Jack Carlson Photography

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Got an old lens? Get out & Use it

March 16, 2022

I noticed yesterday that a few crocus have popped their petals above ground so there was only one thing to do: grab a camera and a bit of gear and head to the blooming flower field. You gear people have, no doubt, begun to wonder about the lens and settings so here they are. Lens: 70-180 macro zoom. It’s been discontinued for some years, but is my macro. While it’s considered to be slow (F4.5-f5.6) heavy and a 2-touch those are no problems.

I consider it to be just the right weight, not toooooo slow, and provides the option of changing the subject size in the frame once I’ve decided on the focus. I’m using a tripod 99% (at least) when shooting macro/closeup images with an f20 aperture so there’s no problem. Get extension tubes for your old lens, then get out and get closer. It’s fun with a built-in challenge.

Camera settings for this shot: 122mm, f20 @ 60th, ISO 125, WB Sun, e/v +1, bounced flash off poster board

Don’t be quick to write off an old lens.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Weekly Photo Tip

Wondering if you need a tripod? Don’t be lazy.

Magnus the Camera Clubhouse cat deciding whether to help re-pack Christmas decorations.

I had 2 shots remaining on the roll of Tri-X 120 black/white film. Magnus, the Carlson Camera Clubhouse Cat was hanging out on the table as I was about to dismantle the Christmas tree. What a perfect time for an impromptu portrait session. The camera’s built-in flash was just high enough so that the light output didn’t get directly into his eyes, but was reflected by the lights on the tree. The cat is actually much sharper in reality than he may appear to you in this scan of the print. A tripod could have helped here and I do own several of them but the clubhouse floor was covered with boxes so making a trip to get one of those 3-legged camera supports just didn’t seem worth the time and effort. 

As I’ve written countless times, a tripod is your friend. Please remember that when you’re about to be overcome by laziness.

The camera I used for the shot of Magnus

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About Jack

A classically trained musician since childhood, Jack Carlson always had the “ear” of an artist. It was only a short step to develop the artist’s “eye” as well.

The portfolio of this certified photographer reveals images that emphasize mood and composition. Their purpose is to present a feeling in addition to portrayal of person, place or thing. Sometimes that feeling is nostalgia; other times it is serenity.

Each photograph tells a story.

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