Friday 17 January 2014

Focal Reducer 0.72x with EF mount [m4/3] first impressions

Last time I've presented you a simulation on how a focal reducer (FR) 0.72x might work with Tokina 11-16 mm 1:2.8 on micro 4/3 sensor. Today I decided to present you first impressions on $99 eBay version of FR with EF mount.

Focal Reducer 0.72x with EF mount for Micro Four Thirds MFT M4/3Focal Reducer 0.72x with EF mount for Micro Four Thirds (MFT M4/3)
Focal Reducer 0.72x with EF mount for Micro Four Thirds (MFT M4/3)

What is Focal Reducer aka Lens Turbo aka Speed Booster?
The simplest answer is that it's the lens that focuses light from a mounted lens reducing focal length by a ratio (in this case 0.72x, which means 100 mm lens becomes 72 mm). It also makes lens faster (in this case by 1 EV step - f2.8 becomes f2.0, f2.0 - f1.4 and so on...).

Yesterday I've finally received my own FR. I must admit it's very well built and quite heavy. It didn't gave me the impression of any cheap materials used. Rather firm and dependable hardware.
All my life I've been an Olympus, then 4/3 and now micro 4/3 person. Obviously I don't possess any Canon lenses, and that's why I ordered EF > M42 adapter with flange (for M42 lenses with aperture pin). It fits perfectly and makes whole unit even heavier.

Wednesday 8 January 2014

Tokina 11-16 mm 1:2.8 with micro 4/3 focal reducer to 8 mm 1:2.0 [simulation]

Recently a new version of Focal Reducer/Speed Booster/Lens Turbo for Micro 4/3 was released.
It's available on eBay with EF mount. It reduces aperture by 1 step and the reduction is 0.72x.

micro 4/3 focal reducer with EF mount; source: eBay, seller: jinfinance, store: RJ camera accessory storemicro 4/3 focal reducer with EF mount; source: eBay, seller: jinfinance, store: RJ camera accessory store
micro 4/3 focal reducer with EF mount
source: eBay.com, seller: jinfinance, store: RJ camera accessory storedirect link ]

What's so interesting about this one?
It reduces focal length of used lens to 72%, expands FOV (field of view) and makes the lens faster by +1 EV step.




Wednesday 1 January 2014

KMZ Horizont "Горизонт" [camera]

Recently I'm suffering from a lack of my Lumix G2, so I decided to test one of my newest cameras: KMZ Horizont. What is so special about this one? It takes panoramic pictures with moving (!) lens. Also film isn't placed flat, but arc-shaped.

KMZ Horizont Горизонт camera
KMZ Horizont Горизонт camera