Bokeh, and the Hexanon 60mm f/1.2.

Konica Hexanon 60mm f/1.2, Teaching point

Bokeh refers to the out-of-focus elements in an image.

Photographers usually obsess over it because it can enhance – or detract from – an image.  More precisely, it can be smooth or harsh, or anything in between.

Different lenses render bokeh differently, and we often speak of a lens’ character in this respect (lenses can also exhibit other characteristics, but that discussion is outside the scope of today’s post).

The Konica Hexanon tends to have bokeh on the wild side (harsh), which I often prefer to the more marshmallow-y (smooth) look you get with certain more “perfect” lenses, like the Leica 50mm Summilux Aspherical.

The interesting thing is, the quality of the bokeh can be different even when using the same lens at the same aperture, depending on what content is being photographed.

For instance, here are two examples demonstrating some of the different ways the Konica Hexanon 60mm renders bokeh (both shot @ f/1.2):

In this first example, the harshness of the bokeh is apparent in the foliage, where we find rather “hard” edges to the circles; the Leica 50mm Summilux Aspherical would have rendered this in a more smooth manner.  Foliage, by the way, is a bit of a “torture test” for lens bokeh, as it can bring out some rather jarring results, even in lenses that are generally thought to be smooth.

(please click on the image below)

In the second image below, even though the same lens is being used, the background has been rendered more gently.  I would specifically describe it as painterly – a mix of smooth and bold as if painted by an artist’s brush.  This is what I really appreciate about this lens – there’s always a tension present between extremes that I find visually very appealing.

(please click on the image below)

Of course, foreground elements may also be out-of-focus, as is the case with the railing in the second shot as it approaches the bottom right portion of the frame.  It follows that different lenses will handle foreground elements differently.   But I’ll leave that discussion for another day…

The Konica Hexanon 60mm f/1.2 – it’s got a Hex on me.

Inspiration, Konica Hexanon 60mm f/1.2, Teaching point

I’ve been looking, and looking for this lens.

I’m not gloating. I’m just happy. So very happy.

This is my dream lens….

I’ve searched, and searched for it, and was finally rewarded this week.  And it arrived today.  Oh, sweet joy.

Here is one of my first test shots.

(please click on the image below)

↑Leica M9 and the Konica Hexanon 60mm f/1.2, Special Edition.

Never heard of the Konica Hexanon 60/1.2?  It’s understandable, as there were only 800 of these ever made, in 1999.  Most of these are sitting in boxes, on collectors’ shelves.  Occasionally – actually, rarely – one of these is put up for sale.

If you want to read more about this special lens, you may do so here at Yanidel’s photo-blog – it was his artistry with the KH 60/1.2 that first made me aware of its existence (if you’ve never seen Yanidel’s site, do yourself a favour and have a look – his street photography with any lens is brilliant).

Toronto Beach – A Misty Morning.

Inspiration, Photo Shoot, Print, Zeiss ZM 21mm f/2.8 T* Biogon

This is a spiritual place for me.

I’ve photographed this spot many times and each time I get something different — a different mood painted with a different palette.

Always beautiful though.

Here are some sample shots taken on a recent foggy Saturday morning.

(please click on any photo to view a larger version)

Leica M9 and Zeiss 21/2.8