Monochrome Lens
Posted 29/08/2023 - 22:59
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The SMC 300mm f4. Gives great results in mono, sharp and contrasty, colour shows up its CA flaws
Paul
K1000, Espio 140, ist, istD, K70, K3iii and numerous lenses, just don't tell my wife.
K1000, Espio 140, ist, istD, K70, K3iii and numerous lenses, just don't tell my wife.
Posted 30/08/2023 - 09:00
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I'm not aware that there would be any reason a lens would perform better in monochrome than in colour, except of course if it has bad colour fringing, but that's more "avoid colour" rather than something especially good in B&W.
Pentax hybrid user - Digital K3, film 645 and 35mm SLR and Pentax (&other) lenses adapted to Fuji X and Panasonic L digital
Fan of DA limited and old manual lenses
Fan of DA limited and old manual lenses
Posted 30/08/2023 - 10:29
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It depends on the black and white style perhaps, so if we liked sharp, crisp, grainy images isuch as we had with Kodak Tri-X, then a lens that delivers sharp, wiry results would be an obvious choice. A softer lens on this scenario wouldn't cut it.
I don't have any particular lens in mind, but give me a K-3 III Monochrome and I'll start to find out!
I don't have any particular lens in mind, but give me a K-3 III Monochrome and I'll start to find out!
Best regards, John
Posted 30/08/2023 - 11:29
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It makes zero difference what lens you use, in my experience.
With film, i probably shot more in B&W than in colour. I used all different types of lenses.
In digital, I shoot almost exclusively in RAW only. So they are in colour no matter what settings are on the camera. They're converted in PP. JPEG are saved in B&W.... but I almostnever use JPEG.
As with film, on DSLR i have shot lots of B&W with all kinds of lenses.
Note - I do tend to favour prime lenses over zooms.
I would love a K3iii Mono!!!
With film, i probably shot more in B&W than in colour. I used all different types of lenses.
In digital, I shoot almost exclusively in RAW only. So they are in colour no matter what settings are on the camera. They're converted in PP. JPEG are saved in B&W.... but I almostnever use JPEG.
As with film, on DSLR i have shot lots of B&W with all kinds of lenses.
Note - I do tend to favour prime lenses over zooms.
I would love a K3iii Mono!!!
Posted 30/08/2023 - 15:11
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As Spad says, zero difference.
The only exception I would make is if using a vintage lens expect vintage characteristics, if using a modern lens then perhaps more technical characteristics.
To be honest, experimenting with different focal lengths to determine which best suits your needs in terms of type and subject matter of the sort of photography that interest you might help you to realise your own favourite lens/lenses. Limit yourself to one lens for a week or a day, 28, 35, 50, or 85mm etc, it doesn't matter. Sooner or later you will reach your own conclusions about which gives you the most enjoyment.
There is really only one rule in photography and that is - There Are No Rules!!!
Go enjoy yourself and good luck.
The only exception I would make is if using a vintage lens expect vintage characteristics, if using a modern lens then perhaps more technical characteristics.
To be honest, experimenting with different focal lengths to determine which best suits your needs in terms of type and subject matter of the sort of photography that interest you might help you to realise your own favourite lens/lenses. Limit yourself to one lens for a week or a day, 28, 35, 50, or 85mm etc, it doesn't matter. Sooner or later you will reach your own conclusions about which gives you the most enjoyment.
There is really only one rule in photography and that is - There Are No Rules!!!
Go enjoy yourself and good luck.
C.O.L.B.A.S victim
(Compulsive Obsessive Lens Buying Addiction Syndrome)
What you need are lenses, more lenses, bigger lenses, better lenses, faster lenses, vintage lenses and when you have these, your pictures will be perfect!
(Compulsive Obsessive Lens Buying Addiction Syndrome)
What you need are lenses, more lenses, bigger lenses, better lenses, faster lenses, vintage lenses and when you have these, your pictures will be perfect!
Posted 30/08/2023 - 23:12
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Yes there are ! ....... Old Glass Rulze !
But more seriously, the more old glass you use the more characteristics you find and each will suit a different style. To mix up old and new, a DA*300, a Trioplan 100 and a Primotar 135 will all produce beautiful soft bubble bokeh whereas a Pentax-A 50mm macro, a Radionar 105 or an Aldis Uno 120 can each make tack sharp contrast that risks cutting the paper. What sort of picture do you want to make? And we haven't mentioned putting coloured filters on them when shooting B&W.
But more seriously, the more old glass you use the more characteristics you find and each will suit a different style. To mix up old and new, a DA*300, a Trioplan 100 and a Primotar 135 will all produce beautiful soft bubble bokeh whereas a Pentax-A 50mm macro, a Radionar 105 or an Aldis Uno 120 can each make tack sharp contrast that risks cutting the paper. What sort of picture do you want to make? And we haven't mentioned putting coloured filters on them when shooting B&W.
Posted 31/08/2023 - 09:52
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My Super Takumar 35mm f/2.... the lens has radioactive bits and turned yellow and I haven't got around to putting it out in the sun (what sun?) to get rid of it. As a result... built in yellow filter.
As others have said, there isn't really a "lens" for BW apart from those with bad aberrations which is more "avoid colour".
As others have said, there isn't really a "lens" for BW apart from those with bad aberrations which is more "avoid colour".
Kris Lockyear
It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera… they are made with the eye, heart and head. Henri Cartier-Bresson
Lots of film bodies, a couple of digital ones, too many lenses (mainly older glass) and a Horseman LE 5x4.
It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera… they are made with the eye, heart and head. Henri Cartier-Bresson
Lots of film bodies, a couple of digital ones, too many lenses (mainly older glass) and a Horseman LE 5x4.
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