First Impressions of the Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art Lens: Jeri Lampert

NYC photographer Jeri Lampert has seen a lot of lenses, having been working in the photography industry for almost 15 years, but she’s never seen anything like the Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art Lens!

Photographer Jeri Lampert

Please tell us about your photography. How long have you been doing it? What is the pull of photography?

I’ve been working in the photo industry in NYC since 2000 and I’ve worked my way up the gamut through printer, assistant, digital tech to professional photographer. I’ve seen the photo industry change a lot during the years, and it’s definitely gotten more challenging . With the advent of digital photography and cameras on all phones, all of a sudden everyone thinks they’re a photographer! We are inundated with photography, and it’s much harder to stand out from the crowd. Yet, my passion for the medium hasn’t died at all. For me, photography comes naturally. Even in my dreams, I’m looking for my camera so I can capture the beauty.

This lens has a fascinating history, so let’s play the association game. What came to mind when you first saw the Daguerreotype Art Lens? What is special about its build?

The lens itself is just lovely to look at. I mean it’s friggin gold! I was particularly excited about using the shape apertures, and couldn’t wait to get out and use it. It’s a manual lens, which hearkens back to the film days. It really makes you slow down and really contemplate what you’re shooting.

What did you take pictures of? What camera did you use?

I used my Canon 5D Mark III body with the lens. I took it with me up to my childhood home in Vermont and got some really lovely landscape shots up there. I also wanted to use it to take some portraits, as I thought that I would get the best results using it for portraiture, but I was happily surprised with how lovely the landscapes came out.

Did the Daguerreotype Art Lens impart a special look to your photos? Why use a special lens at all?

The soft focus and bokeh that this lens imparts on your images really has a lovely effect. Back in the film days, there were all sorts of tricks you could use to achieve your signature look. Camera body, lenses, film types would all give you a certain look. Now everyone uses the same system. It’s either a Canon or a Nikon, and you really have got to tweak in post to create your look. I’m a big fan of you “get in in camera,” not in post, and it’s awesome to be able to see this while you’re shooting.

Tell us about your first photo session.

My first session shooting with the lens was walking around the property in Vermont and trying out all the different shape apertures. I was really happy with how they looked, and I fell in love with them. I decided right then and there that the shapes were my favorite thing about the lens, and I almost exclusively used them for the duration of my project. I was convinced that this was a “portrait” lens. Since I was in the middle of nowhere, with no one to really shoot, I really pushed it with the landscapes, and I think they came out awesome.

The lens is a continuation of Lomography’s experimental tradition. What special effects have you done using the lens?

I really experimented with trying to get the most bokeh effect I could from the lens. The shape apertures gave me the most interesting and obvious effect. I particularly liked the four-pointed star the best.

In terms of your own photography needs, what is the best feature of the Daguerreotype Art Lens?

I think this lens gives portraits a different look than any other lens out there. The dreamy, gauzy quality of the lens can really impart a special and unique look to your photos.

How does Daguerreotype Art Lens differ from other Lomography Art Lenses?

I also tested out the Petzval lens a while back, and although the lenses were slightly similar, I thought this lens was far superior. The focus is much easier to nail, and didn’t slip out the way the Petzval did. The shape apertures really gave some beautiful aspects to the backgrounds and out-of-focus elements.

Let’s get technical. What tip would you give to a first-time user?

One gets the most out of this lens when working with the more open apertures. You really want to get some contrast going between your subject and the background. I found the most appealing effects occurred in high contrast situations, with some beautiful light. The focus takes a little getting used to and you really have to slow down your shooting speed and take your time, otherwise you won’t be sharp.


Check out more of Jeri’s work on her website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

written by Katherine Phipps on 2016-05-01 #gear #news #daguerreotype #kickstarter #achromat #artlens #lomographyartlenses #daguerreotype-achromat-art-lens

Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art Lens

The world’s first photographic optic lens from 1839 redesigned to work with modern-day digital and analogue cameras and deliver the most unique ethereal aesthetics imaginable. Compatible with Canon EF and Nikon F mounts, and many more using adapters.

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