I bought, yet another, vintage lens from Ebay last week. I’d read a favourable review of the Nikon NIKKOR-S.C Auto 50mm f1.4, a 1970’s classic and decided I’d like one. It’s still widely available and I bought a copy, in mint condition, for £100. I’ve never owned, or used, a Nikon lens before but I’m suitably impressed. The build quality is superb and it’s a dream to use.
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Well this is really spooky. This week Anne challenges us to post images from photo opportunities we’ve stumbled across on one particular walk. I’ve done exactly that today, before I knew what was coming with this weeks challenge! Here’s the story of that walk.
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Following on from the success and enjoyment I had using my vintage lenses in Marrakesh (blogged here) I decided to invest in a few more old lenses. I’ve spent hours researching on YouTube channels, blogs and Flickr and came up with a short list of lenses that might compliment those I already owned.
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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 took advantage of some really good, late booking, holiday package prices to take another trip out to Marrakesh last week. For us, November is a great time to visit Morocco. The temperature is a really nice 21C during the day. We needed a jacket in the early morning and evenings but we had clear blue skies most days with a bit of cloud bubbling up in the late afternoon. The cooler weather means less visitors so, although the main tourist attractions could be busy, generally everywhere was a bit quieter than in the warmer months.
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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.
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I’ve had this Auto Takumar 35mm F2.3 for a couple of years now but I’ve never really used it that much. Having been out and about and used it all day today that will be changing because its a superb lens.
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Back sometime in 2022 I decided I’d try out a few vintage lenses with my Fujifilm camera’s. I’m not sure why. It was probably following something I’d read on the internet but anyway, I decided to give it a go and invested in an K&F M42 to Fujifilm X Adapter. They sell for £16.99 from K&F.
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Steve Hyde 