**ALL Black & White Photographers** Learn this fact & improve your B&W Photos
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- Опубликовано: 11 сен 2024
- *ALL Black & White Photographers* Learn this fact & improve your B&W Photos
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What I find most puzzling for someone so tech savvy and intelligent beyond most, is ... why can’t you use the wonderful technology we have to day to show more clearly your opinions and observations? Looking at a Mac screen 10 feet away is as useful as a solar powered torch 😳 Still hooked on your channel though 😁
There are lots of things that became normal in the era when colour film became more mainstream and began to supplant black and white. It became important for the refraction of each wavelength to be set so that light came to a focus at the same point - the focal plane. Good optical designers were already hitting that mark pre colour film and everyone else needed that sorted if they weren’t. Films became panchromatic and that made tones a real way to impart plasticity in two dimensional images in black and white images. So, good black and white lenses would aim to be apochromatic and tonal. Colour film arrived and most lenses were considered to be lacking contrast for colour. The film was made more contrasty and lens coatings were applied to maximise lens contrast. There then came two philosophies; Tonal lenses vs. contrast lenses. German lenses could discriminate between very similar tonal values. Japanese lenses from certain manufacturers went for resolution in line pairs per millimetre, the LPPM race pushed many towards designs with higher contrast. They resolved line pairs per millimetre well, made colour images more vibrantly and had a benchmark measurement for resolution to beat naysayers over the head with. The irony is that if a tonal lens distinguishes between two very similar tones side by side, the virtual line separating those two tones is infinitely thin, it’s an interface. That tonal discrimination was in fact creating amazing resolution. Poor lenses can have high LPPM scores because they have short tonal ranges and low tonal discrimination. Amazing lenses have a tonal range tailored for the medium, fine tonal tonal discrimination and would pass the LPPM test. Zeiss lenses are amazing lenses and the Hasselblads, Rolleis and Contax’s have that Zeiss look. The CZ Jena lenses fit into the same genre. Their colour richness is due to the combination of tonality and resolution. When people use vintage lenses they get the benefit of tonality over contrast. They get richer colours and better plasticity. Using lanthanide glasses and simple formulae optically manages refraction and stops tonal edges overlapping and blurring. Multicoating to stop off axis light bouncing around between elements and to improve transmission gave us even better image fidelity. Pentax shared Super Multi-Coating with Zeiss and collaborated on some key lens designs with Zeiss here and there. Zeiss has remained the gold standard benchmark for serious lenses.
Micro contrast is Insanely important !
damn right :P
These types of videos set you apart from all the other youtube photography folks...
werd man!
True. The other folks make useful videos.
Totally agree with you my friend. I buy several "vintage" lenses. Micro contrast is my main thing to look for. Probably they won't match my fuji for sharpness under scrutiny but the feel they give with quality simple glass...amazing!
I appreciate the education. I always thought what you're describing was the result of the dynamic range (or lack of) of the sensor. I didn't realize the lens could be the culprit. Makes sense now that I think of it. Thanks!
the glass is the most important, not the sensor. invest in the best lenses you can buy, they are not always the most expensive but the best designed. Less elements the better unless it has a good design, Zeiss Biogon series is a good example of multi lens element design. Leica Summicron is a good example of fewer lens elements. Nikon Nikkor 180mm f2.8, any vintage is a masterpiece of low element design to this day.
It'a all about micro contrast, I agree. As a B&W photographer it's all about the glass. Shoot only primes. I respect Fuji lenses more than my old Zeiss primes. Oh and fuck filters!
@@mtryambon A great composition in bad light is a mediocre image. A mediocre composition in stunning light is a good image. Combine the two and you have a winner
Nikkor 135mm F3.5 is excellent for black & white photography. I was floored when I converted some images.
Great in depth info. How would I know the micro contrast for each lens? Some manufacturers do not reveal this. In addition, which Fujifilm lenses are better at micro contrast? Do you have a list?
Thanks for this ken. As a bnw shooter I have noticed differences in lens and this explains it perfectly. Glad to have been educated.
Another tip is shoot film when shooting B&W - Digital B&W never comes close. Apart from with the Leica Monochrome but thats £5000!
Jonathan Grinstead
Even color , digital doesn't match Kodak Crome slide film at all! Or Fuji Velvia, but digital is very flexible in terms of ISO and gives the opportunity to experiment without waste film. That is my personal opinion of course.
@@evelasq1 isn't it the other way around digital sensors are black n white with color filters.
Fuji xpro 1 is very good for black and white.
Thanks man! I'm gonna take off of my bag : nikon 18-35 D 4,5-5,6 , nikon 35-70 2,8 nikon 80-200 2,8 D push pull. I' m going to put in : nikon 28 2,8 Serie E , nikkor micro 60mm 2,8 , nikkor 85 f 2 ais , nikkor 105 mmf 2,8 micro and nikkor 200 mm f 4 ai. Thanks for the lessons about microcontrast, prime lenses, manuaual fucusing and more. Alessio from Rome👍👍👍
Back in the day we used to call those "Flat" lenses no contrast. A "contrasty" lense was the holy grail...
Hey Ken.
Can I send u some ideas for videos.
- Best black and white kit (24, 35, 50, 85, 105...)
- best cheap black and white kit
My last 20 or so lens purchases were low element count primes, made by Nikon, Leica, Zeiss (Hasselblad). No more plastic junk here anymore.
well even some low element count lenses dont have great microcontrast…..most do however….so its a general rule, but NOT a promise.
I love the 23mm f1.4. Super lens!
What about the yellow people or the red people? Why is it always black & white photographers? Oh...I see......never mind.
Great video. Thanks.
Mikrokontrast ist wahnsinnig wichtig! put your monitor image directly in your video please... Three spankings below
The newer Nikkor produces a Black & White image...The older Nikkor produces a Black, Grey and White image...and that ladies and gentlemen is the difference 😃😉 Micro contrast is neither black or white...it's the stuff in between ☺
Can you give us the specs of the good micro-contrast lens? Yo quiero uno!
I have learned something new about lenses. Thanks!
www.flickr.com/photos/134746128@N05/29862664812/in/dateposted/
www.flickr.com/photos/134746128@N05/29862664882/in/photostream/
Theoria Apophasis the results on flickr speak for themselves and your case. Thanks!
Is it possible to have PNG's on flickr? Because that jpeg compression is gnarly. It harshly affects the colours as well as detail.
Thank. You. Very. MUCH. (for this information. Nobody told me that.)
Yeah good point that's why I like the Cooke triplets with three elements - that said light management also plays a big part in the outcome.
I always take myself to watch 2 videos of yours a day. May it be a new one and an old video to learn. Thank you. Your information is Gold.
Micro contrast is crazy important!
Where can I buy driftwood? I asked my local camera store but they didn't stock any.
ebay actually
Yay thanks I live a long way from the ocean
Don´t have a river nearby?
it will cost you one drive to tye beach
MsDancingpants
Yeah! eBay sells xviii century ship wrecks , good price actually and the quality of wood ... beautiful! 😁
Hey man loved this video! Which Fuji 23mm appears to have the best micro contrast to you? The f2 or the 1.4? Also of all the fuji glass lineup, which one would you rate the best for this purpose? Thank you very much :)
the 1.4 does :)
Theoria - I like your level of conviction. Just want to mention that at 4:44 in the video you praise the lens on the right then later you trash it? Also you say that the # of elements determines the micro contrast of the lens as in less elements is better quality. Sounds good however the Sony kit zoom lens 28-70 had 8-9 elements and the Sony Zoom lens 24-105 G OSS has 14-17 elements and the many more elements 24-105 beats the less elements 28-70 kit zoom hands down in every way possible. Please explain that. P.S. Sorry to rock your boat bro.
Might help if we could actually see the photos?
The links are in the notes
well i don´t think i have seen a person with this kind of self confidence, that's for sure.
Another favorite 'micro-contrast' test subject is our own fugly bony feet. There's more detail and shading gradation on a couple gnarly old toes than a freshly hewn oak log. Try it!
Of course a camera sensor sees photons, that is exactly how it records light. It collects photon strikes which, in turn, create a charge that is then converted into digital data by the ADC. I don't understand at all why you would try and refute that. Of course, those photon strikes are then converted into electrical signals, but to say that a camera sensor does not see photons is totally inaccurate
If anyone wants to see a man with perfect confidence in his Art look no further in other words he knows his Shit!!
Thank's for this Video 👍👍👍
I got some old yashica lenses that I use with my mirror less camera. What do you think of those lenses for b&w?
Could have said that once ! Iv heared this exact speach re worded on a few videos from different people ,
Does anybody publish lens ratings for micro contrast. I'm intrigued.
nobody does, no
Does the 105 1.4 actually have BAD micro contrast, or does it just have bad micro contrast compared to the 105 f2 DC?
not comparing it to anything specific, it has bad microcontrast. Discerning eyes can see it in COLOR, but everyone can see it when you convert them into high res B&W shots.
for BW shooters, bad microcontrast lenses are just crippling your BW photography, its fubar'd out of the gate
You rock Ken ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Muy Imporrrrtante!!
Great video!
Hi Ken, What would you say if you compare nikon ais 105 f2.5 and nikon 105 f2 d in terms of micro contrast. Nikon Ais 105 f2.5 has 5 elements, 3 groups where as Nikon 105 f2 d has 6 elements,6 groups. What I learned from you is more glass (glass is evil) causes less micro contrast but what about the effect of optical design (or glass tech and quality) on micro contrast. I really don't care about the auto focus by the way and I was planning to save some more money but I would like to know if 105 f2 d is a so much better alternative in many ways then I would spend for it happily of course. Thanks a lot, Kerim
both pretty damn close
Great explanation. Thanks Theo.
I got some old takumar lenses with a spotmatic f recently from my grandpa. Any thoughts on them? The build quality is insanely good...
Ha! Bet this new xf33mm f1.4 might do all right any thoughts?!!
That is why I love use vintage PRIME lenses! Comprende, José?
Si Joel.
A always, excellent post!
Great information...Will you include how to then find lenses that are higher quality or in this case have better microcontrast? Or is it not that easy? Newbie here.
ask any about nikkor lens and i know the answer, almost all Zeiss and some Voigtlander
I'm on a Sony A6300 (I know they over heat haha, they are much better after the firmware update) What is a good f2 or higher E Mount lens that is around 35mm with OSS and autofocus? I have a feeling there aren't many choices. This is for video and photos...I want this lens for lower light scenarios. I have the 10-18mm Sony wide angle already. Is this even a good question? haha Thanks, Your friendly newbie.
hi Justin, ignore the technical stuff, you tube is best place for finding what you want from your photography. look at some famous photographs some from pre war years. you learn by mistakes.the big companies want to sell equipment. all with bells and whistles.
find a camera you like, and learn everything about it.
My old Nikon 105 F2.5 would do even better then the 105mm F2, great lens.
Is there a chart that compares micro contrasts between different lenses or brands?
remember when started photography we where told to use grey card when getting right exposure. also, a lot of different light conditions to judge.so, basics are better than type of lens used.my first camera was a box brownie.some good memories.
Thank you for existing
HELLO. I JUST ordered a 50 mm fuji 2.0 3 days ago. didns arrive yet.. because you said it had a excelent micro contrast. i was in the doubt of bying the 56 or the 35 can you please easy my mind and tell me if i made the best choice? thanks friend.
What lenses do you recommend for B & W photography from fujifilm?
Fuji 50mm f2 and 60mm 2.8 macro are great for B&W
Ive just been gifted a Nikon 800D can you recommend a 35m lens for B/w work that produces that “pop”?Thanks for conten5 btw he’ll a channel
35mm f2 D
@@KenTheoriaApophasis Thank you squire! That’s me sorted ..one camera one lens.
The Fuji 16mm 1.4 has 13 lens elements, whereas an old classic like the C/Y Zeiss 28mm 2.8 only has 7. Would you say the latter has higher microcontrast?
hi Ken, what if we reduce the contrast in the post processing, can we get a photo with micro-contrast pop-up? Sorry I am new to photography and do not know the answer.
What is the cryptic lens on the left? Or did you mention it?
Buen Trabajo, Good Job. congra.
Do you have a video explaining more about how an image sensor registers electrical charge, not photons further? I am more of a film maker, but this stuff totally applies. Love your vids btw your so honest
yes, i do, its intertonal has less microvoltage and lenses with tons of glass suck up the low power intertonal light which defines microcontrast
if it DOES NOT make it to the sensor, obviously its NOT gonna get registered
BTW i LOVE your videos dude but i see them in 1.5 or 2 x speed LOL. Abraço man.
A Holga 120 takes better black n white images, just the one element plastic lense.
also it uses film, which according to convention is what digital photographers are always trying to compare.
Hey Ken - What Fuji lenses in your opinion have the best microcontrast performance? How does the X100F perform in this area too?
50mm f2 .
Thanks Ken
Ken - 2 questions: what do you think of the zeiss touit 32 f1.8 for Fuji? I also have a chance to buy a used Fuji 351.4 cheaper than the 35f2 for the xt20. which one do you think I should buy? all for low light travel photography instead of the 18-135 or 18-55. I was also testing the sony zeiss 16-70mm f4 lens on the sony A6300 since that is the perfect travel zoom range for me but finding it is very soft and doesn't have the zeiss pop. what gives??
the Touits are junk :/
35mm 1.4.....snag it :)
great to know. what about the sony 16-70 zeiss glass constant f4? I really love the Fuji system but this lens zoom range is perfect for me especially with the constant f4
Please learn how to put your monitor image directly in your video please. Your points are lost when you shoot video of a monitor, at an angle, to make a point. You preach using very technical arguments, yet use primitive ways of showing examples. Photography is visual - video is visual. Use the technology available - otherwise save some money and move to radio.
Isn't the trioplan meyer optic they were pushing really hard on KS a 3 element lens? 100mm? Have you tried that out? That's one of the lowest element counts I know of.
yes, that remake lens, id like to have my hands on it :) small production, high price……i wish someone would lend it to me for a few days
What are your thoughts on the Mitakon lenses?
Love this, Ken! Very helpful.
sup gerl! im sipping gatoraide and watching TV news and listening to the rain :P
Sounds awesome! I'm sipping Kahlua and catching up on your videos.
ohhhh ohhhh U need to do that in a bubble bath with headphones on gerl!
ohhh youll make urself sick looking at my ugly face, dont do that too much
What was the other lens you used.
Hi! Ken when is the good time to take picture during this season? evening at what time?
HEHEHE, where on earth and what parallel? whenever the light matches your minds eye for perfection
so thats up to you :)
Bien dicho señor!! LoL
A hologram is not 2 dimensional. It contains phase information and thus inherently 3 dimensional. An image becomes 2 dimensional when it loses phase information.
you misunderstand entirely, a photographic pressing of a hologram IS 2 dimensional.
wrong.
Theoria Apophasis as you state, a 'photographic pressing' of a hologram is 2 dimensional. A true hologram, by definition, and fundamental principals is 3 dimensional because it contains phase information. You are describing a representation of a hologram. You are not speaking about an actual hologram. Words are important and precise. Go look at the original research papers on holography (which is lensless, and therefore by your set of rules where less glass is better, the most accurate form of image recording).
Don't cuss,
call Gus,
Gus will cuss for all of us.
Screen capture mate ... it's been around for a while
When I liked that "pop" I used to use Panatomic X film and develop with "accufine"... oh well
I miss Panatomic. Was my favorite for years. Is there anything like it any more?
es muy importante haha thanks for the info man!
Using an expensive Japanese NIKON lens to bash China is really weird. What does Nikon lens design, good or bad, has to do with China?!
Makes sense.
Great
in the matter of microcontrast, the fuji 56mm has a lot of it, doesnt it?
no, but it is at least GOOD. 11 elements :/
Hey Ken, how is the micro contrast on the Nikon AI 135mm f3.5? Thanks!
the cats ass for certain :) (meaning great)
Theoria Apophasis lol... and what about the Tokina 100mm f2.8 macro?
ive got 4 of those lenses
why don't you wanna cuss anymore? :(
i do wanna, but people are wimps, and they cant handle the salty talk
I say, bring back the salty talk. Fuck the wimps.
Cause he is trying to rise above the trash
Maybe he doesn't want his channel demonetized.
Tested the micro-contrast of any canon lenses?
i havent messed with canon in ages.
You must be lucky that you convert B&W output of the "stuff".The Milky way would be amplified on things like Leica Monocrome....I can't imagine how ugly that would be.....
Hi Ken . I'm trying to profile my camera to the sekonic 758 and just
keep on getting the message " the set level does not exist in the image,
change the level to one that exists in the image in order to
calculate" . Do you have any idea what that means? I've . followed your
guidance . I've been through forums and the sekonic manual but no luck
did you watch and follow exactly the Sekonic training video?????
do you have the link to that video? :)
Yes I watched your video and also a few others after being freaked out and unable to find any help. I read the entire sekonic manual. I followed exactly directions photographing passport . Then took them into lightroom , cropped them and exported as jpegs. Been through it over and over again. Where can I find out what the error message even means
well their manual is SHIT and even THEY admit that , seriously, they admit it…..
lightroom what????? you dont use lightroom to calibrate the Sekonic, you just drop the images into the Sekonic software to be profiled
no , i shot them raw initially then took them into lightroom and cropped them and white balanced then exported as jpegs.
I only used lightroom after having already got this message from the sekonic dts software. lol .. I really didnt try and calibrate the meter IN lightroom!!
The first few times I didn;t use lightroom just the sekonic dts software
How is the micro contrast on the Laowa 60mm 2.8 macro lens
havent used that one yet
I ordered it a few days ago.
Hi Ken.....Ppppplastic...😂😆👍👍👍
What is the lens on the left?
ahhh, the 105mm F2 DC nikkor
So funny. I remember 50 years ago lot of people teased all those "made in Japan" junks...
So let us wait another 50 years and see what will happen...
just over 50 years ago bought a yashica camera.only film stock available then.been going through old snaps recently. was amazed at the sharpness of lens. guess its horses for courses. find digital ok, but its not film.
LOL 2d your funny lol i love how start arguing with yourself . i do the same
Go ahead and say Shit! ;-). I'm sure nobody worth mentioning will remember..... BTW, it's pronounced lie see ya. 😂
omg those cat pictures looked ugly, how did they make a lens this bad
Schooled.
flic.kr/p/6SAMJR notice how the old man pops out on the 105mm dc
oh hell yes, got 2 of those awesome lenses :)
beautiful foto mate
Last time my 'old man' popped out I got arrested in the park!
would you please change that horrible microphone. You are jumping from left to right. I am getting nuts here. Its annoying annoying annoying....
Deep. lol
who me? :P I DO know im the only APE on youtube thats an expert on both light , more expeirence than god with lenses, and knows a junk lens from a great one.
turns out thats 'useful' info :P
I believe it! You're about the only one I trust on equip suggestions and techniques.
the fat tattooed loser :P who translates ancient greek for fun and writes books on abstruse field theory
:P (total nut job)
Ah now, never say such things abut yourself. But yes, you!
well i have to be honest about it :)
I'll spank ya 3:22
What a pain you are.
Video title is misleading and click-baity. Some of us shoot black snd white film and aren’t interested in your drift wood. Only made it 40 seconds.