In a message dated 8/8/01 1:29:53 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
tscales@xxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:
> If I came across condescending and rude (which I think I did), I apologize.
>
Apology accepted and appreciated.
"I was interested in your use of the 40/2. It kind of surprised me, as
while I like it, and it is somewhat rare (and pricey), it isn't as highly
respected as the 35/2 or even 50/1.8. What is it about the 40/2 that works
for you."
Actually, I bought my 40 when they were first introduced. I don't
recall the cost, but they have certainly now gone out of sight. I like it
because, for me, it is a good all purpose lens. It is slightly wider than a
50, but not as wide as the 35. It is very small and flat against the camera.
It's f2 is more than adequate for any available dark situation that I am
likely to encounter (I am not disparaging those who like f1.2 or noctilux
lenses.) I just don't have the need. If the light is that low, I'll push the
film. I have used it more often than I care to admit on a copystand for
preparing slides for lectures copied out of books, etc. I know it isn't
supposed to shine for that, but for me it does...not too long like the 50 for
large atlases, not too short to cause distortion. It is my best copy lens and
uncomplicated close focus lens for most subjects.
The 40 does for me what the 60 does in medium format...it is an everything
lens that is exceptionally forgiving when used above 5.6. The 40 has close
focus ability that makes it unnecessary for me to carry either macro lenses
or close up filters when traveling.(I am not nuts about close-up lenses...I
like tubes better.) I do like to travel light instead of turning my vacations
into a need for the chiropractor on return.
Having one lens is not a handicap...it often forces you to be more creative.
I travel with a 40 and an 85, film, extension tubes (for the 85 and
flowers...try it, it will blow you away at the wonderful bokah in that lens)
and a small (very small...runs on 1 AA) and equally small slaved flash (they
can be had very cheaply and they stand by themselves) that is useful as a 2nd
light, accent light, back light, anyplace you need a small light to fill out
a dark area. Both are easy to control (each fold of a handkerchief represents
one f stop). Yes, I know some calculation is involved, however the
mathematics of it are quite easy just by reading off the scale on the back of
the unit. If no scale on yours, borrow or use your flashmeter and tape the
results to the unit. Film is forgiving...don't get obsessed with getting the
perfect exposure. When using slide film...bracket as you would under any
circumstances. Then apply the one fold handkerchief rule and you're ready for
just about anything shot within a 10-15 ft distance. If you need more, push
the film or walk closer. If you can't... that's another thread.
I always have a Leitz tabletop tripod with me. Talk about gadgets, I own
three with different heads. These things will substitute for a full size
tripod if you have any stationary object (tree, house, tank, car, etc.) at
hand. If not, use it as a chestpod. I have held mine against every one of the
above on more occasions than I can remember (coat the end of the feet with
plastic so you won't mar your friend's good chippendale furniture while
photographing his collection of miniatures).
The 21 is a great lens...but you have to be very careful. While on a trip to
Europe, I used a 24 as my normal lens...wow!!!!!!!! A 28 will also
work...remember to place interesting things in the foreground.
I hope I don't sound too preachy about my choices...I have been around the
block a few times and have purchased more than a few toys that were useless
in the long run. That is also another interesting thread...what do you have
that you thought was a great idea but turned out to be useless. I'll vote for
the big motor drive...a joke that is too heavy to carry around, never works
properly, and is no where near as convenient as a winder when I need auto
film advance (like in my underwater bag where the motordrive won't fit, but
the winder fills the bill.) Next on the list is the deep blue filter...last
needed 7 years ago to simulate night on some slide film. What are your
"turkeys?"
Have a great day,
Roger
Roger Skully
robinsnestphotography.com
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