellent condition, now it sells for around $1000 USD

[Patrick]

That is a big jump Robert

[Tersha]

Thanks Patrick!

[Dahlia Ambrose]

Looks dreamy Diane 🙂

[Tersha]

Thanks Dahlia, that’s what I was thinking! 🙂

[Robert Apple]

Love it Diane

[Tersha]

Thanks Robert!

[ElinL]

Thanks Diana – am completely sold – looking for this lens on Ebay right now. Does yours have a M42 mound ?

[Tersha]

Hi Elin, I bought one that said Canon compatible, it came with M42 mount separately, so I’m guessing that any lens can be made to fit with the right mount.

[Tersha]

Weeping Silver Pear Blossom …

Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Oreston 50mm f1.8

[Patrick]

Very beautiful shot Tersha , brilliant details when viewed large 🙂

[Tersha]

Thanks Patrick!

[Dahlia Ambrose]

Love that hexagonal bokeh. Beautiful image Diane 🙂

[Tersha]

Thanks Dahlia!

[Robert Apple]

Another Nice one.

[Tersha]

Thanks Robert!

[Tersha]

Anemone

Petzval 58 Bokeh Control Art Lens plus extension tube

[Patrick]

Lovely like soft velvet 🙂

[Tersha]

Thanks Patrick, it does look like velvet, now that you’ve said it! 🙂

[Dahlia Ambrose]

Beautiful Diane and that flower has a dark velvety look just like Patrick has mentioned 🙂

[Robert Apple]

I wondered when you would Break out the Petzval , love the way this lens preforms in the hands of a skilled user.

[Tersha]

Thanks Robert, I love using these lenses, they make me think hard about focus and composition in a different way.

[Robert Apple]

So I got out with the lens I mentioned to Patrick for a short bit tonight. These were taken with a Meyer Optik Görlitz Trioplan 100 f2.8, this classic has been revived twice and can be purchased in Version II new today. The 15 blade Diaphragm provides Unique Bokeh to say the Least. Mine is the original version and a very early serial number manufactured  in 1952 to fit Exakta Camera Bodies. It’s often referred  to as the king of Bokeh.

 

[Patrick]

All 3 photos give a great display of the lens capabilities Robert. All nicely chosen subjects as well mate thanks for showing 🙂

[Robert Apple]

Thanks Patrick

[Tersha]

Wow, love these Robert, the bokeh are great. I might have to look out for one of these! 🙂

[ElinL]

Stunning images Robert. The version II cost 1000 euros – well, if the vintage version gives the same quality of images then the choice is easy…

[Dahlia Ambrose]

Awesome bokeh Robert 🙂

[JasenkaG]

Nikon 85mm, f/1.8

[Patrick]

Very nice shooting Jasenka very creative way to show this lens bokeh strength and excellent focus , class work 🙂

[Robert Apple]

Like Patrick Said , Very Creative

[Dahlia Ambrose]

Yes, very creative Jasenka 🙂

[Tersha]

What the others already said … very creative Jasenka, I like how you always have a different take on things!

[Mistyisle]

Very imaginative and riveting, Jasenka!

[Robert Apple]

Ok my final onslaught of example photos, my goal has been to show case the unique bokeh of these vintage lenses and have a little fun with it, more so then a full bore artistic endeavor, many of these can be found on eBay for less then a $100 USD and are well worth a look.

I will endeavor to be a bit more artistic as time allows and it isn’t below freezing and snowing out side.

F. Zukio 50-1.8
I love the little hooks the aperture produces with this unique blade design.

[Robert Apple]

Sigma Super Wide II 24-2.8

 

 

[Patrick]

Very very nice images Robert , i might look into this Sigma Super Wide II 24-2.8 , my reason would be night sky ? would this be suitable for that or would i need a shorter focal length like a 14mm.

[Robert Apple]

@patrickw Many feel a 35-2.8 is the starting point for night sky photography, so yeah. I will give it a go at some point and post a image or two. There is a flikr group dedicated to this lense and here is a example image posted there.

[Patrick]

Thanks so much mate , looks good to me i have no experience with real night sky photography only know some bits and bobs i have read so millios to learn 🙂

[Robert Apple]

MD Rokkor-X 45-2.0
I have a collection of close to a 100 unique vintage lenses and I think this is the only one with a 5 Blade apature.

 

 

[Robert Apple]

MD Macro Rokkor-X 50-3.5 a Excellent Lens.

 

 

[Robert Apple]

And Last but not least the Sigma Mini Wide II 28-2.8

 

 

[Tersha]

It’s hard to say which I like best, they are all so good! Do you get to use all your lenses Robert, or do you forget that you’ve got them?

[Robert Apple]

Honestly a lot has been in storage for the past 3 1/2 years while we were getting moved into a permanent location, so yes kind of forgot what all I have, I’m going to make a list of every thing at some point  and set up a use this lens for a bit challenge for myself, I used to do that all the time and need to get back in the habit. I plan to stay where I am at now until my final move into a casket so its all getting unpacked finally.

[ElinL]

Thank you Robert and Diana for this challenge – inspiring to say at least – those old lenses are a treasure to dig into.

[ElinL]

Lensbaby Velvet

[Patrick]

Another set of lovely shots Elin , i particularly love the 2nd photo it look s so creamy in the out off focus areas which i like 🙂

Thanks everyone for sharing give me things to think about with so many options 🙂

[Robert Apple]

Nice Elin, I forgot bout the Lensbaby

[Tersha]

Very nice Elin, the Lensbaby is a lovely lens!

[Tersha]

Petzval 58 Bokeh Control Art Lens plus extension tube.

[Patrick]

Lovely image Tersha , so sharp as well 🙂

[Robert Apple]

Nice Diane, I have come so close to buying one of theses multiple times.

[Tersha]

I saw these Cherry Blossoms in a car park today, and couldn’t resist ….

Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Oreston 50mm f1.8 plus extension tube

[Patrick]

Love both of these lovely photos , nice find Tersha 🙂

[David Chesterfield]

Lensbaby Composer Pro with double glass optics and creative bokeh kit.

 

[Dahlia Ambrose]

Love these images David 🙂

[Tersha]

Great set David!

[David Chesterfield]

Oly 100-400

 

[Patrick]

Really good looking mate i like this a lot 🙂

[Robert Apple]

Love Them all David, especially the Dragonfly.

[Tersha]

Stunning detail and great bokeh!

[Robert Apple]

Well since Elin and David broke out the Lensbabys.

The Lensbaby Control Freak with 50mm Double Glass Optics, and custom aperture.

 

 

[Tersha]

I’ve not used a Lensbaby, between you and Elin, I’m getting sold! Cool shot Robert.

[Tersha]

Petzval 58 Bokeh Control Art Lens plus extension tube and flower aperture plate

[Robert Apple]

OK @tersha that’s pretty cool, but what is it ?

[Tersha]

Hi Robert, it’s a Tagua nut, my partner got some ages ago for turning, they are known as vegetable ivory, which is the white you can see where he was trying some carving in one.

@robertapple

[Robert Apple]

That’s interesting, thanks Diane

[Robert Apple]

My wife’s kalanchoe plant shot with the The Lensbaby Control Freak with 50mm Double Glass Optics, and custom aperture.

[Tersha]

Very nice bokeh and kalanchoe. I’ve got kalanchoes, too, they make good subjects!

[Robert Apple]

Thanks Diane

[Patrick]

Looking excellent Robert , also love the color combo warm and cool 🙂

[Tersha]

Wild garlic …

Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Oreston 50mm f1.8 plus extension tube

[Dahlia Ambrose]

Love the softness and the beautiful colours in the image Diane 🙂

[Robert Apple]

Nice Diane, flowers are just starting to pop up around here and I haven’t tried many of my lenses with a extension tube, need to get busy.

[Patrick]

Really nice photo 🙂

[ElinL]

Beautiful – love the softness.

[Federico Alegria]

Oh my, just stumbled into this beautiful thread, it is quite a treat!

[Tersha]

So… I found a Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Domiplan 50m 2.8 on Ebay for £30 ..

plus an extension tube

[Patrick]

Great find and a great image , lovely work all round 🙂

[Dahlia Ambrose]

Beautiful photo and love that unique hexagonal bokeh Diane 🙂

[ElinL]

That was cheap. Lovely image.

[Robert Apple]

Another nice one

[Rob Wood (Admin)]

I think this is one of the best throwdowns we have had in a while!

[ElinL]

A Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Oreston 50mm f1.8 arrived at my door a couple of days ago. Thank you Diane for the inspiration – it is a wonderful lens and great fun to experiment with. The lenses are being rebranded by https://www.meyer-optik-goerlitz.com/en/ – and there is a photo competition if anyone is interested – no entry fee – send 3 images shot with Meyer-Optik lenses before the 31st of May. @robertapple @tersha

Here are a couple of shots from yesterday

 

[Tersha]

These are beautiful Elin! So glad you’re enjoying the lens.

[Robert Apple]

Nice S?hots and thanks for the info Elin

[Dahlia Ambrose]

Gorgeous photos Elin 🙂

[beth]

sony 200-600mm at f/8

[Robert Apple]

Lovely Beth, we have a few Fox around here but the Dogs don’t let them near the place, which keeps my wife’s chickens quite happy.

[Tersha]

Love how the bokeh background colour echoes the fox colour. Lovely shot!

[Tersha]

Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Oreston 50mm f1.8

[Dahlia Ambrose]

Love this a lot Diane 🙂

[Tersha]

Thanks Dahlia!

[beth]

great tones.  love the shape of the bokeh.

[Tersha]

Thanks Beth!

[Tersha]

Rainbow bokeh …

Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Oreston 50mm f1.8

[Robert Apple]

Your on fire with that lens Diane.

[Tersha]

Thanks Robert!

[Dahlia Ambrose]

Wow! I love that bokeh a lot 🙂

[Tersha]

Thanks Dahlia!

[ElinL]

That Oreston lens is completely stuck on my camera…

[Patrick]

Lovely photo Elin 🙂

[ElinL]

Thank you Patrick 🙂

[Tersha]

Gorgeous photo Elin!
My Oreston lens is stuck on my camera too! 🙂

[ElinL]

Thanks Diane – its fun !

[Dahlia Ambrose]

Wow Elin. Love it a lot. Looks dreamy 🙂

[ElinL]

Thank you Dahlia 🙂

[Tersha]

Pink star …

Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Oreston 50mm f1.8

[Patrick]

Lovely composition and colors Tersha , nice work 🙂

[Robert Apple]

Nice , but how did you train it to open just one bloom.

[Dahlia Ambrose]

Soft and delicate Diane 🙂

[ElinL]

Gorgeous Diane – such lovely colours !

[Robert Apple]

I spent the Weekend in the High Country and did a little low level photography, working a couple inches off the ground, using a Olympus Air and a Lens Baby Control Freak mounted on a Gorilla Pod, See set up below, produced some Surrealistic Flower photos.

[Robert Apple]

This is the photo that was taken as pictured above.

[Robert Apple]

[Dahlia Ambrose]

Awesome Robert. The bokeh on the above two images look like textures 🙂

[Robert Apple]

Thanks Dahlia

[Robert Apple]

Another Shot with the control freak and a custom aperture I made last night.

[ElinL]

They are all awesome Robert – esp the one with custom aperture.

[Robert Apple]

Thanks Elin

[Dahlia Ambrose]

Love the custom aperture in this photo Robert 🙂

[Robert Apple]

Thanks Dahlia

[Robert Apple]

And just for fun a little Tilt Shift / Bokeh of a pine tree branch with the control freak.

[Dahlia Ambrose]

Love this one Robert 🙂

[Robert Apple]

Thanks Dahlia

[ElinL]

Though it must be admitted that shooting flowers with aperture 1.4 on windy days can be a challenge.

[Robert Apple]

Nice Elin, looks like a water color painting.

[Dahlia Ambrose]

Delicate and soft. Love the beautiful tones in the image too Elin 🙂

[Robert Apple]

The Lensbaby is becoming a bit of an addiction, another custom aperture.

[ElinL]

Not the worst of addictions – beautiful !

[Robert Apple]

Something a little different, shot with the Meyer Optik Görlitz Trioplan this was taken in my camper, my lens cap laying on the table with the LED light on the fridge in the back ground.

[Dahlia Ambrose]

Looks like a sunset Robert 🙂

[Robert Apple]

Another with the Meyer Optik Görlitz Trioplan.

[Dahlia Ambrose]

Love the Bokeh Robert 🙂

[Author]

Posts