louisb
Well-known
Got my Rokkor-M 90/4 today (purchased from e-Bay). I wanted to ask the cogniscienti here for any advice they might have. What I've picked up from reading the threads is that using a 90 lens is not straightforward. Something to do with backfocus?
I'm using the lens on an RD-1 (hobviously!) and with the aid of a Canon 135mm external viewfinder, although in reality I use the Canon to give me an idea of approximately what will be captured and then I just frame the shot in the viewfinder using the patch to focus.
Below are some of my results. I really like the colour rendition and luminance of the lens. Very natural soft tones. I did have trouble getting focus on small objects at approximately 6-10feet. The face took some work to get a sharp(ish) shot. Other than that, the longer distance shots worked out fine (I think).
Anyway, if you have this lens and use it, can you take a look at the shots and comment on whether this is typical or if you can see any obvious errors I am making? I hasten to add I'm not asking you to admire what a great photographer I am (I wish) just to confirm, yes, this is a great lens and I can expect to get even more out of it if work on it (advice most welcome).
TIA
LouisB



I'm using the lens on an RD-1 (hobviously!) and with the aid of a Canon 135mm external viewfinder, although in reality I use the Canon to give me an idea of approximately what will be captured and then I just frame the shot in the viewfinder using the patch to focus.
Below are some of my results. I really like the colour rendition and luminance of the lens. Very natural soft tones. I did have trouble getting focus on small objects at approximately 6-10feet. The face took some work to get a sharp(ish) shot. Other than that, the longer distance shots worked out fine (I think).
Anyway, if you have this lens and use it, can you take a look at the shots and comment on whether this is typical or if you can see any obvious errors I am making? I hasten to add I'm not asking you to admire what a great photographer I am (I wish) just to confirm, yes, this is a great lens and I can expect to get even more out of it if work on it (advice most welcome).
TIA
LouisB



triplefinger
Well-known
I found that lens very sharp as well. you may be interested in this...
http://www.richcutler.co.uk/r-d1/r-d1_22.htm
to add the 90mm frame-lines. I'm sure a good repairman could do it. I'd be a little afraid to try it on my own.
http://www.richcutler.co.uk/r-d1/r-d1_22.htm
to add the 90mm frame-lines. I'm sure a good repairman could do it. I'd be a little afraid to try it on my own.
bellyface
Registered Nice Guy
I aam priveleged to have a 90 dotted R-D1, got from tmessenger on the the forum, it works great, however the parallax is abit more apparent, obviously 90mm is more like a 135mm, so the framing can be hit or miss. Now, 135mm on an R-D1, although not at all recommended, I have been able to get some really sweet shots with an old hektor leitz 13,5cm, and parallax of course is even worse, but hey it's digital 
shot with the 135mm hektor:
shot with the old elmar 90mm:
shot with the 135mm hektor:

shot with the old elmar 90mm:

RichC
Well-known
Accurate framing can be a bit hit or miss close up, and you have to be really careful when focusing on near objects, but I find my 1950s 90/4 Elmar indispensable.
Just to prove that you don't need an SLR for studio shots: "Mnemosyne" ...
Just to prove that you don't need an SLR for studio shots: "Mnemosyne" ...

louisb
Well-known
Guys, thanks for the responses.
Ivan and Rich, fantastic shots!
LouisB
Ivan and Rich, fantastic shots!
LouisB
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