Thanks so much, Lori. I really appreciate the kind words. Yeah, it’s a fantastic lens. It has so much character. I’m looking forward to getting some more vintage glass in my hands to test and review. This one, though, will always be special. Hope you’re doing well.
Sorry for coming in late, Brett. An interesting thing about the Domiplan is that it's quite a divisive lens, those who love and hate it might have been influenced by the sample-to-sample variations, for it's a low-cost lens on which Meyer could hardly lavish as much fine tuning as possible to ensure consistency. The British magazine "Amateur Photographer" tested one back then and the results were enough to put it in the worst performance ever and became a "worst performance" benchmark when they did lens testing, showing the infamous "ship" pictures. I have about half a dozen examples and they all varied a fair bit. The construction of the Domiplan - or most automatic diaphragm lenses by Meyer for that matter - made the iris becomes sticky easily, as the grease in the helicoid drive could get vaporized over time, and then recongeals around the iris drive mechanism. I have serviced all of mine, getting the old grease washed off and modern, more robust grease applied, and they work rather nicely afterwards.
Spot on! I bought an old Sony a7 so I could use faster wide angle lenses for astro, and then I wondered what it might be like to try the ancient lenses for my Praktica Nova 1 on it. Result: blown away by the rendition, and the character and charm of the colours like you are. The Domiplan 50mm f2.8 doesn't work for Astro very well, you can really see the Coma effects on the stars, but for daytime I absolutely love it. I have compared the shots with my RX10 iv, and sure the extra clarity of the RX10 is amazing, but I keep coming back to the character and beauty of the old lens, so now I enjoy both depending on the subject.
Hello Brett, thank you so much for this amazing video, your impressions and experiences with this nice little lens on a digital mirrorless camera. I have really enjoyed your video, the story behind your photography and how you enjoy this simple but also very special piece of art. This kind of stories are what photograhy makes so special in a world full of perfection and marketing-tricks, where we forget what really matters, not only in the way of art, also about things that we carry with us through our life. Your dad made it right, to give you this nice camera with this lens and you did it right to keep it and carried it with you to bring it back to life. Best regards from Wetzlar, the home of Leitz Leica - germany.
Thank you so much for watching the video and for the wonderful comment. I appreciate this so much. I am so glad you liked the story of the camera and lens. I agree. It's things like this that add another level of wonder to photography. Do you have any lenses you hold dear to you?
@@BrettADayHello Brett, thank you also for your reply. Yes of course i have some lenses and also old cameras that i really love. I also still have my very first kamera that my parents have given to me. Well this one is nothing very special , its an old Kodak Instamatic and i got this, when i was 9 years old in a used but still working condition. I collect also some older medium format cameras, like the Kiev 88 system, the soviet hasselblad copies. Also some older russian lenses for 35 mm, like the helios 44 and also Mamiya 645 system, and a lot more, I prefer the warm vintage look over the newer lenses who are specialy made for digital cameras. Most of the newer lenses are so perfect in sharpness and picture quality that they become just boring for me. In older lenses you can find much more life, more charm and a class of its own. I also use older lenses for video. its just a wonderful to use them, to have the full manual controll of aperture and the focus in your hand and see the results that speek their own language in that warm look. For me its not so important, what kind of camera you use, i think the art of this ,is to understand the character of your lens and how to use it. So for me and i guess also for many other photographers and filmmakers is your Video about the Domiplan very usefull, to find the right style in a lens they want to get for their work. I really love to see here in RUclips how people enjoy this older lenses and share their experiences with other people who are interested in those old vintage lenses and this kind of photography. So i cant wait to see more videos from you here on youtube and i think many other people are also curious of your next video about cameras and old vintage lenses. With the best regards from germany. If you have the possibilities to visit germany, you will be always welcome to meet us here in Wetzlar, our nice little hometown of the 35 mm film cameras with the historical Leitz Leica manufactur. I invite you to visit us and maybe someday we will produce a video together for your youtube channel here in Wetzlar city. :-)
Thanks so much, buddy. Absolutely, that’s what makes this lens so special on top of already being a fantastic vintage option. Hope al is well with you.
Hi Brett, i bought this lens last year and it has become on of my most used vintage lenses, its just got a special something about it,, Great Video you have made keep it up..
I am using my Domiplan at f4 with a mild black mesh diffusion filter and it has a unique rendering of colour. This is the beauty of an uncoated Cooke triplet - low contrast that breaks up the highlights perfectly.
Hi Brett, I got this lens a couple of days ago, it has Domiplan written on it but not Meyer... I guess it's the same lens. I also had it on a super TL3 Praktica lol ;-) and I totally agree with you on the qualities and flaws. Personally I don't really care about the modern clinical sharpness of today's lenses or the auto focus/aperture capabilities, even for me owning a Lumix GX9 for two months. Manual is The Way to go if you really want to experience photography and are not afraid to make mistakes. I heard this was your first video blog, congrats! It was a pleasant experience to watch you share your passion. I hope you follow up, looking forward to see more in the future. Best regards from Amsterdam
Great video! This lens also holds a great place in my heart since my grandfather gave me his Exa-1a camera with this lens. I'm looking forward to mounting it on a mirrorless body and shooting some photos and videos here in Norway. I am sure he would've loved his camera being used in one of his favourite countries which he visited yearly from the 90s until his passing last year.
An excellent, and inspiring video, thank you. I have just ordered a Domiplan to use on my Exakta. I have been using the camera with Zeiss glass since purchasing it new in 1969, using it with a Domiplan will be an interesting experience!.
Hey, Peter. Thanks so much for stopping by to watch the video and comment. I appreciate that so much. I think you’re really going to like using the Domiplan on your Exakta. It’s a fun lens to use and you can create some very interesting images with it. I’d love to know what you think about it when you get it.
@@BrettADay Hello Brett, thank you for the reply, I certainly will. I have been looking forward to going out again with a camera and a roll of film, just enjoying photography again.
Sometimes it’s the simple things. We can get so caught up in tech these days that we forget about the simple joys of photography. I may have to do the same one day soon. Hope you enjoy your time out with the camera.
Thanks Brett - I was going to a camera market , near me in Australia to cash out much of my old photography stuff. You have changed my mind on my Domiplan 2.8 lens . Mine is similar to yours but has what looks like a bishops hat between the serial number - 4046283 and the " Domiplan " I Not sure if its the same .? Cheers from OZ
Hi Brett - Very well done video and great narration. I am glad you are a fan of this lens. I have one of these apart at the moment because the focus is quite stiff. Hoping to get this GDR lens up to spec pretty soon. All the best.
Oh fantastic. Thanks so much for the watch and the sub, Jonathan. I really appreciate it. If you ever get the chance to try the lens out, you should. It’s a gem.
It is a indeed cool, little lens - especially at the typical price point that you can find it on eBay. Not sharp and so many other flaws and gobs of character. That said, your audience should note that the Domiplan is best considered an art lens rather than an everyday walkabout. And don't expect it to produce bubble bokeh for every shot with an out-of-focus background (but that is also true for the other Meyer triplets as well). Also, it was produced as a low-end budget lens and the handling and build quality are appropriate for that price point. Finally, I really love your enthusiasm.
Just bought a Praktica with this lens for $50. Sadly the aperture ring doesn't work on the lens, but after watching this video I'm not so unhappy about that. Can't wait to receive my adapter and see how it goes in the gx9.
Very nice first video, and very interesting. Are you certain your Meyer 50mm Domiplan doesn't have a lens coating? Sure looks like it does to me, a single antireflection coating. That's were that faint blueish look of the lens glass comes from. If it truly has no coating the glass would not look the way it does in your video.
Good job man, congratulations on your 1st video... I stayed for the whole thing and I really appreciate the story!! Stick around man, RUclips seems like tough work.... I just posted my 2nd video today and between both vids, it was like it was more work than my 9-5 😂😂!!
Thanks so much, man. I appreciate it a ton. YT is definitely a ton of work. Making videos is a time dump like no other, but I am so excited we get to work with this medium. I definitely plan on sticking around. I'm looking forward to checking out your videos. We can conquer this!
That’s fantastic. So glad you found the channel. Glad to have you here. Thanks so much for the kind words. There will definitely be a video about video with this lens. I’m looking forward to making it. Are you an s5 owner? Hope you’ve had a great Friday and happy weekend.
@@BrettADay Thank you! Yes! I've already bought it, I'm waiting for it to come. It will be great to find cheap alternatives to the L lenses that are currently available for S5 :D Happy Sunday!
Fantastic. I think you're really going to enjoy the camera. There are definitely some great vintage lenses that will pair up well with the s5. Any in particular you're looking at? I hope you've had a great Sunday.
@@BrettADay I'm enjoying it a lot, it's a great camera (but we have to be careful using V-Log at night scenes, so much noise!). I'm pretty new about vintage lenses tbh, so I will be learning all I can 😁
Loved the beginning of the clip and your childhood memories. Just like mine however my father, to keep me away from his superduper Zeiss SLR, had to buy me a Canon FTb with FL 50mm 1.4 that opened the endless door of photography into very young me. Take home lesson: Hey fathers and mothers, next Christmas or Birthday, instead of a violent game console that does nothing but killing the time and young life a child, give something to your children that Shape Their Future for better of all... My humbel, half penny opinion.
Thanks so much for the kind words and thank you for watching the video. We were blessed to have parents who wanted to give us the gift of creativity! Do you still have the Canon and the 50mm f1.4? And I completely agree about the gifts to kids.
@@BrettADay Yes indeed and what a great gift, no blessing, to have a caring parent. Then, during the time that I was student, I traveled to a different country for study. There I had to sell my Canon gem to reduce the load and make some money, but only after good use of it. No doubt that later on and after settling down, I bought several copies of the same Canon FTb, in chrome and black and currently have very many of those to enjoy with all kinds of FL and FD 50mm lenses. After all, noting is comparable to the first experience. And interesting enough, these tools are to over live us, BY several generations!!! Hope our offspring are enough encouraged and well thought to keep track of few things that last longer than our life and has special place in our hearts. Have a great day.
I got the lens the same way,I think I was 12. My dad gave me Praticka as well not sure what one ,that said 'Occupied USSR' on it. The camera was awful and eventually my dad got me a Spotmatic I later sold the camera and lens. I heard 45 years later, about the lens and remote one attached to another Praticka body (that's actually a cheaper way to get the Lens, I got it for like $10)
I own a lot of vintage lenses. I likely use this one the most. Don't use it on Panasonic. Don't use it on Canon. Don't use it on Fuji. Use it on camera bodies that can accept a Techart manual lens autofocus adapter. No one's best manual focus skills are any match for the computer in the camera. If one thinks otherwise, then take all of the motors out of your modern lenses. AF took over from MF in the 90's for a reason. It allows one to take shots that are difficult if not impossible using manual focus. The Domiplan is an awesome lens and it always has great AF for me on my Z8/TZM-02 combo.
The Domiplan was looked down on as it was the bottom lens of the 50mm options for the 'L' series Praktica's. The auto-diaphragm linkage is not the best design & can be a point of failure. There was a even lower 50mm for the Super TL. The E.Ludwig Meritar 50mm f 2.9. This is alleged to be the very worst 50mm EVER.
That bokeh! The colors! The memory of your first camera! This lens is awesome!!! Your first video was great, looking to learning more.
Thanks so much, Lori. I really appreciate the kind words. Yeah, it’s a fantastic lens. It has so much character. I’m looking forward to getting some more vintage glass in my hands to test and review. This one, though, will always be special. Hope you’re doing well.
Sorry for coming in late, Brett. An interesting thing about the Domiplan is that it's quite a divisive lens, those who love and hate it might have been influenced by the sample-to-sample variations, for it's a low-cost lens on which Meyer could hardly lavish as much fine tuning as possible to ensure consistency. The British magazine "Amateur Photographer" tested one back then and the results were enough to put it in the worst performance ever and became a "worst performance" benchmark when they did lens testing, showing the infamous "ship" pictures. I have about half a dozen examples and they all varied a fair bit.
The construction of the Domiplan - or most automatic diaphragm lenses by Meyer for that matter - made the iris becomes sticky easily, as the grease in the helicoid drive could get vaporized over time, and then recongeals around the iris drive mechanism. I have serviced all of mine, getting the old grease washed off and modern, more robust grease applied, and they work rather nicely afterwards.
Great vid. Your enthusiasm is great. I look forwarded to watching more of your vids. Cheers.
Spot on! I bought an old Sony a7 so I could use faster wide angle lenses for astro, and then I wondered what it might be like to try the ancient lenses for my Praktica Nova 1 on it. Result: blown away by the rendition, and the character and charm of the colours like you are. The Domiplan 50mm f2.8 doesn't work for Astro very well, you can really see the Coma effects on the stars, but for daytime I absolutely love it. I have compared the shots with my RX10 iv, and sure the extra clarity of the RX10 is amazing, but I keep coming back to the character and beauty of the old lens, so now I enjoy both depending on the subject.
Man, you're knocking it out of the park with your first video!
Thanks, John. I appreciate the kind words, my friend. Onward and upward for us both!
Hello Brett, thank you so much for this amazing video, your impressions and experiences with this nice little lens on a digital mirrorless camera. I have really enjoyed your video, the story behind your photography and how you enjoy this simple but also very special piece of art. This kind of stories are what photograhy makes so special in a world full of perfection and marketing-tricks, where we forget what really matters, not only in the way of art, also about things that we carry with us through our life. Your dad made it right, to give you this nice camera with this lens and you did it right to keep it and carried it with you to bring it back to life. Best regards from Wetzlar, the home of Leitz Leica - germany.
Thank you so much for watching the video and for the wonderful comment. I appreciate this so much. I am so glad you liked the story of the camera and lens. I agree. It's things like this that add another level of wonder to photography. Do you have any lenses you hold dear to you?
@@BrettADayHello Brett, thank you also for your reply. Yes of course i have some lenses and also old cameras that i really love. I also still have my very first kamera that my parents have given to me. Well this one is nothing very special , its an old Kodak Instamatic and i got this, when i was 9 years old in a used but still working condition. I collect also some older medium format cameras, like the Kiev 88 system, the soviet hasselblad copies. Also some older russian lenses for 35 mm, like the helios 44 and also Mamiya 645 system, and a lot more, I prefer the warm vintage look over the newer lenses who are specialy made for digital cameras. Most of the newer lenses are so perfect in sharpness and picture quality that they become just boring for me. In older lenses you can find much more life, more charm and a class of its own. I also use older lenses for video. its just a wonderful to use them, to have the full manual controll of aperture and the focus in your hand and see the results that speek their own language in that warm look. For me its not so important, what kind of camera you use, i think the art of this ,is to understand the character of your lens and how to use it. So for me and i guess also for many other photographers and filmmakers is your Video about the Domiplan very usefull, to find the right style in a lens they want to get for their work. I really love to see here in RUclips how people enjoy this older lenses and share their experiences with other people who are interested in those old vintage lenses and this kind of photography. So i cant wait to see more videos from you here on youtube and i think many other people are also curious of your next video about cameras and old vintage lenses. With the best regards from germany. If you have the possibilities to visit germany, you will be always welcome to meet us here in Wetzlar, our nice little hometown of the 35 mm film cameras with the historical Leitz Leica manufactur. I invite you to visit us and maybe someday we will produce a video together for your youtube channel here in Wetzlar city. :-)
My first camera/lens too. Struggling to shoot indoor high school sports with 50mm f/2.8 and Tri-X in the early '70s. ;)
Well done mate! It's a nice homage to your father too using the lens and creating new memories 😀👍
Thanks so much, buddy. Absolutely, that’s what makes this lens so special on top of already being a fantastic vintage option. Hope al is well with you.
Hi Brett, i bought this lens last year and it has become on of my most used vintage lenses, its just got a special something about it,, Great Video you have made keep it up..
Love this video and love that you’re able to use your Dad’s lens!
Me too. It will be treasured forever.
I am using my Domiplan at f4 with a mild black mesh diffusion filter and it has a unique rendering of colour. This is the beauty of an uncoated Cooke triplet - low contrast that breaks up the highlights perfectly.
Hi Brett, I got this lens a couple of days ago, it has Domiplan written on it but not Meyer... I guess it's the same lens.
I also had it on a super TL3 Praktica lol ;-) and I totally agree with you on the qualities and flaws. Personally I don't really care about the modern clinical sharpness of today's lenses or the auto focus/aperture capabilities, even for me owning a Lumix GX9 for two months. Manual is The Way to go if you really want to experience photography and are not afraid to make mistakes. I heard this was your first video blog, congrats! It was a pleasant experience to watch you share your passion. I hope you follow up, looking forward to see more in the future.
Best regards from Amsterdam
Great video. I love vintage lenses. I really wish I never destroyed this lens by trying to fix it once. Will have to buy another.
Great video! This lens also holds a great place in my heart since my grandfather gave me his Exa-1a camera with this lens. I'm looking forward to mounting it on a mirrorless body and shooting some photos and videos here in Norway. I am sure he would've loved his camera being used in one of his favourite countries which he visited yearly from the 90s until his passing last year.
Beautiful lens without a doubt also an excellent video
Thanks for sharing Brett
No problem at all. Thank you for stopping by to watch the video and for leaving a comment. I appreciate both so much. I hope you enjoyed it.
Great video !!
Thank you so much, Gillian. I really appreciate it.
An excellent, and inspiring video, thank you. I have just ordered a Domiplan to use on my Exakta. I have been using the camera with Zeiss glass since purchasing it new in 1969, using it with a Domiplan will be an interesting experience!.
Hey, Peter. Thanks so much for stopping by to watch the video and comment. I appreciate that so much. I think you’re really going to like using the Domiplan on your Exakta. It’s a fun lens to use and you can create some very interesting images with it. I’d love to know what you think about it when you get it.
@@BrettADay Hello Brett, thank you for the reply, I certainly will. I have been looking forward to going out again with a camera and a roll of film, just enjoying photography again.
Sometimes it’s the simple things. We can get so caught up in tech these days that we forget about the simple joys of photography. I may have to do the same one day soon. Hope you enjoy your time out with the camera.
Thanks Brett - I was going to a camera market , near me in Australia to cash out much of my old photography stuff. You have changed my mind on my Domiplan 2.8 lens . Mine is similar to yours but has what looks like a bishops hat between the serial number - 4046283 and the " Domiplan " I Not sure if its the same .? Cheers from OZ
Great job Brett. If you hadn't said it, it would be hard to tell this was your first video.
Thanks so much, Mike. I appreciate it my friend. Hope you’re doing well.
Hi Brett - Very well done video and great narration. I am glad you are a fan of this lens. I have one of these apart at the moment because the focus is quite stiff. Hoping to get this GDR lens up to spec pretty soon. All the best.
Brilliant want this lens... ta mate
Great video Brett! I just love the way you talk about this lens, I totally agree with your vision. Subscribed 😎
Oh fantastic. Thanks so much for the watch and the sub, Jonathan. I really appreciate it. If you ever get the chance to try the lens out, you should. It’s a gem.
It is a indeed cool, little lens - especially at the typical price point that you can find it on eBay. Not sharp and so many other flaws and gobs of character. That said, your audience should note that the Domiplan is best considered an art lens rather than an everyday walkabout. And don't expect it to produce bubble bokeh for every shot with an out-of-focus background (but that is also true for the other Meyer triplets as well). Also, it was produced as a low-end budget lens and the handling and build quality are appropriate for that price point. Finally, I really love your enthusiasm.
Just bought a Praktica with this lens for $50. Sadly the aperture ring doesn't work on the lens, but after watching this video I'm not so unhappy about that. Can't wait to receive my adapter and see how it goes in the gx9.
Great video, subscribed 👍
Thanks so much, Jordan. I appreciate it a ton.
Good job man on your first video ever.
Thank you so much, Oladipo. I really appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment.
Could you do a comparison video between the sigma 100-400 l Mount lens vs the sigma 150-600 contemporary using the adapter on the Lumix s5 or s1?
Hey, Jordan. If I can get my hands on the 150-600 and the adapter I’ll do a comparison. That will be an interesting one.
Very nice first video, and very interesting. Are you certain your Meyer 50mm Domiplan doesn't have a lens coating? Sure looks like it does to me, a single antireflection coating. That's were that faint blueish look of the lens glass comes from. If it truly has no coating the glass would not look the way it does in your video.
Good job buddy!
Thank you so much, Simon. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to the next video.
Good job dad. Love ya!
Thank you, Hannah. Love you too.
Good job man, congratulations on your 1st video... I stayed for the whole thing and I really appreciate the story!! Stick around man, RUclips seems like tough work.... I just posted my 2nd video today and between both vids, it was like it was more work than my 9-5 😂😂!!
Thanks so much, man. I appreciate it a ton. YT is definitely a ton of work. Making videos is a time dump like no other, but I am so excited we get to work with this medium. I definitely plan on sticking around. I'm looking forward to checking out your videos. We can conquer this!
I found you just by searching Panasonic S5, great discovery! How about videos with that lens?
That’s fantastic. So glad you found the channel. Glad to have you here. Thanks so much for the kind words. There will definitely be a video about video with this lens. I’m looking forward to making it. Are you an s5 owner? Hope you’ve had a great Friday and happy weekend.
@@BrettADay Thank you! Yes! I've already bought it, I'm waiting for it to come. It will be great to find cheap alternatives to the L lenses that are currently available for S5 :D Happy Sunday!
Fantastic. I think you're really going to enjoy the camera. There are definitely some great vintage lenses that will pair up well with the s5. Any in particular you're looking at? I hope you've had a great Sunday.
@@BrettADay I'm enjoying it a lot, it's a great camera (but we have to be careful using V-Log at night scenes, so much noise!). I'm pretty new about vintage lenses tbh, so I will be learning all I can 😁
Hey Brett, good to know!
Hey, Mindy! How are you? Good to see you on here. Thanks so much for watching the video. It’s a beautiful lens for sure. So much fun.
@@BrettADay I'm doing good. Anytime buddy! Having fun doing what you love, that's so awesome.
It what it’s all about. I’m blessed to be able to do what I do. Glad to hear you’re doing well my friend.
What about the aperture pin?
i use m43 cropped on olympus, or full frame on spotmatic
I basically got this lens for free today. I'm surprised by its size. I don't expect wonders, but it still looks like a fun lens
Loved the beginning of the clip and your childhood memories. Just like mine however my father, to keep me away from his superduper Zeiss SLR, had to buy me a Canon FTb with FL 50mm 1.4 that opened the endless door of photography into very young me.
Take home lesson: Hey fathers and mothers, next Christmas or Birthday, instead of a violent game console that does nothing but killing the time and young life a child, give something to your children that Shape Their Future for better of all... My humbel, half penny opinion.
Thanks so much for the kind words and thank you for watching the video. We were blessed to have parents who wanted to give us the gift of creativity! Do you still have the Canon and the 50mm f1.4? And I completely agree about the gifts to kids.
@@BrettADay
Yes indeed and what a great gift, no blessing, to have a caring parent.
Then, during the time that I was student, I traveled to a different country for study. There I had to sell my Canon gem to reduce the load and make some money, but only after good use of it.
No doubt that later on and after settling down, I bought several copies of the same Canon FTb, in chrome and black and currently have very many of those to enjoy with all kinds of FL and FD 50mm lenses. After all, noting is comparable to the first experience. And interesting enough, these tools are to over live us, BY several generations!!! Hope our offspring are enough encouraged and well thought to keep track of few things that last longer than our life and has special place in our hearts.
Have a great day.
I got the lens the same way,I think I was 12. My dad gave me Praticka as well not sure what one ,that said 'Occupied USSR' on it. The camera was awful and eventually my dad got me a Spotmatic I later sold the camera and lens. I heard 45 years later, about the lens and remote one attached to another Praticka body (that's actually a cheaper way to get the Lens, I got it for like $10)
I own a lot of vintage lenses. I likely use this one the most. Don't use it on Panasonic. Don't use it on Canon. Don't use it on Fuji. Use it on camera bodies that can accept a Techart manual lens autofocus adapter. No one's best manual focus skills are any match for the computer in the camera. If one thinks otherwise, then take all of the motors out of your modern lenses. AF took over from MF in the 90's for a reason. It allows one to take shots that are difficult if not impossible using manual focus. The Domiplan is an awesome lens and it always has great AF for me on my Z8/TZM-02 combo.
Just bought this lens last week for $35.
The Domiplan was looked down on as it was the bottom lens of the 50mm options for the 'L' series Praktica's. The auto-diaphragm linkage is not the best design & can be a point of failure.
There was a even lower 50mm for the Super TL. The E.Ludwig Meritar 50mm f 2.9. This is alleged to be the very worst 50mm EVER.
The Dolmiplan 50mm f2.8 was used as a bench-mark for the worst 50mm lens ever made. I seldom got a sharp photo from mine.