<warning> Fuzzy Picture Post </warning>

jimgalli · May 1, 2007

I've just completed a new page at my web site with pictures done with 5 historic Portrait lenses. Bokeh + ! I've compared the Kodak 405 Portrait, Bausch & Lomb Plastigmat Portrait, Gundlach Hyperion, Voigtlander Heliar, and a no-name B&L Balopticon projector lens.

http://tonopahpictures.0catch.com/405Kodak18PlastigEtc042907/WeekendsWork.html

If you're interested in fuzzy pictures, go have a look. Photospeak at the end about each of the lenses used.

If you don't like fuzzy pictures, or me, ignore this thread.

If you see something you like, or don't, I'd love the feedback.

I'll double post this for my friends over at LFF too.

Kino · May 1, 2007

It's the 14" Gundlach Hyperion for me!

Love how it dissolves into a very diffuse image on the rice grass and that the parts in focus are sharp with detail, but not edgy.

Very nice!

jonw · May 2, 2007

Thanks Jim. I always enjoy your pictures and Blog! Can't wait for the next one! All my best, Jon

Mick Fagan · May 2, 2007

I have to say the number plate picture is the best one for me.

Mick.

removed account4 · May 2, 2007

hi jim

i really love the qualities of the hyperion.
soft and "plastic" (?) -- refined.

john

Harrigan · May 2, 2007

I prefer the composition of the last still life Ford and Ricegrass II. I am also preferring this lens to the others as it has a nice glow on the highlights yet some of the image is sharpish.

The Gundlach is very flat to me, the entire image is soft, I like to see something sharp but that's just me. When I see images that are soft all over it makes me think of soft focus filters and Olan Mills. sorry olan.

jimgalli · May 2, 2007

Thanks for the positive responses. A nice diversity here in what you find attractive. Joe, I've been e-mailing you and your computer must be throwing me out with the other trash.

The Hyperion is my favorite in the group also. I almost didn't want to post that shot with the name as sometimes we banty names around here and prices go up. There's a 12" on the bay I'm contemplating, and I've probably cost myself $$ if I happen to win it.

mjs · May 2, 2007

It's always nice to see what you've been doing lately. I especially appreciate it when you mention a lens or two -- prices on those go up and prices on the more modern stuff I prefer goes down! Call it the Galli Effect...

Mike

copake_ham · May 2, 2007

Jim,

Nice work, as usual!

I liked the B&L lens.

TheFlyingCamera · May 2, 2007

I'm actually most partial to the Kodak Portrait. something about how it renders the OOFAs.

roteague · May 2, 2007

Thanks for sharing this Jim. I enjoy your work.

Charles Webb · May 3, 2007

Jim,
As usual, extremely well done. I really don't have a favorite lens in this group. They are all wonderful in their own way. Like Jon, I am waiting for more!

Charlie....................................

Rolleijoe · May 7, 2007

The Gund and the Kodak lenses are my favorites. BTW, there's nothing wrong with looking like Ms Dietrich! ;-)
Fantastic work, as well.

matti · May 7, 2007

Yes. Fuzzy is good. Now I need to carve some lens boards for my 18x24 cm-camera to try out some more myself... Thanks for the inspiration!

/matti

tdeming · May 10, 2007

Hi Jim,

Nice pictures -I love these lens comparisons. I picked up one of those B&L 18" triplets a while ago and also like it alot. I've used it for shoulder length portraits on 8x10 and find it works well.

Tim

darinwc · May 10, 2007

you need to warm-tone them.

Jim Noel · May 10, 2007

Jim,
These comparisons are really helpful. Also the text info at the end of the post is valuable to me.
Do you normally make such tests on lith film, or full scale film?
As always, thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Jim

Hugo Zhang · May 10, 2007

Jim,

That Hyperion is my favorite, though I like them all. I tried hard not to read your picture threads any more for fear I couldn't resist the temptation and go to buy more lenses. I have a dozen brassies already!!!

Anyway, nice work and thanks!

jimgalli · May 11, 2007

Jim Noel said:
Jim,

Do you normally make such tests on lith film, or full scale film?

Jim

Hi Jim. My mainstay is Efke 100R 10" X 100' Cirkut camera film. I cut the 8" pieces from the long roll. I don't use the ortho film very often. I need to do some portraits on the Ortho and see it the blue only film will act like some of the old processes that use blue only emulsions like collodion.

Hi Hugo, thanks!

Cheers. Jim

<warning> Fuzzy Picture Post </warning>

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