robertdfeinman
Robert Feinman
I got back into using a rangefinder (Bessa) a few years ago when they came out with their 12mm Heliar lens. This is the widest, rectilinear, lens made that covers a full 35mm frame.
So basically I bought the camera because it fit the lens. Having a lens this wide allows one to rethink their approach to taking pictures. Rather than focussing on details or bringing the far nearer one can try to show the sweep of the scene.
Since this was also the approach that I adopted by using a panoramic camera I now had a choice of effects.
You may be interested in seeing the opportunities that this type of lens offers.
The technical comparison is in this tip from my web site:
12mm comparison
There is just such a huge difference between shooting with an ultra wide angle and even a typical wide angle that it needs to be experienced first hand. There are many examples on my site, but I don't have anything specific to direct you to.
So, if you have camera that can take a LTM lens and have a chance to try the Heliar I suggest you give it test drive. If you want to spring for the purchase, the price seems to have come down over the past six months or so.
So basically I bought the camera because it fit the lens. Having a lens this wide allows one to rethink their approach to taking pictures. Rather than focussing on details or bringing the far nearer one can try to show the sweep of the scene.
Since this was also the approach that I adopted by using a panoramic camera I now had a choice of effects.
You may be interested in seeing the opportunities that this type of lens offers.
The technical comparison is in this tip from my web site:
12mm comparison
There is just such a huge difference between shooting with an ultra wide angle and even a typical wide angle that it needs to be experienced first hand. There are many examples on my site, but I don't have anything specific to direct you to.
So, if you have camera that can take a LTM lens and have a chance to try the Heliar I suggest you give it test drive. If you want to spring for the purchase, the price seems to have come down over the past six months or so.
