Thursday, December 31, 2015

My world through a Voigtlander 15mm lens

The 15mm lens is considered an ultra-wide lens. It seems that most people who do my style of photography prefer a lens in the 28mm ~ 50mm range and normally I do too. So, what's up with me using a 15mm lens on a walk-about? Heck, I just wanted to see what I could do with it! My lens is the Voigtlander 15mm f4.5 Aspherical III (M-mount) manual focus super wide-heliar. And. I've mounted it on a Sony A7II with a Voigtlander close focus adapter. Now, having said all that, let's look at what this thing can do!

Well, we get the big picture!

For this image I was only standing about 3 feet away from the young lady talking on the cell phone.

Ultra-wide is good in enclosed spaces.

I like the perspective, seems to work well on architectural structures.

It allows one to get close and also get it all in.

Standing on a corner, watching the world go by.

Up close and far away.

Enclosed and all around, the arched entrance to the Customs House.

Police in the front, Yokohama Customs House in the back.

It's a lovely day to go jogging.

This lens is remarkably versatile. This is truly what they meant when they said "f8 and be there".

Like pawns on a chessboard.

The Indian pavilion in Yamashita park.

The Hikawa Maru, also in Yamashita park.

Cycling!

Fountain in the front, Marine Tower in the back.

They sell diamonds in this store.

And, they sell chop suey in here - welcome to China Town!

With the crowded alleys full of restaurants and stores, China Town is a great place to check out a 15mm lens.



Leaving the entrance behind.

Crossing

In a confined ally I can get the entire restaurant in  the picture while only standing a few feet from the entrance.

Last shot of the walk-about. This shop is always busy. From the morning when they open to the evening when they close there are always customers in the front buying chicken, and it isn't cheap! I guess when it comes to food, quality is King!
The final word on the 15mm lens - "I-love-it"

Thanks for stopping by!
Mike

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Reflecting - Autumn 2015

Looking back on this Autumn; these are pictures that just didn't make the weekly cut and yet they do (I think) deserve their day in light.

There are those mornings when the wind stops and the sun shines and the reflections in the Ookagawa river are so clear and sharp. This was such a morning.

I could not believe my luck.

I may not see it this clear for years to come.

Autumn in Yokohama is a very yellow affair.


The Coca-cola kids. I guess they forgot it's supposed to be a coke and a smile.

This park does not clean it's self. I salute the trash collecting guy.

I never take it for granted that the grass is greener on my side of the fence.

We draw comfort from arrows. They keep us pointed in the right direction... I think???

I hear Mario Lanza singing "On the Street Where You Live"

Lines, lines, everywhere are lines...

It takes a lot of water to fill an ocean.

A walk along the waterfront will do you some good.

See what I mean!

The Yokohama Marine Tower in all it's glory.

If you thought that Paris was the city of love, guess again. Yokohama is for lovers!

Speaking of lovers, here's mine. I think she's trying to escape!

And, now you know why. One of those times when being out-of-focus would improve the picture.

Ice skating! Everyone loves ice skating.

This couple sure does.

Soap box derby being held at Nihon Odori.

The mean streets of China Town.

All I am saying, is give Peace Boat a chance.

Outdoor yoga class at Osanbashi - must be fun!

Where the elite meet to shop - Motomachi.

Yowza!

Vapor trails across the Minato Mirai skyline.

Another one gets her man!

I get it. Sometimes you just want to sit down where you are and have a beer.

There's nothing like a walk in the park with the one you love - the golden years!

Thanks for stopping by!
Mike