Hey there, greetings from the enchanting land of Lancashire, UK, where the wildlife is as intriguing as the weather is temperamental!
You may wonder why I’m so upbeat today, perhaps I’ve been sneaking into the squirrels’ acorn stash. Nope, it’s because I’m about to delve into the realm of vintage camera lenses – specifically, some bona fide Yashica and Tokina models. Now, you might ask, “Why, are you temporally abandoning the comfort of your trusty Sigma 150-600mm” The answer is simple: I crave adventure, I seek thrills, and I’m a bit of a tightwad.
I’ve dusted off five vintage lenses that I’ve unearthed from the camera bags in the loft and eBay: the Yashica 135mm f2.8 PF, Tokina RMC 300MM F5.5 PF, Tokina RMC 100-300MM f5.5, Tokina RMC 200MM F3.5 PF, and last but not least, the Tamron 35-70mm F3.5 Macro.
With the help of my new companions, the URTH and K&F Concepts adaptors, I can link these vintage gems to my Nikon cameras. I feel like a real Dr. Frankenstein, but with photography, and less questionable ethics.
Now, before anyone goes spouting off about the superiority of autofocus, let’s extol the virtues of manual focus. Remember the time when folks had to tune their TVs to get a clear picture? Neither do I, but manual focus is like that, but cooler. It forces you to slow down and really consider your shot, a beautiful antidote to today’s breakneck pace. Not to mention, it’s particularly fun to play with the depth of field and get those dreamy, creamy, bokeh effects. It’s like being a magician, where your wand is a lens and your magic trick is capturing a robin mid-flight.
These vintage lenses come with a bargain price tag, in sharp contrast to modern equivalents. The local Foxes almost fell over in shock when I told them how little I’d spent. I guess the idea of getting top-notch glass for such a small investment was too much for them. And to top it all off, the build quality is stellar. These lenses have been built to last, much like the dry stone walls that crisscross our beautiful countryside. There’s nothing like the satisfyingly dense weight and the cool, metallic feel of a vintage lens in your hands.
And for the bird enthusiasts among us, these lenses are relatively smaller and easier to manage when tracking our avian friends in flight. They’re also less intimidating to the wildlife. I once approached a roe deer with a bulky modern lens, and she looked at me like I was holding a bazooka. Smaller lenses mean happier wildlife, and happier wildlife means better photos. It’s a win-win situation.
Sometimes, it’s good to get back to basics. Digital technology is wonderful, but it can also be overwhelming. There’s a certain joy in stripping things back and relying more on your skills than on autofocus and image stabilisation. When it comes to photography, it’s not about having the latest gear, it’s about how you use it.
These vintage beauties are surprisingly sharp – a revelation to many, including myself. The Yashica 135mm, for instance, renders Lancashire’s birds and bees in such detail that you could count the spots on a ladybird or the fur on a bee’s back. It’s like giving your camera a pair of spectacles, but way cooler.
And why Yashica and Tokina, you ask? Well, let’s just say I have a history with these brands. Once upon a time, their 35mm SLR cameras were my faithful sidekicks. They still hold a place of honour on my shelf, fond reminders of past adventures. They have proven their worth time and again with their quality and resilience, so it’s only fitting to give their lenses a go.
Finally, let’s be honest, dabbling in these experiments keeps things interesting. I mean, who wants to eat the same sandwich every day? Well, perhaps the local ducks, but we can aspire to more! Photography is all about exploration and creativity. So why not explore the world through a different lens, or five?
There we have it, folks! A sneak peek into my exciting vintage lens adventure. Stay tuned for updates on my wild escapades with Yashica and Tokina in the heart of Lancashire. Who knows, we may even catch the elusive kingfisher on the River Ribble, or the rare red deer in the Forest of Bowland. Whatever the case may be, it’s sure to be a hoot! Or a tweet, or a quack… you get the idea.
