Can A 19th Century Lens Compete With a Modern Design?

[Mike Farley]

The initiative for this lens has been around for a while as a Kickstarter project and, judging by the amount raised, had a fair amount of interest. It was certainly a lot more successful than some photography based Kickstarter initiatives.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lo ... trait-lens

I have just seen the first review and whilst it is an interesting objective, I remain to be convinced that £465 would not be better spent elsewhere. Could this be the world's first coffee table lens?

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/lomog ... view-24105

[davidc]

I think it looks superb, definitely unique, and like the effects it has on the image. While £465 is quite expensive, it's not outside the realms of possibility. I'm keeping my eye on these!

[Mike Farley]

I think it looks superb, definitely unique, and like the effects it has on the image. While £465 is quite expensive, it's not outside the realms of possibility. I'm keeping my eye on these!

Don't get me wrong, I am sure that such a lens would offer an additional tool in anyone's photographic armoury, but after the initial novelty has worn off would it actually be used that often? As such, it strikes me as more of a talking point and curiosity. It could be worthwhile keeping an eye on the auction sites and see if any surface after a few months and what the selling prices are. In the meantime, having seen the results could someone be working on a Petzval plug-in for Photoshop?

[davidc]

I think that's a fair point - I bought a £70 lensbaby and though I used it extensively for a good few weeks, now when I'm prioritising space in the camera bag it rarely gets the nod.

Still, I'm very curious to see what it looks like on full frame so it might get a runout on my new 6d (CLANG!)

[Mike Farley]

Still, I'm very curious to see what it looks like on full frame so it might get a runout on my new 6d (CLANG!)

That sounds as though you either have one or it is on order?