5 replies to this topic

[Bernard Foot]

I run a local photography group in a local branch of an organisation for retired gentlefolk (University of the Third Age, or U3A - I think there are branches in other anglophone countries). For February I set a task of photographs on the theme of "Cloud & Sky". I immediately regretted this because I couldn't see what could be got out of wet, grey UK winter days. Anyway I took a couple of cameras with me when I went out cycling tody - a full-spectrum Sony A6000 (with an R72 filter) and a conventional Canon EOS 6D II.

As it turns out, I discarded all the shots taken with the Canon, but got some interesting shots with the Sony. There were some patches of weak blue sky, but mainly it was flat grey cloud - I was surprised how interesting some of the shots came out despite this. Some of the images have had their reality augmented using Nik Collection.

All exposures at f/8, ISO 100

Lens: Focotar 2, 50mm f/4.5


Lens: Focotar 2, 50mm f/4.5


Lens: Focotar 2, 50mm f/4.5


Lens: Soligor Enlarger Lens, 35m f/3.5:


Lens: Focotar 2, 50mm f/4.5


Lens: Lithagon (28mm, f/3.5).


Lens: Soligor Enlarger Lens, 35m f/3.5:


Lens: Focotar 2, 50mm f/4.5. (BTW, for the older UVP members - the white building on the ridge is the old Cobstone windmill near Turville where part of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was filmed - see https://globalfilmlo...film-locations/ )

[Andy Perrin]

Nice clouds! I like the 3rd one down especially.

[colinbm]

Nice collection of IR clouds Bernard.

[Andrea B.]

Bernard, it was so cool to hear about your photo group. That is something which can be valuable during this pandemic. Photo groups can still meet outdoors. Or they can meet online (like here!!) to discuss their photos and trade suggestions. We need to try to stay in contact with other people, yes?

IR is indeed quite lovely for clouds and often even when skies are grey and dull as you have seen. "Augmented reality" (love that phrase) is quite acceptable for IR clouds. Brings out the subtleties.

I liked seeing what lenses you used also. There don't seem to be any hotspots with your enlargers. Good to know.

[Bernard Foot]

Andrea B., on 22 January 2021 - 21:14, said:

Photo groups can still meet outdoors. Or they can meet online (like here!!) to discuss their photos and trade suggestions. We need to try to stay in contact with other people, yes?

... There don't seem to be any hotspots with your enlargers.

From March-November I ran the group via email, circulating photos for voting and gathering/distributing critiques. Now we're using Zoom. Outdoor gatherings are currently illegal in the UK - you can meet a maximum of one person specifically for the purpose of exercise.

Regarding IR hotspots, I tested a few lenses back in 2017. Results below. The main offenders sem to be complex, modern lenses. So with the full spectrum camera I tend to use the same set of vintage lenses, whether it's for UV or IR. (I could use the Canon 28mm and 50mm for IR, but they're pretty bulky on the Sony A6000 when you include the lens mount adapter.)

[Andrea B.]

The main offenders seem to be complex, modern lenses.

Interesting.