50 mm - One lens for all photography
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 พ.ย. 2023
- One lens for all photographs. Limitations will expand your control of photography and open a new creative mindset.
Albek Photography
www.mortenalbek.com
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45 years ago when I received my first camera, I asked my father which lenses I should get with it... He handed me a 50mm lens and said, When you master this lens you can think about getting additional lenses!" All these years later I am still trying to master the nifty 50!
That's a lovely story and good advice from your father. Thanks for sharing.
And it’s the only lens you’ve owned that whole time. Riiiight?
My story exactly. I kick off with a 50, then got the idea that I needed other sizes to fit the situation. Some 40 years later I’m a lot wiser of the view and story I want to tell…and back to a 50 mm as the go to for most occasions. I think the limitation sparks creativity like nothing else and the 50 is just of these perfect limitations.
Your father was wise :)
Very similar to me, I was given a Praktica 35mm camera in my late teens by my father, the only lens that came with it was 50mm, had no choice but to learn it. Although I use other focal lengths it is still my favourite. I am going to Tenerife this week for a holiday and I am just taking my Fujifilm X-E4 and a 35mm F2 which gives me roughly the 50mm ff equivalent. Looking forward to the challenge! Great video @MortenAlbekPhotography thank you for sharing your knowledge! 👍🏻
I'm 70. I've been photographing for 50+ years. I've been using a 20 or 21 mm lens as my standard lens for four decades now.. 👍📷 I've published a dozen books with prestige publishers with great success. Everyone, as you say, should find their primary focal length once they know their primary range of subject matter. Know who you are as a photographer. Know what lens will say what you wish to say.
Thanks. It’s fascinating to know about the different types of people and choices of lenses for their work. Summing up dedication, personal experiences and preferences makes each one stand out on their own.
Your long time in photography and achievements speak for itself. Thanks
For photojournalism I used to use a 50mm on one body and a 17-40mm on the other. But nowadays the 24-70mm on one body and a 70-200mm on the other and it is a godsend. But my 50mm 1.4 Sigma Art is my favorite lens, especially when I have freedom of movement and time.
My left ear enjoyed this.
I am aware of the sound issue but glad your one ear enjoyed 😀👍
Thanks I was wondering if my earphone were going bad. Hahahaha 😅
I recently got a 50mm f0.95 Mitakon Speedmaster after watching a video about the NASA lens Stanley Kubrick used (an f0.7!) in Barry Lyndon. While not perfect wide open it's changed my photography for the better.
Interesting perspective and fun to use other types of lens 👍
I loved the photos you showed, truly shows the skill and refinement of your esthetic.
Thanks 🙏
the one he used as a thumbnail is simply a chef kiss
I love the Pentax 55mm 1.8 Super Takumar on my screw thread Pentax Spotmatic camera. Beautiful bokeh and colour rendition.
I have used it since the 1970s.
Love that commitment to one lens 🙂
I am a minimalist who travels light
My original Ricoh GR digital camera from 2005 has a 28mm lens.
I am an invisible photographer now.
Totally agree with you. I have just used my M and 50mm Lux for over a year and my shots have just got better and better. Very nicely done video, thank you for sharing.
Nice to hear that. Training is what does the trick 👍
I do agree with the 50. one lens for all outdoor photography. but for indoor/ tight spaces and all photography I prefer 35. Prime lens indeed. Great video and insights.
That´s right. My main point is to train the mind to work with a fixed lens for a period. Always adapt to each situation and what you want to achieve. When first trained in working with fixed lenses it's easier to make changes when needed I find. That's the purpose of this tutorial, training the mindset and creativity.
I agree with you Morten. When you have one lens you dont need to think which lens should I pulll out of my bag and miss the shot.
That’s true. Trust the lens you use.
I wholeheartedly agree. My all time fav lens for anything related to street photography is a 40 mm Voigtländer. No zoom, no other focal length.
Good choice (Y)
Wonderful video and great advice. I am embarking on this approach now.
One lens to use, one lens to rule them all …. in the darkroom (or Lightroom) - bind them!
Totally, agree with your rationale!
They say, ‘Best camera is the one that you have with you!’ ….. add to this, ‘Best lens is the one that captures your own vision!’.
Thanks .I tried switching lens one day recently but felt awkward and changed right after back again.
Great video, I agree. I’m currently using a 35mm Summarit 2.5 on my Leica M11M for a full year since May 2023. Using this lens for this long is helping me really understand that focal length like never before.
It is good training and only gets better and better. Well done.
Really good video! No since I was shooting on film many years ago, my favourite lens was 50mm. And now on my Fuji I always take the same focal length with me whenever I go. Zooms are good for many things. But when I’m taking pictures for myself, creating art or looking for odd things on the streets, I always use 50mm focal length. It’s simple but very powerful. Thanks for the video😊
Thank you. It is interesting how it works out that a certain lens becomes the favourite for some and not for others.
When I first started, I bought a 35 and an 85. I really liked 35 cause there was so much context in my shots. But 85? 85 was crazy for me. I loved how everything looked. Cars, portraits, street photos. It was my go to lens. Plus it was the height of Covid so being close wasn’t optimal. Then after almost a year in, I got my 50mm. It felt weird. I liked the images, but I didn’t like that it wasn’t as tight as 85 and not as wide as 35, so my working distance wasn’t dialed. Now for those very reasons, it’s my go to lens! It’s perfect. It’s right in the middle, and feels the most natural. 50mm is a must.
Its interesting to hear all these different stories from people and how they/you end up loving the 50mm.
Then others don’t but it’s all about how we find out what works best for each of us. Thanks for sharing.
@@MortenAlbekPhotography thx for replying! Great video 🙏🏽
Beautiful images!
Thank you 🙂
Great video. About 2 years ago I started using a 50 mm equivalent for almost everything. Before that I was using a 24-75 equivalent. Switching to the 50 really improved my photography and helped create a consistent style. I've since added a 30 mm equiv and an 85 mm for a few specific applications but it was great just using the 50 for 2 years.
Dedication is really important and when it feels natural, like learning to ride a bicycle one newer forgets. Afterwards switching lenses is easier.
Great video backed up with inspiring photos. Very nice indeed.
Thank you. I’m glad you liked it.
Brilliant! Thank you!
Thanks a lot 👍
I am entirely with you. I use 90% of the time my 50mm on my Nkon D7200 and Z30. I like the idea to focus on the scene and isolate subjects and it works particularly well on aps-c sensors
We are at the same track here 🙂 It´s very individual what each photographer prefers.
I like your opinion sticking on one lens, especially the 50mm. Thank you.
Thank you.
Stunning images. Subscribed!
Thanks 🙂
What a wonderful video. I got to it accidentally, TH-cam randomly started it after finishing a previous one.. and I think this is the first time I agree with the algorithm.
New subscriber (just photo-video aficionado)
Thank you for this nice comment. Much appreciated.
Thanks for this. Zoom with your feet...I love it! 😊🙏
But watch out for cars, buses and trucks! 🤓 Or getting your feet wet.
@@lorenschwiderski 😀
Thanks. So it works. 😀
😄@@lorenschwiderski
Thank you for the video and yes, I totally agree: It is just the thing to do. An assignment that I often give to myself: choose one lens for one camera and go out and photograph for a certain theme, a certain time or a certain assignment. It is challenging but also gives kind of security as well as relaxedness when I work/ photograph like that. Zoom lenses are actually used for weddings when I can not move appropriately; but even then this would be a substitutional way of working, while preferring the one lens, here mostly 40 mm or 35mm to get close and to get the surrounding atmosphere as well. The 40mm is my all time favourite, followed by the 50 mm for general or street photography. Good light!!:-)
Thanks. All cameras and lenses may serve specific jobs. And then there are those who work best for each one of us in most situations. I am taking up my 35mm in between when I feel for it, or when the job demands.
Super video Sir!
Good advice, very inspiring. Subscribed!
Thanks a lot.
Great advice. This weekend I'm only shooting with a 50mm to challenge myself.
I will be too, in Malmö.
Leave it on!
Enjoy the weekend. Consider sharing your photos in the group here facebook.com/groups/mortenalbek
@@lukemerrill1272 Enjoy the weekend. Consider sharing your photos in the group here facebook.com/groups/mortenalbek
Great pics. I find my new 33mm (on a crop sensor, so a 50mm full frame equivalent) to be a real challenge but an exciting one.
I did have an amazing summer of street photography with my 16-55mm (24-85mm equivalent). Maybe a third of my shots were in the mid-range, but I did often go short to 16mm for the easy appeal of distortion or go long to 55mm for clean portrait-y feels.
Without that flexibility on my new 33mm (50mm equivalent) prime, I'm having to get better at quickly sizing-up compositions in my head.
But I'll stay committed as I love how the 33mm (50mm equivalent) gives such a true-to-life feel in the pictures, albeit in a rather narrow field of vision. It's almost like removing the lens's impact from the picture. I like that, as I feel that too many street photographers rely heavily on the visual drama of short focal lengths and forget to choose subjects that are as interesting as the distortion. (The naughty ones also switch boring photos to Black & White and increase the Clarity and Constrast etc).
And I've always loved simplified, structured vignettes in various art forms (sculpture, comics etc), rather than wide scenes. So I'm less inclined to slide towards 35mm equivalent etc - even though I think I'd find it easier to get vibrant shots with it.
Having said all that, I've been drooling somewhat over the photos of Maciej Dakowicz today and I'm told most of his lovely photos are more like 35mm equivalent.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Many of us end up narrowing it down to one or two prime lenses we prefer after trying different lenses over some time.
I agree that starting off with one lens , is a great way to improve, particularly with regards to composition but after that a good mid range zoom is an excellent option.
It's all about training skills and knowing the limits to easier work with the camera and lens in different situations.
I never ever could accommodate with the 50mm. 35mm is my home.
So it must be. We all have our favourites we love to shoot with. I still have my 50mm as number one, but might need a good period with a 35mm to experience that too.
I use one lens, too. I just happen to change it on a daily basis.
Whatever works for you. We all have our own ways and preferences. The aim of this video was to inspire creativity through limitations for a period.
I love my 50mm, Collapsible Summicron 50mm f2.One big plus factor! The 50mm is least expensive lens even in Leica! Best sharpness, minimal distortion, small! SMALL! My M3 or M6 are tiny compared to SL, or most digital cameras. Close one eye and that's your view! Great Video.
Size matters as does the quality of the lens. Thanks.
I'm a great fan of the LUX 50, but sometimes I need to use my Summarit 90 or my Elmar-M 24/3.8 - for the change or a situation, where you can't zoom with your feet. Keep on rolling.
Thanks 🙂
I have recently lost my creative mojo and can’t get motivated to go out anymore (generally shooting on a 28 eqv)… this video popped up on my feed, and you have just presented me with my next project for the next month or so … sticking a 35mm (50mm eqv) on my XT4 - Thank you … subscribed 😊
This is the best response I could get. I hope you will find the joy and spirit doing that.
I never understood this argument. I can see the zoom I need for getting the picture, once I see the scene. I also know if I should get closer or not. It is just a matter of learning. The only reason to restrict myself to 50mm is that my 24-70 is only f/4. Sometimes, this is not good enough. Also, the 50mm f/1.8 I have has a nicer Bokeh, but not by much.
It makes sense in two ways although I understand it isn’t for you. For me it adds more diversity in my shooting and I keep an eye on more options not using a zoom lens for street photography. A zoom lens zoomed in often leaves less room around the main object, showing less of the environment. Always depends on the situation I know.
As a training it gives the photographer more to think about and widen the horizon working this way. I have teached many students which helped them. As explained in the video and also as stated in the video not for everyone.
@@MortenAlbekPhotography Well, I still not get how a single focal length can add "diversity" and "more options". I shot many street walls with only a prime because of advice like this and always felt restricted. I am currently visiting Vienna, and glad to have the 24-70. Sometimes I wished I had 14mm too.
@@MortenAlbekPhotography Thinking about your point a bit more, it's like mastering a special technique versus am more diverse approach. Some masters that I admire become masters because they deepen their mastership in one technique to a point that I will never reach.
I agree although some will say 28mm to 35mm (full frame) would do, too. I bought a used Sony a6600 with 24mm lens and now I’m stuck with it.
We all have favourite lenses, and if it is one or the other, it isn't very important. It's an individual choice what we prefer.
My one lens was 28mm for landscape and 200mm for portrait.
Also good choices for these jobs.
Good advise. The 50mm is good in that the framing is natural, and will distort like a 28mm can at times, if not being careful. I recently bought a 40mm lens and don't find too much of an effort to switch between 35mm, or a 50mm field of view on full frame, and this new 40mm lens. A 50mm, composition wise is indeed the easiest, but I am thinking I still feel a need to use other lengths add their perspective view. Even the 85mm or more, at times gives that compressed - tight view which differs from simply getting closer with the 50mm. Using the 28mm after a 50mm is perhaps the hardest thing to wrap the mind around, as so much is going on. First you need to be in closer, while the mind is saying no - no, it is time now and I am close enough, yet oh no it is far from true. Once the eye looks through the viewer or monitor, you see the error of where you are shooting from, but it can be too late. So you are 110% correct, it is a challenge. Challenge can have its rewards however. :) The geometry when using the 50mm very good, and you need not worry about slight tilts of camera, and those people in the frame nearer the edge being distorted, like with the 28mm. I will say, using the wide angle means you can point the camera to the side and people think they are not in the frame. And now my new 40mm --- will I love it?
Thanks. Yes, it demands some training to master, and one day it all becomes natural with one or two favourite fixed lenses. Where to stand and how to frame before you even have taken the camera up is part of the repeated training. Thanks for sharing your thoughts too.
thanks for the effort and sharing. 50mm is also my preferred focal length no matter which camera body i use: sony, nikon or canon. i often use the cheaper 50mm/1.8 version for my walkabouts. in you street photos, do you usually shoot wide open at f1.4? thumbs up.
Thanks. I always shoot wide open. This is my preferred style.
I know it's tricky to photograph with a 50mm lens, but with perseverance and some practice, it is worth using the lens, because it shows objects in a more balanced and realistic way than other lenses.
I find the balanced view is the most natural look for most of my photography. In between I grab a 35mm but always quickly return to the 50mm.
Great video
Thanks 🙏
"Kissing distance" LOL ! : )
😃
Thanks for this interesting video, Morten. I have just bought a 50mm lens and am soon going to have a workshop day that allows only a 50mm lens, so I need to become accustomed to it. Perhaps, I will be converted to your way of thinking?
🙂 Take your time with it and see what happens. It takes some time and training to get used to it (as with any other lens), but then it might just be what you love. If it shows not to be then train for a time with a35mm for example and get used to use that one.
The 50 f/1.8 was the only lens I had for a few years when I started out over 45 years ago with my F2A, until I learned how to kick the tires for the next focal length. Then I haven't shot with one (the prime lens that is usually kept in my bag as plan B, not the focal length) until recently with a 50 f/1.2.
Nevertheless, I probably will not start out with a 50mm in different continuum because being human, I'll follow the trend just as the majority does. Hence, it is just one of my good old day's story. 🙂
I think most of us have periods where we favour a certain style, lens or camera. This may shift in periods and sometimes fall back to what we have done earlier. Thanks for sharing.
I shoot a fair bit of sports and it simply isn`t safe to get as close as you would like to be. A 50 mm lens would get you killed. I therefore use zooms when I have too although they aren`t my favourite type of lens. For fairly static stuff I agree you have more choice .
For my professional work I also use zoom lenses for sport. That's natural. Or you get killed as you say :-D
For street photography and most other jobs I stick to the 50mm and 35mm lenses.
My point is, as a training of skills and creativity, sticking to one lens for most of the time will force yourself to think differently.
The 50mm just happens to be my overall favourite.
That's my experience. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Great information. Loved your perspective on this. Also, the audio is only coming through the left speaker. Thank you.
Thanks. Will check the sound for next time.
I use zoom lenses for flexibility and not needing to carry too many lenses. I appreciate, though, the idea of being forced to use a specific focal length to train my "vision" in a different way.
Thank you for your thoughts and seeing the positive impact of working with one lens for a period of time. We all find the best ways to work with time and find comfort in which is the point.
Excellently presented. And I believe that you are right. A 50, or maybe a 35, are all that is really needed. So many of the folks whose images we admire did just fine with 50's. Learn to use the tool you have and learn it well. Soon it becomes natural. Your images are B&W that you have shown. And I see you have no UV/IR cut filter on the M-9 so that would indicate you are shooting B&W. Do you shoot color, too? And the M-9, still a great camera with great color along with the M8/M8.2. Your competitor across the bridge, HB, has great color, too.
Tak/Thanks
A clear UV-0 to protect the lens. I shoot almost only BW on the M9 or add a UV filter if needed for colour. I mostly shoot BW but also colour. Depending on the job. For the street, I aim for BW first and foremost. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Well said
Thanks.
Good choice for street photography, portraits, weddings, indoor sports with a small court. Wildlife? Landscape? Macro? Astrophotography? It's true, you can use a 50mm even for these things. But it is a question of tools. You can drive a nail with a crowbar, but it's not the best tool for the job. I have seen a lot of these "you only need one lens" videos. And truthfully, any lens can be used to create great art. But the different sorts of photography are as varied as the lens choices in the "one lens only" videos. Instead of "One lens for all photography" I think a better title is "One lens for all my photography" because the things you like best are better suited for a 50mm lens. What if your primary love was wildlife photography? Would you still choose a nifty fifty? Don't get me wrong, your work is breathtaking. You are no dummy and clearly know what you are talking about. But not everyone has the same focus in photography and for some people a 50mm lens would be using a pipe wrench to change spark plugs. I have and like 50mm lenses. There are many places where it would be my first choice. But there are times when I would choose something else, because (for me) something else is a better choice.
The one lens is for a specific type of photography as shown in the examples. I also mention that this lens could be any other lens than the 50mm, and is a personal choice. You are absolutely right that different types of photography, and photographers, may need other choices for different situations. My aim with this video is to inspire, not to dictate. I am forwarding the idea of testing the creative side of the brain by forcing the use of one specific fixed lens for a period, to see how that affects the way of shooting. I hope it is received as an inspiration and nothing more. I know it worked for me, and therefore I would like to put it out there for the ones that find it interesting to try themselves.
@@MortenAlbekPhotography I agree that this is an excellent exercise. I tend to migrate to my favorite lenses, so I actually have to force myself to use other choices because we can get so comfortable with one particular lens. But spending a lot of time with any lens is a great way to understand how to use it.
Henri Cartier-Bresson
Martine Franck
Gianni Berengo Gardin
Ferdinando Scianna
Elliott Erwitt
Willy Ronis
Josef Koudelka
Anders Petersen
Ao Gunji
Fan Ho
Daido Moriyama(till 2010)
Saul Leiter
Joel Meyerowitz
Robert Frank
All of them used 50mm (or 80mm for medium format) or 35mm lenses.
That’s true 👍📷
Thank you, Morten. Your points are worthwhile and inspiring. I love my Leica Q (28 mm) on most occasions, but will try the 50 mm on my mirrorless for a change. Your beautiful fotos are showing its talents. As a side note, could you please check your microphone. It does not seem to be working so well.
Thanks. I will check the sound. It seemed fine when recorded.
@@MortenAlbekPhotography I was listening with my headphones on and it seemed that one of the channels wasn't functioning properly. Perhaps you would notice less when using the computer speaker.
I believe this is implicit in what you said, but I'd like to state it. You photograph people and people react to cameras, altering what you hoped to capture. If you can learn to compose the image in your head, then lift the camera, take the picture, and lower the camera in one natural motion without fiddling, you cause the least disturbance. It is easier to compose in your head if you know the lens well. It is easier to avoid fiddling if the lens has a fixed focal length.
Thanks for explaining further and this is one of the benefits of using a fixed lens and knowing it well. It is spot on how I work with my camera in the streets. Thanks 🙏
I have a 50mm Summicron because I wanted a smaller and cheaper lens. I forced myself to use only that with my new Leica M for 12 months. Obviously, I’m still nowhere near mastering it but I bought a 35mm f1.5 after 12 months to test if that was a better focal length for me. I still don’t know! I’ve been forcing myself only to use the 35mm for the past 12 months. No idea what to do now…
Well, time will tell. And maybe you should go through your images and select the ones you like the most. Maybe the answer is in there showing what lens was used to capture the best photos.
This is great Morten! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks. Appreciated 🙂
Great video and very motivating when I could finally hear you speak. Your vocal track is coming out of the left channel only! One lens and one track :D
Thanks. One lens one audio channel 😅 Solved for future videos ✔️
Super 👍
Thank you 🙏
Can I ask who made the music for your intro?
Morten. 50 is often to tight for me on a daily basis
Great. For me too. For others, it might be a different choice. 🙂
Can I ask about the camera and the lens that you use to make this video?
It´s a Sony A7rIV with the Sony 35mm f1.4 - works great for video for my needs. Use it for this and for television productions too.
@@MortenAlbekPhotography Amazing camera with a nice images
TH-cam “next up, why the 24-70 is the only lens you’ll ever need”
😅👍
Pretty compelling argument
Thanks 🙏
Awesome vid and I concur. I'm a bit different though. Up until recently I was just using one body and my magical Z 24-70 2.8s lens for all my paid gigs and events - it's just so convenient. With one body I can keep my flash on that one camera for fill flash (I always use fill-flash outdoors, it makes the images so punchy). With two bodies I often have to change the flash over. However, you are correct - I find zooming the lens it kind of muddles my mind up for which focal length I'm shooting in. Now I shoot with two bodies, one with my 24mm and one with my 50mm for all longer shots. However, my eye predominantly sees everything in 24mm - so 80% of all my events and gigs shots are taken up close on 24mm. For weddings though I find the 35mm magical, and if I need another focal length for the odd shot, I just use my zoom. I like the 24mm/50mm combo so much, that I'm off to India shortly for 5 weeks and I think I'm just taking the two bodies - one with the 24mm glued on and the other with the 50mm glued on! Keep up the good work
We all find our ways and our style. I am glad you feel secure and have a personal style of your own. Thanks for sharing.
❤
👍
Audio mono?
A small bug for that one.
Every picture tells a story don't it?
It does for sure. And everyone sees it differently.
A zoom lens worked fine for Steve McCurry.
Maybe. It is not a one for all receipts but inspirational thoughts.
@@MortenAlbekPhotography No, I probably agree with you. For someone who is learning, setting limitations can force you to get creative. A zoom lens is a tool of convenience. Instead of changing lenses for a different perspective, you can have a wide, standard, and slight tele in a 24-70. However, you still have to be intentional about your focal length choices and that requires experience shooting with different focal lengths to understand what can be achieved with each.
Most newer users go 35mm! Why? Because the 35mm Frame in viewfinder is best! I too now use 35mm more often, in Street snaps, because I need to get closer. Too many people! I've used 50mm Collapsible Summicron since 1966.
It’s a matter of taste and what feels best for the photographer and the subject we choose. We all have our preferences.
No dialogue? I can hear the intro music but can't hear you speaking... curious...
It works fine. 👍
no audio?
Plenty of audio 👍
Can’t hear anything in the right speaker.
I know. Will be corrected for next time. ;-)
I know. Will be corrected for next time. ;-)
I'd say that 50mm feels like cheating. 90% or more of photos with 50mm are good. I even took a beautiful photo of dirty dishes in my sink with it. Imo 50mm is a must have. I have an old nikon af 1.8g.
😀 Cheating 😄 For me it’s just the most natural look. In between I take my 35mm but only for few occasions.
50mm lens is not for beginners as I often read. It's a lens you choose when you've explored all other solutions or subjects. It's the lens of maturity. A lens for contemplative pictures. That's why young people generally hate this focal lens. Like you do, I use a M + Lux 50 for 75% of my pictures (M6, M240 and currently M262). The other 25% are with an Elmarit 28. But I'm 63 year old... Previously my favorite combo was 90 or 180mm, with a 24-70 f:2.8 (+ Sony or Nikon).
Funny thing is that I was just starting out with a 50mm lens on my Olympus OM2 ages ago and couldn’t afford anything else at that time. So it forced me to love that focal length. Today it is either 35 or 50 for all my amateur work and also most professional photography.
Well I don't agree with you. As you say several times yourself that one lens is limiting you. Photography shouldn't be limited. I don't wanna loose that award winning moment because I have to run to a new position. Then it's already gone.
The purpose of limits is to train your mind and make better creative decisions. Will not appeal to all, but for some, it will be very good training and expand the way they photograph. For me the "limitation" has turned over to be an advantage but we are all different. 🙂
For me, it is completely the opposite, any other focal length shorter or longer than 50mm, so 45mm or shorter and 55mm or longer. Back in the time many SLR Cameras came with a 50mm Lens as a kit Lens, most of those was never used.
We all have our favourites. I didn't use the 50mm the first years too, but now it's the main lens for me. 35mm comes up in between.
So, 50mm on a Hasselblad? 50mm on a Bolex? 50mm on a Linhof? (I know, but there's a 47mm Super-Angulon...) If you'd have said, "40-degree angle of view for all photographs" it would have made some sense...
It all depends on what type of photography you do. In this case, it is mostly aimed at street photography as shown in most of the pictures.
As I stated in the video, it could be 50mm or 35mm. That isn't so important. The approach is learning the camera and lens so well that it is easy to work with and not get lazy using a zoom lens. And, more importantly, to train your mind to be creative through the limitations of just using one lens for a period. At the end of the day, it's about training the mind and being creative. That's the goal of using one fixed lens of your own choice for a period. I hope this clarifies.
Good sentiments but now put a roll of TRI-X into your Leica or make your images look less "chocolate boxy" . If you have to use digital then try Silver FX to take this plastic look away from them. Regards
We all have our favourite style and expression.
I dont subscribe to this nonsense that using a zoom ring stifles creativity and "zooming with your feet" gives artistic credibility. Its all about what you see. 50mwas ALWAYS too tight for my "normal" vision, 35 was better. And when travelling Id rather be sure I can get the composition I want and not worry about the lens
Thanks for your reply. I don’t say it fits all. But I have seen it work for many of my students. We all find our ways. It’s a suggestion and some will like it while others won’t.
If 50mm focal length lenses are for all types of photography then why do professional sports photographers not use them to photograph Football matches?; or architectural and interior photographers not use them?; because 50mm lenses have very limited uses, 24mm lenses have considerably wider appeal and uses.
It’s important to accept the approach to the subject. It’s not about sport or bird photography and I think I tried to make that clear. It’s about street, reportage and travels but mostly I try to talk about how limited work tools expand creativity. The subject must be approached as a suggestion and with the focus of the presentation in mind. Not to be taken rigidly 👍