Friday, February 25, 2011

Streets of Java East

Some pictures i took off the streets of Surabaya with my R2A. The first ever overseas trip with a group of Photographers.

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one of my favourite picture! Think i went too near to him!
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The Local spice market.
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A happy purchase - Voigtlander Ultron 35mm lens

After months of using my Rangefinder, i realised that my little 35mm Classic Color skopar lens stays for the longest on it. I love to bring this little skopar classic out to the streets and i felt so comfortable with it's range that if i could only shoot with just 1 lens, this would be the one.

It was only last week when i had a little thought about upgrading my 35mm lens since i am using it so often. I love this lens and it was the first lens that i bought and used on my R2A. But somehow, I wanted something that allows me the flexibility to shoot under low light, something that offers me a shallow depth of field. I wanted something that wasn't too expensive to upgrade from my existing.

So i started a thread in a local forum and asked for advice and recommendations. Along came this highly recommended lens, Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f1.7. The good thing was, the pictures shown in flickr taken from this lens got me really excited and i decided to find a copy of this lens.
However, i was told that it has been discontinued from production and what was left in the market was highly sought after.

Testing my luck, i placed a WTB in the forum and just 2 days after from the post, Jon (nick: Jomanjiro) contacted me with a copy of the lens to release.
As it was my first time buying lens from overseas, i tend to be a little cautious. I sought some advice from some of my friends on the pricing and things to look out for etc and all these while, Jon was really nice to wait for my reply.

When i confirmed the deal, he even revised the EMS shipping cost downwards ,accordingly to the rates, and kept me updated on the status of the parcel till i received it.
It was really enjoyable experience dealing with him, especially when this was my first time buying from an overseas seller.

Just 3 days from the deal, i received the parcel.
Tightly sealed. I had a hard time opening the parcel even with a pen knife..haha
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Cushions for the lens in the box.
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Another layer of wrapper.
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Ermm this came as a little surprise for me as i didnt really thought that the original box was included or i didnt pay attention to the correspondence..haha
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And finally the lens!!! (He even throw in a free LTM to M adapter)
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It was somehow above my expectation for the conditions of the lens.

This was what Jon showed me when he first messaged me. He highlighted to me a few times on the imperfect physical appearance of this lens which i wasn't really particular.
*pics from Jon
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When i saw the actual lens, it wasn't really that bad. You might need to really magnify to see the scratches clearly which proved that he took the picture of the lens with a really good macro lens.
The lens was light and i initially thought it was going to be another 50mm lens alike from the picture.
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The lens was as per described in a very good condition. No scratches, no fungus no dust in the glass!
I eagerly mounted it on my R2A immediately!
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And while others are collecting leica, i managed to get an all black voigtlander classic lenses for my rangefinder!
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Once again, thanks Jon for the great services and the lens. Can't wait to bring it out for a shoot!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

A Walk at Changi Beach

Met up with Holly for a short photography trip to Changi Beach. Purpose was to show her, how filters are used for landscape shots.
Originally, we wanted to take some sunset pics but seems like we went on the wrong day. The weather was quite bad and the whole evening was low tide which makes the beach rather dirty.

Only a few pictures to share!
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Saturday, February 19, 2011

RolleiCord Compur Rapid III

Finally a successful roll of film off this camera. Tried my first sunny 16 rules with it. The lens is pretty sharp but has a weakness which produce rather strong flares!

Well, think the lens hood suits this camera more. Contrast of the lens seems to be slightly inferior compared to my Yashica Mat, but well, this camera is a real bargain that i cannot complain anymore.

Film used, EktaColor 160
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I must admit that the lens is quite sharp!
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Will try to go with a roll of 35mm on this camera...so not to waste the rolleikin attached.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Loving TLRs

With my new found loves moving into the world of 120mm format.

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Tuesday, February 8, 2011

A stroll by the beach

On my recent trip to Bintan, i took some pictures of it's lovely beach at Angsana.

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Bintan Beach

Nothing beats a stroll along the beach which will calm one's soul.
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Tuesday, February 1, 2011

A Life without cause

This picture that i post here is subjective to individual's view.
I took them at a local old folks home.

Many of which have a family and sadly, some of these old folks are quite well to do.

Pikapig - Jackson

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Let's remind ourselves of the values in life.