I sadly lost my mum on November 1st this year (I lost my dad sixteen years ago). She was 90yrs old and had been diagnosed with a lymphatic cancer. The cancer didn’t help but her death certificate states she died from frailty and old age. She didn’t suffer, she wasn’t on any medication at all, and spent her last few weeks, quite content, in a local care home following a fall at home.
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I’ve been shooting on and off with vintage lenses for a couple of years now. I always enjoyed using them but I didn’t really stick with it. I think it’s probably because I was prioritising shooting stock images, which need to be tack sharp. To that end using my modern Fujifilm lenses, with auto focus and coatings that have superb flare and glare control made more sense. There’s more on my drift into using vintage lenses in a previous blog – Vintage lenses and Flickr
So, since finding a new groove with these old lenses I decided to invest in some well regarded classics. I already own a superb an Auto Takumar 35mm f2.3 so I decided to buy another Auto Takumar, the 50mm f1.4. I sought out the early version of this classic which has eight elements and none of the flare control coatings the later lenses came with. I bought the lens on Ebay for £214. Much more expensive than any of my other vintage lenses but it’s been a superb investment.
I’m still getting to know the new lens. I used it on a recent trip to Marrakesh but, whilst we were there I made use of the photo opportunities to try out my other vintage lenses, so it didn’t get as much use as it should have done. I have a couple of other 50mm vintage lenses but this Takumar is proving to be a favourite amongst those.
The 50mm Auto Takumar is not quite my overall favourite vintage lens because the Takumar 35mm f2.3 is awesome and a more useful focal length on my crop sensor X-T5. Also, after much research, I have just bought a vintage Canon FD 55mm f1.2 which should prove strong competition for the Takumar. They all bring something different though and I’m hoping they’ll compliment each other and add another dimension to my images.
All images: ©Stephen Hyde 2007-2025 – All rights reserved.
Three weeks ago, whilst we were on a walk about in Bristol, we wandered into the Upfest Street Art shop in Bedminster. We’d been drawn in by a framed print in the shop window. The artwork was called ‘Wonder’ by Australian artist, Sophi Odling. Linda, my wife was particularly drawn to it and after a very brief discussion we bought the framed limited edition print and it’s now hanging proudly on a wall in our lounge.
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We’ve just returned from a weeks break in Marrakesh. We’re regular visitors here and every time we go I wonder where my images might come from. I needn’t have worried, I came back with far too many pics for one post.
Continue readingTina has set this weeks Lens Artist Challenge and has helped by giving us the dictionary’s short and simple definition of the word ephemeral – “lasting for a very short time“. Her original challenge post can be found here. Ephemeral is not a word I was familiar with until now.
Ritva hosts this weeks challenge. You can find her original challenge post here – Lens-Artists Challenge #371 – Street Details
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My digital photography story started back in 2007 when I completed a short Open University course called ‘Welcome to Digital Photography’. Over ten weeks the course covered the photography basics but also introduced me to Flickr.
Continue readingI haven’t posted a recent pics blog for a while so, I thought I’d blog a few recent stock uploads which are food related.
Autumn is this weeks Lens-Artists ‘Looking Back’ Challenge, set by John. John’s original challenge post is here.
I don’t have that many Autumn tree or colour images that I could use in this post but what I do have is plenty of Autumn fungi shots so I’ve decided to concentrate on those for my challenge post.
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This was our first visit to Crete. We chose to stay in Rethymno as we like basing ourselves within walking distance of larger towns that we can explore on foot. We booked a package deal through TUI for a half board stay at the Aquila Porto Rethymnon Hotel and flew into Chania airport from Birmingham, UK.
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Steve Hyde 