When buying enlarger lenses, it is important not only to choose a lens of the right focal length to give the required magnification, but also sufficient coverage to cover the negative without vignetting. The rule of thumb with enlarger lenses is: Focal length Typical coverage 50mm 35mm 75-80mm 6×6 100-110mm 6×9 150mm 5×4″ I decided toContinue reading “Testing enlarger lens coverage”
Category Archives: Reviews
Sontronics customer care
My most recent microphone purchase was a pair of Sontronics STC-1 small condenser microphones, primarily as an upgrade for some less expensive microphones I already owned. I did my homework before buying, and ultimately decided on the STC-1 over other brands based on the technical data, although the lifetime warranty was a nice touch too. Now,Continue reading “Sontronics customer care”
Lens test: Canon FL, FD and EF 50mm f/1.4 vs f/1.8
Some time ago I compared the EF and FD versions of the Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens. It wasn’t exactly a fair test because the EF lens fits natively on my DSLR, while the FD lens needs an adapter with an optic. Now I am fortunate enough to own a Canon EOS M mirrorless digital camera which canContinue reading “Lens test: Canon FL, FD and EF 50mm f/1.4 vs f/1.8”
Smartphone apps for film photographers
Just because I love film photography a non-digital workflow doesn’t mean I spurn all digital assistance. Here are my favourite smartphone apps which I use regularly to help with my traditional photographic work. I’ve focused on iPhone apps simply because I have an iPhone. I’m sure many of these (or close equivalents) are available for AndroidContinue reading “Smartphone apps for film photographers”
A comparison of focal lengths
I know everyone who has several lenses for their camera does a comparison, but that isn’t going to stop me from having a go too. Here is the same view, seen through every compatible lens in my collection. I decided to use my Canon FD manual focus gear as I have most lenses for that,Continue reading “A comparison of focal lengths”
Behringer C-2 vs C-4
I’ve been using a pair of Behringer C-2 small diaphragm condenser microphones for several years now, and I’ve been extremely impressed. This week I had cause to buy another pair – but I noticed that since I bought my C-2 microphones, Behringer have introduced the C-4. So what’s the difference? The blurb on Behringer’s websiteContinue reading “Behringer C-2 vs C-4”
Second pinhole test
After making some pinholes recently, I tested them with my DSLR. It has a tiny sensor and it’s not even the camera I intended to use the pinholes with. So naturally I’ve now tested them with my Horseman 980 view camera, which has a sensor area sixteen times greater than a crop-sensor DSLR. I wasContinue reading “Second pinhole test”
Pinhole test
Recently I wrote about making a pinhole lens for my view camera. The results weren’t brilliant and I wondered if I had chosen the right diameter of pinhole. So I asked laser dude to cut some more pinholes in other sizes, and now I have 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.4mm and 0.5mm pinholes, all mounted in 80mmContinue reading “Pinhole test”
Testing a zoom lens
When I bought my 450D I started out with the standard 18-55mm lens, and added a 70-300mm to cover most of the usual range of focal lengths. But when I’m on lunchtime photowalks I don’t want to carry two lenses, nor repeatedly change between them. I often miss shots that need a longer focal lengthContinue reading “Testing a zoom lens”
Lens test: Canon EF vs FD 50mm f/1.8
In 1987, Canon introduced their new autofocus-capable EF lens mount for their EOS series of cameras – including today’s digital SLRs. It was incompatible with the older manual focus FD lens mount. The flange focal distance of the newer EF lenses is slightly longer meaning that an adapter for mounting FD lenses on an EFContinue reading “Lens test: Canon EF vs FD 50mm f/1.8”
Jonathan Gazeley 