In Soviet Russia...

In Soviet Russia, Bokeh renders you!

Now, I have to stop right here and put out the cavaet...

I HAVE NOT USED THIS LENS, SO MY EXPERIENCE WITH IT IS NON-EXISTENT. I AM ONLY RELAYING RESEARCH AND OPINION ON THE QUALITY OF THIS LENS AND THIS IS IN NO WAY AN ENDORSEMENT FOR EVERYONE TO GO OUT AND BUY THIS LENS ASAP, BECAUSE THIS LENS IS A COLD-WAR-ERA SOVIET-DESIGNED MANUAL FOCUS AND I DO NOT RECOMMEND ACQUIRING THIS LENS IF YOU ARE UNFAMILIAR WITH ALTERNATIVE GLASS AND LENS MOUNT CONVERSION - YOU TAKE THIS KNOWLEDGE AWAY AT YOUR OWN RISK - USING CAMERA LENSES NOT DESIGNED FOR YOUR SYSTEM OF CHOICE POSSIBLY AND MORE LIKELY, CAN DAMAGE YOUR CAMERA AND IT'S MIRROR BOX ASSEMBLY - AND POSSIBLY D WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY.

In all seriousness, the above lens is the Helios 44-2. At least, I think it's the 44-2. For the sake of arguement, I'm going to say it is and leave it at that. The reason for this is, there are several versions of the Helios 44, which for some reason is actually a 58mm lens, not a 44mm as the name would lead you to believe. Further to this, the 2 refers to two different things - one, being that it is the 2nd version, and the other being that it's to designate it's max F/stop (2.0) - I don't know which to believe, given that it makes more sense that it should be 44-2.0, I dunno... It's russian, they do things backwards and round off numbers. That's why everyone knows Gagarin and not the poor guy that died in the rocket launched before him...

What I do know for sure is that this lens is a fairly old design and that it's actually a copy of the Carl Zeiss Biotar design and that it was heavily mass produced, to the point that they are quite possibly the cheapest lens available on the 2nd hand market (aka FLEabay). This is significant as the Biotar, which is a much more expensive lens, incorporates a doubled gaussian optic lens combination. The two lenses, at the heart of the design, are what make the Biotar and Helios lenses so special. While Gaussian optics are not exactly revolutionary now, but I'm sure that they once were. If anything, their results are legendary as it allows a lens to render very smooth background blurring, aka Bokeh. And for what it's worth, Canon's 50mm 1.8 uses a very similar lens formulae, incorporating Gaussian optics - that's why the nifty-fifty is such a great lens in it's own right.

Now, out there in the wilds of the interwebs, there are a few pages that talk about the 44-2. I'm going to do my best to cut through the crap and give you the straight goods. First up... Specs!

Lens Construction = 6 elements in 4 groups (w/ 1 gaussian doublet)
Focal Length = 58mm
Filter D = 49mm [although younger copies are 52mm]
Max F/stop = 2.0
Min F/stop = 16.0
Angle of view = 40°
Minimum focus = 0.5m (~18cm)
Diaphragm = Manual/Preset
Field of View = ~93mm [on 35mm]*

Other info
Most copies are single coated and the unit weighs in at a rather svelte 220g.
In the right hands, this lens renders awesomeness in either Av or M.

Most copies, provided that they are in good working order, are quite sharp at all apertures - some opinions are that it is adequate to fair at 2.0, and best at 5.6 or 8.0. In the same vein, CA is prominent in the 2.0-2.8 range, edging towards green/turquoise - though, once again, this is what has been discussed in opinion and may not affect all copies.

Examples of the amaziness of this lens:
Manual Focus Forums
Fred Miranda Alt Glass forum

Why does this all concern me? Well, for starters - the 44-2 is a great MF lens, that is much cheaper than anything else really. 50mm-range lenses are good starting points for most photographers and when it comes to learning how to shoot, it's the 50mm that should be in every kit. Because of its creaminess, it is given to fantastic shots at most apertures. The only downside is the loss of a 1/3stop of light, when compared to Canon's 1.8 plastic fantastic.

Suffice to say, if I didn't already have the Canon or the 58mm Rokkor, I'd be all over this guy like a papparazzi on a starlet's case.

Testing of new interface...

Blog title

For a while now, I have had this feeling that my blog isn't well-named given my tendency to talk about cameras and photography more than say... music.

I think I might just rebrand myself here. After all, my domain has nothing to do with the blog name.

Further to this is my total lack of info on myself. Not that any of you really cares. The quick details. I'm a 30year old amateur photographer, that has been doing the dSLR thing for 3 years now, and digital photography thing for close to ten years. In those ten years, a lot of crappy point and shoots passed through my hands. And quite a few of which have taught me that name-brand doesn't me shite. (Agfa, Sony, Kodak, Panasonic, Samsung, etc...) but I digress. I'm from Canada, residing in Toronto, Ontario. Originally I am from Montreal, Quebec - however that was so long ago that, all i can say is that I was born there and that the Habs are the best team in the NHL.

I grew up in the suburbs of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), but spent many summers in what is perhaps the most picturesque part of Ontario - Georgian Bay (Midland and the 30,000 islands specifically). Ironically, having grown up, surrounded by gorgeous panoramas that were the basis of the Group of Seven's work, Landscape photography has appeal for me.

I can go on, but i won't. Because the truth is... I came here to talk about the Canon 430EX. I will be acquiring one, so, as a result, I'll be doing a quick write-up about it now, and a more detailed summary later.

First things first - why the 430? because I was able to score one in amazing shape for a decent price. Sure, I could've spent a few more $ and got an EXII version, but to be honest, this will be the first good flash I will be able to work with. Not to say that the others I've used suck... it's just that anything good that was strapped on to my camera was only on temporarily, and the rest have been iffy at best... or restricted to RF triggering.

Okay... Secondly. What's special about the 430EX? well... I'm not sure. Except that it does have High Speed Sync (HSS) hence my interest in it, as that's an area of strobing that I want to get into eventually.

Now... the downsides to the 430 (version 1). What's the difference between the v1 and v2? Visually/physically, virtually none.

However, the guts are what matter, right? Well, the EXII has a better IBGT system, which allows for quicker power recycling* and it is silent. Thus making the EX1 slower and noisy, apparently. The EX1 has the standard lock-ring that pretty much all flashes have [except the 430EXII and 580EXii] and unfortunately, it has a plastic foot. While both have slave modes, the first version has a switch for it, and other features can be controlled either on flash or through the in-camera menu (this will be fun to play with). Lastly, there are supposedly some custom features in both versions. I've only read that there's only 6 of them in the v1, but no word on the v2. I'd like to know what the difference between them is, but being a newcomer to a Canon-made dedicated flash with brains.




* - the recycling time of the V2 over the V1 is said to be 20% faster. Yet, the V1 is said to be 40% faster than it's predecessor, the 420EX - so, i really take that sort of crap with a grain of salt. The reality is, with standard (alkaline) AA's, the 430 should recycle in less than 4 seconds. But as all good photographers know - you don't use Alkalines, you use NiMHs! Recycling with those is reported at 2s, after full-power flash, and since most users rarely use full-power, that 2sec recycle is immaterial.
That should give you something to think about.



For a more fleshed out run-down and completely objective review, please visit this site: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-430EX-Speedlite-Flash-Review.aspx

NEW(ish) LENS REVIEW.

Hello once again, you awesomely random readers. Okay, so I lied... twice. It hasn't been a month and a half and this is not a new lens review. it's actually a used lens review, and technically speaking, vintage lens review. However, these lenses are not new to me, as i have had them for 2-3 months now. So, new post, new topic... sort of. But first, a little bit of a foreword.

This post was originally composed about a week ago, but I never got around to finalizing and publishing it. Suffice to say, we are here now, ready to post. So, the following paragraphs will seem out of place after reading this and the previous paragraph. Confused? yes? well... shake it off an read on.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Now, topics aren't exactly difficult to come by when it comes to writing up stuff about photography, especially when it comes to non-review, stream-of-conscious type stuff. I'll be honest in saying that I do have this pretty cool write-up that i've been pecking at for a while now. It's one of those type deals that probably should end up on a bigger website. I won't give away the details right yet, but it's more or less a list of what one can learn from. I'm keeping that vague as possible, so as to ensure my creative originality here. ;)

Suffice to say, I did mention that I have a few items that I haven't talked about just yet. They are:
1) Minolta Rokkor 58mm F1.4 - Jim Buchanan EOS-converted
2) SMC Takumar 150/4 (Pentax m42 mount)

First off - the Rokkor.
I grew up occasionally using my dad's Minolta (now mine) and one thing that's for sure, one of the best lenses my dad had was a Prime Rokkor. I'm unsure of what he did with that lens, however he did have a Rokkor Zoom lens before he stopped shooting film. That lens, is okay, i guess. But, having experienced the beauty of a Rokkor prime in days gone by, and seeing examples across the web in recent times; I know I had to get one for myself.


Luck would have it that I ended up finding a EOS-converted example on eBay. It didn't cost me a whole lot, but then again, the 1.4 doesn't fetch much these days. It's bigger brother, the 1.2 still commands a hefty price tag of $200+. (the 1.4 can be had for anywhere between $50 and 150, depending on condition and vehicle of sale).

MC Rokkor-PF		F/Length	max aperture	Element Formulae	Weight	min focus	Original Mount
58mm F/1.4		58mm	F/1.4	6 in 5 groups	280	2ft (.6m)	Minolta SR
		Filter	min aperture	Angle of view	Size	Bokeh	Current Mount
		55mm	f/16.0	41°	42L x 63w	Creamy	EOS
		PROS	great contrast		CONS	prone to flare
			great color			mirror-clearance issues on 5D
			as sharp as Rokkor 58/1.2			not close-focusing

I haven't much bad to say about this lens, except that it cannot be fully used on the 5D without a little mirror-shaving. I am loathe to do such a thing to my baby, but it does work so long as i keep the focus close, and the aperture wide. On a Rebel body, this lens kicks a lot of ass. I mean it. I suppose that's thanks to the more forgiving mirror clearance and rebel crop factor.



While I stated that the lens is prone to flare, it's actually not bad. It renders flare pretty much the same as bokeh: nice and creamy. Additionally, it's not overly difficult to control the flare with this lens either. I find it rather nice and predictable.

Bench(mark) test:




Now, where this lens becomes a lot of fun is when it's put on extension tubes, and use it as an almost-macro lens. This incidently enough, allows me to get around the mirror-clearance issue on the 5D. In this example, you can see how the bokeh renders extremely gradually, yet sharpness is still there in nice amounts. (editor's note: I don't have the steadiest of hands, so there is some motion blur)



Another bokeh example:


While I haven't used the lens in a while, I do love it and wish to use it more. With the flowers in bloom, I think I will. ;)

So... final conclusion: All the reports are true - this is a great lens. It's not exactly underrated, but it's abilities are definitely downplayed for sure.

For more info on Rokkors... go here


SMC TAKUMAR 150/4 (M42)

I picked up this lens on eBay as well, only because 1) it's a SMC Takumar and 2) It fits nicely within my existing zoom ranges, thus allowing me to have a small amount of redundancy between my Rebel and 5D. I say this, with respect to crop factor and such. If i put the SMC Takumar on the rebel, and use the Contax Zeiss on the 5D, I effectively have 2 cameras with the same field of view. (editor's note: crop factor does NOT modify focal length, only field width).

SMC Takumar		F/Length	max aperture	Element Formulae	Weight	min focus	Original Mount
150mm F/4.0		150mm	F/4.0	5 in 5groups	325g	6ft (2m)	M42
		Filter	min aperture	Angle of view	Size	Bokeh	Current Mount
		49mm	f/22.0	17°	95L x 65w	chunky/creamy	m42-EOS adapter
		PROS	excellent contrast		CONS	SLOW!!
			good color			aperture ring is narrow
			m42 mount			strange light fall-off
			hood included

I probably should assume that because of the lenses structure and size, a faster aperture would be impossible as the mechanics would be impossible. Suffice to say, if I was ever to come across a 150mm with an aperture wider that F/4.0, I would jump all over it like a fat kid on a Smartie. (no offence to fat kids... or Smarties). This is not because I find the lens to be deplorably slow, but rather that if faster were possible, I'd take faster, but keep this focal length. It's a great focal length, as a walk-around prime telephoto.

It was with this lens that I was able to capture one of my more particular favourite "wildlife" shots.

I've wanted to shoot swans in the past, but never been able to get close enough to one for a good shot. I lucked out a few weeks ago, as one was swimming underneath a bridge I crossed over.

This isn't the best example of what this lens can do, but it's a fair example. Notice the colour on the Swan's head. See it?

Well, how about the sky in this picture?


Yeah, yeah... big deal. YES, IT IS A BIG DEAL! Why? because I for the life of me, cannot shoot pictures with blue sky without the sky rendering into some bizarre off-white colour. This is no real thanks to AWB, which I rely on probably too much. I hate setting white balance and well... this lens does away with the need to do so very nicely.

Which brings me to color rendition - If anything is true, it's this. No one can ever say anything bad about the colour rendition of a SMC Takumar. I don't know what these lens were in terms of cost when they were new and original, but dollar for dollar in the second hand lens market, Takumar's are the best out there in terms of value. And as far as the 150mm goes... it's no slouch and adheres well to the high praise that all Takumar's get.



Verdict: I love this lens for what it is; A cheap, well-constructed, miniature workhorse. It renders beautifully all sorts of colours and it's got that awesome vintage factor. You know... that factor where lenses had knurled metallic focusing grips? Yeah... that. The Rokkor has it too, but because this badboy is a 150mm, it has a significantly longer body, which provides and equally lengthy metal grip.

Terrible...

I am terrible at updating this space. Despite advice from Andrew at Acts of Minor Treason (which he follows brilliantly)

Now, I like to post photographic-related stuff here, and having none to report... other than having picked up a Rokkor 58 1.4 and SMC Takumar 150/4 for myself (both are awesome btw, I feel that I should at least share SOMETHING.

Here goes...

HENRY'S SPRING 2010 PHOTO SHOW

Dates and Times

The 2010 Photographic, Video & Digital Imaging Show opens on Friday, May 14th, 2010 and runs until Sunday, May 16th, 2010 at the International Centre in Mississauga. For directions click here.
Hours

Friday, May 14: 10am - 7pm
Saturday, May 15: 10am - 7pm
Sunday, May 16: 11am - 5pm

We look forward to seeing you there!

Tickets

Tickets for admission to the 2010 Spring Photographic, Video & Digital Imaging Show can be purchased at the door at the time of entry.

Admission prices are as follows:

Adults: $15.00
Children under 12: Free!

One time admission is valid for entry to the Show all weekend!
Bring your camera along for the fun!

Please note you will be asked to register your equipment before entering the Show.

This first part makes me laugh.
By TTC? really?

Small Tip: take a cab.
I've had to make the trip to the airport area before by Transit and it's NOT fun. Actually, I'll be blunt and say it flat-out. IT SUCKS.

Travel Directions
By Public Transit

Copies of the TTC, GO Train and Mississauga Transit schedules can be found in the Information Display Case located in the Hall 1 Main Lobby, next to the Security Desk. For additional information, please click on the above links or visit the Directions & Parking section of this website.

Directions by Car

Travelling East on Highway 401

* Take Hwy. 401 or QEW to Hwy. 427 North.
* Follow Hwy. 427 North and exit at Dixon Road.
* Turn left at the traffic lights at Dixon Road.
* Follow Dixon Road (which becomes Airport Road) for approximately 4 kilometres.
* The International Centre will be located on your right.

Highway 407

* Take Hwy. 407 and exit at Airport Road.
* Turn south at the traffic lights at Airport Road.
* Follow Airport Road for approximately 5 kilometres.
* The International Centre will be located on your left.

Parking Lot

All main entrances have a designated number of signed parking spaces in close proximity to the entrance area(s). Ramp curb cuts are available at all main entrances for your convenience.
Entrances with Wheelchair Accessibility

All main entrances are equipped with power-operated doors. All lobby entrances have either a flat surface and/or a wheelchair ramp for your convenience.

Having given this information, i am now going to go into bloghiding once again. See you in... another month and a half.

Thanks for reading!

editor's note: should i post sooner than that, then... i was lying the whole time. :P
Seriously, I need to write more. Maybe I should make a habbit of encorporating photo-walks into journal entries. Hmmm...

Idiom...

"No Questions Asked"

This phrase amuses me to a small degree. Companies that adopt this policy on returns, rock. Companies that don't, suck. And there are some companies out there that should be in the middle. "Few Questions Asked"

Like... Was it damaged in the Box? Did the product fail within first few uses? Did it not meet your requirements? Did it fail to get you off? Did it succeed at getting you herpes? and so on, and so on.

Seriously though... When an item sucks, and you want to bring it back and get a refund/exchange, I think you should be able to state exactly why you are bringing it back. "It sucked harder than "

Seriously. I would love that, just so i could do something like... Go to HMV and say "This Creed CD sucks". But I'd do that to hear the clerk say "yeah? that would be because Creed sucks" or some other sarcastic line.

But enough about Creed... Speaking of Jesus Rock... This weekend is Zombie Christ day. Be sure to make brains for brunch! (substitute caviar [no... not headcheese, that IS brains] and no one will be the wiser)

And Update... and CIAS

Toronto is a funny place. There is a... There are entire cultures of people that are one of the following: anti-car and/or anti-bike and/or anti-TTC. And yet, when mid-winter arrives, we go into full-blown trade-show mode. When February rolls around, one of the biggest events in Toronto is held... The Canadian International Auto Show [fka The Toronto Car Show] that draws in thousands hoping to get a look at the next hottest things on the road, and maybe to literally kick a few tires - although, Mini prefers you screech them.




Ironic however, is how there is a nice gap between the Car show and the Annual Bike Show (This weekend... right now... as I type this... and I'm 150km away, in the suburb of Cheektowaga, New York - Far from home, and further from my beloved bicycle. At least, it feels like that cause I hate riding when its cold

Suffice to say, I went to the car show, because A) it was something to do B) I'm looking for a new car and C) it was chance to pull the camera out and fire off a few hundred shots. Of those... I have published 70 to Flickr.

Suffice to say, I walked away from the auto show, with a few pamphlets and a couple of shopping bags - 2 red (kinda crappy) Toyota bags and one fricken sweet graphic Kia bag with the Forte on one side and the Borrego on the other. Kia is really making a push to convert people and honestly, right now, bang for the buck, they offer the best stuff on the road. The bonus is... their cars stop and go when they're supposed to! To be honest... I've been loving my Toyota for the last 4 years, but I am far from inspired when it comes to getting into a new one. Recalls aside, Toyota has mismanaged and craptacularized their cars in the last few years. Most manufacturers have.

Things as simple as making Automatic transmissions and all power group (doors, windows, mirrors) standard in base models. Making more sensible engine options available across the trim... wait, no... scratch that. Trim lines are BS. They shouldn't exist, especially if theres any bit of overlap between one model to the next. A Fully Loaded Compact, should not be the same or more expensive than the Midsize's second-from-base-model. That's just complete bullshit and is just one reason why people aren't interested in certain trims. When you sell 20,000 base models, 10,000 "luxury" models and <5,000 "sport" models.

Anyhow... I had more to say, but Blogspot decided to eat half my entry/rant and messed up the order of my photos. So, suffice to say.... %^&$ it... here's some pics

I would love to have this one... that's for sure. Fully electric roadster that has a top speed 200+ and range of 250km? Hell Yeah.



Yeah... this one too.


Scions are cool too... especially when they're modded up (aren't they all)



The classic car of my dreams... one day... one day...



Autobots... Show Off!


Boing!

That's all for now... I'll probably update again in another 2months! See you then!