I’ve built up a nice little collection of old manual vintage lenses now, and for a long time I have been wanting to go out and just use these lenses. All manual control, manual focus and back to basics! What better place and time of year than Bryngarw Country Park…
I own the Soligar 35mm F/2.8, the Soligar 200mm F/4.5 and the Yashica 50mm F/2. On this visit I used the first two lenses, while I only used the 200mm for a couple of shots for birds on a bird-feeder. The Robin was taken with the 35mm!!! He came in really close, and I was lucky enough that he posed for me!
All images taken with the Nikon Z6ii and the mentioned lenses (EXIF should be in the files). I have set up the Z6ii so that I have quick access to the Non-CPU lens data, so that the camera records the focal length for me as sometimes it can be confusing on which lenses were used when. Images edited in Photoshop ACR.
I have to admit, during the two hours that we were out, after the first 30 minutes or so I was seriously missing auto-focus lenses. I would go as far to say that I doubt I will spend a day with only vintage glass on my Z6ii again. It is great re-living the past, but I prefer the present! I’m generally happy with the images with the 35mm lens, but as soon as I shot anywhere near into the sun, the images lost all contrast, making it pretty much unusable for into-the-sun scenes. It took a lot of editing to get the image I have shared with the two people walking into the distance!
Of course, as it was a sunny day for most of the time we were there, I also used my infrared. I set my white balance for the day, and I was really happy with the images. Here are the images, with just the red and blue channels swapped.
IR Really is great fun, and having that camera saved the day. I am pretty happy with the images, and there are a couple of stand out images from the Soligor 35mm that I really like. Whatever, it was a great few hours out before the rain stopped play, and it gave me a chance to try out that lens.
Until next time…
One Camera One Lens Photography 
Hi Mark,
What a beautiful series with the Soligor lenses! I couldn’t find the EXIF data in the viewer, but that’s no big deal. It’s probably just something with the camera export settings. As long as you can see it yourself, that’s all that really matters.
I get what you mean about missing autofocus. However, I’ve been out countless times with my Leica and manual SG-Image lenses, and it doesn’t bother me anymore. I handle the exposure entirely myself—nothing automated by the camera, just like the old days—and maybe that makes a difference?
By the way, your infrared shots are stunning, especially numbers 1, 4, and 5—absolutely breathtaking!
We’ve been hearing on the news about the heavy flooding in Wales ? Climate change is really becoming more evident. I hope things are manageable where you are and that everything is okay with you and your loved ones.
All the best, Mark, and take care.
Marc
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Thank you. I just really enjoy the benefit of auto-focus and forgot how much we rely on it. Especially with more distant objects, or when I was putting the camera low to the floor.
Yes, there are floods everywhere! It’s affecting transport as well as causing a lot of damage. We should be used to rain here, as it rains so often!
Oh,.and thank you for enjoying the infrared. They’re a bit of fun, but I am enjoying them.
Enjoy your weekend. Mark.
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