Is there a lens you are scared to use?

[flip]

I recently obtained an Olympus OM 24 Shift lens with a massive, bulbous front element and a cap that rocks back and forth (by design, apparently). It's a gorgeous lens and I took it out for the first time today - mounted on a Nex because I wanted to get a feel for the whole shift technique. I was never *not* afraid of damaging the thing because of the weight, front element, and cost. Having it on the Nex seemed like an accident waiting to happen.

But this is not a thread about bagging on camera ergonomics. It's about irrational fear for lenses. And I can't be alone in this.

What lens are you afraid for?

 

[Jockos]

I was a bit afraid that the EF 600 would hurt my back actually..

 

[flip]

holy moly. You need a weapons permit for that.

 

[krötenblender]

Did you try to count spider-eggs on the opposed wall...? 😉

No, I am not scared to use any lens. Two day ago I got my brand new 35mm Summilux, for which I waited 3 months and saved much longer... Since yesterday it's on my M9 while I ride my bicycle in the city. The lens is made for use. That's how you should handle it.

If you are scared all the time, chances are, that you do not use it, and then what is the point of having it anyway...?

 

[Ronald_H]

Summicron DR. For all the obvious reasons. It was not that expensive, but trying to replace it with one in the same condition would cost me likely three times as much. It's very old, very heavy and very beautiful, And also the sharpest lens I have ever used.

Edit: I could not find any similar Summicron DR on eBay below $1200. That's still not modern Leica glass money, but it is more than 4 times than what I paid for it 4 years ago. Damn.

 

[japancamerahunter]

I was terrified to use this. I went out for about 30 mins before I had to go home.

 

[Sparrow]

Not so much the lens, but the finder ... having said that it has survived two falls, one on to limestone paving that I then kicked about 20ft ... and I can confirm it makes exactly the noise one would expect

 

[ruby.monkey]

50mm f/2 Summicron. They're evil, especially the older ones. Oh, they look all sweet and innocent with their smooth chrome and scalloped focus ring, but drop your guard just once and they'll have you.

A Summicron killed my pa.

 

[rodt16s]

My worry is less with the lens, more with the lens hood..
A concern with losing the OLLUX for my Summilux v1 35mm has restricted it's oversea's travel

 

[Roger Hicks]

Lenses: no. But I couldn't bring myself to use a mint, boxed, all-paperwork-present IIIg when I knew I'd be happier with an M. So it went.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Spanik]

I don't like to take the Arsat 30mm out. Same reason: large piece of glass, no way to mount a protective filter and the cover barely holds.

 

[mdarnton]

I was shooting a theater job with a friend once. He put his 50 Summi on the floor in among the seats, and walked away to shoot. I followed him in the dark and kicked his lens 20 feet. Not a scratch on it. I don't know why he put it there. He's dead now, but I don't think the Summicron killed him--whiskey did it, more likely.

50mm f/2 Summicron. They're evil, especially the older ones. Oh, they look all sweet and innocent with their smooth chrome and scalloped focus ring, but drop your guard just once and they'll have you.

A Summicron killed my pa.

 

[ChrisP]

I've held off buying an Olympus 7-14mm. No Filter threads so I think I'd be too paranoid to use it. I put a filter on everything I use.

 

[johannielscom]

Gotta admit I'm scared of having a lens used on me: that thing they keep at the airport and that can see through the suit...

😀

Now that I come to think of it, I don't look too good in a picture while fully dressed either...

 

[kzphoto]

Yes. http://www.petapixel.com/2012/04/29/a-look-back-massive-carl-zeiss-lens-from-photokina-2006/

 

[Robert Lai]

I bought a Rolleiflex 3.5F whiteface that looks almost new. Now I'm scared to use it. I'd rather use my beat up other 3.5F instead.

Also, just received an Agfa Super Isolette that it immaculate (just back from overhaul by Clarence Gass). I'm also a bit scared to use it - it's just too beautiful!

Somehow, I don't have this fear about 35mm gear - only my medium format babies.

 

[ruby.monkey]

Gotta admit I'm scared of having a lens used on me: that thing they keep at the airport and that can see through the suit...

😀

Now that I come to think of it, I don't look too good in a picture while fully dressed either...

It's not the lens you have to fear - it's the hairy-knuckled hand in the elbow-length latex glove.

 

[dogberryjr]

I find myself worrying when carrying the Nikkor 14-24.

 

[jsrockit]

No... if I'm scared to use it, I won't own it. I find it silly to own expensive lenses (gear) just to keep them on a shelf (unless you are a collector and not a photographer). It's just equipment. Then again, I don't use hoods or protective filters either.

Are you guys that are scared that clumsy?

 

[ChipMcD]

I find myself worrying when carrying the Nikkor 14-24.

+1 on that. If I owned one, I might be scared of a f .95 Noctilux too. Otherwise, I figure that they are there to be used.