The ultimate Bokeh thread; pics please

[ferider]

Don't blame it on me, blame it on John, this thread was his idea :)

Quality of bokeh is clearly subjective - heck, even my perception has changed.
I used to search for "donuts" and "footballs" in the background of a shallow
DOF picture.

These days, I care less about that, and look at the 3d rendering that I feel
a lens provides.

So, please post example pictures, of what you think is good and bad bokeh,
which lens at which aperture you used, and why you like/dislike the lens'
OOF performance.

I'll start (the pic that triggered this):

http://ferider.smugmug.com/photos/225597489-XL.jpg

Summicron-C 40/2 wide open at min. distance. This is the Wayfarer's
chappel in LA, architected by F.L. Wright Jr. Even though there are
slight donuts and double lines in the background, I like what I feel is
a superb 3D quality to the way the lens rendered this picture.

In my experience the 35/2 and 40/1.4 behave similarly. Or do they ? :)

More please. Thanks,

Roland.

[foto_fool]

Roland - Now that you put it that way (dimensional rendering) I agree. The bokeh in the chapel shot is distracting, but the candle does really jump out of the frame.

I'll see you and raise you the 35mm Konica 35/2 UC-Hexanon (on R-D1):

http://images28.fotki.com/v997/photos/1/1126243/4871630/UC_Hex35_3-vi.jpg
(posted before).

The low angle lighting from the right of your frame contributes to the dimensionality of your shot. The coffeecup was lit from the right and from behind me. For me the geometric regularity of the OOF in my shot decreases my negative perception of the double lines - which in any case are relatively soft.

- John

[ferider]

John, thanks. What your picture also shows in my mind is that the type
of background and cropping is very important. I've seen double
lines created with the UC hex, and created them with my Hexar AF myself ....

OK, here is another one:

http://ferider.smugmug.com/photos/175373321-L.jpg

Canon 50/1.4, wide open.

The couple liked the picture so there was that. But I don't.

Maybe because of the "footballs" ? Or because the coma-created
circles ? Note that I have only seen very few lenses that do not
do that with that type of background .... The Noctilux does it for
sure ....

Roland.

[Todd.Hanz]

some good posts here: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=686124#post686124

Todd

[foto_fool]

Cute couple but I completely agree about the footballs. Here's a series of shots with the ZM Sonnar C shot wide open (R-D1 again):

http://images31.fotki.com/v1055/photos/1/1126243/4871630/bokeZMC1-vi.jpg
OOF on the ceiling (no highlights) is pleasing to me. OOF on the trees outside the window is not bad - because of distance?

http://images32.fotki.com/v1048/photos/1/1126243/4871630/bokeZMC2-vi.jpg
The higlights behind the subjects are interesting - how do you describe this effect? In this shot it adds an element of humor for me.

http://images21.fotki.com/v839/photos/1/1126243/4871630/Emily_01_799-vi.jpg
Same venue as the prior shot - same lights. Completely different look. Pleasing - not distracting.

- John

[NB23]

Over time I've come to break all the rules but only respecting one: harmony.

This is an unfocused image. Noct-Nikkor wide open.
I'll post more as soon as I retrieve some new ones...
http://www.angelfire.com/ne2/nenadbojic/Studio-fb/Web-Lydia.jpg

[Todd.Hanz]

...in the mean time...

good bokeh:

Nikkor 105/2.5 MF on D200
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1202/1480888336_456aa58791_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1213/1480840344_0527be3e18_o.jpg

VC 75/2.5
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1283/1040395438_17ac3f45c4_o.jpg

Leica 50/1.4 Summilux (E-46 version)
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/216/473141693_14183b3e42_o.jpg

bokeh not so good:

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

Todd

[infrequent]

http://flickr.com/photos/infrequent/1932368207/

http://flickr.com/photos/infrequent/1932375017/

http://flickr.com/photos/infrequent/1849734530/

http://flickr.com/photos/infrequent/2058384535/

Cheers!

[Uwe_Nds]

Good bokeh:
Pentax 77/1.8
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=52338&stc=1&d=1196110150

Not so nice bokeh:
Pentax 50/1.7 A

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=52339&stc=1&d=1196110289

[Mr_Flibble]

Posted this pic somewhere before......

http://www.flibweb.nl/flibweb/cpg143/albums/userpics/10001/ch070932.jpg
Elmar 90/4 on my Leica IIIa

[Zen-shooter]

in my Flickr
R-D1S + 50/1.4 Pre-Asph Summilux

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/228/447044117_37212dc1b9_b.jpg

[Zen-shooter]

R-D1S + 50/1.4 Millennium + Orion Adapter

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2123/1781509147_723d86b79d_o.jpg

[steverett]

Both with a Canon 7:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2089/2064333727_447dca5052.jpg
Canon 85/2 on Velvia

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1252/848698290_b3c4dbbdd3_o.jpg
Canon 50/1.8 on FP4+

[brachal]

I like this bokeh. Bessa R, Jupiter 8 @f/2

[Keith]

Some bokeh from an Olympus 'lens cap!' :p

The humble Zuiko f1.8 50mm

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g196/wheelie52/RFF%20Storage/OM-1BW400CN_16.jpg

[Keith]

And of course lets not forget the humble J3 ... :)

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g196/wheelie52/RFF%20Storage/KievIIHorses_18.jpg

[cjm]

Summar @f2

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2185/2066871633_4ac0117a97.jpg


Jupiter 8 @f2

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/94/256662378_8e685c10be.jpg


K100D, SMC-M 50mm @f1.4

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2206/2043740435_14ca126563.jpg

[Bryce]

Can't remember if I posted this here before or not... If so it would've been a long time back.
Anyway, I did an experiment. What do you all think?
I'll come clean with the details in awhile.

[Zen-shooter]

R-D1S + 50/1.4 Nikkor LTM

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/162/447038970_e36e456f6f_b.jpg

[jjovin]

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

[jjovin]

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

[Pakmanpdx]

Here's the Hektor 73mm on my IIIa. As Homer would say....mmm...Donuts! This was probably at f 2.2 although it was summertime in open shade. the background is a large bush with sunlight falling on it about 10 feet behind my daughter.

[MikeL]

When I start using a longer focal length, I'll be getting another 90 Elmarit (or maybe a CV 75mm). If you don't need the speed, it's worth the price.
Grandma at her church:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2037/2067352443_7c5263a730_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2023/2068162396_70de94251e_o.jpg

[dlove5]

135 Elmarit @ f8 - I think. Mounted on IIIg + Viso II and extension ring

52370

[lapinot]

Me too, me too: Minolta MC Rokkor 85/1.7 @ 1.7, Minolta X-500, Agfa APX 100
I really like the buttery-smooth bokeh of this lens

[Johnmcd]

R3A plus 40mm Nokton wide open.

http://johnmcd.zenfolio.com/img/v0/p895179996.jpg

RD-1 and Nokton

http://johnmcd.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p825935156.jpg


Cheers,

John

[kipkeston]

bokeh that doesn't jump out yet is still smooth
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2067/2053644825_6bf3b9f974.jpg

because everyone loves coffee shots
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2290/2036607219_2d48fe1e68.jpg

loving the 35 biogon

[Abbazz]

My favorite of the moment (Porst/Tomioka 55/1.2):

http://abbazz.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p522291866.jpg

http://abbazz.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p407422416.jpg

http://abbazz.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p253221427.jpg

Cheers,

Abbazz

[chikne]

Somethat I like....

[Marsopa]

My older son

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2088/1526012309_3ddedabcdc_b.jpg

[Mael]

Good bokeh on my 178mm f/2.5 Aero Ektar mounted on my 4X5 Speed Graphic at full aperture ;):

http://www.photo-technique.com/galeries/Quelquesimagesrcentes/cimetiredelouyatlimoges2007.jpg

[kmack]

A little Beer with a Jupiter 8 on a Kiev II
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/240/450082300_ad25ef4f76_o.jpg

Or with a grain of salt, a Zeiss 1.5/50 sonnar on a Kiev III
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/63/156065233_90d46551a0_o.jpg

[Avotius]

Sorry I couldn't resist another shameless plug thread:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2344/1672974562_a521e86655_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2118/1672111461_8a99aa07a6_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1005/1025324690_eaf502e846_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1337/862590715_6992cd01f6_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1237/576092786_181b2999b5_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/241/521179827_139395b013_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/183/471320174_e58333e9c5_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/177/434953079_66381dd3bd_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/152/426709599_a4fb4a3d07_o.jpg

[hofrench@mac.co]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/187/476538511_a8227d1e75_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1115/528089727_3f8771b4a2_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/205/495373749_484bd6aa8d_b.jpg

M8 with MM-Hexanon 50.http://farm1.static.flickr.com/205/495373749_484bd6aa8d_b.jpg

[delft]

If all is well (i don't see it in the preview...), attached is a bokeh-ish image with the CV 40mm SC wide open. The highlights at the bottom are from parked bicycles.

Dirk

[keithwms]

Can MF/LF shooters play along?

A few shots from a cambo, a horseman VH, and an rb67.

What do these three have in common? They were all shot at f/8 ;)

[titrisol]

Good Bouquet?
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/117/289773490_4e8253ce31_s.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/89853469@N00/289773490/in/set-72157600687133322/)
Super-Takumar 50/1.4 at 1.4

[shadowfox]

Good or bad, here it comes:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2369/2047400495_f9210a4399.jpg

[kevin m]

not the best example, but it's handy...:)

[Bingley]

I don't think I have anything that qualifies as "ultimate" bokeh. I can offer:

Astigmatic bokeh:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1159/1333219933_c1fc699266.jpg?v=0

Bovine bokeh:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1373/1333982052_4cc351141c.jpg?v=0

Hippy bokeh:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2062/2060557511_7980de4699.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2262/2061299144_aaf155c33a.jpg?v=0

[ltketch]

Heres some from me, dust from the scanner included!

Minolta MC 50/1.4 wide open, XD-7, Reala.

Got the lens the same day in the mail, just wanted to see what would hapen when wide open! Not the easiest shot as there was a breeze and everything was moving! not overly pleased with the more obvious donuts to the upper right!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2036/2069089019_fcfa3c4a24_o.jpg




Minolta MD 50/1.7, XD-7, FP4, unknown aperture but it was during the middle of the day so probably not wide open, but more dust :o First proper B&W film in over 20 years so wasn't trying for any effects, just wanted to test the XD-7 which had then recently come into my possesion!


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2151/2069916502_05dd64e37e_o.jpg

[foto_fool]

Some comments: 1) I like where this thread is going :D. 2) When you add pics, PLEASE tell everyone what lens/aperture/film/body you used, if you can recall. 3) Let's do more than just display bokeh - please describe what and why you like or dislike, and whay you think you got the result you did - some are and it keeps it interesting.

Some observations: 1) Ned's first post - where the whole thing is a bit OOF but the real OOF element that balances the pic is someone's sleeve (maybe?) in the foreground - got me thinking about whether and how lenses render foreground OOF different from background OOF. I can't recall seeing circles or donuts from OOF foreground highlights. But then I don't think I've seen many (any) shots that HAVE OOF foreground highlights - verboten in our brains? 2) My earlier comment about geometric regularity in the background helping smooth double-line bokeh - clearly refuted by Todd's last shot of the antique car - man, that's odd-looking. 3) keithwms - thanks for posting the LF shots at f8 - good to see subject isolation in something that is not shot at f1-2. 4) Swirly bokeh may be sometimes hard to look at, but it really does seem to go hand-in-glove with enhanced 3D rendering of the in-focus elements. 4) Is it just me, or does it look to others as though the Sonnar-design lenses are more prone than others to circle bokeh in background highlights?

- John

[ferider]

Thanks for all the pictures everybody. Abbazz, this second shot of yours is about the best shallow DOF application that I have seen so far !!!

John,


: : :
1) .... I can't recall seeing circles or donuts from OOF foreground highlights. But then I don't think I've seen many (any) shots that HAVE OOF foreground highlights - verboten in our brains?
4) Swirly bokeh may be sometimes hard to look at, but it really does seem to go hand-in-glove with enhanced 3D rendering of the in-focus elements.
5) Is it just me, or does it look to others as though the Sonnar-design lenses are more prone than others to circle bokeh in background highlights?
: : :
- John

4) I agree with that one.
5) Not sure. Some do and some don't. The Nikkor 50/1.4, 80/2 and Canon 50/1.5 do wide open, in my experience, the Nikkor 105/2.5 and the C-Sonnar do not. I think it has to do which how much they have been optimized for resolution.
1) These type of shots are very rare, indeed. There was a thread about this on RFF a while back. Here is an example with foreground OOF, same Canon lens as used in my bad bokeh example above, but producing really nice foreground OOF:

http://ferider.smugmug.com/photos/106248437-L.jpg

I find "bad bokeh" more distracting in portraits, in general.

Here is another "good bokeh" example, that I simply like because I like
the subject :) Tele Elmarit wide open (M body with color negative,
don't remember which film):

http://ferider.smugmug.com/photos/195927863-L.jpg

Please keep the examples coming. And do remember to
include lens/aperture/film/body information.

Best,

Roland.

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2308/2063265368_f6f11b798a_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/2063265368/)
40mm f/2 M-Rokkor @ f/2

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2213/2045367766_655732c96c_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/2045367766/)
50mm f/1.4 Summilux pre-asph E46 @ f/1.4

[maddoc]

Harsh bokeh: (M4 + Summilux 50mm pre-ASPH @ f/1.4 Trix-X D76 10min):

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2221/2070291960_d01ac65e64.jpg

Hasselblad 500 C/M + CF 80mm T* @ f/2.8 Tri-X

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1109/1308538527_d6ffe7ccdb.jpg

[monochromejrnl]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2054/2069840322_de677f7a1b_b.jpg

Zeiss-opton 50/1.5 Sonnar, Kodak Gold 100 @ f1.5, 1/25th sec

[bankcheck]

Noct + R-D1

[dcsang]

Canon 50mm f1.2 L @ 1.2
http://www.chang-sang.com/photo/090207/img_7664.jpg

Canon 135 f2.0 L @ 2.0
http://www.chang-sang.com/photo/062907/img_9760.jpg

Canon 50mm f1.2 L @ 1.2 (again - just to show ya it works on people too :D)
http://www.chang-sang.com/photo/052207/img_3045.jpg

Zeiss Biogon @ f2.0 (finally an RF image huh..)
http://www.chang-sang.com/photo/110507/crop0005.jpg

Dave

[jja]

Dave, I missed the bokeh part of your photos b/c the eyes of every one of your subjects were so beautifully captured. Great work.

[foto_fool]

Roland - the swirly bokeh thing - is it a chicken and egg question? Do lenses that make swirly bokeh intrinsically render more dimensionality, or is it how we percieve the swirly that creates an illusion of 3D?

Thanks for the front OOF example. Here is my contribution (this was deliberate believe it or not):
http://images32.fotki.com/v1066/photos/1/1126243/4871630/Matthew-vi.jpg
ZM Sonnar C on R-D1 @f2.0. The highlights in my friend's glasses are really all I have to show, but they do seem smoother to me than background OOF with this lens.

Your second good bokeh example looks like Romanoff royalty :).

Gabriel - I like the hanging basket shot. It shows distracting (to me) bokeh in the trees, but then goes to the idea that the geometric regularity of the bricks seems to soften the effect. The Summilux shot - circles and footballs? I'm comparing this one to Maddoc's shots and it looks to me like the harsh bokeh effect is more pronounced when the lighting in the background is greater than that on the in-focus subjects. Dave's 4th shot seems show the opposite effect.

- John

[Bryce]

Back in post 19, I attached an image which I can't re-post.
Here's the story. I for some reason a year or two ago wondered how the world would look through a lens with a very non circular iris... like a cat's eye.
So I tried it. I made a cardboard iris with a slit like a cat's pupil, and attached it to the front of an 85mm F/2 lens. The slit was about 3 mm wide at the middle, and about 40 mm tall.
The lens was an m42 version Jupiter 9 attached to a Pentax dslr.

[digitalintrigue]

35/2 Summicron v4

http://digitalintrigue.net/collette.jpg.

[ampguy]

http://matsumura.smugmug.com/gallery/3895228#225860682

Hexanon 50/2 at f2, because the green backlit foliage isn't a mess of bubbles.

and this one:

http://matsumura.smugmug.com/gallery/3767331#216875815

35/2 ASPH @ F2 because the bright background colors aren't blending as in lesser glass, but remaining discrete

[foto_fool]

Bryce - cool experiment and I love the image - very beautiful OOF. I'm no whiz at optics but AFAIK the aperture needs to be behind the front element at least - you have done something, but I don't think you captured the reality of a cat's vision. Might be worth taking a lens apart... ;)

Digitalintrigue - FINALLY someone posts a shot with "the king"! :D

- John

[Rico]

Here's an old demo of fg/bg bokeh. Lens is the exotic Zeiss Aposonnar 200/2 C/Y, wide open, minimum focus, mounted to a Canon DSLR (classic D30).
http://patternassociates.com/rico/contax/misc/as200a.jpg

[Abbazz]

Abbazz, this second shot of yours is about the best shallow DOF application that I have seen so far !!!

Thanks, Roland. As all 3 pictures were taken wide open at f/1.2, DOF was pretty thin indeed.

Cheers,

Abbazz

[Gabriel M.A.]

Wow, Rico; that's a mighty cool lens. 200mm f/2 oh yeah.

Alright, since nobody's really caring for off-screen display and download-choking for others, I'll post some large photos too:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/142/372073527_894e8f93c2_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/372073527/)
50mm f/1.4 Summilux pre-asph E46 (@ f/1.4 of course)

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2055/1970423315_c51500fee9_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/1970423315/)
Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux pre-asph E46 @ f/1.4

[Gabriel M.A.]

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 M.A.]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1108/1357866146_751ecd5a5a_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/1357866146/)
Leica 90mm f/2 Summicron pre-asph E55 @ f/2

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1388/1263740722_82631dd3ec_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/1263740722/)
Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron tabbed (German) @ f/2

[kevin m]

Dave, those were nice! The more I see of that Biogon 35 the more impressed I am. It seems to have all the good attributes of the pre-asph Leica lenses all the way down to f2.0...pretty cool!

[mauro scacco]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/184/440089313_3981cf46a4_o.jpghttp://farm1.static.flickr.com/214/504232566_3601b31113_b.jpg

[dcsang]

Dave, those were nice! The more I see of that Biogon 35 the more impressed I am. It seems to have all the good attributes of the pre-asph Leica lenses all the way down to f2.0...pretty cool!

Thanks Kev.

I've got Cindy Flood's ASPH cron waiting for me somewhere in Canada Posts coffers - hopefully *crosses fingers* I'll get it today.
I plan on doing a comparison b/w the ASPH and the ZM 35 - for the money's sake, I hope the ZM wins out but hey... who knows :D

Dave

[mauro scacco]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/217/492687453_cdc70b2e9d_o.jpg

[mauro scacco]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1429/559800549_1f78365253_o.jpg

[chambrenoire]

http://i6.tinypic.com/72i8h93.jpg
Dad
http://i1.tinypic.com/6ksrmtc.jpg
Mom
http://i10.tinypic.com/85apoom.jpg
Greens

[NB23]

Wow, Rico; that's a mighty cool lens. 200mm f/2 oh yeah.

Alright, since nobody's really caring for off-screen display and download-choking for others, I'll post some large photos too:



Gabriel,

:confused: :confused: :confused:
You're always making it a point to make a point about how people are posting large images so you decide to post large ones too so you can choke all the computers.

I don't see large images. They are all about 500x700 72dpi... which is very small.

[dcsang]

Images that are 500x700 @ 72dpi (and as long as they were saved properly) can be pretty small....I've got a 600x900 pixel image that's only 68kb.

That said, I think Gabe is talking about dimensions and depending on your screen size.. a 600x900 image can be huge :D

I still try to ensure my website is available to those with 800x600 resolution...

Dave

[etrigan63]

M8 CV 40mm Nokton f/1.4 wide open
http://photos.echenique.com/img/v2/p16612267-4.jpg

[ferider]

Halloween bokeh, kind of ugly if you ask me:

http://ferider.smugmug.com/photos/112319017-L.jpg

Canon 50/1.2, probably Superia 400.

Roland.

[venchka]

You've seen most of these before. I'm wondering. With all of the chatter about the v. 4 35mm Summicron being the "King of Bokeh", I reckon the 51.9 mm DR Summicron gives it a run for the title. All of these are at 1:2.0 or maybe 1:2.8. I hope the last one isn't too big for your monitor.


http://gallery.leica-users.org/d/95977-2/FH000002-1-1.jpg

http://gallery.leica-users.org/d/95980-2/FH000006-8-8.jpg

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=37096&d=1165083285


http://gallery.leica-users.org/d/96988-1/Day+Lilly+1.jpg

[venchka]

Never mind. Al Gore's internet doesn't like me today.

[LChanyungco]

where are the noctilux examples ? :)

[Gabriel M.A.]

Gabriel,
<snip>
You're always making it a point to make a point about how people are posting large images
<snip>
I don't see large images. They are all about 500x700 72dpi... which is very small.
You always make it a point to think that everybody has the same setup as your own.

[foto_fool]

Technical note - following Dave's, Gabe's and Ned's comments (and suggested best practices for the forum) all the photos we post in-thread should be 800 px wide or less for readability. Also those of us with fast cable and DSL do tend to take it for granted, and forget that some folks are still on dial-up but that's a reality that's unlikely to change.

There are some really great images showing up here!

Rico - very cool rig, and great illustrative shots. The Aposonnar does seem to render near-field and far-field OOF differently (and nice Zeiss circles in the background highlights). Trivially this may be because the near field is shallow and the far field could go to infinity, but someone with real knowledge of optics may have a deeper explanation (surely including uncorrected spherical abberations, point sources and circles of confusion).

Gabriel - the the bokeh of 50mm Summilux shot with the digital p&s is pure cream. Love the irony as well. And again it looks to me that the background geometry in the healer and parking plot shots is smoothing what would be otherwise harsh bokeh.

Mauro & Chambrenoire - where have you guys been? Thanks for some really great contributions. Mauro I am challenged by the old lady in the church. The bokeh effect of the candelabras in the background is a little harsh, but not swirly - and really seems to push her toward the viewer's eye.

Roland, that's some scary Bokeh (Sonnar footballs?) in the Halloween shot. Maybe those are the shades of all our dead shots coming to haunt your jack-o-lantern.

Erik, that Canon 0.95 is such a bad lens it does not know how to put a circle around a background highlight. What's up with that? :D And that may be the smoothest background I have ever seen from the CV 50/1.5 - nice.

Wayne - that Summicron paints beautifully, except for the trees. So far from the shots in this thread it looks like it would be a good idea to avoid trees in the background when shooting any Summicron at wide apertures. Unless you like that sort of thing.

- John

[hans voralberg]

OM 50/1.4 @ 1.4
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2315/1506284716_045993117e.jpg

Nikkor 35/2 @ f2

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2311/1955553432_5f050314d5.jpg

[RdEoSg]

All taken with a Canon 85mm f1.2 shot at 1.2:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2106/2073260740_5f16352080_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2335/2072467581_9416c03aef_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2009/2072467459_8b9239366a_o.jpg

[RdEoSg]

not seeing any images Ray..

[RayPA]

not seeing any images Ray..

freaking pbase. I'll try one more time.

...

gave up...I'll host them somewhere else and try again later.

[RdEoSg]

No worries! try Photobucket or flickr. Both seem to be pretty reliable.

[RayPA]

one more time???:o

CV 40/2 SL D200
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2031/2072553243_32d11dbfe7.jpg?v=0

another (sorry this was a recent post to the RFF gallery, too)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2058/2072553247_fa152dd022.jpg?v=0

Leica 90/2 M7
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2220/2072553239_0002a8f645.jpg?v=0

[SteveM(PA)]

Here come the $30 slobs (slobkeh?)...

Fed 50 3.5...

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=52453&d=1196319162

Jupiter 3 (Brianski)

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=52454&d=1196319204

[RayPA]

Halloween bokeh, kind of ugly if you ask me:

http://ferider.smugmug.com/photos/112319017-L.jpg

Canon 50/1.2, probably Superia 400.

Roland.

NO! You didn't carve a Leica pumpkin! The attention to detail is frightening. I think I see a soft release!! :D

[RayPA]

OM 50/1.4 @ 1.4
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2315/1506284716_045993117e.jpg



I like the framing/crop!

[RayPA]

Wow, Rico; that's a mighty cool lens. 200mm f/2 oh yeah.

Alright, since nobody's really caring for off-screen display and download-choking for others, I'll post some large photos too:



OK I'll stop quoting images, too! But the image that would have been in the above quote is very nice! :)


.

[migtex]

Bessa R2S - Nikkor -P.C 8.5cm f2 @2 - Fuji 160c

Nikon S - Nikkor 5cm f1.4 (uncoated) @1.4 - Kodak BW 400

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/47/137571557_da60e66c15_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/137571557/)
50mm Summitar f/2 @ f/2

[ferider]

Example of good or bad bokeh, Gabriel ? Always wondered about the Summitar.

[Gabriel M.A.]

Example of good or bad bokeh, Gabriel ? Always wondered about the Summitar.
It's special bokeh. ;)

It's like mint chocolate: I can't stand it, but others love it. It's good if you love it, bad if you hate it.

I guess bokeh is like a box of chocolates... :bang:

[hans voralberg]

I like the framing/crop!
Thanks it's original, no crop. It was a 1920s French villa in Vietnam :

@ Gabriel: I like the OOF of that summitar, alot. Shame about the highlight balls though, very weird and distracting

[ferider]

It's special bokeh. ;)

It's like mint chocolate: I can't stand it, but others love it. It's good if you love it, bad if you hate it.

I guess bokeh is like a box of chocolates... :bang:

I have to look at it After Eight then ...

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/99/251989388_4ed09e94da_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/251989388/)
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM @ f/1.4 (on Canon 5D)

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/86/281436394_b4203d2d2e_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/281436394/)
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 Mark-I @ f/1.8 (on Canon 5D)

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/101/263903994_1370ed34c4_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/263903994/)
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM @ f/1.8 (on Canon 5D)

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1281/1392172315_ff2bab2503_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/1392172315/)
Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux pre-asph E46 (on M8)

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/130/371341703_787cbe2c8c_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/371341703/)
50mm f/1.4 Summilux pre-asph E46 @f/1.4 (just like above; on M8)

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/133/371341656_680b22770a_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/371341656/)
Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux pre-asph E46 @f/1.4 (on M8)

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/112/272778044_fdcd6d2d51_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/272778044/)
Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux pre-asph E46 (on M6 + Fuji Superia 800)

[dingowarlord]

http://myview.lowyanddonnath.com/A FRIEND FROM ADJUNTAS WITH DAUGHTER.jpg

M6 50mm Sumicron Tri-X

[MikeL]

Nice images Gabriel, pretty women and bars. Can I hang out with you next time I'm in Minnesota?

[hans voralberg]

M-Rokkor 40/2 @ f2

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2331/2074669994_dda6b5f988_o.jpg

[Todd.Hanz]

about the Summitar...

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/data/500/fri_after_5_100_dpi.jpg

Todd

[Marc-A.]

After Master Todd ;) , some about the Summitar:


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2158/1817362857_51cbd525e1_o.jpg


http://i.pbase.com/g3/83/699683/2/66886957.7zQM0FYk.jpg


http://i.pbase.com/g6/83/699683/2/72375119.8r5n81HV.jpg

[Nemo]

Noctilux and M8:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2411/2035725886_16b237fedd_b.jpg

[Nemo]

Noctilux and M8 (again):
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2374/1904072388_d0f6ee0fc4_b.jpg

[ltketch]

After Master Tood ;) , some about the Summitar:


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2158/1817362857_51cbd525e1_o.jpg








Thats a shocking case of Bokeh donuts!!! :)

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2126/1862504810_09f4c7a580_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/1862504810/)
50mm f/2 Summitar @ f/2 (on M8)

[raid]

Canon 35mm/1.5 @ 1.5:

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t261/raidamin/8014789-R1-031-14.jpg


Canon 50mm/1.2 @ 1.2;

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t261/raidamin/82036-R1-13-12A-1.jpg


http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t261/raidamin/82036-R1-11-10A.jpg


http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t261/raidamin/82032-R1-16-15.jpg

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1411/1410563656_7643953530_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/1410563656/)
Canon 50mm f/1.2 LTM @ f/1.2 (on M8)

[ferider]

Great pics guys. I assume if you don't post a comment, it means you like
the lens' bokeh ? Please comment ...

Canon 50/1.5 wide open:

http://ferider.smugmug.com/photos/51007490-L.jpg

I like all Sonnars and this one in particular !

[steverett]

Wow nemo, those shots look great. I think the Noctilux has the most apparent 3D effect I've seen -- your subject seem to pop out of my screen. I also quite enjoyed raid's shot with the 35/1.5. I've seen more and more of this lens recently, and it's all been good.

[raid]

Luxon 50mm/2.0 LTM @2.0 (originally for braun paxette):

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t261/raidamin/RFFLuxonat20.jpg


Canon 85mm/1.9 @1.9:

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t261/raidamin/RFFCanon85mm19wideopen.jpg


The Luxon is difficult to find on sale, and it is maybe the only copy out there in LTM. The swirling effect gets more pronounced as I open up the aperture.

The Canon 85mm/1.9 is an underappreciated lens, in my opinion. People praise its more expensive cousin, the Canon 85mm/1.8.

[raid]

For some reason, my posting was repeated.

[raid]

The bokeh of the 85/1.9 is very creamy. Maybe I am just lucky.

[David Goldfarb]

The good--

Voigtlander Bessa II (6x9), 105/4.5 Heliar around f:8 (the separation between sharp and unsharp here is the signature characteristic of classic Heliars)--

http://www.echonyc.com/~goldfarb/temp/N2004.jpg

The bad--

Soligor 500/8 compact mirror lens--

http://www.echonyc.com/~goldfarb/temp/doublelinebokeh.jpg

And the ugly--

Carl Zeiss Jena 1950s 58/2 Biotar, probably around f:8--

http://www.echonyc.com/~goldfarb/temp/Nina,Biotar58f2.jpg

[Bingley]

I don't have a lot of bokeh shots, but I kinda like this one (Canon 50/1.8):

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2211/2075387414_69b2b2f255.jpg?v=0

And this one, too (Canon 50/1.5):

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2002/2061291812_8e976a50bd.jpg?v=0

Roland, is the beautiful shot above w/ your Canon 50/1.5 keeper?

[enochRoot]

mamiya 6mf + 75mm lens. i really love the bokeh on this lens because it is smooooth. it renders scenes very well in 3d, but doesn't really call attention to its bokeh.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1438/1479590365_513039cfb6_o.jpg


http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1125/1479590867_cc5ded49e5_o.jpg

[P C Headland]

Super Ikonta 532/16 @ f4
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2032/2051625705_20f983ffae.jpg

[ferider]

Roland, is the beautiful shot above w/ your Canon 50/1.5 keeper?

Steve, I think that was taken with your lens, actually :) Thanks !

[Mackinaw]

The bokeh of the 85/1.9 is very creamy. Maybe I am just lucky.

Raid------Is that the old Canon 85mm I sold you a few years back? If so, it's serving you well!

Jim B.

[Mackinaw]

Canon LTM 50mm F1.4 @ F1.4. Efke 25 in Rodinal.

http://gallery.leica-users.org/d/109579-1/Canon+50mm1_4_1_4.jpg

[jja]

enoch, those are really sharp, and I agree about the the background. P C, excellent framing and the delicate background works well in this context.

From last pre-asph Summilux 50/1.4 (exposure unrecorded):
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2057/1809057755_55602f685d_o.jpg

[Todd.Hanz]

I really like the smoothness from the Mamiya lenses for the MF rangefinders.

Mamiya 7II
80/4 at f4

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/100/250932455_97a1ed54d7_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/120/250932463_5cbeb800fd_o.jpg

Todd

[foto_fool]

That's it, I'm loading up the GW690 with Tmax 100 this weekend and seeing what that lens can do at f3.5. More MF shots!

Here's my contribution for today:
http://images31.fotki.com/v1051/photos/1/1126243/4871630/Emma071125-vi.jpg
Zeiss Ikon, 75mm Summilux @ f2, HP5+ in Ilfosol-S

I really love this lens. This is my idea of perfect bokeh - abstract smooth dimensionality without distraction. I'm looking for shots I made with this lens that have point light sources in the background - haven't found any yet - may have to make some.

- John

[venchka]

Out of focus trees/foliage:

Given what the earlier lenses do to foliage backgrounds (Summitar, Luxon 50/2.0 and my Nikkor 50/1.4), I'll take my 51.9mm DR Summicron or Canon 50/1.4 S.S.C. lenses any day.

Todd.Hanz could take a Holga, replace the "lens" with the bottom from a Coke bottle, load it with 50 year old Verichrome Pan, develop with vitamin pills, stale Starbuck's espresso and the Coke from the bottle he used for a lens, fix in vinegar and wash in pond water and still come up with great photographs.

Gabriel M.A. has great models/subjects for his portraits.

Great work everyone. Keep them coming.

[hans voralberg]

Ferider, lovely pic with that Canon

[Bingley]

Sorry about the duplicate posts last night. I've deleted them. Temperamental internet connection it seems.

Todd.Hanz could take a Holga, replace the "lens" with the bottom from a Coke bottle, load it with 50 year old Verichrome Pan, develop with vitamin pills, stale Starbuck's espresso and the Coke from the bottle he used for a lens, fix in vinegar and wash in pond water and still come up with great photographs.


I agree completely w/ Wayne. Fabulous work, Todd!

[space2k]

CV Nokton Classic 40mm f/1.4 SC
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2257/1500084472_ffaa75cf59.jpg

[RayPA]

Things I've learned from this thread:
1. We have some really good photographers here
2. There are some really nice images posted here
3. Take care when shooting wide open with trees, woods, forests, etc. as a background

:)

[jja]

Things I've learned from this thread:
1. We have some really good photographers here
2. There are some really nice images posted here
3. Take care when shooting wide open with trees, woods, forests, etc. as a background

:)

Agree on all counts! In general, busy backgrounds will produce busy bokeh (duh!), but foliage will exacerbate 'bad' bokeh because you often find backlit areas, in relation to the foreground, just beyond the foliage.

I remember in another photo board reading complaints about a particular lens's awful bokeh, when in acutality no lens could have handled the foliage + back-lighting.

[RayPA]

Agree on all counts! In general, busy backgrounds will produce busy bokeh (duh!), but foliage will exacerbate 'bad' bokeh because you often find backlit areas, in relation to the foreground, just beyond the foliage.

I remember in another photo board reading complaints about a particular lens's awful bokeh, when in acutality no lens could have handled the foliage + back-lighting.

yup! and that's the point. I've seen highly regarded lenses produce some vertigo-inducing bokeh! Tough conditions for shooting wide open.


.

[David Goldfarb]

I use light filtered through trees as my usual bokeh test, because there aren't many lenses that handle it well.

I'm getting out of RF territory, but bad bokeh is a real killer in bird photography, since foliage is the norm, not to mention highlights on rippling water, and backlighting isn't too unusual. These are with the Canon FD 600/4.5, which has pretty nice bokeh--

http://www.echonyc.com/~goldfarb/photo/gfinch.jpg

http://www.echonyc.com/~goldfarb/photo/esowl.jpg

http://www.echonyc.com/~goldfarb/photo/hgull.jpg

[raid]

Raid------Is that the old Canon 85mm I sold you a few years back? If so, it's serving you well!

Jim B.

Jim,
Yes, it is. I cannot bring myself to sell it even though I have many 85mm-90mm lenses. I love how portraits come out with this lens.

[ferider]

I use light filtered through trees as my usual bokeh test, because there aren't many lenses that handle it well.

I'm getting out of RF territory, but bad bokeh is a real killer in bird photography, since foliage is the norm, not to mention highlights on rippling water, and backlighting isn't too unusual. These are with the Canon FD 600/4.5, which has pretty nice bokeh--


Ahh, birds ...

Which reminds me, my "Bokeh Queen" is the Zuiko 180/2.8, here
wide open:

http://ferider.smugmug.com/photos/121358526-L.jpg

Nothing beats a good fast long lens ....

Roland.

[MikeL]

Things I've learned from this thread:
1. We have some really good photographers here
2. There are some really nice images posted here
3. Take care when shooting wide open with trees, woods, forests, etc. as a background

:)

4. If you want a smooth background, longer focal length and a larger format negative help.

[ferider]

4. If you want a smooth background, longer focal length and a larger format negative help.

Ugly bokeh, for me: Tokina ATX 100-300/4 at 300 wide open:

http://ferider.smugmug.com/photos/172651788-L.jpg

[MikeL]

I said helps! I said helps! :)

Xenotar
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=52519&d=1196459751

[IGMeanwell]

Since there has been a decent amount of Minolta Lenses posted ... I'll add to those

Both Wide open

Minolta Rokkor PG MC 58mm 1.2:

http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=52517&stc=1&d=1196459376

and again the 58mm 1.2:

http://pjnphotography.smugmug.com/photos/200287238-L-2.jpg

Then my the old Rokkor 50mm 1.7 MD:

http://pjnphotography.smugmug.com/photos/196114700-L-2.jpg

[Paulbe]

The really interesting thing about this thread is--as someone said--the photos ALL outweigh the bokeh. So--it looks to me like if the subject is interesting--well--where's the bokeh thing? A really good photo just seems to be a really good photo, no matter what....and there are some great ones here.
Thanks to all!
Paul

[Letien]

I said helps! I said helps! :)

Xenotar
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=52519&d=1196459751

So nice. To me, this is bokeh. An area of OOF just blurred enough to bring up the main subject. Which xenotar is it? Rollei?
Thanks

[MikeL]

Hi Letien,
Yup, Rolleiflex 2.8C. If I had to have only once camera, it would be my Rollei with Xenotar. I just love the lens. I'm with you, just enough so that the other areas are not too distracting. Too much swirly stuff, odd looking (to me) bright-ringed donuts, double lines, I find noticeable in a photo. It's nice when that stuff isn't noticeable.

Edit: 2.8E

[venchka]

Nikkor-S.C 5.0 cm 1:1.4 @ 1.6 or 1.8

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=44566&d=1178127083

[venchka]

Nikkor 85/2.0 wide open and minimum focusing distance.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=48722&d=1187750607

[Gabriel M.A.]

My most cherished wine:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/112/304626593_416ef7363c_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/304626593/)
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 Mark-I @ f/1.8 (on a 300D)

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/71/187743059_bd6181e01f_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/187743059/)
50mm f/1.4 Summilux first version @ f/1.4 (on M6)

[Rico]

Fisheye lenses are not conducive to selective focus, but the Canon EF 15/2.8 has an appealing point-spread function. The five-bladed aperture, on the other hand...
http://patternassociates.com/rico/d30/misc/penny3.jpg

[NB23]

http://www.angelfire.com/ne2/nenadbojic/2007/Web-Montreal2007-1.jpg

[raid]

40mm/2.0 Summicron-C:
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t261/raidamin/summicronc.jpg

[raid]

Rolleiflex 2.8D Planar: (XP2 @ 2.8; Dana one day old)

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t261/raidamin/planar80mm28TLR.jpg

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/44/161385531_e7bdb631f8.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/161385531/)
Rolleiflex Automat IV, 75mm f/3.5 Schneider-Kreutznach Xenar @ f/3.5

[Gabriel M.A.]

And a sample that shows that even some of the "best bokeh" lens can find themselves streched beyond their limit (raising fist like Col. Klink: "tree foliage!")

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/78/198560935_181a5f9463_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/198560935/)
Canon 50mm f/1.5 LTM @f/1.5 (on M6)

[Film dino]

DR Summicron at 2.8; Reala

[ampguy]

attached, handheld, uncropped.

[crawdiddy]

Fisheye lenses are not conducive to selective focus, but the Canon EF 15/2.8 has an appealing point-spread function. The five-bladed aperture, on the other hand...
http://patternassociates.com/rico/d30/misc/penny3.jpg



Rico, That's a great cat photo. I agree, the bokeh in this case could be said to be distracting. OTOH, it seems more like an additional element to me, and I think it works. The subject's very prominent (and shiny) eyes, and the OOF highlights complement each other.

[crawdiddy]

http://www.angelfire.com/ne2/nenadbojic/2007/Web-Montreal2007-1.jpg

Creamy background with edgy foreground. I can only assume it's the Noctilux, although I know it's not the only tool in your arsenal, Ned.

[RayPA]

Rico, That's a great cat photo. I agree, the bokeh in this case could be said to be distracting. OTOH, it seems more like an additional element to me, and I think it works. The subject's very prominent (and shiny) eyes, and the OOF highlights complement each other.

I agree. This "distracting" bokeh actually adds some sparkle. Maybe a slight crop would balance things, but otherwise, it seems to work!


.

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2336/2077335480_9ffbd83597_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/2077335480/)
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM @ f/1.4 (on 5D)

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/53/137593558_ee2ee28787_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/137593558/)
Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux pre-asph E46 @ f/1.4 (on M6)

[hans voralberg]

Now that is bokeh overload. Very nice gold tone

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/183/395784891_e085018bfe_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/395784891/)
Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron-R @ f/2 (on Canon 5D)

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1050/1245699884_3847933660_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/1245699884/)
Zeiss 35mm f/2 Biogon ZM @ f/2 (on M8)

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/55/144301720_8815be52c8_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/144301720/)
Leica 50mm f/2 Summar @ f/2 (on Bessa-R)

[Gabriel M.A.]

Now that is bokeh overload. Very nice gold tone
Thanks, Hans. I thought the setup would produce an interesting result at the time.

[crawdiddy]

Wow, Gabriel. You are one bokeh-collecting dude.

Btw, in the interest of free speech, why does the Mysterious Entity want to crush your individuality?

(I am Spartacus!.....I am Spartacus!....I am Spartacus!....)

[digitalintrigue]

http://www.digitalintrigue.net/jade2.jpg
---
50/1.4 Nikkor @ 2.0

[mich8261]

here's a good example of bad bokeh.

Taken with Canon dRebel with 70-300mm DO (Difractive Optics). This lens tends to render a buzzy background as a blurry buzzy background. Very distracting.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2055/2079328196_e8257acfd2_o.jpg

[Krosya]

M-Rokkor 40/2:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2390/2079025037_5a99c4be5c.jpg

[Lotari]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2055/2080180373_762aa0bf69_o.jpg
pentax *ist d and helios-40 85/1.5

http://www.sikaheimo.com/kuvat/valokuvia/pallurat700raamit.jpg
pentax *ist d and m50/1.4

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2122/1506547687_4bca7c0077_o.jpg
yashica d

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1101/752037103_dcad7388bc_o.jpg
pentax *ist d and k35/2

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/141/380793748_e6a07676ee_o.jpg
mamiya m645 and 80/1.9

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/117/306760605_7890a16ff2_o.jpg
homemade camera and fujinon-tv 110/0.95

[Epimetheus]

Since my rangefinder lenses aren’t very good with bokeh, here are couple
with my all time favorite Carl Zeiss Sonnar 180mm F2.8 on a Kiev 60.

http://markuspuustinen.com/images/2007_12_01_fillari.jpg




http://markuspuustinen.com/images/2007_11_28_keinu.jpg

[raid]

The good stuff here keeps on getting better !
Thanks for all the great photos.

[Mackinaw]

Canon LTM 50/1.2 at F1.6. Delta 100 in Rodinal.

http://gallery.leica-users.org/d/109667-2/Max+in+Pool.jpg

[Mael]

Ektar 101mm f/4.5 at full aperture and close focusing. Camera was 2X3 crown Graphic and Mamiya RB67 back. Ilford FP4+ in pyro developer.

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

[hans voralberg]

Bokeh ball, early Nikkor 50/1.8 AIS @ f2

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2123/2080401245_7ba6708086.jpg

[Mael]

Rolleiflex 2.8D with Xenotar at full aperture

http://www.photo-technique.com/galeries/fondsdetirroirs/Fondsdetiroirs/lesrosesdelanuit2006.jpg

[IGMeanwell]

pentax *ist d and helios-40 85/1.5

]


Wow that is a crazy picture.... I love it

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/63/184501688_e6a6642674_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/184501688/)
Leica 50mm f/2 Summitar @ f/2

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/210/461469210_f0b83ba93e_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/461469210/)
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 @ f/1.4 (on 5D)

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1410/1254136810_daf56b18ef_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/1254136810/)
90mm f/2 Summicron-III pre-asph E55 @ f/2 (on M8)

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2103/2081524174_dcec1b04a8_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/2081524174/)
Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux pre-asph E46 @ f/1.4 (on M8)

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1166/1240525441_b807ed3c9e_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/1240525441/)
Canon 50mm f/1.2 LTM @ f/1.2 (on M8)

[Gabriel M.A.]

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

[maddoc]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2103/2081524174_dcec1b04a8_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/2081524174/)
Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux pre-asph E46 @ f/1.4 (on M8)
I like this one, the color-contrast is nice. This lens renders OOF in a special way ... :)

[NB23]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/117/306760605_7890a16ff2_o.jpg

Wow I love this shot!
Give us more info on your home-made camera, please...

[RayPA]

is this real bokeh? it almost looks like PS blur tool. so soft!!


Since my rangefinder lenses aren’t very good with bokeh, here are couple
with my all time favorite Carl Zeiss Sonnar 180mm F2.8 on a Kiev 60.

http://markuspuustinen.com/images/2007_12_01_fillari.jpg

[ampguy]

but for odd reasons. It's saving me 2 or 3K of 50 'lux gas :D

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2103/2081524174_dcec1b04a8_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/2081524174/)
Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux pre-asph E46 @ f/1.4 (on M8)

[ampguy]

Why did I sell my non-AI 50/2 for $40??!! :bang:

Bokeh ball, early Nikkor 50/1.8 AIS @ f2

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2123/2080401245_7ba6708086.jpg

[ampguy]

Please mention if you are using filters. Not sure if it has much effect, but I'm seeing stuff here that I don't think should be seen with "proper" lens usage...

[xayraa33]

Canon 50mm f1.5 lens used here.

[Mael]

Carl Zeiss Jena 80mm f/2.8 at f/4, Kochman Reflex Korelle

http://www.photo-technique.com/photosforums/escalier2.jpg


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

[maddoc]

M3 / Summilux 50mm pre-ASPH (@ f/1.4) Tri-X:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2207/2082821108_c0cd5c016b.jpg

[sienarot]

pentax *ist d and helios-40 85/1.5


Heh heh heh, I was wondering whtn the Helios 85/1.5 would make an appearance in this thread :D

[Epimetheus]

is this real bokeh? it almost looks like PS blur tool. so soft!!
It's real. Only slight curves adjustement made in PS. It's a great lens.

[ferider]

Remains of a party, Nikkor 85/2, Fuji Press 800:

http://ferider.smugmug.com/photos/228196600-L.jpg

Same lens, same evening:

http://ferider.smugmug.com/photos/228196603-L.jpg

Roland.

[Nemo]

M8 + Noctilux:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2043/2083020197_d0fde3e013_b.jpg

[venchka]

GRRRRRRRRRRRRR! Roland, I don't get it. I've used the same lens and the same film. I get Pooh-Pooh and you get caviar. Not fair!

[owenreading]

A few photos from recent scannings that display some nice bokeh, all from a Canonet G-III QL17, most likely @ f/1.7 or very close.
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=52655&stc=1&d=1196720566
At the fireworks, HP5@800

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=52656&stc=1&d=1196720600
Magdalen College playing fields, Oxford, HP5@800

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=52657&stc=1&d=1196720621
Christ Church Meadow, Oxford, Jessops Pan 100 (which I believe is Ilford made).

[Mackinaw]

Mamiya C220 w/Mamiya 135mm F4.5. TMax 400 in Xtol.

http://gallery.leica-users.org/d/110328-2/Johnny+Reb.jpg

[foto_fool]

Nikkor 50/1.4 @ f2.0 on Leica IIIf, APX 400 in Ilfotec DD-X

http://images31.fotki.com/v1057/photos/1/1126243/4871630/07111104sm-vi.jpg
Bokeh is better without highlights.

- John

[digitalintrigue]

Nikkor 50/2 (Kodachrome from 1951)
http://digitalintrigue.net/port.jpg

[IGMeanwell]

Nikkor 50/2 (Kodachrome from 1951)
http://digitalintrigue.net/port.jpg

I love those Kodachrome slides .... keep post'em

[digitalintrigue]

Another Kodachrome, Nikkor from about 1955
http://digitalintrigue.net/photo_posts/jan4.jpg

[RayPA]

Nikon 105/2.5 on D200

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/242/451944408_68ec32b3cd.jpg?v=0

[SteveM(PA)]

The Zuiko "common as rocks" 50 1.8, nasty drugstore film and scanning...

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=52722&d=1196796142

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=52723&d=1196796851

[digitalintrigue]

Thanks Erik...wish I could say I took them. :)

Really like what that Canon 0.95 can do...

Those Kodachrome shots are really nice Robert.

[peterm1]

This is rather odd bokeh. A boring shot (a bus shelter - spare me!) but it was only taken to test the sharpness of a 40 year old 300 mm Takumar. Sharpness is OK and no chromatic aberation but rather odd, slightly harsh, bokeh.

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

[Peter in Cairns Qld]

Good or bad, here it comes:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2369/2047400495_f9210a4399.jpg
Great Photo!, Just love the translucent, "radioactive" colours against the Bokeh.\Kind regards
Peter

[Peter in Cairns Qld]

Sorry I couldn't resist another shameless plug thread:
I just loved the last photo. Those hands conjure a thousand untold stories.
Kind Regards.
Peter

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2344/1672974562_a521e86655_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2118/1672111461_8a99aa07a6_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1005/1025324690_eaf502e846_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1337/862590715_6992cd01f6_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1237/576092786_181b2999b5_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/241/521179827_139395b013_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/183/471320174_e58333e9c5_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/177/434953079_66381dd3bd_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/152/426709599_a4fb4a3d07_o.jpg
I just loved your last photo. Those hands conjure a thousand untold stories.
Kind regards
Peter

[Marc-A.]

M8 + Noctilux:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2043/2083020197_d0fde3e013_b.jpg

That's a killing bokeh :D Seriously it's fantastic.

[Gabriel M.A.]

Holey muffler of jeebuz! I agree with Marc-A.

[raid]

I also agree with Marc and Gabriel on the impact. This is a great bokeh photo.

[StuartR]

I love the combination of sharp and soft that you can get with the bokeh of larger formats. This is the 110/2 planar...I love the look of it:
http://www.stuartrichardson.com/woodpile6.jpg
http://www.stuartrichardson.com/rob-love-billy.jpg
Or the 35/1.4 ASPH which is superb...
http://www.stuartrichardson.com/malcolm-trail.jpg
http://www.stuartrichardson.com/rob-mongoloid.jpg
(that last photo is a joke by the way...he was trying to look...well...challenged.
The 75 lux which is probably the best of all, along with the 110...
http://www.stuartrichardson.com/omikuji-rack.jpg
And your regular 80mm planar:
http://www.stuartrichardson.com/m7-coffee.jpg
http://www.stuartrichardson.com/xp2-aki.jpg

[StuartR]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/117/306760605_7890a16ff2_o.jpg
homemade camera and fujinon-tv 110/0.95
I don't want to quote all your images, but I just want to say that I think your photography is fantastic. Both here and on flickr...

[venchka]

1:2.5, Kodachrome 64

[dougiec29]

Stuart - very nice pictures, I particularly like the first pair. Also did a double take on your M for a second, looks very classy (and classic).

[StuartR]

Thanks Doug. I am glad you liked the photos. The M is stealthy in that picture, but not so much in color...
http://www.stuartrichardson.com/m7-zeiss.jpg
It's a .85 M7...back when a la carte cost only a bit more than a regular M does now.

[Gabriel M.A.]

Stuart: nice. Bery nahce.

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2349/2082581952_aa2551dd93_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/2082581952/)
Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux pre-asph E46 @ f/1.4 (on M8)

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2216/1573355828_e3a9514d45_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/1573355828/)
Minolta 40mm f/2 M-Rokkor CLE @ f/2 (on M8)

[raid]

Thanks Doug. I am glad you liked the photos. The M is stealthy in that picture, but not so much in color...
http://www.stuartrichardson.com/m7-zeiss.jpg
It's a .85 M7...back when a la carte cost only a bit more than a regular M does now.

Now that's a blue M7 indeed! While I may be too conservative :bang: to try such a colorful approach, it is goodlooking! :D

[venchka]

Gabriel M.A. you just keep getting better and better. :)

[dacaccia]

52843

M6, 2/75 asph., XP2

[le vrai rdu]

:) hello ! I sarted to take pictures last week with ranfinder last week :)

Jupiter 8 @ f2 trix

http://www.cyrillerabiller.net//photos/noir%20et%20blanc/photo/novembre/trix%20kiev%204%207min%20rodinal%201+25/kiev-4002.jpg


Got a few light leaks but now it should be okay :)

I hope my english is not too bad !:o

[john neal]

Not sure this is the ultimate in bokeh, but it is somewhat unusual.

Summitar wide open on Leica III.

[lawrence]

Nikon 24mm f2.0 [at f2.8 I believe]

[Pitxu]

:) hello ! I sarted to take pictures last week with ranfinder last week :)

Jupiter 8 @ f2 trix

http://www.cyrillerabiller.net//photos/noir%20et%20blanc/photo/novembre/trix%20kiev%204%207min%20rodinal%201+25/kiev-4002.jpg


Got a few light leaks but now it should be okay :)

I hope my english is not too bad !:o


C'est pas grave. Ici on communique a travers des images, et la votre est tres bien,
Bienvenue en RFF !!!

[Ron (Netherlands)]

This one is not that sharp since Babik was hurrying to get to the stage. However I am attached to this picture since it was the only time I could actually meet the son of Django Reinhardt.

Taken with Xenar on Kodak Retina in 1986

http://www.xs4all.nl/~kpmg0072/Cameras/img010.jpg

[Socke]

http://www.hett.org/gallery2/d/548-3/IMG_6189.jpg

Canon D60, 75-300, f5.6

[le vrai rdu]

C'est pas grave. Ici on communique a travers des images, et la votre est tres bien,
Bienvenue en RFF !!!

thank you :)

carl zeiss planar 50 mm 1.7 @ 1.7 (i really like this lense)

http://www.cyrillerabiller.net/photos/noir%20et%20blanc/photo/novembre/panf%20%203%20novembre%202007/refait3novembre2007-panf021.jpg


SMC pentax 50 mm 1.7 @ 1.7 I like this lense, very good and compact, very smooth rings

http://www.cyrillerabiller.net/photos/couleur/novembre2007/sup%e9ria%20200/sup%e9ria-200059.jpg


I had a pentacon 50 mm 1.8 but I didn't really liked the bokeh

[Todd.Hanz]

Oly Pen FT
Zuiko 40/1.4

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2102/2092424960_ea99e50568_o.jpg

Todd

[StuartR]

Ok, a few more from oldentimes when I just started out:
Canon 85/1.2L (FD) yeah, an SLR...sorry...I took it before I had a rangefinder!
http://www.stuartrichardson.com/beeandlavender.jpg
Hexar AF
http://www.stuartrichardson.com/photoshop-girl.jpg
75 lux again
http://www.stuartrichardson.com/sunflower-75lux.jpg

50 asph
http://www.stuartrichardson.com/rusty-red-fence-and-flowers.jpg

I just realized that they are almost all flowers. How boring! But I guess when I get close up is when the bokeh happens most dramatically...I am not an in your face photographer, so when I am close, it is usually to something that's not moving!

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2105/1573356172_f3a22e42c5_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/1573356172/)
Minolta 40mm f/2 M-Rokkor @ f/2 (on M8 and no UV/IR-cut filter)

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1157/1367433565_e588e7caa7_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/1367433565/)
Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron (tabbed) @ f/2 (on M8)

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1306/1304655348_9890f3ca87_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/1304655348/)
Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron (tabbed) @ f/2 (M8)

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/157/425509609_eb422cc80a_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/425509609/)
Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron (tabbed) @ f/2 (on M6 loaded with Kodachrome 64)

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/96/238092277_f764399ac9_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/238092277/)
Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron (tabbed) @ f/2 (on M6 loaded with Kodachrome 64)

[Gabriel M.A.]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/89/233383205_86df36cb25_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielma/233383205/)
Canon 20D + Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 (@ f/2.8, 75mm)

[SteveM(PA)]

Great shots, Mr. President :)

Hanging on my wall, my daughter's blurry green shirt actually glows in the dark, it's become my current fav...

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1207/1338842431_fac8537d91.jpg?v=0

om1, 50 1.4

[OldNick]

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

Jim N.

[NB23]

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.

[SteveM(PA)]

I focused on the second chain, I still think it's creepy how the first swing appears to sway a little bit.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/123/362613759_b0178c7e79_o.jpg

leica iiif rdst/canon 135 chrome (I forget what the film was)

[J J Kapsberger]

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!

Couldn't have said it better myself, NB23. Totally with you. I very much prefer the smoothly-rendered, softly out-of-focus look.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2332/1494085906_1a50ea7915_o.jpg
35 'cron ASPH; Provia 400

[NB23]

I focused on the second chain, I still think it's creepy how the first swing appears to sway a little bit.

Indeed!
Quite a shot!

[NB23]

Couldn't have said it better myself, NB23. Totally with you. I very much prefer the smoothly-rendered, softly out-of-focus look.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2332/1494085906_1a50ea7915_o.jpg
35 'cron ASPH; Provia 400



Good explanation and good support shot.

All the pics in this thread are nice but I think some could have been improved with more dof...

[J J Kapsberger]

Thanks, NB.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1109/570811687_4272d275e9.jpg
Elmarit-M 90; RVP100

[NB23]

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

[maddoc]

Good moment. I like it, Ned !

[NB23]

Good moment. I like it, Ned !

Thanks, amigo!

[MikeL]

Very nice Stuart, but please, no more 75mm summilux images, my wallet can't take it these days......

Very pretty Ned.

[raid]

1. Canon 85mm/1.2L

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t261/raidamin/bokehrff3.jpg


2. Canon 50mm/0.95

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t261/raidamin/bokehrff7.jpg


3. Noctilux 50mm/1.0


http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t261/raidamin/bokehrff5.jpg


4. Noctilux 50mm/1.0


http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t261/raidamin/bokehrff6.jpg


5. Noctilux 50mm/1.0


http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t261/raidamin/bokehrff4.jpg


6. Canon 80mm-200mm/4.0L


http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t261/raidamin/bokehrff2.jpg


7. Nokton (Prominent) 50mm/1.5

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t261/raidamin/bokehrff1.jpg