Friday, February 27, 2015

Zeiss 25mm f2.8 Distagon T* Lens

I picked up the Zeiss 25mm f2.8 Distagon T* lens in M42 mount for use on my Sony A7II digital camera and my Bessaflex TM film camera. After a couple of outings with this lens I am completely enamored with it. The lens is simply brilliant! So, let's look at some photos.

The Kanagawa Prefecture History Museum - a good test for architectural capabilities of the semi-wide angle lens

Likewise the Yokohama Customs House.

As usual Nicky and Nicole are willing to pose for a picture.

Another shot of the Yokohama Customs House.

I'm really enjoying the perspective that the 25mm provides.

Venturing out on the Yokohama International Passengers Terminal.

It's a beautiful day for a photography walk-about.

The Minato-Mirai skyline.

I bought this lens out of curiosity; who knew it would be so much fun to use.

The Royal Wing Dinner Cruise Ship pulling away from the pier.

Shuffling through Yamashita Park.

I call this "View From A Park bench"

An aerial shot of Motomachi

Now we tackle the crowd scene of China Town.

For a manual focus lens this is quite easy and fast to nail the picture.

The white specks in the sidewalk are pieces of broken pottery.

Point, shoot, and keep moving.

Always a crown here in China Town.

Saying goodbye to China Town for now.

There is no escaping the Colonel.

A quick excursion through the Noge district.


It's been said that the 35mm lens is best for street photography... I guess the people saying that have never used a 25mm lens.

Kind of a cliche shot but what the heck.

More open spaces in front of the Yokohama Museum of Art.

The mighty Nippon Maru!

A final shot of the Minato-Mirai district.
The Zeiss 25mm f2.8 Distagon T* lens, if you don't have one, get one - you won't regret it!

Thanks for stopping by!
Mike

Friday, February 20, 2015

Destination, Boso Peninsula

Last weekend we took a trip to the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture. To get there we needed to take a car ferry across Tokyo Bay and then we followed the coastal road around the southern tip of the peninsula until we reached the Pacific ocean side.

This side of the Boso peninsula is warmer than other parts of Japan because of the Black Currant that flows  off shore.

The ocean waters are clear and clean here.

There are many places for people to park their cars and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Some places have pedestrian walks along the volcanic lava formations.

And, as usual the coast is dotted with Shinto shrines,

It is quite easy to get close to the water and enjoy the tidal pools...

...and the crashing waves.

This is so refreshing!

As I walk along the coast I spot another shrine.

These Torii gates just beg to have their picture taken,

The warm air, beautiful scenery and winding coastal roads make the Boso peninsula a magnet for motorcycle enthusiasts.

Following the coast we arrive at the Shirahama Onsen (hot spring) resort area.

This area is also quite a busy little fishing port.


It's a beautiful day for a stroll.

The Shirahama area has a lot of seafood shops and restaurants.

The Nojimazaki lighthouse.

Love is in the air!


Fish drying in the sun protected from the birds by some netting.

Lets take a closer look.

We spent the night at a comfortable seaside resort hotel and the next morning had a nice view of the sunrise from our room.

A little later in the morning we had this view from our room.

And, just before we departed I took this shot of our hotel.

The car ferry is an excellent way to get across Tokyo bay. It's also a lot of fun!

The upper decks of the ferry are spacious, clean and comfortable. There's even a beer bar!

On the weekend it can get a bit crowded but our return on Monday left us with plenty of seats to choose from to enjoy the 45 minute transit across the bay.

We were treated with a view of Mt. Fuji from our window.

And, lastly, off of our port side we pass by another car ferry.
As destinations go, the Boso Peninsula is highly recommended for those that like to get away from the rat race and enjoy  a day of sunshine and salt air accompanied by panoramic views of the Pacific coast.

Thanks for stopping by!
Mike