The ultimate Bokeh thread; pics please

[David Goldfarb]

Check out the bokeh on this public service announcement--

http://www.warriorsagainsttobacco.com/on-tv/?vid=3

The cinematographer, Jason Brunner, who also shoots large format and is active on APUG, says he did it with a Zeiss Super Speed 85/T:1.3--

http://www.apug.org/forums/forum56/35258-published-apug-members-9.html#post555437

[SteveM(PA)]

Good Boke, Quality Boke have nothing to do with the amount of Boke.
I see too many pictures just ruined because they have too much boke.

I don't think a background has to vanish in order to be good. Quite the contrary!
Shooting wide open at daylight just for the sake of it isn't good photography practice, IMO.

You're right. More just for the sake of More just isn't smart. I have to be more conscious of that.

[crawdiddy]

http://www.angelfire.com/ne2/nenadbojic/2007/Web-Montreal2007-8.jpg

I love this shot. The Noctilux, I presume?

[IGMeanwell]

Here is one to add ... haven't seen it yet in this thread

Zeiss 35mm 3.5 T* from the Yashica T4

http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=52907&stc=1&d=1197065701

[StuartR]

There is also something to be said for large format where you can tilt and arrange the bokeh in different parts of the frame, while keeping others sharp...

http://www.stuartrichardson.com/glacial-blur.jpg

http://www.stuartrichardson.com/ebony-n3rd1.jpg

That said, there is no good reason I tilted the standards on those photos...I was just messing around. Nevertheless, it can be an interesting effect.

[photorat]

The first shot I ever took with a rangefinder:

http://www.copyrat.eu/resources/EPSN3082.jpg

The same subject (my 5 year old daughter, Molly), same camera (RD-1), same lens (50/2 summicron), 6 months later:

http://www.copyrat.eu/resources/EPSN8543.jpg

[mjflory]

The first shot I ever took with a rangefinder
...
The same subject (my 5 year old daughter, Molly), same camera (RD-1), same lens (50/2 summicron), 6 months later:

What a start! Your first shot is wonderful, and the second has a... I'm not sure what to call it, a sort of monumental quality, with the view from below, the three-dimensional effect, and the marvelous pose you've captured.

I'll toss an old shot in here at last. The picture is of no interest except as a test of the same lens and camera, the CZJ 80/2.8 Tessar on a Reflex Korelle, that Mael used to very good effect in post #196. Not much bokeh in square mm, but what there is, seems nice to me. This was the only properly-exposed picture on the test roll I shot after modifying the (old, smaller-mount-size) Korelle to take the Tessar, but Mael's shots are making me think I should try to get the balky shutter on the Korelle working.

[digitalintrigue]

Tokyo, 1951, Kodachrome, Nikkor 50/2

http://digitalintrigue.net/photo_posts/tokyonight.jpg

[raid]

The last image is really cool. I like it very much. Thanks.

[David Goldfarb]

This was made with a Petri that I owned in the 1960s, on Tri-X film. Wish I still had it.

Jim N.

You know, I love Tri-X, but the 1950s/60s version just has some kind of moxie that the current version lacks (even if the grain is finer than it used to be). Maybe it was the film, maybe it was the prints on Velox, probably both.

[Zen-shooter]

50/1.4 Nikkor (2000) + R-D1S + Orion

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2047/2090548704_9d3cacc486_o.jpg

[digitalintrigue]

Thanks Raid. I'll tell my father. :)

Zen: Love that Millenium Nikkor.

[digitalintrigue]

1957, Nicca with Nikkor 50/2 (Kodachrome)

http://digitalintrigue.net/photo_posts/janpalm.jpg

[Keith]

Yesterday's bokeh with my Canon f1.2 50mm on an M3 with Plus-X ... I think this was at f4 from memory. The more I use this lens the more addicted I become to it's look ... I'm even starting to get used to the weight of the thing. After walking about five k's through the bush yesterday with my M3 and the Canon hanging of my shoulder I was starting to notice it though! :p

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g196/wheelie52/RFF%20Storage/ScrubCreek001.jpg

this definitely has to be a record for a 'bokeh' thread! :p

[venchka]

digitalintrigue:

The lens is??????????????????

Post samples from the Nikkor 105/2.5 when you have it please.

[digitalintrigue]

Oops. See edit. :)

Regarding the 105...definitely!

digitalintrigue:

Then lens is??????????????????

Post samples from the Nikkor 105/2.5 when you have it please.

[venchka]

Thanks! Looking forward to it.

[cmedin]

I will submit the humble GA645... second shot against light filtering through trees.

http://www.beyondthematrix.com/nora1208/noragrin.jpg
http://www.beyondthematrix.com/nora1208/norasmile.jpg

[Letien]

Summicron 50/f2 rigid @f2.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2398/2096236327_9592c45c69_b.jpg

[dougiec29]

Taken in Venice.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2222/2096275775_fb76a90c96_o.jpg

50 summilux asph wide open (and some vingetting added in PS)

[foto_fool]

Dougie - I love the shot - it makes me homesick from a previous life. Is that in Accademia, around the corner from Cantinone Storico and Hotel Americano? I know - every canal in Venice looks like this, but...

- John

[edhohoho]

Okay, this is the first time I've posted pictures on RFF despite years of lurking and learning from more prolific members.

All these were shot using an Epson R-D1 with a Leica 35/1.4 Summilux ASPH at f1.4. The only post processing done was white balance and image size.

52952

52954

52955

[dougiec29]

Is that in Accademia, around the corner from Cantinone Storico and Hotel Americano? I know - every canal in Venice looks like this, but...

- John
Sorry, I don't remember where it was, other than I was standing in front of a smallish restaurant/cafe. I didn't even attempt to navigate, just took pictures and tried not to let my friends get to far ahead.

And another one from Venice:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2177/2097557482_b0c63871f7.jpg

Same lens, reduced the saturation on the woman in PS.

[ferider]

Great that this thread is still moving on ... :)

Pretty much perfect 35mm RF bokeh to the eyes of Yours Truly:

90/2.8 M-Hexanon:

http://ferider.smugmug.com/photos/175620393-L.jpg

C-Sonnar:

http://ferider.smugmug.com/photos/193666529-L.jpg

Best,

Roland.

[lawrence]

I will submit the humble GA645... second shot against light filtering through trees.

Not the best bokeh, in my opinion, but far better than the 80mm on the Mamiya 645 I once owned. That was truly nasty.

[lawrence]

Summicron 50/f2 rigid @f2.
The rigid is optically wonderful, no doubt about it. Nice photo too.

[Mackinaw]

Summicron 35mm ASPH at F2.0. Leica MP.

http://gallery.leica-users.org/d/109409-2/Times+Square.jpg

[foto_fool]

Dang it, Roland - that Hexanon is a sharp lens! Great OOF too - I think this thread has shown pretty conclusively that the longer FL's give some of the better backgrounds (duh).

Here is some "perfect" boke to my eye: creamy, with lots of dimensionality.

http://images32.fotki.com/v1059/photos/1/1126243/4871630/07112216sm-vi.jpg
Leica IIIf, Zeiss Jena 50/1.5 Sonnar T (1946 - maybe) @ f1.5, Delta 3200 in DDX

- John

[venchka]

This coulda been a nice photograph. If I woulda had faster film. I shoulda had a better scanner. First attempt at indoor available light candid portraits too.

Trudy. 1969. Worms, Germany. First roll with the Nikkor 10.5cm/2.5 lens on Nikon F Photomic. Ektachrome. That "Sonnar" look.

[ferider]

Wayne, you wouldn't happen to have some Sonnar MF shots of Trudy ? :)

[KEH]

Ok, I'll jump in. M8 with CV75/2.5 wide open. Not a challenging background, but nice.
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/data/500/L1000259-Edit.jpg

Cheers,
Kirk

[KEH]

Darth Vader in DC. Canon 40D, 85 1.2L II, f1.6. The lens handles this pretty well, except for whatever that awful thing is at the edge of the frame above his head.
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/data/7216/medium/20071121-_MG_0656.jpg

Cheers,
Kirk

[StuartR]

The old Canon 50mm f/1.2L FD...
http://www.stuartrichardson.com/epj800-woman-street.jpg
http://www.stuartrichardson.com/cappuccino.jpg
http://www.stuartrichardson.com/nijoichiba.jpg

[venchka]

Wayne, you wouldn't happen to have some Sonnar MF shots of Trudy ? :)

Wish I did. I have never owned a real MF Sonnar lens. All I have are these terrible old Ektachromes. That night I was trying out the Nikon gear prior to purchasing. I bought it. Sold it. Bummer.

[Uwe_Nds]

wide open on our *istDL2:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=52981&stc=1&d=1197222856

[foto_fool]

In case anyone has any doubt that the 75mm Summilux is a fairly decent boke machine...

http://images31.fotki.com/v1053/photos/1/1126243/4871630/07111610sm-vi.jpg
Zeiss Ikon, 75mm Summilux @ f1.4, Tmax 400 in Ilfosol-S

- John

[ferider]

Hasselblad/Zeiss 150mm Sonnar:

http://ferider.smugmug.com/photos/6955009-L.jpg

(the little one now weights 140 pounds :) )

[lawrence]

Ok, I'll jump in. M8 with CV75/2.5 wide open. Not a challenging background, but nice.

I think the CV 75mm always looks great. This is with the SLR (Nikon) version:

http://www.lawrenceimpey.com/photos/SLM/ronan_big.jpg

[venchka]

M5 | 35mm/F2.0 UC-Hexanon | 1:2.0, 0.9 meters | Agfa 400



http://gallery.leica-users.org/d/89724-2/Wet+Window-000011.jpg

[Marc-A.]

3 different kinds of camera/lens

Again some Summitar 50/2 (repost)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1096/748139551_8caab832d2_o.jpg



Planar 75/3.5 (Rolleiflex)

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=52988&stc=1&d=1197229709



Pentax SMC-M 50/1.7

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=48758&d=1187857505

[Mael]

Baby Linhof super technika III with 90mm Rodenstock Heligon at full aperture, FP4+ in Rodinal

http://www.photo-technique.com/photosforums/Pavesuite.jpg

[enochRoot]

90mm summicron:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2102/2094418138_a3f6ca2fb9_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2323/2093643593_0707101e4f_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2024/2094198758_258b471ca7_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2150/2093686147_fd8754dce3_o.jpg

[enochRoot]

150mm lens on mamiya 6:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2391/2090348984_52bd8bf6da_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2089/2090349236_fdc1ce2030_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2312/2090349506_954c4f653d_o.jpg

[StuartR]

Those are lovely!

[kevin m]

150mm lens on mamiya 6: Wow. I don't know about the bokeh, but you don't get tonality like that in 35mm!

Another from my first roll with the Canon 50/1.2. Fuji NPZ. This is at f2.0.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=53077&d=1197392459

[venchka]

Nice Kevin. I can see why people like Fuji NPZ.

Nice Ryan!

I have a 150mm lens & a 6x7 body and some Fuji 120 NPZ. I need to get my act together and use all 3. At the same time even.

[hans voralberg]

Biogon 25/2.8 @ f2.8

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2340/2092757747_e8f8743e27_o.jpg

[edhohoho]

Konica 50/1.2 M-Hexanon Limited at f/1.2

53106

53107

53108

[etrigan63]

One for the Holidays...
M8 + 75mm Color-Heliar, 1/45 s, f/2.5, ISO 640

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2066/2099705628_cae92bef92_b.jpg

[enochRoot]

thanks guys.

and yes wayne, you do! :D

[Bingley]

I went up to the Sierra foothills last Saturday to try to catch some holiday spirit, and wound up in a candy store... Canon 50/1.5, Portra400NC:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2068/2104520545_e51f4f9ea4.jpg?v=0

[hans voralberg]

Canon 50/1.8 @ 1.8

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1050/525875351_a9c851d7a0.jpg

[lin8810]

Leica R9 and APO 70-180mm/f2.8. Shot with Fujifilm Pro400H at 1/500s and wide open f2.8.

Developed and scanned in Costco. Please ignore the mark on the flim (what the...)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2311/2028722794_70df28996f_b.jpg

[nikola]

Welcome Lin! :D

[peterm1]

Here is an example of not so good bokeh. I shot this (boring) shot simply to test the sharpness of a Takumar 300mm mounted on a Panasonic L1 with an adapter. Its sharp enough but I do not like the rather odd slightly harsh bokeh which has a kind of vertical linearity to it. Shot at around f 5.6 or f8.

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o251/peterm1_bucket/P1020068_resized.jpg

[john neal]

robster - I don't see any images. Have you attached them, or linked to an external URL?

[robster180]

i'm having difficulty attaching files, any help would be welcome

[photorat]

What a start! Your first shot is wonderful, and the second has a... I'm not sure what to call it, a sort of monumental quality, with the view from below, the three-dimensional effect, and the marvelous pose you've captured.

Thanks, mjf! I really like the second shot, too. Like most of my good pics, I guess it was a bit of a fluke. But then, there's so much out of our control when taking pictures, I guess all good shots are.

Take care but above all, film, wherever you go!

Cheers,

Jeremy

[Keith]

I've discovered that the only way you can get bokeh on a 15mm Heliar is to shoot at minimum distance wide open ... which is only f4.5 ... even then with the depth of field this thing has you don't get much OOF! :p

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g196/wheelie52/RFF%20Storage/Hexar_31.jpg

[StuartR]

Try having the background a bit further away. Here is one that is also close focus wide open with the Heliar. Please forgive the dust spots...I took this when at the Maine Workshops and their lab did the developing...it is like they dumped the vacuum cleaner's dust bag into the developer.
http://www.stuartrichardson.com/cleat-15mm.jpg

[john neal]

i'm having difficulty attaching files, any help would be welcome

OK - I sometimes struggle too.

After you have clicked on "post reply" and entered the editor, I'm assuming you know where the "manage attachments" button is and click on that. You then navigate to your folder, select a pic and click on "upload". OK so far?

If you are doing that and still not able to upload, you may need to check the parameters of your pics. The uplaod limit is around 300Kb per image, but you also need to make sure that the long edge is no more than 900 pixels. That caught me out many times - I had a 200Kb file that would not upload - turned out it was because the long edge was 2432 pixels!

Give it a try and let us know how you get on.

[Johann Espiritu]

I'll bite. Here are a couple with the CV 35/1.2:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2124/2107844187_7878c271f2_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2130/2099686065_5888b05ea0_b.jpg

[robster180]

Thanks John Neal, I think I've finally figured it out!

here are the results from my 1st rolls with my 1st Leica on a recent holiday in Hong Kong. All taken on an M6+35/2 Biogon+Velvia

http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=53166&stc=1&d=1197553808
I particularly like the smokey reflections from the table surface in the foreground 1s/f2

http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=53165&stc=1&d=1197553661
Bokeh balls and rendered OoF colours tick my boxes 60/f4

http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=53167&stc=1&d=119755430430/f4
and some OoF colours 1s/f2

[hans voralberg]

I like the OOF one very much robster, fabulous pic

[john neal]

What Hans said - great pic.

Glad you finally figured it out :)

[robster180]

Hans - thanks, love your B&W window frame!

John Neal - Yes I'm Mac based so resorted to a Firefox browser and finally got it to work, thanks for your expertise and kind words!

[Letien]

Elmar 50/f2.8
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2323/2108601521_8275cf62bc.jpg

[Marsopa]

Canonet QL17GIII

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/209/500064196_b94e822146_o.jpg

[mike kim]

Testing the bokeh with a 1.5 Summarit...

http://mumuki.com/images/20071214211930_200712photo25_25a.jpg

[jbf]

Canonet QL17GIII

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/209/500064196_b94e822146_o.jpg


Hahaha, that is awesome! I love this shot! So hillarious! Seriously this is amazing. Haha. I would love to have a copy of this. haha.

[Pitxu]

Nasty Zuiko 50mm f1.8


5328553286

[wintoid]

Nasty Zuiko 50mm f1.8



Looks alright to me and better than many here. I personally *hate* the Zuiko 50mm f1.4.

[hans voralberg]

Why ? Zuiko 50/1.4 is nice enough for me I think

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2411/1505424041_e829a6d167.jpg



http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2251/1505422661_dfd103c204.jpg

[Meleica]

HOLIDAY BOKEH

Canon 50mm 1.4 EOS on XTi

First two at 1.4, last one at 1.8 and handheld at slow speeds

http://members.aol.com/dcolucci/baq1.jpg

http://members.aol.com/dcolucci/baq2.jpg

http://members.aol.com/dcolucci/baq3.jpg

Dan

[venchka]

I see a challenge! My Canon 50/1.4 S.S.C. for comparison.

Think I'll drag out all my stuff and play around the house while it's decorated for Christmas.

[Mudman]

Canon Elan 7NE Kodak Ektrachrome 100VS, Tamron 28-105
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb228/taylor210eman/Queenweb.jpg?t=1197744948

Pentax K10d, SMC-M 50mm f2

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb228/taylor210eman/NakitaWeb.jpg?t=1197745060

[Didier]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2220/1676571965_96eed67fea_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/1676571965/)
Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux pre-asph E46 @ f/1.4

Gabriel,
The creamiest bokeh of all pics seen on this thread, so far. And a nice composition btw.
Didier

[ferider]

Canon 50/1.5 wide open. Me like :)

http://ferider.smugmug.com/photos/106240256-O.jpg

Bump.

[Ron (Netherlands)]

Canonet QL17GIII

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/209/500064196_b94e822146_o.jpg
I fully agree with Jbf, although this is no voting thread, I vote for this one!

[Ron (Netherlands)]

Canonet QL17GIII

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/209/500064196_b94e822146_o.jpg
I fully agree with Jbf, although this is no voting thread, I vote for this one!

[Ron (Netherlands)]

sorry, something went wrong when posting the above, therefore its twice

[Honus]

Leica Summilux 50mm f.14 ASPH @ 1.4

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/147/413799526_6edc56bf90_o.jpg

[ishpop]

I personally like circular bokeh. The little chief photo is headed that way.

[jsuominen]

Contax RTS II and Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm/1.4 at f/1.4:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2017/1713530967_8563bc9f9f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsuominen/1713530967/in/set-72157594228790366)

Contax RTS II and Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm/1.4 at f/1.4:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2251/2005066984_e3bfbfafd3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsuominen/2005066984/in/set-72157594228790366)

Voigtländer Bessa R2S and Millenium Nikkor-S 50mm/1.4 at f/1.4:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2154/2056979701_5525d6a020.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsuominen/2056979701/in/set-72157594228790366)

Voigtländer Bessa R2S and vintage Nikkor-S 5cm/1.4 at f/1.4:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1247/579323523_4cfa99823f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsuominen/579323523/in/set-72157594228790366)

Contax IIa with Zeiss-Opton T Sonnar 50mm/1.5 at f/2:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1187/748496945_0f29466142.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsuominen/748496945/)

[kevin m]

Canon 50/1.2

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=53408&d=1197990870

[foto_fool]

Boke for boke's sake...

http://images34.fotki.com/v1080/photos/1/1126243/4871630/_EPS4975sm-vi.jpg
Epson R-D1, Konica 35mm/f2.0 UC-Hexanon @f2.0, ISO 1600

Roland - nice engine shot - what is it? And how did you get the Canon to focus so close?

- John

[Gabriel M.A.]

The "inevitable" cat photo...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2296/2106625585_d343d952b9_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/2106625585/)
Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux pre-asph @ f/1.4 (on M8)

[Gabriel M.A.]

The "not sharp, therefore it must be deleted" photo...

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1140/1444939921_e61d096747_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/1444939921/)
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM (on 5D)

[Gabriel M.A.]

The "I don't see her face, therefore what's the point?" photo(s)...

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1059/1347273137_ad0f26d51b_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/1347273137/)
Canon 50mm f/1.2 LTM (on Leica M8)


http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1139/1347273397_86d68a48fa_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/1347273397/)
Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux pre-asph E46 (on M8)

[Gabriel M.A.]

The "why I are you photographing that? I'm calling the police" enticer...

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/42/431001541_068559932f_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/431001541/)
Zeiss 35mm f/2 Biogon ZM @ f/2 (on M8)

[Gabriel M.A.]

The "I don't know what's going on, therefore you're weird" photo

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/249/460036942_575e841b2b_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/460036942/)
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM @ f/1.8 (on 5D)

[Gabriel M.A.]

...and the "why didn't you shoot that at f/168, that's just too distracting" shot...

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/204/477098922_7d75cf0994_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/477098922/)
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM @ f/1.4 (on 5D)

[LChanyungco]

nikkor 85 1.4

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2265/2113865961_de7743d7ca.jpg

[enochRoot]

since this seems to be nothing about rangefinders, and all about bokeh. here are two w/ the 105/2.5 ais nikkor on nikon f3:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1429/1450307731_82ff62c951_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1227/1451176668_21b5ec61f6_o.jpg

[ltketch]

Nuthin but Bokeh!


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2081/2121398682_b3be45c885_o.jpg



Canon Serenar 50/1.8

[foto_fool]

since this seems to be nothing about rangefinders, and all about bokeh.

Now hold on a minute, pilgrim....

Wait! you may be RIGHT! Evil SLR shot below, posted before.

http://images28.fotki.com/v999/photos/1/1126243/4871630/Emma06_798-vi.jpg
Olympus OM-1 (honorary rangefinder), 50mm/f1.2 @ f1.2, Superia 800

- John

[enochRoot]

hehehe...actually i didn't think of that. i use the screen in the F3 that has a rangefinder spot in the middle of the ground glass, and i always use that to focus. so it is *kinda* a rangefinder :D


Now hold on a minute, pilgrim....

Wait! you may be RIGHT! Evil SLR shot below, posted before.

Olympus OM-1 (honorary rangefinder), 50mm/f1.2 @ f1.2, Superia 800

- John

[mfogiel]

Here's one from the ultimate bokeh machine: Zeiss C Sonnar 50/1.5 @1.5

[benmacphoto]

Not a RF, but an image from my Kiev 88 with an MC Volna-3 f2.8.

[Doug]

Not a RF, but an image from my Kiev 88 with an MC Volna-3 f2.8.I like it! Mysterious and exotic...

[Bryce]

"Backwards Bokeh"
Fuji GS645s, close focus, wide open (f/4).
Looking at the smashed remains of a 100 year old hotel/ cathouse in a ghost town in North Eastern Washington State.
Cropped to about 24x36; would've been better served by a 35mm camera that day!

[fWord]

Thus far I haven't attempted to take a photo to show bad bokeh. If it looks awful in the VF then I need to work around it. In a real-life situation, I think that bokeh can add or subtract to the image depending on how it is used.

There aren't any bokeh monsters in my closet, but some of the pleasing ones are:

Voigtlander 125mm f/2.5SL APO Lanthar Macro (two photos):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v51/s1ckpuppy/Hoverfly-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v51/s1ckpuppy/Australia-TemplestoweMapleLeaf.jpg

Canon 70-200mm f/4 (one photo):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v51/s1ckpuppy/NationalDogWalkJackRusselWalk.jpg

Canon 50mm f/1.8 II (one photo):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v51/s1ckpuppy/326V9529.jpg

[NB23]

Not a RF, but an image from my Kiev 88 with an MC Volna-3 f2.8.

Wonderful!

[benmacphoto]

Why thank you Doug and NB23. That is my favorite image I took of her, though she likes this one more.

[zoom2zoom]

here are some taken with 35 f1.4L and 85 f1.2L ..shot wide open in very dim lighting.. sorry not rangefinder

[RayPA]

CV 35/1.2

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2344/2131412793_f1b54659c5.jpg?v=0


CV 35/1.2
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2397/2132661024_8cf133ff48.jpg?v=0

CV 35/1.2
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2405/2132683680_1580cea17f.jpg?v=0


.

[hans voralberg]

Nikkor 50/1.8 on Fuji S5

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2379/2132701253_75ec37bfc2.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2288/2132205296_4ce5c0fea0.jpg

[kevin m]

RayPA, those are nice. The CV 35/1.2 looks very similar to the 35/1.4 Aspherical Summilux: clean without being sterile. Lovely.

[RayPA]

...The CV 35/1.2 looks very similar to the 35/1.4 Aspherical Summilux: clean without being sterile. Lovely.

I agree, Kevin. I think that comes out especially with the color.





.

[RSphoto]

only bokeh. FM2n + Nikkor 35 f/2 pre Ai @ f/2 + LuckySHD100 [0.7$ b/w negs]
this is my friend, Ivan

oh yes, im a butt photographer :D

[Nando]

Big Bertha (the lens, not my mom) aka Helios 40-2 85mm f/1,5
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/214/506741839_2dd43ad2b9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fgsemedo/506741839/in/set-72157601838730806/)

The Beast aka CV 35mm f/1,2 Nokton
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2200/1801471696_f9c74172b6.jpg?v=0 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fgsemedo/1801471696/)

The Crooner aka Leica 50mm f/2 Summitar
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1098/1414648307_0b50f2403e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fgsemedo/1414648307/)

Front bokeh from the Crooner aka Leica 50mm f/2 Summitar
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1237/1165157211_7bfa4dd546.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fgsemedo/1165157211/)

[Marsopa]

I fully agree with Jbf, although this is no voting thread, I vote for this one!

Thanks, one more in the same direction...

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/215/500110961_2d52127de8_o.jpg

(Canonet QL17GIII)

[hans voralberg]

Common guys, more pics :P One more with Nikkor 50/1.8

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2046/2136700240_01bc6707ff.jpg

[Abbazz]

Some miscellaneous pics taken during the last few days with the Canon 50/0.95 mounted on a Bessa-R3M:

http://abbazz.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p27335255.jpg

http://abbazz.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p259844777.jpg

http://abbazz.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p304642304.jpg

http://abbazz.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p414435419.jpg

http://abbazz.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p101275821.jpg

http://abbazz.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p180553398.jpg

http://abbazz.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p482514184.jpg

http://abbazz.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p519890019.jpg

Cheers!

Abbazz

[ampguy]

http://matsumura.smugmug.com/gallery/4046615#235631953

summilux 75/1.4 wide open

[chikne]

Some miscellaneous pics taken during the last few days with the Canon 50/0.95 mounted on a Bessa-R3M:

Cheers!

Abbazz

It's interesting, I didn't know you could get a swirly bokeh with that lens.

[chikne]

Rokkor 40 CLE f2.8ish

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=53764&stc=1&d=1198788456

[Samsam]

Leica 35mm Summilux ASPH

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1180/1196046915_d48e574f1b_o.jpg

[venchka]

It's interesting, I didn't know you could get a swirly bokeh with that lens.

It's easy. In the wrong place at the wrong time, the Nikkor-S.C 50/1.4 does the same thing.

[kevin m]

In the wrong place at the wrong time...

How true! I always thought 'swirly' bokeh was something to avoid. :D

[Arttu]

I like the bokeh in my Rolleiflex (Zeiss Planar 75mm f/3.5)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v650/moppitukka/jussi-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v650/moppitukka/roope.jpg

[Mael]

Nikon S2, 50mm f/1.4 Nikkor at full aperture

http://www.photo-technique.com/galeries/Quelquesimagesrcentes/larampelimoges2007.jpg

[back alley]

Nikon S2, 50mm f/1.4 Nikkor at full aperture

http://www.photo-technique.com/galeries/Quelquesimagesrcentes/larampelimoges2007.jpg


what a great shot!

[lawrence]

Nikon S2, 50mm f/1.4 Nikkor at full aperture

Yes, that's really great!

[chikne]

Summilux 50 Pre-ASPH @ f1.4

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=53985&stc=1&d=1199216892

[Tony C.]

M8; Noctlilux wide-open

http://mtanga.com/shank2.jpg

[hans voralberg]

Summicron DR @ f2 with goggle

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2343/2156358406_847831d8f9.jpg

[Mael]

what a great shot!
Thank you !

[Ron (Netherlands)]

'Lucky shot' with M4-2 & Jupiter 8

http://www.xs4all.nl/~kpmg0072/Vlinder%20small.bmp

[Abbazz]

Thank you !

Yes, a great shot. Your previous photographs on this thread were also superb. Thank you for sharing.

Cheers!

Abbazz

[Hacker]

Taken with a Summilux 75mm:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2017/2153696541_31bfff7bee_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2249/2146618810_5fd2e1385d_o.jpg

[etrigan63]

Well I'll have some more bokeh experiments up soon. I just acquired a Zeiss 50mm Planar f/2 from a fellow RFFer. If it works out, I will be putting my CV 75mm + Milich LTM adapter on the block soon.

[amin_sabet]

Loved all 16 pages of this thread so far!

I don't have much to show yet from my rangefinder work, but here are a few with the Zuiko OM 50/1.2 on a 5D.

Bit nasty wide open:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2417/1959474660_4337a7fa7d.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2207/1811690327_e7dd0e800e.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1208/1063158794_e838bf4896.jpg


Stopped down a bit though, this lens does a nice job with the bokeh IMO. This one was at f/2.8 IIRC:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2153/1958543493_811b8d58f4_b.jpg

[Mael]

Wood worker, in Dinan France,2003, retired since.

Zorki 1, Jupiter 8, universal finder, around f/2.8, smooth bokeh on the window.

Scan of FB print, one of the shot I'm the proudest of.:angel:

http://www.photo-technique.com/photosforums/ebeniste.jpg

[le vrai rdu]

pentax 50 mm 1.4 wide open

http://www.cyrillerabiller.net/photos/noir%20et%20blanc/photo/janvier2008/trix%20pentax%2050%20mm%201.4%20%20rod%201+25%20%2 07minutes/trix-rod-1+25-7m-50-1,4001.jpg

[hans voralberg]

Zuiko OM 50mm f2 Macro wide open of course. On Fuji NPZ800


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2190/2168335479_7fdf74f7ee.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2003/2169128762_d21b1b6585.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2260/2169128354_1f0efe584c.jpg

[foto_fool]

Wood worker, in Dinan France,2003, retired since.

Zorki 1, Jupiter 8, universal finder, around f/2.8, smooth bokeh on the window.

Scan of FB print, one of the shot I'm the proudest of.:angel:

This is truly a wonderful shot, something with a bit of "decisive moment" feel to it (please take that as a compliment :D) and a beautiful composition.

And again - as we have seen throughout this thread - near-field OOF is just plain smoother and easier on the eye than behind-the-subject OOF, whatever lens is used.

- John

[le vrai rdu]

pentax 50 mm 1.4 smc

http://www.cyrillerabiller.net/photos/noir%20et%20blanc/photo/janvier2008/p30%20trix%2050%20mm%201,4%20et%201,7/P30trix-rod007.jpg

http://www.cyrillerabiller.net/photos/noir%20et%20blanc/photo/janvier2008/p30%20trix%2050%20mm%201,4%20et%201,7/P30trix-rod013.jpg

[foto_fool]

I'm not all that into the macro look, but sometimes I get a satisfying image. Love the bokeh in this one.
Mamiya C3, Sekor 180mm Super @ f4.5, Provia 100:

http://images33.fotki.com/v1067/photos/1/1126243/4871630/img052sm-vi.jpg

- John

[peterm1]

While I did not get the main subject quite as sharp as I would like (focus point the nearest top edge of the glass) I love the soft bokeh of the box in the background. Not shot with a rangefinder this time but with a Pentax SMC 85mm F1.8 shot wide open mounted on a Panasonic L1. The limited DOF is shown by the fact that already the back edge of the glass rim and the stem of the glass are both well out of focus.

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o251/peterm1_bucket/_1000421_resized.jpg

[kross]

nikkor 50mm f/2, provia 400, M6ttl
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v389/Kkross/standrews.jpg

nikkor 50mm f/2, kodak gold, M3
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v389/Kkross/flower7-1.jpg

70-200mm f/4 IS, 20D
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/130/323832795_06d9c5579e_o.jpg

70-200mm f/4 IS, 20D
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v389/Kkross/vineyard.jpg

cheers...

[etrigan63]

Here's one with my newly acquired Zeiss Planar 50mm f/2 - wide open
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2191/2179015092_57490e57e0_b.jpg

[hans voralberg]

M3 with M-rokkor 40/2 wide open

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2121/2171907971_2aca5bba96_b.jpg

[Wahoo]

Antex soldering iron - 270 degrees tip when switched on and warmed through.


http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a276/Suits_Me/Zhaolu23-4-2006703.jpg

[Letien]

Super rokkor 45F2.8

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2409/2178697375_1c2e27ddd1.jpg

[Epimetheus]

How is this for a creamy bokeh?

http://markuspuustinen.com/images/20080109185919_penkki_auringon_paisteessa.jpg


Taken with a Kiev 60 and Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar

[chikne]

M3 with M-rokkor 40/2 wide open

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2121/2171907971_2aca5bba96_b.jpg

Good shot!!

[tonal1]

I just went through this thread from top to bottom, all at once, and I've decided a few things:

Pentax 50/1.4's really are some of the greatest lenses ever made - in every way.

I wish I still had my Canon LTM 50/1.5 and my Pentacon 6 mount CZJ 180/2.8 Sonnar.

And though some lenses do have inherently better or worse bokeh, they're all capable of producing either great bokeh or terrible bokeh, given the right occasion.

[tonal1]

This thread is so great, sorry I don't have any scans to contribute. I've got a wish llist though. I think we're missing representation from Rollei 40/2.8 HFT, anything Contax G, and how about an SMC 85/1.8 just for me!

[hans voralberg]

Mamiya C/C2 hybrid and Mamiya Sekor 105/3.5. I believe it's the first of its kind in this thread

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2082/2189196963_664febc29d_o.jpg

[Abbazz]

Mamiya C/C2 hybrid and Mamiya Sekor 105/3.5.

Mmm, Heliar creamy bokeh... Yummy!

Cheers!

Abbazz

[hans voralberg]

Mamiyaflex , Mamiya Sekor 105/3.5 , Neopan 400 in DD-X, 7 mins


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2383/2201921686_42ac584203.jpg

[ltketch]

Recent day at the Zoo with my Kids!

All on Kodak 200

First two are with Minolta MD 70-210 zoom. (if it's foreground is it Bokeh?)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2131/2195963973_bb89f44fe1_o.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2097/2195964307_0e1eddc7e3_o.jpg




Third one is Minolta MD 135 (and through glass, with back ground a netting).

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2045/2196753168_fc8f2a1f9c_o.jpg

[fefe]

I really like the bokeh bubbles on this one:
http://elfefe.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p853188200-4.jpg

M8/Jupiter-8

[Abbazz]

I really like the bokeh bubbles on this one:

Bubbles? Are you talking about bubbles?

http://abbazz.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p81566350.jpg

Cheers!

Abbazz

[fefe]

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Bubbles bubbling all over !

I love it.

[Nachkebia]

amazing pictures!

[Rico]

Bubbles? Are you talking about bubbles?
Abbazz, that is awesome! Mirror lens?

[Abbazz]

Thanks to all for the kind comments.

Mirror lens?

Yes, it was a mirror lens, and sorry for the off-topic. It was taken with a Tamron 350/5.6 on a Pentax K10d.

Cheers!

Abbazz

[Sam R]

Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Some of those shots would have been better stopped down as much as possible.

[zgeeRF]

with the 50mm Heliar f/2:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=54730&stc=1&d=1200964160

[Abbazz]

with the 50mm Heliar f/2

The Mamiya 105/3.5 and now the Voigländer 50/2. I just love these Heliar shots! Keep them coming http://www.lallement.com/phpBB3/images/smilies/blob9.gif

Cheers!

Abbazz

[zgeeRF]

Thank you Abbazz. This thread is fantastic. Looking for more bokeh shots in the archive..

[amin_sabet]

Some miscellaneous pics taken during the last few days with the Canon 50/0.95 mounted on a Bessa-R3M:

http://abbazz.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p101275821.jpg



Abbazz, I enjoyed your 50/0.95 images. Anyone know of any other lenses for 35mm photography, other than the Noctilux 50/1 and Canon 50/0.95 that produce the kind of "swirly bokeh" seen in the above image? I really like the effect.

[maddoc]

My 50/2.0 Summitar produces a similar "swirly bokeh" I started wondering, what is the reason for this kind of bokeh ?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2345/1806174959_d63fc04557.jpg

[OldNick]

In 1963, I was experimenting with a Petri camera, model and lens long forgotten, and made this shot in open shade in the back yard, I believe on the Tri-X available at the time. Probably developed in my favorite developer, D-76. I love the softness and the bokeh.

Jim N.

[foto_fool]

What causes swirly bokeh? This was one of the questions I hoped this thread would address. So far I would have to say that it does not seem to be an intrinsic property of any one lens design. Maybe older lenses tend to show it more than current designs? But I have yet to see a swirly image made with a medium or large format lens and most of them are older, and older designs.

Speculating here but it seems that the image composition is the largest factor in showing the swirly effect. Compose a shot with a random distribution of closely spaced highlights in the OOF, and have that be the center of the image with the in-focus areas pushed to the corners, and presto - swirl. Other thoughts?

[Bryce]

Swirly lenses seem to concentrate light in the OOF into the edge of the circles of confusion nearest the center of the image. They also seem to distort the circle a little, into more of a hyperbola shape.
Could this be astigmatism showing up OOF only? I guess you could test by taking a swirly lens and making a picture with point sources in the foreground OOF. They would form radial lines instead...
Just a guess.

[amin_sabet]

When I Google "swirly bokeh," most of the examples are from large format lenses (supposedly the 3-element lenses are the most likely to get swirly) and the 50/1.0 Noctilux. Some more I just came across with swirly bokeh are the Classic Heliar 50/2, Helios 40-2 85/1.5, 50 Summitar, and the original Nokton.

[Abbazz]

Thanks, Amin, for your kind comments regarding my pictures.

When I Google "swirly bokeh," most of the examples are from large format lenses (supposedly the 3-element lenses are the most likely to get swirly) and the 50/1.0 Noctilux. Some more I just came across with swirly bokeh are the Classic Heliar 50/2, Helios 40-2 85/1.5, 50 Summitar, and the original Nokton.

I agree with LF specialist Ole Tjugen in this post (http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showpost.php?p=262547&postcount=16): swirly bokeh comes from astigmatism and vignetting. I would go a bit further in saying that it comes mainly from mechanical vignetting due to the rear part of the lens mount blocking some light rays around the edges of the frame, thus turning circles into "cat eyes" shapes. But, as you can see if you read the whole thread, this matter is subject to discussion.:rolleyes:

I have some pictures exhibiting this swirly bokeh. Most were taken with large format or medium format lenses, some with the Bessa R3M equipped with the Canon 50/0.95 or the Heliar 50/2. They were all taken with fast lenses used wide open and focused close.

If you want to duplicate the effect, put your subject in the center of the frame in front of a "busy" background located not too far away from the main subject (like some twigs with leaves on them and light filtering through), because the swirly bokeh will not show if the background is completely out of focus. The best lenses are usually those with large glass elements inserted in long tubes, because they will exhibit the greatest amount of mechanical vignetting. You can also adapt a black cardboard tube at the rear of your lens (like a narrow lens hood, but attached behind the lens) to enhance vignetting.

This is my favorite "swirly bokeh" picture (linked from the awesome Kerik Kouklis' website (http://www.kerik.com/), shot with an 18" LF Verito lens):

http://kerik.com/gum_people/images/gum059.jpg

Cheers!

Abbazz

[amin_sabet]

That's a great shot! Here are some shirly shots by others which I enjoyed finding while looking for examples:

3 swirly shots by Tommy Oshima:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tommyoshima/281078121/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tommyoshima/445174821/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tommyoshima/246989204/

Gabriel M.A.:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/1862504810/

Moaan:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/moaan/2039843441/

(http://www.flickr.com/photos/pm_photo/)Nomad on the road films (Not as swirly, but I like it):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pm_photo/524838305/

Tetsuya Miyoshi with some of that sweet Summitar swirl:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/d-chimpanzee/463127282/

My Zuiko OM 50/1.2 has a pretty large rear element, but no tube around it. I'm afraid to put cardboard there since the pesky mirror might not clear it. Ah well, I'll pick up a swirly lens at some point. Thanks for the explanation and tips!

[nobbylon]

taken with 35 asph sum.

[ferider]

Abbazz, I enjoyed your 50/0.95 images. Anyone know of any other lenses for 35mm photography, other than the Noctilux 50/1 and Canon 50/0.95 that produce the kind of "swirly bokeh" seen in the above image? I really like the effect.

The swirl is caused by coma. The Noctilux, Summitar and Summarit (classic)
are very good at that.

Sunlit leaves in the background are always good to generate it.

Roland.

[Ron (Netherlands)]

Some thoughts in Wiki about Bokeh

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bokeh (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bokeh)

[Damaso]

You call that Bokeh?
http://damaso.com/photos/mouth.jpg

Canon 85mm 1.8 on 10d

[Abbazz]

The swirl is caused by coma.

Roland,

Let me quote Ole Tjugen (from the post precedently linked):
coma forms "light trails" away from the image center, not around it

When you take the image of a starry night sky with a lens suffering from a lot of coma, each off center star is transformed into a comet like shape (hence the name "coma"), with the tail of the comet radiating toward the edge of the frame (radial orientation). This is not what we see in "swirly bokeh," where the peripheral highlights are turned into cat eye shapes with a concentric orientation.

Another quote from Ole's post:
when you tilt a lens you will see that there is some point at which the aperture starts to look like a lozenge (or american football) and not an ellipse. Out-of-focus highlights will reflect this change in shape, becoming narrower with increasing distance from the center.
That's why it is possible to generate this swirly bokeh on large format by adding some vignetting by mechanical means (a black cardboard tube behind the lens).

Cheers!

Abbazz

[ferider]

Abbazz,

more often, coma is referred to as any aberration producing any kind of asymmetrical distortion of points in the image. Since lenses are round, typically these distortions appear in radial symmetry to the image center, which creates the impression of circles. Tails, comet stars and shapes that look like flying birds are only one variant. Elipses are another one.

Puts uses this definition, for instance (he provides a nice overview of the 7 Seidel aberrations). He also says:

spherical aberration and coma can only be combated by contrast reduction, evenness of definition over the image area, focus shift, vignetting and a host of other optical parameters.

Which explains why you often see contrast/resolution reduction but less coma, for example in the corners of the typical Sonnar-taken picture.

Best,

Roland.

[Abbazz]

more often, coma is referred to as any aberration producing any kind of asymmetrical distortion of points in the image. Since lenses are round, typically these distortions appear in radial symmetry to the image center, which creates the impression of circles. Tails, comet stars and shapes that look like flying birds are only one variant. Elipses are another one.

Roland, let me call old Kingslake (Lenses in Photography, Garden City Books, New York, 1951) to the rescue:

Coma has the effect of producing a rather unpleasant one-sided radial blurring of images lying in the outer parts of the field. (emphasis is mine)

Here's the paragraph about vignetting, from the same book:

http://artbig.com/rff/Kingslake.jpg

Cheers!

Abbazz

[ferider]

Roland, let me call old Kingslake (Lenses in Photography, Garden City Books, New York, 1951) to the rescue:

Coma has the effect of producing a rather unpleasant one-sided radial blurring of images lying in the outer parts of the field. (emphasis is mine)



I think we agree, Abbazz. Allow me to illustrate using your picture. Looks
like one-sided radial blurring to me.

Roland.

[Abbazz]

I think we agree, Abbazz. Allow me to illustrate using your picture. Looks
like one-sided radial blurring to me.

Roland, the problem I have with your concept is that coma also affects highlights in sharp focus. I have never seen those comet shaped highlights that should be present in the areas of sharp focus on shots taken with the Noctilux or the Classic Heliar 50/2. I have never heard that the Heliar is affected by coma either.

Cheers!

Abbazz

[ferider]

Roland, the problem I have with your concept is that coma also affects highlights in sharp focus.

I'm flattered but it's not my concept, Abbazz. I guess it's a softening of terms over time. It used to be called sagittal oblique spherical aberration, but now many people - me included - just call it coma.

See for instance http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00MSoT Scroll to the very end which shows a butterfly example - (I saw my first example, called coma there, too, in the Leica Lens Compendium I think).

The strict definition of the term as you use it is found for telescopes, I believe, not really for photographic lenses. But I'm an electrical engineer not a physicist :)

Roland.

[ampguy]

Roland,

Would you consider the p. 103 explanation of coma accurate - "Coma causes individual points of light to be reproduced as butterfly-like images. The further away the point is from the center of the image, the more pronounced is the effect?

The image shows a dot at image radius 0mm moving to a sideways teardrop to a sideways chocolate kiss eventually to a butterfly or arrow shape at 18mm.

I also don't see the swirly bokeh in the small sample of Noctilux photos I've taken, but I have seen non-circular football shaped lights in the OOF areas in mine, and other Noct photos, which I kind of like, along with the watercolor painting effect, that I can't quite clarify, as it's not defined in any of the books I have.


I'm flattered but it's not my concept, Abbazz. I guess it's a softening of terms over time. It used to be called sagittal oblique spherical aberration, but now many people - me included - just call it coma.

See for instance http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00MSoT Scroll to the very end which shows a butterfly example - (I saw my first example, called coma there, too, in the Leica Lens Compendium I think).

The strict definition of the term as you use it is found for telescopes, I believe, not really for photographic lenses. But I'm an electrical engineer not a physicist :)

Roland.

[ferider]

Yes, Ted, except butterflies are the extremes. Can be elipses/footballs, too,
in a better corrected lens. Just radially symmetric, and the further
away from the center the worse.

==================

OK. Enough techno lingo. How about bokeh in a lens on hyperfocal ? :D

Summicron 50/2 collapsible:

http://ferider.smugmug.com/photos/13427433-L.jpg

J/K :) More pics please ....

Roland.

[xayraa33]

the lens that was the King ( or Queen?) of swirlies was that Paxette lens that Brian cobbled up in LTM and owned by our very own Raid.
this thing had swirlies to spare.

[gdi]

Roland,

Would you consider the p. 103 explanation of coma accurate - "Coma causes individual points of light to be reproduced as butterfly-like images. The further away the point is from the center of the image, the more pronounced is the effect?

The image shows a dot at image radius 0mm moving to a sideways teardrop to a sideways chocolate kiss eventually to a butterfly or arrow shape at 18mm.

I also don't see the swirly bokeh in the small sample of Noctilux photos I've taken, but I have seen non-circular football shaped lights in the OOF areas in mine, and other Noct photos, which I kind of like, along with the watercolor painting effect, that I can't quite clarify, as it's not defined in any of the books I have.
Here is an example of the KomaKing in action. No lens produces the beautiful coma that this one does (full frame shot)... :)

http://www.tunachaser.com/modules/pnCPG/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/Canon7-095-Koma-King.jpg

[amin_sabet]

Well I don't know much about lenses, but coma and specifically sagittal oblique spherical aberration are intrinsice lens properties, right? If Abbazz is correct that attaching a cardboard tube to mechanically vignette the rear element causes the swirly bokeh, then it can't be due to coma, can it?

[amin_sabet]

Here is an example of the KomaKing in action. No lens produces the beautiful coma that this one does (full frame shot)...

http://www.tunachaser.com/modules/pnCPG/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/Canon7-095-Koma-King.jpg

That is awesome! Christmas lights?!

[ferider]

Well I don't know much about lenses, but coma and specifically sagittal oblique spherical aberration are intrinsice lens properties, right? If Abbazz is correct that attaching a cardboard tube to mechanically vignette the rear element causes the swirly bokeh, then it can't be due to coma, can it?

Try it and report :D Any more pics to share ?

[gdi]

That is awesome! Christmas lights?!

Yes, Rock Center Christmas tree with 400UC film...

[Andrew L]

Please excuse the sentimental nature of the subject. As a model, she is easily bribed.:)

This was a test shot taken with a 1920s 6" Cooke on a 6x9 Thornton Pickard SLR. I have seen a few exapmples of swirly bokeh from old lenses. Personally speaking, I find that too distracting. I prefer what I can get with old Cookes.

[foto_fool]

Roland: Love the night shot of the cathedrals at Lyon. Funny how a photo can make me hungry and thirsty ;).

Here's a couple of shots with the 35mm UC Hexanon on the R-D1 at f2.0.
http://images33.fotki.com/v1072/photos/1/1126243/4871630/_EPS4932sm-vi.jpg
http://images33.fotki.com/v1115/photos/1/1126243/4871630/_EPS4923sm-vi.jpg

[ferider]

Roland: Love the night shot of the cathedrals at Lyon. Funny how a photo can make me hungry and thirsty ;).

I proposed it for the planned RFF Europe get together. But the crew preferred Berlin. They don't know what they're missing, John ! Nice photos.

[amin_sabet]

John, do you get swirly bokeh with the 50/1.2 FD?

[Abbazz]

Here is an example of the KomaKing in action. No lens produces the beautiful coma that this one does (full frame shot)... :)

http://www.tunachaser.com/modules/pnCPG/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/Canon7-095-Koma-King.jpg

Great picture GDI. This is indeed what I call coma, and it has nothing to do with the cat's eye swirly bokeh on the picture I posted.

Cheers!

Abbazz

[Abbazz]

Well I don't know much about lenses, but coma and specifically sagittal oblique spherical aberration are intrinsice lens properties, right? If Abbazz is correct that attaching a cardboard tube to mechanically vignette the rear element causes the swirly bokeh, then it can't be due to coma, can it?

Amin, don't listen to the naysayers and have a look at this page: http://www.vanwalree.com/optics/bokeh.html

Here's a quote:

Generally, the better an aperture approximates a round opening, the more pleasing the blur. However, when a lens is used at a large aperture, obliquely incident light is confronted with a narrower aperture than normally incident light. Consequently, the blur disk narrows from the image center towards the corner. This is known as the cat's eye effect, a result of optical vignetting. When there are many OOFH's scattered across the frame, the cat's eye effect yields the impression of a rotational background motion (Fig. 2).

http://www.vanwalree.com/optics/bokeh/engel.jpg
Figure 2. Optical vignetting creates a sense of rotational motion of the background around the street sign. Photograph by Edo Engel.

Just google the words "cat's eye vignetting" for more picture samples.

Cheers!

Abbazz

[ferider]

How about some more pics, Abbazz ? ;)

[Abbazz]

How about some more pics, Abbazz ? ;)

Sure.

To get back on the topic of rangefinder's lens bokeh and to put an end to this arid technical discussion, here's the swirly bokeh of my Elmar 135/4 when used with a black cardboard tube and a (non circular) stop stuck behind the lens to obstruct part of the lens rear pupil:

http://artbig.com/rff/IMGP2799.jpg

And no, my Elmar doesn't exhibit coma.:D Here is a picture taken with the same lens without the vignetting contraption:

http://artbig.com/rff/IMGP2800.jpg

Cheers!

Abbazz

[ferider]

From Joe's shootout last Sat. 75/1.4 wide open:

http://ferider.smugmug.com/photos/247637393-XL.jpg

Good bokeh :) Best,

Roland.

[ampguy]

If you could affix that cardboard in there permanently, you might be on to something!



Sure.

To get back on the topic of rangefinder's lens bokeh and to put an end to this arid technical discussion, here's the swirly bokeh of my Elmar 135/4 when used with a black cardboard tube and a (non circular) stop stuck behind the lens to obstruct part of the lens rear pupil:

http://artbig.com/rff/IMGP2799.jpg

And no, my Elmar doesn't exhibit coma.:D Here is a picture taken with the same lens without the vignetting contraption:

http://artbig.com/rff/IMGP2800.jpg

Cheers!

Abbazz

[Abbazz]

If you could affix that cardboard in there permanently, you might be on to something!

This "swirly bokeh device" is not very usable on small format, because it has to be behind the lens to provide the best results. The tube needs to be around 50mm long but, on 35mm cameras, there is not much space behind the lens, especially with an SLR. That's why I used my old Elmar lens, because it's a 135mm and because the lens unit can be separated from the focusing helicoid, thus enabling the lens to be mounted on a bellows with sufficient space to put the vignetting tube behind the lens.

On a large format camera, it is much easier to mount a 50mm cardboard cone behind the lens to get this effect.

Here are three more pictures taken this morning with the "swirly Elmar":

http://artbig.com/rff/IMGP2796.jpg


http://artbig.com/rff/IMGP2797.jpg

http://artbig.com/rff/IMGP2798.jpg

And here is the bellows with an universal iris lensmount on my K10d ready to receive the Elmar lens unit:

http://abbazz.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p1063212937.jpg

Cheers!

Abbazz

[ampguy]

That setup looks dangerous!

[Abbazz]

That setup looks dangerous!

It doesn't bite though :D

Cheers!

Abbazz

[amin_sabet]

OM-2N, OM 50/1.2 @f/1.2, Superia 400:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2330/2222994213_3f5b8963db.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=2222994213&context=set-72157603806113569&size=l)

[cmogi10]

From Joe's shootout last Sat. 75/1.4 wide open:

http://ferider.smugmug.com/photos/247637393-XL.jpg

Good bokeh :) Best,

Roland.

Hey I remember that shot...

[sirius]

here are a few at close focus and wide open

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=55119&stc=1&d=1201626997

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=55120&stc=1&d=1201627005

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=55121&stc=1&d=1201627013

[kdemas]

The image was taken at around f4 . The background is composed of leaves and branches about 4 meters away from the clicking beatle.
http://www.timeprints.com/Code/Slike/IN014b.jpg

Was this the "N" version of the lens or the C/Y version? I have the N version and love the DOF behavior.

Kent

[kdemas]

The image was taken at around f4 . The background is composed of leaves and branches about 4 meters away from the clicking beatle.
http://www.timeprints.com/Code/Slike/IN014b.jpg

Was this the "N" version of the lens or the C/Y version? I have the N version and love the DOF behavior.

Kent

[martyryan]

100mm 3.5 Minolta Rokkor X at 5.6

[nikola]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2403/2238160730_596e3df474_o.jpg

Ultron 35/1,7

[Haanes]

Summicron IV 35/2 @ 2, Epson R-d1

The Bokeh in this Edinburgh-shot is kind of crazy, but I like it. It makes the gothic cathedral seem like a fairytale castle, and thus contrasting it even more from the modern foreground.


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/231/535946374_08281dcd26_o.jpg

[Haanes]

Same kit as above,

Edinburghs Forth Bridge passing by

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/219/536071239_a55d835a16.jpg

[Haanes]

M8, cron IV 35/2

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2039/2243630029_35e82145b0_o.jpg

[dacaccia]

55496

R-D1, Cron 2/50

[foggie]

Haanes,

I think your pictures of the dude in front of the church and the girl writing her name are amazing!

dacaccia
Wonderful picture!

(My typing seems to be in bold now and won't turn off)


I'll attach my own contribution. Taken on a Bessa R3a with a 40mm Nokton MC at some pretty-wide aperature using c41 ilford 400iso.

[LeicaTom]

For some reason my thread is`nt getting any hits on it in the Leica M block....so I`ll post a LINK for all Bokeh fans

*WARNING there`s another one of my PinUp Girls in there!*

LTM Leitz 50mm f1.5 Summarit on Leica M6 - I would love to hear some comments, opinions etc.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54108

Enjoy!

Tom

[ampguy]

on RD1s:

attached.

[ampguy]

attached.


.

[fdigital]

The wee olympus rc - surprisingly pleasant bokeh from it's tiny tessar style lens.
@ 2.8 w/ velvia 100f

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2377/2249919217_b8f91e3415_o.jpg

[Haanes]

Foggie: Thanks, that's kind.

I find the bokeh in your shot to be very pleasing, it seems as the 40 nokton does great as long as you avoid foliage or other super high contrast-scenarios. I'm eagerly awaiting testshots from the new CV 35/1.4.

[Alm3000]

Canon 35mm f/1.4 @ 1.4 (Canon 5D)

[Epimetheus]

Canon 50mm f/1.2 with 5D. More from this combo: http://www.markuspuustinen.com/galleriat/08/02/pictures_with_canon_50mm_f_1_2_l/

http://www.markuspuustinen.com/galleriat/08/02/pictures_with_canon_50mm_f_1_2_l/images/patsaat.jpg

[Mael]

Voigtlander Superb with uncoated Heliar, Tri-X 400 in Rodinal.

http://www.photo-technique.com/photosforums/tronc.jpg

[amin_sabet]

M-Hexanon 50/2, Portra 400NC, Bessa R3A:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2309/2275353827_d54b18870a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/asabet/2275353827/)

[Abbazz]

Voigtlander Superb with uncoated Heliar, Tri-X 400 in Rodinal.

...Superb shot. Keep them coming, Mael.

Cheers!

Abbazz

[hans voralberg]

Zeiss Biogon 25/2.8 @ f2.8, Reala 100, Bessa R2M

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2206/2277075270_643e6e4ab2_o.jpg

Minolta 50/1.4 @ 1.4, NPZ 800, Minolta SRT101

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2243/2276285675_17c5c348e7_o.jpg

@ Haanes: If you read this, dude, your pics are absolutely gorgeous :D

[ferider]

Great bokeh to these eyes:

http://ferider.smugmug.com/photos/257157545_NLNwX-XL-1.jpg

http://ferider.smugmug.com/photos/257157613_koUY7-XL-1.jpg

http://ferider.smugmug.com/photos/257157621_ax5Nw-XL-1.jpg

http://ferider.smugmug.com/photos/257157647_tHVZx-XL-1.jpg

Double post with http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=758260

Will tell which lens was used tomorrow :)

[Toby]

Pentax67 SMC Pentax 165/2.8 plus small extension tube


http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1013/1043570430_e58c0c6dcd_o.jpg

[ncd_photo]

Nikon 85 1.8 AFD @ F2
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2042/2268889031_b3a72e8c3e.jpg

[ampguy]

attached.


................

[Geiralex]

As it is not taken with a RF, not even a SLR... But just to have bokeh on a small sensor camera, and to actually find it is not that bad....

I have to say that the car is about 2cm long, and is probably 2 cm from the camera, and the lights in the background is 50 meters away.

Ricoh GX100
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2275/2087212362_40c71231ae.jpg

[Ponsoldt]

Taken in an ice cream shop, hence the smile.

[J J Kapsberger]

Some people like the ZM Biogon 35/2.0 bokeh, so I give it to you:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2300/2280947578_51e09387ae.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3146/2280056287_5d793399be.jpg

[venchka]

Taken after toting my Pentax 6x7 with 105mm/2.5 lens uphill for the better part of 3 days. Actually, we reached this point, Fall Creek Pass Elelvation ` 12,550 feet, in 4 1/2 days starting at sea level in New Orleans.

Pentax 6x7, Pentax SMC 105mm/2.4 lens. I really like 105mm lenses.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=56299&d=1203804339

[ferider]

Claiming my place in bed: :)

http://ferider.smugmug.com/photos/257971536_As63W-XL-1.jpg

Another one with the Nikkor 55/1.2.

[Sonnar2]

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff295/eriksmerik/sertilbake2.jpg

0.95@0.95. Will post more:)

Who was it saying that the Canon MONSTER hasn't any value for real photography and just produces ugly results?? It looks like you have tamed the beast - congratulations!

No 50/1.2 or 50/1.4 lens can create such bokeh at middle distances - it's just a matter of optics. And in this case, beautiful structered!

[michaelbialecki]

I like a lot of the photos in this thread and even though I am still learning a lot about "bokeh" and how to get the results that I desire out of my lenses, I thought I would post these photos up......

Leica m6ttl 90mm f2......(an early version).... I think I shot this photo at 15 f2.......I know it is a little "blurry/not sharp" but it was hand held...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2086/2233117896_7f443d3333_o.jpg


this photo was taken with a 50mm summilux, also an early version and I believe it was at f1.4....

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2248/2232347432_889a59b1dd_b.jpg

both were shot with tri-x

cheers, michael

[hans voralberg]

Focusing error, so bokeh is the main subject. R-D1 and Rokkor 40/2 f2

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3074/2290118322_d79a9e9787_b.jpg

[merlot22]

Bookeh - Canon Demi C, SD 50 2.8mm.

-Half frame camera with interchangeable lenses, SD 28 and 50/2.8
The half frame 50mm becoms a 75mm, zone focusing
tele lens, wide open,,, :eek:

[imajypsee]

made on film with a Mamiya Sekor 100DTL and a MamiyaSekor f/1.4 and 2X teleconverter
http://www.pbase.com/jypsee/image/84034070/medium.jpg (http://www.pbase.com/jypsee/image/84034070)


http://www.pbase.com/jypsee/image/83961784/medium.jpg (http://www.pbase.com/jypsee/image/83961784)

made with the Canon QL17 GIII

http://www.pbase.com/jypsee/image/85824669/medium.jpg (http://www.pbase.com/jypsee/image/85824669)

(click any photo to see it larger)

[Alm3000]

Canon 5d/35mm 1.4

[TheHub]

bokeh not so good:

Nikkor 50/1.2
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1029/867323522_b7040fadef_o.jpg

Looks okay to me. I like the headlight on the left.

[hans voralberg]

Summarit Bokeh :D

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2320/2303549834_c90923f0db_b.jpg

[le vrai rdu]

lomo 166 universal aka "lubitel" f5,6

http://www.cyrillerabiller.net/photos/noir%20et%20blanc/photo/fevrier%202008/panf%20lubitel%20web/panf-lubitel001.jpg

and full aperture (f4,5)

http://www.cyrillerabiller.net/photos/noir%20et%20blanc/photo/fevrier%202008/panf%20lubitel%20web/panf-lubitel003.jpg

[kross]

35mm UC Hexanon @ f2
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v389/Kkross/moneyplant.jpg

[lemalk]

35mm UC Hexanon @ f2
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v389/Kkross/moneyplant.jpg

"Honey, I wasn't taking a picture of YOU!
I swear I was taking a shot of the potted plant!" :p

[Abbazz]

35mm UC Hexanon @ f2

Great picture, thanks for sharing. Nice batik too.

Cheers!

Abbazz

[keithwms]

645-format Mamiya 500mm f/5.6 with Kenko 2x TC on Nikon d40x. Wide open.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c76/keithwms/mamiya500test/headnearfar1000.jpg

Without the TC, still wide open...

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c76/keithwms/mamiya500test/head_500.jpg

Mamiya 200mm f/.8 apo on 645 AFD, wide open:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c76/keithwms/snapshots/tree_200a_test001_sm.jpg

[lipton]

Summilux pre asph wide open on TMax 100 I kind of like the bokeh from this lens :)

[hans voralberg]

Thread revival :p Rokkor 40/2

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2210/2303550828_1982b2cb39_b.jpg

[Doug]

Interesting, Hans! Wide open I guess? The 40 Rokkor has a reputation for smooth pleasant bokeh, but in this difficult circumstance it rather resembles what you'd see with a 40 Nokton which has a rep for unsettled bokeh!