Out & About with the Voigtlander 75mm Lens

It's an unlikely setup for strolling around the streets of Yokohama - or is it? The Voigtlander 75mm is a short telephoto (M-mount) lens with a fast f1.8 aperture. It's also manual focus only. I connected it to my Sony A7II with the Voigtlander close focus adapter and hit the streets.

Mid morning in the back streets of Noge. "Girl in a green dress"

"Chef on a bike" She's flying across the Ookagawa river on her way to work.

"The delivery man"

They say the birth rate in Japan is on the rise.

The JR train bound for Kannai station.

There's more than one way to cross the Ookagawa.

A lamp post to lean on
Space to breath
Another day under the sun
No reason to leave

A fellow pedestrian presses on regardless of the blistering heat.

And, he is not alone.

By-the-way, I'm loving this lens. I read plenty about peoples affection for 28mm, 35mm and 50mm lenses, but I rarely hear people talk about the 75mm; I wonder why?

Follow the leader.

He looks at me and wonders what I'm taking a picture of.

Never underestimate the value of a shade tree on a sunny day.

My wife is going to hate this picture.

High noon in the streets of Kannai.

I saw her standing there.

Off she goes.

Business man on a bike.

The last man crossing.

Woman with a parasol.

The gas lamps of Zounohana.

Nice clouds today.

This is what I love about this city; if one walks around aimlessly long enough one will encounter the most unlikely and interesting things.

The Bay Bridge in all it's glory.

Who needs friends when you have yourself to love?

A man, a city, a Kodak moment.

A mother, a baby, and yes, another moment.

Self supplied shade from the harmful rays of the sun.

Some say that the city is a crowded place and they prefer the open space of the country.

I think there's plenty of open space in Yokohama.

A crossing guard looking for a crossing to guard.

On her way to Nihon Odori.

Looking for a shady spot to eat his lunch.

You are my sunshine!

If ever there was a time for a cold beer, this would be it.  

Waiting for the train.

The challenge of shooting street scenes with a 75mm lens was terrific fun. I could see this becoming a go-to lens for me.

Thanks for stopping by!
Mike

Searching for a Summer Wind

It's July, it's hot, it's  time to get out of the house and walk around in search of the elusive "Summer Wind". Cue Frank Sinatra:

The summer wind came blowin' in from across the sea
It lingered there, to touch your hair and walk with me
All summer long we sang a song and then we strolled that golden sand
Two sweethearts and the summer wind
--Johnny Mercer

So, off we go on a visual walk-about.

The water front is the best place to start out looking for a cool summer breeze. "It lingered there, to touch your hair" 

There's a nice little breeze out here on Osanbashi pier.

That's it, stay hydrated.

That's a big ship!

A local hula club is enjoying the breeze while getting in some dance practice.

These charming ladies are sure having fun.

Here we go, firefighting boats are shooting their water canons into the air, that sure helps bring the temperature down.

Nice view of the harbor.

She's wearing a traditional summer yukata and he's wearing a jinbei; great way to look good and beat the heat.

Walking the waterfront promenade.

Behind every good man is an even better woman guiding him along the way.

The parasol - commonly seen in the summer season.

Gotta get me some shades too!

Summer means baseball around here. Now is the time for the high school baseball tournaments to begin.

If one can't find a cool breeze, get on a scooter and ride like the wind!

Emi is on the hunt too!

Another way to stay cool is to wear well ventilated pants.

That's it, keep to the open spaces.

This was an unexpected surprise.

Majorettes in perfect step.

And, here comes the marching band.

The band may have been small but the sound was big.

I love a parade!

Even the sunflowers are drooping from the heat.

This hydrangea is still standing tall.

Running like the wind.

Smoke'em if you got'em.

The twists and turns of the promenade.

Let's dance!

In Nogeyama park I paused to refresh myself from a water facet.

Some brilliant flowers flourishing along the side of the road.

Last shot of the day: Yamashita park,  the coolest place in town. If one checks their history they will find that this park was built to give people a place to stroll on hot summer days.

Thanks for stopping by!
Mike