Daguerreotype Achromat First Impressions from the Singapore Photography Interest Network

A couple of weeks ago, members of the Singapore Photography Interest Network tested the Lomography Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Lens. Here’s what they have to say, along with a few photos from the session.

What were your first impressions of the Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Lens?

As a Lomo Petzval x Zenit Art lens owner (also a Kickstarter version), I was pretty limited by the 85mm as I am shooting with Fujifilm’s APS-C system. So the DA lens at 64mm is still quite limiting in some ways and have to adjust my shooting style to match the lens characteristics. The fortunate part is that I got hold of a second hand Nikon D700 prior to the test. Was it a positive experience when I first touch it? Yes. Did the photos turn out well? Yes too.

I was expecting the bokeh but the lens flare, thanks to members of my Singapore Photography Interest Network, I got to see that the lens’ flare is in itself a very unique characteristic too!

-Wilson Wong, SPIN founder

I got it mainly for use with video work. The Kickstarter video productions were very convincing. With mirrorless cameras, basically what you see is what you get so it’s nice to go with this lens as compared to, say, a DSLR.

I’d highly recommend this little thing though – selling the Waterhouse plates without the design carved in, and let users do their own. Just a suggestion!

-Terry Tan

Photos by Daniel Teo. Shot with a Sony A7 camera and the Lomography Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Lens

I initially was worried it will be hard to focus, but after handling it, I found it was not that bad.

-Daniel Teo

Initially I find it difficult to focus as well. But I guess one needs to practice with it. With all the plates available, it can be a fun lens to own. Thank you for allowing us to try it. Cheers!

-Eric Koh

Though I took couple of photos only, I found the lens interesting. The bokeh it produces is really good.

-Prasanna Kannan

Photos by Sock Mui Teo. Shot with

I managed to take 4 or 5 photos and liked the bokeh effect. I bought the lens after the test.

-Sock Mui Teo

I pre-ordered the lens on Kickstarter after seeing Wilson’s post and the Kickstarter video, which was impressive. After testing it (during the spin test lens outing), it convinced me that it would be a fun lens to have. I only took a few shots though (as I am not good at manual focus). Looking forward to have the lens, so I could play around with my mirrorless and DSLR cameras!

-Kim Lim

Now that you’ve tried it, what do you like about the lens?

I thought it was a lot of fun actually. I like the manual focus, it slows you down a bit and makes you think … and it doesn’t take long to get used to it. I know someone mentioned during the meet-up that it’d be great for shooting videos and I can see that.

-Chris Cusick

Photos by Kim Lim. Shot with a Fujifilm XT-1 camera and the Lomography Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Lens

Lens-wise, I love the size and the different blades. Only thing is it would have been nice if it came with the accessory holder for the blades as it would be easier to lose the blades; the blades can drop out if one is tilting the camera to another side.

-Kim Lim

For a 64mm, it starts to be a fun lens for both Full Frame and Crop Sensor cameras as it is not as tight as the Petzval. And it is smaller and more compact and with a filter thread, it expands the things the lens can do.

-Wilson Wong

Photos by Koh Lye Huat with a Fujifilm X-E1 and the Lomography Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Lens

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written by Jill Tan Radovan on 2016-06-02 #gear #people #spin #first-impressions #daguerreotype-achromat-lens #wilson-wong

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