What it brings, "Corona Depression"?

A word, "Corona Depression" has been prevailing recently, long lasting unusually isolated condition is the reason, people cannot establish free communications as before. Now we can feel ourselves to be a social living thing, but for natural and smooth communications each other we might have any problem emotionally. It is true that we have a sophisticated way to keep relations in Web site, but acturally not enough. The ideal form of our society would be obliged to change basically, conventional concepts in every section would not work at all. Great changing like Big Bang will definitely happen very soon as a matter of fact, it is just at the corner! Whatever thing may happens on us, we should avoid the most miserable conclusion those we had experienced over 75 years ago, bear in mind the commandment so deeply!

Leitz M-Summilux 50mm/1.4/2nd modification

My favorite equipment for photo shooting is here, Leitz M-Summilux 50mm/1.4/2nd generation on SONY α-9 by way of E-mount. It is true that Leica M lenses are utilizable on E-mount, but as a matter for reglet, most of M lenses are so made to adopt on range finder designed for minimum closing distance at 1m with exception such as Summicron for 70cm. Most of the photographes must feel some inconvenience whenever he or she might try close-up shooting within 1m and 1/12 magnification. On the other hand, recent standard lenses have the capability to come closer to 45 cm and 1/6 for DSL and DSLR bodies. This point is the most unacceptable for the photographers who intend to put M lenses on Mirror-less Digital cameras. In addition, 8mm thickness mount adapter do not have enough space to form helicoid construction inside including mechanical backlashes. In the difficult consideration with every door closed if continued the original M-mount and helicoid mechanism, I have realized that no way is left when insist on the upper Leica original mechanical constructions, the only way to see a brilliant light is just replacing lens barrel case thoroughly into another one satisfying close-up shooting requirement. Consequently, I have selected the most suitable standard lens that often appears at 1 yen in Yahoo Auction, of course lens surfaces are irreversibly invaded by mold colony. KONICA HEXANON 52mm/1.8 produced around 1970 was selected as a donor with enough room for the rear glass. Later maintenance on this lens module proved it's possible to survive again like a Phoenix, as I have another 52mm, this lens unit is worth keeping. Keeping Summilux lens unit precisely vertically onto new lens case with accurate centricity is an absolute condition that cannot be handed over. The angular stopping mechanism in the new barrell case was so modified to obtain maximum movement by grinding it as less as possible, thanks for this effort, minimum distance 370mm and 1/5 close-up shooting could be attained. But for Room temp. polymerizing resin material, this kind of fine work being requiring ultimate precision. Screw in&out rotation of Summilux lens unit makes it possible to be interchangeable between an original helicoid case & new one each other, even a small part of Leica lens is not modified at all. Leica M-Summilux 50mm/1.4 /2nd generation was modified as that should be what it should be if put on DSL camera body with unusually sweat a lot, direct E-mounting without mount adapter leading to less mechanical backlash. Hope that has been stuck for half a century on Summilux has realized! Spherical aberration correction on this lens is outstandingly different, S shape curve inverts between 1.4 and 2.0, no other lens including those for larger format does not have the same. Probably, this correction has much to do with the resolution of Atmosphere. This is why I insist only on this Leica Summilux 50mm/1.4/ 2nd generation. Though I recommend the performance of Zeiss Plannar 50mm/1.4 as most of the photographer does, I dare prefer Mandler's work to Plannar.

New Year will come

Major hotels and department stores are prepared for Xmas sale and New Year celebration with some brilliant decorations. But the pedestrian outside are very few not because of cold weather but because of self-restraint order by the Authority. I really feel all the commercial distribution economy are clogged and stopped, almost dead as if we are in War condition. I'm anxious about that this tendency might come down to Great Depression once happened in 1930 caused by US and lead to WW-2. Now we should have the concept not to rob but shar resources each other. So, any killing weapon should be deserted including Nuclear missiles. Establishment of logistics route all through the world is the first and all the borders between countries should be eliminated immediately now because any border cannot be observed from Space shuttle. Otherwise, we would kill each other as we had been experienced historically, do we do the same again, so stupid to repeat? World wide military balance should not be destroyed, keep any borders as they are now.

MD Zoom Rokkor 50~135/3.5

Without discipline I have stretched my habitual tacticles onto Minolta MD Zoom Rokkor 50~135/3.5 in Yahoo Auction, I bid it at 741 yen then no competitor appeared. Switching over period to New MD model has often green colored "feet" indication and it's specific barrel design makes it easy to disassemble focusing module lens grass removed thoroughly just only by removing decorating and indicating front ring. Mold colony was observed in the chamber between focusing module and zooming front as usual. Green feet indicator MD model do not have Maco construction and it relates on some disadvantage of close-up shooting, 1.5m is the limitation for 135mm condition is applied in 50mm setting. As I have no experience to come across with MD 50~135/3.5 in the market, this model with yellow feet letter indicated had not been produced by Minolta as a matter of fact? Result of shooting test revealed the capability of this new commer, sharpness, resolution and color are good enough for me except excessive close-up shooting distance. As I am keeping standard focus lenses at hand that cover upper disadvantage, inconvenience in the specific close up would be compensated?

Anti-camera shaking system

Not a few automobiles are in some sitting dack condition on the Highway outside with heavy snowfall weather, so radio news tells, in addition, 2nd wave of cold front is coming down from Asia Main Land today. No other victims would not appear in any harder condition, so I hope, but the threaten by COVID-19 does not disappear even now, increasing instead! Experimental photo shooting test comparing the capability of anti-camerashake system and conventional tripod fixation revealed an apparent difference at all. Such kind of phenomenon were checked even under pixel magnification. Also the tendencies were observed both in close-up and tele-photo situation. So, however more improvement might be established in the anti-camera shaking system, it will never exceed an old mechanical fixation system, "Tripod". Anyway, hand-holding and Tripod fixation are basically different each other. So, now is not the time to desert conventional method.

The 1st cold front from the Asian Main Land

Cold winter is in the air this morning. The first cold front comes down from the Asian Land as usual, Brrr!. Probably temperature outside will not exceed 10 degree celsius today. Though I'm not a reptile, cold weather inhibit me to go outside, a hesitative devil whispers behind my ears, "Cancel an appointment for lunch with my friend. ". Because of finding out some mold colony in the zoom lens maintained and serviced the other day, I'll disassemble it again on Konica Hexanon 35~70/3.5 2nd generation model.

Old standard lenses on SONY E-mount

I noticed that was the case, tens of modified standard lenses are prepared for SONY E-mount after deserting all the camera equipment I had been piling for half a century. My son has the same hobby habit as myself and he gave me some of the second handed SONY E-mount camera bodies one by one, Nex-3, Alpha 64oo, Alpha 7-3 and Alpha 9 as a matter of fact, this is the reason why I am keeping E-mount lenses now even after I had determined to retire from camera and photo hobby a year ago. As I had modified several Minolta lenses including Zoom ones into Canon EOS mount with 44.00mm flange back distance. Minolta SLR flunge back is 43.50, so Physical discrepancy exists as the lack of 0.50mm distance to establish the definite infinity focusing. Most of the people in the field define that any Minolta SLR lens have no way to modify to adapt another flange connection those exceed 43.50mm. Some engineer who have experienced to disassembling Minolta lenses should know the critical fact and truth that every Minolta SLR lens has tolerance to establish infinity position and this adjusting mechanical construction covers 0.50mm distance leading to establish infinity on Canon EOS mount with 44.00mm flunge back. So, tens of Minolta SLR lenses had been modified into adaptation with 44.00mm flunge back, just before the period the period of time, no prevailing of Mirror-less models. Consequently, over 20 of modified Minolta SLR lenses were left unsold behind. Now, K&F Concept EOS/NEX lens mount adapter make it possible to apply them on Sony Alpha 9 by chance, it was a good Gospel for me as a matter of fact. Standard fixed focus length lenses of 12 pieces in total here are almost from old range finder cameras connecting with Sony E-mount flange base.

Minolta Zoom Rokkor 35-70/3.5 Macro overhaul

It has been several years since I disassembled for cleaning and maintenance Minolta Zoom Rokkor 35-70/3.5 Macro and an actual shooting test and careful checking revealed some poor performance. Consequently, I determined to do that yesterday. Front focusing module was relatively easily removed and the most dirty part exists there invaded by mold. Breathing action caused by the movement of the zooming module invites mold spores let inside this is why this chamber has tendency to get dirty. I applied full overhaul this time including rear condensing module. As for my disappointment, secondary lens from the rear was fixed on the case by means of circular spring wire that might cause uncertainty for precise holding. Unexpectedly, the rear surface of front lens piece of the ilis chamber was invaded by mold attack and several trials for cleaning with solvent were required. It goes without describe here that the original performance of this cute Minolta Zoom lens was obtained with some surprise, resolution, sharpness and color balance of cleaned one are above words at all, comparable with focus fixed ones. I should do full overhaul much more earlier before I judge it as an ordinary Zoom lens, not so good one, I feel some shame. I would like to carry this one with me for the time being. In addition, Web site information told me that the original designing was not done by Leitz GMBh in West Germany but done by Minolta and also production was done in Japan though some of this 35-70 Zoom lens, earlier production without Macro function were produced with different bayonet mount, for Leica-Flex in OEM by Minolta.

With 2 old lenses at Hattori-Ryokuchi-Park in Toyonaka

I felt that winter is around the corner early in morning today at Hattori-Ryokuchi-Park in Toyonaka, but in the daytime not our butt off. I invited two old lenses, one is Konica Hexanon 45 mm/1.6 originally fixed on Konica EE matic S16, and another is Minolta Rokkor TC-100/4.0, Triplet mountain Rokkor. Both of them were produced over 50 years ago but fully disassembling for maintenance by myself recovered their original fine conditions optically. Color & resolution with sharpness are enough for my use even on Digital Imaging surface of SONY Alpha 9.

Beginning of Winter season

Believing in the information by Hankyu Railway Co., I visited "Zuihou-in" park today with confidence, but the condition was inferior to that of "Kyuanji" at Ikeda Tada visited the other day. Consequently, miss-combustion of my mind obliged myself to extend for another place, it was "Zuihouji-park" situated at Arima, just 10 km Northern portion from Ashiya into Mt. Rokko. 2nd visited place was good enough to satisfy my willingness to shoot. A milk-stand deep inside of the park will close from tomorrow till next Spring because of cold weather, so said the sellers to me. 1 more week will invite chilly temperature here.

Canon Demi HS 30 mm/17 lens transplantation, 6 elements and 4 groups

Probably the lightest lens is prepared by DIY arrangement utilizing Canon Demi HS 30 mm/17 lens with interplantation, weighs only 86 gr.. Half size imaging circle obliges to crop down to SPS-C format, but it's permissive for my usual use as a standard focal length lens. Iris control is available by adjusting a lever rotating and extraordinary 20 cm close-up capability is an indispensable gospel at all even with an original helicoid parts diversion. Cute and adorable appearance of this modified lens has an enough potential to surprise and frighten even a SONY engineer. 6 elements and 4 groups lens design construction has enough advanced concept even on Digital Imaging Sensor, no argument is acceptable to show it's resolution power and sharpness with delicacy. Small & Cute figure do not mean less capability even on a recent designed sophisticated Digital equipment.

Camouflage on lens barrel surface

It looked transparent to use without cleaning in the posterior element of Zoom-HEXANON AR 35~70/3.5 2nd generation at the beginning, but careful investigation found out small colony of hatred mold inside. Without any hesitation to disassemble thoroughly, all the rear groupe was removed and cleaned including applying edge black coating for the most posterior glass circle. With all this kind of thorough measures, I will have some clean & transparent pics by this zoom lens, anyway adorable one. My lenses are all camouflaged with any pet bottle decoration, so to speak Urban town camouflage. By applying this kind of funny appearance on the barrel, I can reduce the high presence of Tele-photo lens in front of the general public leading to soothing facial expressions of the others. This is why I apply camouflage on the camera lenses with funny & toy-like coloring, but all are reversible.

Konica Zoom-HEXANON AR 35~70mm/3.5

Without discipline, bid I another standard zoom lens in Yahoo Auction and the fact that no other competitor existed led me to obtain additional one at 1 yen, meaning getting the item for sipping fee only. Store in Yahoo Auction often sells some item at 1 yen for the sake of dealing strategy and some bidder might catch a chance if no other applicant exits. The harvest this time is Konica Zoom-HEXANON AR 35~70mm F3.5 with no mechanical damage, no trace of wear and no other defect except mold breeding inside. It is true that a Zoom lens is convenient to be carried with a photographer because of adjustable shooting angle, no need to endure the weight of several fixed focus length lenses. On the other hand, the weight of zoom lens can not be ignore some time. The lighter the lens weight is, the more opportunity to be brought out as a matter of fact. Consequently, zoom lens like this time often thrown away unused just damaged by mould attack inside. Though such a defect could be repaired by cleaning as before, specific tools, technology and know-how are required to do that. Even a layman can be an expert if several experiences should overcome. This hobby work is exactly fit with me, a retired engineer who has enough free time. The least payment with the greatest contentment is my life style. Clogged mould colony were on the glass surfaces shown in the figure. Piston & Cylinder like movement of zooming module invites many mold spores in action and the same in iris portion. As an experimental attempt, I ordered 62 mm metal lens hood in the morning today and I got it this evening without shipping fee, how come? Incredibly quick commercial distribution organization should be established already these days! Maintained, cleaned and finished one squeezed to be used ASAP, so went I for shooting with this new one today to an old farmer's house. Performance of this zoom lens is the second to none!

Ultimate performance of RMC Tokina 35-70-/3.5

Immediately after obtaining, RMC Tokina 35-70mm/3.5 Zoom lens was put into operation on SONY Alpha 9 for the evening scenery shooting at Dojima Nakanoshima Osaka yesterday. Thanks to some desperate effort done for cleaning and maintenance by myself, the potential and capability were exerted enough for the requirement on the various sceneries. Clean and transparent pics were obtained as a matter of fact with smooth and comfortable performance in every shooting, no complaint at all.

RMC Tokina 35-70/3.5 on SONY Alpha 9

A pretty old zoom lens has newly obtained from Yahoo Auction the other day, RMC Tokina 35-70/3.5 has done at the cheapest price 90 yen considering it's condition, no hitting mark, no rusting, no clogging and no other mechanical defect except broad mould colony marks. No evidence of being worn out shows it's history that very few opportunity to be used. Full disassembling on every lens housing promptly proved that 98% optical performance was been acquired and all the slipping and waving parts were supplied with rublicant adequately. Now, Tokina 35-70 zoom lens has survived like a Phoenix on the Digital imaging sensor in SONY Alpha 9 today, as a selemony, Autumn colored leaves will be a good target after long sleeping for over half a century time interval. The result would appear in later report.

Autumn leaves scenery shooting

I went out for Autumn Scenery shooting to Ikeda Kyuhoji and Minou yesterday successfully. The former temple was at the best condition and the latter required more 1 to 2 weeks to be the best. The equipment brought with me was Minolta MD Zoom Rokkor 28-85 on Sony alpha 9. Their potentials are enough for me to shoot colorful Autumn Leaves. Though this zoom lens was the first time to bring out with me, I felt the least inconvenience for actual use, independent focusing and zooming rings required some trial experience but no problem at all. It's a good Gospel for me to catch old silver-salt period time lenses at the least prices like nothing in Yahoo Auction, though some skill and experience might be required to clean dust and mould colony on the lens surfaces. Cleaning and fixing old lenses procedures, actual shooting test are the better way for Geriatric like myself to kill free time. Though the lenses obtained at the cheapest prices have became more and more in number, now is the time to refrain from continuing this style.

The potential of AR Zoom Hexanon 28-135

AR Zoom Hexanon 28-135 was brought out with me today for the first time, as this mould covered one was cleaned and maintained yesterday. 960 gr weight including mounting adapter is just a little bit heavy for usual use together with SONY alpha 9 and I did not have good future outlook at all. But, my fortune telling was turned over completely after checking today's harvest on my PC LCD, too good to be denied as a conclusion. Though test shooting performed priorly in the room did not show any good result in resolution and sharpness, the broad picture angle, 28 mm to 135 mm is some good insurance like a soldier equipped with grenade rancher. Color, resolution and sharpness have no room to be complained for this AR Zoom Hexanon 28-135 Tokinar made OEM lens produced over 50 years ago. Consequently, I am obliged to carry this heavier zoom lens together with me for the time being, how come?

Konica AR Zoom Hexanon 28-135 obtained

As I have experienced comfortable convenience of variable focal length lens on Minolta Zoom Rokkor 35-135 with satisfactory, the direction of my tentacles has changed into opposite side. Consequently, I came across with Konica AR Zoom Hexanon 28-135 when 50-135 idea was in my mind. Though latter one was found in Yahoo Auction at relatively higher price, 9,600 yen with Minolta bland, I found out former one with Konica bland at 1,300 yen with FTA body. In spite of the least desire, the items arrived was not so bad but not a mint condition, considerable mould colony were scattered on the frontal surface of the initial zooming module, as a matter for good resulting news, all the shadow and cloudiness was eliminated with my desperate efforts as usual. Grease-up and hard viscosity oil application on required surfaces recovered some smooth and comfortable handling feeling finally, in addition 40 cm close-up distance at 35 mm is one of an indispensable good gospel. Shooting test on comparison with fixed focal lenght lenses proved that this newly obtained Zoom Hexanon 28-135 has enough potential and capability to use as my equipment, with 960 gr weight makes me feel a bit heavy as a little hesitation.

"Rokudou-e" in Ohtsu Ethnographic Museum

I had an opportunity to visit Ohtsu Ethnographic Museum to meet with historic Buddhism Graphics called "Rokudou-e" being exhibited every 30 years. So, this is the last chance to meet with them especially for Geriatric. As is often the case that all of them were not so clear and brilliant but dark and dull because of hundreds of period of time, just a natural phenomena. The efforts of keeping their condition as it had been is great and above words. As most of the visitor of the Museum does, I dropped in Mii-temple on the way back that is famous for specially designed big Bell. Large and beautiful place was well maintained and was worth visiting. The station Miidera of Keihan Rail Way was just beside the Canal called Sosui or Incline, that was artificially engraved for the purpose of electric power source for the Tram in Kyoto City, but now not.

Better performance of Minolta MD Zoom Rokkor 35-135/3.5

I dropped in the shooting point at Itami Osaka International Airport on my way home yesterday arriving at the place just before Sunset. As my Alpha 9 body had only MD Zoom 35-135 by chance, I thought some lack of Telephoto focal length, actually, over 300 mm must be suitable for Airplane shooting from a distance. But, my anxiety was in vain, 135 mm length was enough for shooting the taking off phase as a matter of fact. Over 40 years old Minolta Zoom lens played well as if it was produced recently with some sophisticated technology and I have no complaint about it's Physical performance if it is applied in front of the full sized image sensor. The lens designing technology must have been established already over 40 years ago, though some one might dictates some lack of capability of old lenses if they were used on digital sensors. Ordinary photographers do not always eager for the ultimate performance at all, as for me, my desire would be fulfilled if the atmospheric resolution should be reproduced on the picture, because the only one lens was used at the critical scenery. The more twinkling F number, the less opportunity to take it out, because of the heavy weight and the more distance from the standard focal length, the less chance to meet with.

Acquired close up capability on M Summilux 50/1.4 2nd

Our climate condition at Kansai Area in Japan has changed into cold from cool and comfortable recently relatively quickly and my geriatric body condition has some difficulty to meet with it so rapidly. Though I try to follow any invitation by my friends, I feel some fatigue in walking and driving car, not so good especially this year, some body training and refreshing are required instead of staying at home being influenced by CONID 19. Consequently, I make it a rule to carry my camera with me whenever I go out. As we know, the lens has much to do with the image quality and no argument is required on this point. I made up my mind to throw out all the camera equipment a few years ago and I did it without any regret. But my son gave me a lovely toy, "SONY Alpha 7" with full sized image sensor and I put my residual old lenses on it finding out special fun! My curiosity has been increased after that and it has accelerated especially replacing from Alpha7 to Alpha9 in addition to the operation, inter-plantation of 2nd generation M Summilux 50/1.4 onto Hexanon 52/1.8 helicoid that has enough capability for close up shooting in ordinary use. Though my desperate effort was required to accomplish this work only my own finger work not with any machining except a drilling machine and a grinder. It goes without writing that I could have much and studied more deeply on the way and they the true fun to be desired. However long period of time was necessary to carry it out, it took me 50 years, never give up and keep in mind all the time is my way. Thank to this special arrangement, 39cm minimum distance and 1/5.3 magnification were obtained, now a long lasting and crogging disadvantage of Leica M lenses, minimum closing distance 1 m has eliminated and a marbelous M Summilux 50/1.4 can prevail in my collection, 50 years dream came true, I appreciate to the engineers in SONY researching and developing division from the bottom of my heart! Ernst Leitz M Summilux 50/1.4 2nd generation lens is the finest one for all through my life.

Leica M Summilux 50mm/1.4 on Hexanon 52mm/1.8 helicoid

Not a few photographer might feel some inconvenience to make use of old range-finder camera lens on recent digital mirror-less format, because of lack of close-up capability. For example, most of Leica M lenses were so made to focus up in the range of infinity and 1 m, the nearest position for the standard lenses are not enough especially when used on a recent designed digital camera body. Ordinary 50 mm lenses produced for SLR in silver salt period have 45 cm close up capability, there exists some big difference between them for usual conveniences. The same opinion could be declared on Leica M Summilux 50 mm/1.4 second generation. It is true that it could be used on SONY E-mount body without any Physical problem except the close-up capability. On the other hand, the possibility to brought out side is reduced because of the dictated problem.

I caught my eyes  on the fact that the lens module including iris construction and helicoid mechanical moving part can be separated, then, what will happen if the module could be put in an another helicoid mechanism with close up possibility?  Just conveniently could I obtain Konica 52 mm/1.8 SLR lens at only 1 yen from Yahoo auction, my idea should be realistic at all so I determined. The helicoid extension of Konica 52 mm is 45 cm and Summilux lens module is acceptable diameter with the least modification on Hexanon lens case.

I must declare here why I insist on Leica M Summilux 50 mm/1.4, it is the extraordinary correction of spherical aberration, S shape curve correction is done between 1.4 and 2.0, this method has not be came across with in the field, no other one has such a way like this lens. Of course Summicron has outstanding character in any performances, sharpness and resolution, but if the title comes to "lens taste", my ranking is changed immediately, Summilux 50 mm/1.4 is the second to none, especially on the resolution of atmosphere at the moment. According to my long lasting distinction on that, I came to the conclusion to proceed to operate on this case as a matter of fact.

Because my Leica M Summilux 50mm /1.4 has acquired the capability of close-up shooting 45 cm at the minimum distance, I will make it a rule to bring out whenever I do it keeping it at the corner of my C-bag.

Standard lenses I'm keeping

Not a few standard lenses are here, all of them can be applicable on SONY E-mount. I got stuck in a swamp of lenses for about 2 years recently. Some of them were produced over 30 years ago and another were done more than half a century ago. Thank to the development of the technology in Digital Imaging sensors, we can see their Physical capability at that time so clearly on our LCD, it's a great fun for me at all. Utilizing our Digital camera as a Lens Optical measuring equipment, so apparently we can see the performance in stead of some expensive dedicated experimental equipment. Every produced lens product has their own character that differs each other.

On the other hand, recent lens production has the least disadvantage reducing lack of edge light source, resolution and sharpness with some high price. Lens Baby is a extraordinary character to show far inferior edge resolution, this is an intentional design. The specific design to reproduce only the central area is the way to be invited by some photographers for consolidation of central area in the picture.

As for my own opinion, concepts that form the basis of lens design had been established over 50 years ago and they are prevailing even now. I have no idea to purchase high priced lensed produced recently.