Pic(k) of the week 33: LIGHT BULB MOMENT - HELIOS MC M44-4 vintage lens on FUJIFILM X-T2
Over the years Fujifim has continuously expanded their lens selection for the X-series cameras. Upcoming new lenses are announced months in advance through the "X mount Lens Roadmap"; something Fujifilm has been consistently doing for several years and which greatly helps photographers make an informed decision on what next lens to buy next in the future.
Apart from maybe having a 400mm f4 lens for my Airshow photography, I'm not really missing anything specific on the present Lens roadmap. I have however recently played with some older vintage lenses mounted on my X-T2!
Non-native lenses typically have a different mount and will need a specific lens adapter to be mounted on an X-series camera. A popular older mount was the M42 mount. I therefore have picked up a K&F Concept M42 to FX converter for 23,-USD. A great bargain in order to have some fun with vintage glass on a modern mirrorless camera! The only caveat with these is that the lens will be "manual focus", but then again after all it is vintage! Call it part of the experience.
For the ones new to using "adapted" lenses, I can recommend the Helios M44 line of lenses; built in the ex-Soviet Union (USSR), they are one of the most mass produced "standard" lenses ever made and are known for their interesting bokeh (quality of the out of focus area).
Until a year or so ago, one could pick up a copy of a Helios M44 lens for less than 15,-USD; popular demand has however driven the prices up somewhat to around 50,-USD now; still cheap for some interesting vintage glass!
The image below was shot with a MC M44-4 version of the lens.
Image quality:
- Fujifilm X-T2 with the Helios MC M44-4 lens
- SOOC (Straight Out Of Camera) jpeg no editing
Before anybody asks for the Exif (Meta) data... Well given the lens does not provide any electronic data to the camera, nothing shows up in the file. I remember having shot at f2... the rest will remain a mystery forever! Guess we have to revert back to the film days, where we used to write the Exif data in a small notebook straight after the image was made.
My curiosity into vintage glass is growing and I'll likely do a bit more once I find some other interesting glass... But no need to panic; I won't be selling off any of my great Fujinon lenses as this adventure is merely a creative out to have some fun!
Remember:"Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up" - Thomas Edison
BJORN
Comments