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Re: [OM] Spiratone? Boheh?

Subject: Re: [OM] Spiratone? Boheh?
From: Wayne <wkatez@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2000 09:50:02 -0400
Thank you - best definition of "bokeh" yet.

Lex Jenkins wrote:

> Hi, Wayne,
>
> Bokeh, various spelled boke, is rooted in a Japanese term used to describe
> the qualities of how a lens renders out of focus objects.  It can range from
> 'painterly' (or soft and indistinct, depending on the viewer) to harsh.
>
> I like the bokeh of Canon FD lenses for soft yet still recognizable OOF
> areas.  Other lenses, including some Nikkors and the fixed lens on my
> Canonet G-III QL17, have a rather harsh bokeh that looks rather crosseyed to
> me.  Rather than merging softly and indistinctly, objects like tree limbs,
> etc., are doubled or tripled and overlayed.  I also have a generic CPC
> 28/2.8 lens with that characteristic.  This may be one reason why Nikkors
> have long been popular with photojournalists - subjects outside the prime
> focus area are still more distinct and recognizable than with other lenses.
>
> >From what I've seen so far (I don't own a Zuiko lens yet but have viewed
> hundreds of images online and in magazines) Zuikos appear to have what I'd
> call a painterly bokeh - gradually merging softly and indistinctly - while
> retaining sharpness and contrast within the focused subject area.  Very
> attractive to my tastes.
>
> According to what I've read this is by design, not accident.  Lenses are
> designed to achieve certain characteristics deemed desirable by the
> manufacturer.  So it appears to be fair and accurate to make generalizations
> regarding how lenses render images.
>
> Interestingly, in Japan the word carries more than one meaning, a common use
> being to describe an absent-minded or foolish person.  (That, courtesy of
> some Japanese correspondents.)  So I wonder if in flaunting the term so
> casually we come across as 'wanna-be's' to the Japanese.  ;-)  I can only
> hope so, considering how often we Americans poke fun at other cultures.  It
> gives me a perverse pleasure that I might be considered 'bokeh' myself for
> using the term so ostentatiously.  Hee-hee!
>
> Regarding Spiratone, they're still hanging on in Pennsylvania, tho' I don't
> know how.  Instead of selling their own peculiarities - rather like Porter's
> - they sell items like lighting equipment that's commonly available
> elsewhere, but at among the highest prices found anywhere.
>
> The one item they carry that interests me is a single element moderate
> telephoto with a fixed f/4 aperture, a very primitive optical design which
> is uniquely capable of capturing portraits that cannot be duplicated any
> other way.  I'm planning to build my own, using a 48mm threaded 10x Vivitar
> close up diopter (intended for a video camera, I think), probably in
> conjunction with a bellows for focusing.  I've experimented with it using
> cardboard tubes and the tests were promising.  Sharp centers with lovely,
> soft edges.
>
> Lex
>
> ----Original Message Follows----
>
> >Am relatively new to the list, and recently back to my OMs (3 plus 10
> lenses) after leaving them on the shelf for about fifteen years. They
> still work great - its me who is a little  rusty.
>
> >Saw "Spiratone" listed in a post. What ever happened to them? Did they
> >become another company or just fade away. Aside from a lot of low cost
> >"juncque" they had a few nifty tools and accessories for close up work.
>
> >And, please, what he heck is the specific definition and origin of
> "bokeh" I have surmised the general meaning, but am still curious.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Wayne
>
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