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Re: [OM] Zuiko 600/6.5, anyone?

Subject: Re: [OM] Zuiko 600/6.5, anyone?
From: AG Schnozz <agschnozz@xxxxxxxxx>
Date: Thu, 29 May 2003 07:11:41 -0700 (PDT)
>If only I could figure out what I would use such a monster
>for....

I babysat a 600/6.5 while it's owner spent a few months on an
island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.  I got to spend lots
of quality time with this lens.

When you get a sharp picture, it is VERY sharp.  The resolution
is fantastic.  However, it is nearly impossible to keep this
lens still enough to prevent vibration blurring.  It's so big
that if there is the slightest zephyr it will start to move and
shake on you.  You can't crank down the tripod enough for this
lens.  I'm thinking a concrete block with tripod screw would be
about right.

The second problem with this lens is the hokey rack/pinion focus
mechanism.  A few minutes trying to track moving vehicles or
birds will have you dreaming of an autofocus system.

When photographing birds on a perch I found the "sweet-spot" for
this lens.  Set the camera up and focus it on the perch.  Hang
the camera bag from the lens. The strap hoops over the lens at
the tripod mount. This weights things down enough that the
vibration from the shutter and winder/md is eliminated.

I found a couple other ways to get around the vibration, but
this has to be one of the toughest lenses to shoot that I've
ever come across. When the pictures are sharp, they are
world-class sharp. But you'll pull your hair out getting there.
Always shoot MANY dups with this lens.  I was getting about a
1/6 success ratio.  Not quite sure, but I was going broke buying
film for it.

If the lens was ONE STOP FASTER and had IF, it would be a nearly
perfect lens.  I encountered NO color fringing with this lens. 
None, whatsoever.  Try that with your mirror lenses.

Bokeh was nice, but actually not as pleasant as the 300/4.5.

Oh, one last thing.  You knew this was coming...

SILVERNOSE!!!!!!!!!!

AG-Schnozz

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