Noctilux and redwoods [Archive] - Rangefinderforum.com

MikeL

11-15-2006, 08:58

If anyone is very bored (you've been warned), I just posted some photos to my gallery:
Muir woods (http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showgallery.php?ppuser=4320&cat=500)

I borrowed a friends Noctilux and went for a walk in Muir Woods. I can see how people both love and hate the out-of-focus areas with this lens.
Cheers,
Mike

MadMan2k

11-15-2006, 15:33

Nice photos. I want one of those so badly, but I'll probably never be able to afford one.

MikeL

11-15-2006, 16:46

I haven't had a chance to use it at night yet, but photos like the one below keep me on the fence. I know leaves and bright points of light can be tough, and the shot is pretty bland (unless you are into shelf fungus), but like with other lenses, some background distances will yield a trippy background.

Feel free to post your favorite funky background!

fraley

11-15-2006, 17:45

Mike,

I love the redwoods but seldom come away with decent photos. The light is very challenging under the canopy. You have some good ones, especially the close-ups. What vintage is your Noctilux?

MikeL

11-15-2006, 18:45

Hi Fraley,
The Noctilux is the recent one with built in hood. If I ever could justify/rationalize getting one, I'd get the older one or cut off the hood. It's a bit annoying.

I was surprised that I didn't notice the heft as much as I thought, given all the talk. I don't use straps and it never felt awkward enough that I was concerned about dropping it.

SteveM(PA)

11-15-2006, 19:07

Some lovely stuff. In light of this being a "borrowed" lens, however, I'll go ahead and say what I wanted to say earlier today...the path in "Path 2" looks a little scary there in the distance. Alluring, indescribable good points to that lens, though, of course...a little "take" for all that it gives.

kaiyen

11-15-2006, 19:25

It must be just me but...nothing seems razor sharp in focus to me. Is anyone else seeing that?

allan

RayPA

11-15-2006, 20:15

What a great subject matter for a Noctilux! Like Fraley said it really is difficult to shoot in a redwood grove. The light can be very subtle as it filters through the canopy and the colors are just as subtle.

Mike your shots come very close to capturing that cathedral-like essence. Nice work.

I do see a little softness, but it works for me.

:)

MikeL

11-15-2006, 20:38

It must be just me but...nothing seems razor sharp in focus to me. Is anyone else seeing that?

allan

Hi Allan,
I noticed that too, and it could be user error, althought I have other shots at similar speeds with the lens at f4 that are very sharp. Most were taken at f1, with a couple at f1.4, and 1/60-1/125. You can seen the darkening in the corners in the f1 shots. I have not sharpened anything yet either.

MikeL

11-15-2006, 20:47

What a great subject matter for a Noctilux! Like Fraley said it really is difficult to shoot in a redwood grove. The light can be very subtle as it filters through the canopy and the colors are just as subtle.

Mike your shots come very close to capturing that cathedral-like essence. Nice work.

I do see a little softness, but it works for me.

:)

Thanks Ray. Here's another one for ya stopped down to f2-f4.

Edit: Oh yeah, when is the next Bay Area RFF get together? :)

adep

11-15-2006, 21:08

Nice shots Mike, that's a tough place to shoot.

Ronald M

11-16-2006, 01:28

Makes me dizzy to look at it. Sorry

peter_n

11-16-2006, 07:25

Yes Mike, nice stuff. And I love that lens.