Super Tak: Film Lenses on Digital Cameras
It’s 5:17 a.m. and I cannot sleep. I’m sitting on the bathroom floor with my laptop deciding what I want to do next. It’s been a long time since I snuck off to another room while Josh slept! Alas, I cannot sleep. I’m actually waiting for the break of dawn so I can go on a sunrise photoshoot. It’s freezing outside! But that’s alright. I like the cold.
I’m missing Brian so much. He’s rarely here any more. I’m very happy for him though; I’m fairly certain he’s happy, and as long as he is, that’s all that matters. I’m confident that all of my children know this about me: I support them in everything they do- 100%.
I’ve decided that I want to start shooting with film lenses. Digital just doesn’t do it for me…at all. it’s too clear, focused- intentional. It cleans up all of the imperfections right away and leaves little to the imagination. I really don ‘t like it. So I picked up my first film lens (apart from two cheapies in the pawn shop), which is the SMC (super multi coated) Takumar 135/3.5. I must credit my British friend, Mark for this idea: he sent me a few pics a year ago and they blew my mind. He was using film lenses on a digital camera. Huh?! Yeah. You just have to know which adapters to get, so after a bit of research, I found the adapter for my Canon body: the M42. My Tak (or, “Super Tak” as it’s known as) came in 2 days ago, but my adapter came in today. (I could cry!) This is probably why I can’t sleep. The quality of this lens is jaw-dropping. The colours are so fantastic that I’m breaking my own self contract and will be shooting in colour- and lots of it. How could I not?
Here are a few sample images from the Super Tak:
I am completely in love with this lens! But it gets even better. I have two more that will be arriving in the upcoming week- they’re film lenses as well. I’ve decided that I’ll never shoot digital (lenses, anyway) again- only film from here on out. I love the texture and film grain that the older lenses provide. The two new lenses will be: Carl Zeiss (YES!!) 35/ 2.8 and the Helios 44M-4 58 MM f/2. They’re flying in from several different countries and I’m so excited………..!
More on this later. I have a sunrise to shoot.
Academic update:
It’s midterm, and here are my grades in the following classes:
Criminology: A
Lifetime Fitness and Wellness: A
Spanish II: A
Therapeutic Interventions with Substance Abusers II: A
Booyah!
m o n o c h r o m e j u n k i e † 
Long time!
CONGRATULATIONS on the spectacular grades!
You are superwoman incarnate.
The pictures with these lenses are so beautiful. Stunningly beautiful.
Are these not really expensive?
October 8, 2013 at 12:45 pm
You know, Shreya, the film lenses are waaaay cheaper than the digital- hundreds of dollars cheaper. You should look into it! If you ever need any help in that area though, let me know. 😉
October 14, 2013 at 2:49 am
SNAP! Those photos are amazing, as are your grades! I have so many more things to say, but just got a call and have to go…I’ll be back!
October 8, 2013 at 4:31 pm
Hey, Amy, good seeing you! :0)
October 9, 2013 at 9:52 pm
I’m back 🙂 Things have been so busy lately, and I haven’t done the best job of juggling everything…which is all the more reason I am SO SO impressed with your photography, AND your grades…AND able to keep up with your blog. DAYUM! So awesome! I am trying to be better at that myself.
❤
October 10, 2013 at 7:08 pm
Haha…I thought you totally forgot about this. 🙂 Thanks for writing me back, Amy. I know you’re probably super busy as well. I may be hitting you up soon about grant writing. I have no idea about any of that, but I’d like to start a foundation someday: (To do list: pick up more cabbage and cat food, change litter box, finish Criminology assignment, start a foundation…) you know…heheh..I shoot high.
But seriously, I know you’ve been dabbling in that area and I’m going to need to know where to start- I think grants are important? (I’m so clueless.) Anyway, that’s a bit down the road. I hope you’re doing well and having a great weekend! Don’t be impressed, by the way, there’s a lot of smoke and mirrors. 😉
October 12, 2013 at 8:41 pm
Never say never! Although I must admit that I have always appreciated traditional film color over digital. Congrats on the great grades too.
October 8, 2013 at 5:47 pm
Yeah, I totally prefer the film lenses. Thanks for dropping by! xo
October 9, 2013 at 9:51 pm
Want some Canon film lenses? I have 3, Hon. How do I get pix of them to you?
And re: your grades…WOO-HOO-DE-DOO!!! 🙂
October 9, 2013 at 8:03 am
I would love some Canon lenses, are you kidding?! If you will, C, shoot me an email at: rushingthunder@yahoo.com I’ll give you my mailing address, K? Thanks a mill, you’re a sweetheart!
October 9, 2013 at 9:44 pm
HELLO!
I have a small token of appreciation for you http://shreyapunj14.wordpress.com/2013/10/09/eeep/
Lots and lots of love.
October 9, 2013 at 1:19 pm
Aww, thank you so much, Shreya. That means a lot to me. 🙂 xo
October 9, 2013 at 9:43 pm
I would have never realized you could put a lense from film camera on a digital one! Who knew? I think it’s awesome! Love pics ❤ Also, you go girl for those grades. I know you work your ass off in every aspect of life. A's are hard to get. It's not like we are studying our spelling words for 30 mins and then ready to go lol. Ok so I need advice. I feel like buying a camera is like buying a car. I KEEP GETTING IT WRONG. I want to buy a handheld camera that is easy to function, has a crop option in the camera, images are clear, etc. Im willing to spend some money on it. Do you have any recommendations?
October 11, 2013 at 10:31 pm
You know what you should do? You should take the leap to DSLR. You can pick up a cheap DSLR body (Craig’s List or Ebay) for less that $150. I just picked up a Canon Rebel EOS 600D for $99 on Ebay! It’s 6.3 megapixels but when it’s a DSLR, 6 MP is still going to give you great image quality. It’s what I shot the sunset pics with the other day. Also, you can get a 50 MM 1.8 II for around $60 (used) at one of those places as well, and the 50 MM is one of the best lenses you can get. iI’s a prime lens, which means it has a fixed focal length, but it produces tack sharp images with dreamy bokeh (blurred backgrounds). If you go with this recommendation, it’s going to set you back $250 tops- and believe me, it’ll last for years. That way, when you feel like you want another lens- you’ll already have the DSLR body. The 50 MM 1.8 II lens can be used for landscapes, etc. but it’s a great lens for macros (closeups) and it makes a fantastic portrait lens. You can’t go wrong with it, I promise, and it’s one of my favourite lenses. Your photography would be take on new levels with a DSLR and a “Nifty Fifty” or, 50 MM 1.8. Look into it. 😉
October 12, 2013 at 8:49 pm
Hey Girl I am looking on ebay for that camera. Came upon this one…it’s for bid though. Just checking to see if this is what you are referring too? It’s more expensive but think that is because it comes with lense? Unsure if it is overpriced…. Or if around that amount is what I would be looking for? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canon-EOS-Digital-Rebel-T3i-600D-18-0-MP-DSLR-Camera-Kit-EF-S-18-55mm-IS-II-Lens-/331049262644?pt=Digital_Cameras&hash=item4d1412de34 Thanks for your help!!! hope you are feeling stronger ❤ ❤
October 23, 2013 at 12:49 am
Yeah, feeling a bit better, thanks, Jen. :0) My 5th class (Social Psychology) has just been added so I’m in the spin cycle again! You know how it goes. That’s a great camera- I’ve owned that one and $380 (current bid) is actually underpriced. It can be expected to jump up by a hundred or more in the final hour so be aware of that- there WILL be a price jump. It’s a great camera though. :0)
October 23, 2013 at 2:52 pm
I just looked at this. Wow it went for $490! whew! I have a little college refund left (Like $500) to my name. If I want a good camera that has excellent zoom. lenses can be replaced, last me a long time, can take very fast moving pics (as I often photograph pets), etc do you think I need to invest the entire thing? Just being honest? I want to put money back into my loans but also want to get a camera. And Ive wanted one since I was like a teenager. I’ve always found something else it had to go into before I shelled out the money. I’m wanting to kind of take a risk though and see where that goes. And it may mean money. lol
November 6, 2013 at 7:56 am
You can look at it like this: buying a great camera like that means better pics. Good pics mean you can drum up some business- but remember- you have to have just as much determination and drive as you do “good equipment”. A person can have a $10,000 camera and if they don’t work it- it’ll just sit there. There’s going to be hurdles and such but you just have to keep at it. If it were me, yes, I’d get the camera because anything truly rewarding in life comes with taking a risk. Reward yourself with this camera- you’ve worked hard in school! You deserve it. :0)
November 6, 2013 at 1:35 pm
Thanks girl 🙂 so I went to Best buy today to just LOOK. They have a Nikon D3100 DSLR w.18-55 mm VR lens ($429) Also, option with same camera to get larger 55-something lens for another $50. Also saw a Canon EOS Rebel T3 DSLR Camera w/ 18-55 mm IS lens. Any thoughts about either of these? I waited FOREVER to talk to a sales guy who looked bored and said both cameras were about the same thing which I have a very hard time believing. I’m going to do some research but know you know your cameras so I took pics of the price etc and wanted to ask your opinion <3thanks for the ongoing help !!!!!
November 6, 2013 at 8:07 pm
Well, the Nikon is 14 MP and the Rebel (Canon) T3 is 12.2 MP- your best bet (you should listen to me on this one) would be to get the Canon Rebel T3 but not from Best Buy- go here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canon-EOS-Rebel-T3-1100D-Digital-SLR-Camera-Black-Kit-w-EF-S-18-55mm-NEW-/301010061268?pt=Digital_Cameras&hash=item46159907d4
You get the same camera with the same lens for only $329- NEW. And Jen, go and pick yourself up this lens- it’s a must have and one of the best lenses you can get for its price: 50 MM 1.8 II (takes exceptionally sharp pics with great BG blur- iit blows the kit lens out of the water. The kit lens is the one that comes with the camera. It’s pretty much crap.) But here’s the 50 MM 1.8 II on Ebay- http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Canon-Normal-EF-50mm-f-1-8-II-Autofocus-Lens-/151146270406?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item2331050ec6
You’re going to need the 50 MM- do yourself a favour and get it. So the total for the camera + 18-55 (kit lens) and the 50 MM II combined are only $450, and that’s with shipping included. Definitely the way to go. The kit lens (18-55) is good to have for wide shots, such as landscapes- but you can’t get a sharp picture with it like you can the 50 MM- I’ve used $500 lenses, etc. and the 50 MM 1.8 II is by far one of my favourites. It’s one to keep in the camera bag- always. That’s what I would do if I were you, and I’d order them ASAP before somebody else does. Good luck. :0)
November 6, 2013 at 8:21 pm
I liked the Nikon as far as how it felt in my hand and was getting caught up in the fact that it was red. But it’s like buying a new car for me… I get caught up in cosmetic stuff. I know I LOVE photography and I know you not only love but know how to take it. I respect your opinion and feel you just saved me a great deal of cash. Thank you for that girl. Going to look at the lens now. I may need to wait on that till I get paid again but agree I need a much larger zoom.
November 6, 2013 at 8:49 pm
Good for you! :0) You’re going to love it I’m betting. The 18-55 is a good “starter lens” – if you’re new to DSLR’s it’s the right way to go until you’re familiar with it all. The 50 MM isn’t a zoom- it’s a prime lens with a fixed focal length- but again, the pics it takes are really sharp. I like the 40 MM also because you have to get up closer to your subject- you can’t simply zoom in from across the street- it integrates you with your environment which means you become immersed in the setting rather than just “taking a pic”. For me, it’s not just about getting a shot, but the bonding process with your equipment. The moment. Feeling, thinking, seeing, BEing, etc. I want to capture more than what I’m seeing, I want to capture what I’m feeling as well. With the 18-55, the 18 MM end of the lens is the wide angle and the 55 MM end is the macro/close-up. You should be alright with just that lens for a few months, but soon enough, you’ll be itching for a sharper lens. When that happens- get a 50 MM 1.8 II! (You can get them on Craig’s List for $50 all day long.) You’re welcome, by the way. :0) Can’t wait to see the new pics.
November 6, 2013 at 8:58 pm