Tag: photography

After using the 35/3.5 for a while (a day or two) I was hooked, so I’ve started looking around for more M42 lenses. I just got a 135/3.5 Super Takumar and some extension tubes from Collectible Cameras. I decided to order a lens they described as a “9-” because the 35/3.5 from Adorama was an “E+” and I wanted to see if there’d be much difference between “really good” and “not as good.” Optically and functionally, the 135/3.5 is flawless, except maybe the focus feels less smooth than the 35/3.5. I guess I can figure out how to lubricate it if it’s a problem. The 135/3.5 does have a few wear marks on the metal that I don’t care about.

Two photos with the new lens and the longest tube:

Update: Here’s a shot of the LDS temple that shows how sharp the 135/3.5 is, even with my mediocre focusing skills:

The combination of retro manual lens and modern digital camera sounded fun for some reason, so I ordered an M42 screw-mount to EOS adapter and a 35mm lens to try out with my Rebel XT. The adapters are available all over the place, probably cheapest on eBay, but I ordered mine from Adorama along with the lens. The lens came with a silly old case that I guess can go on a shelf somewhere. The adapter is silver metal, which totally clashes with the black lens and camera. There are black adapters on eBay if you’re fashion-conscious. There’s also an adapter with a little chip that enables the ‘in-focus’ dot, which can apparently be helpful.

So far I like the lens. It’s a solid chunk of metal and glass, in contrast to inexpensive modern Canon lenses, which are mostly plastic. Even my 28-135 isn’t as solid and tight as the 35/3.5. Focusing can be tough, although with digital it’s easy enough to take a shot, check for focus, and take another if it’s not right. The shooting procedure goes something like this: set the lens aperture at its widest, focus a while, set the aperture where you really want it, make sure your exposure is acceptable with a half-push of the shutter button, then take the shot.

The lens, with the adapter and a Canon rear lens cap attached:

Some purple coneflowers with the lens wide open at f/3.5:

…and at f/16:

Some cherry tomatoes with the lens wide open: