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Pine cones | Idaho Springs | Pentax 67 (6x7) 105mm 2.4 medium-format film | Kodak Portra 800 @ ISO 1600

Approx. 50mm f/1.1 equivalent in 35mm-film format

 

I love this lens/film combo: smooth specular bokeh and ZERO red/green fringing due to the low-dispersion RADIOACTIVE thorium lens element (which is no problem, since I always wear a lead body suit on photo outings anyways).

 

Note to self (and the bokeh-obsessed like me):

 

This shows off the eerie "3D" quality of this lens. It feels different than the Nikkor 50mm f/1.2, Mamiya 80mm f/1.9, and Leica Noctilux 50mm f/1.1 & f/1.0 lenses (which I also love). I think it has to do with Pentax's choice of intentionally under-correcting circular aberration, thus avoiding "busy" or "donut ring" bokeh. To experience the effect fully, zoom to full-screen size, close one eye, and notice how the foreground "pops."

 

Pentax 6x7 fans: This image has a really vintage 1950s feel because of the hefty (-1 EV) browning of the thorium glass, but I've subsequently cleared it with the magic "Nortega" IKEA lamp method recommended by the Pentax groups. Thanks for the tip!

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Uploaded on August 2, 2013
Taken on July 27, 2013