Petzval Lens on a Leica: An Interview with Vince Tan

Vince Tan, a Massachusetts-based photo enthusiast, recently shot with a Petzval Lens mounted on a Leica camera, and had his in-depth review published online.

The Petzval lens is designed to be shot on a Canon or Nikon Camera, but if you have the proper adapter you can shoot it basically in any camera. So we were really exited to see how the lens works on Vince’s Leica.

The said review was published on stevehuffphoto.com and thoroughly discussed his experience with the lens, and showcased some of his sample photos. In this exclusive interview, Vince Tan shares snippets of his experience with the Petzval.

Hello Vince, please introduce yourself to the Lomography Magazine readers.

My name is Vince Tan. I live in Southern New Hampshire with my wife and 2 daughters. My day time job is running the Information Technology department of a chemical manufacturing firm in Massachusetts. I’ve been an avid photo enthusiast for the past 30 plus years. It all started when my dad gave me a Nikon F3 back in junior high. I was immediately hooked. I was introduced to Leica also by my dad as he also had a Leica M3 which I borrowed on few occasions. Those 2 brands are what I still use nowadays.

Tell us a little about your Photography

As a parent of two young daughters, my photography really is all about them. I love taking their pictures since they are growing up so fast. I tend to do a lot of portrait photography because of my kids. That is the main reason why I was instantly attracted to the Petzval. Since I live in New Hampshire where we are blessed with beautiful scenery and 4 seasons, I also enjoy taking pictures of mother nature.

What Leica model and adapter are you using?

I am currently using the Leica M Type 240 with an electronic viewfinder. Since the Petzval is not rangefinder-coupled, only the Leica M and MP Type 240 with the electronic viewfinder will work with it. As for adapter, I have this very inexpensive Nikon to Leica M adapter that I bought off ebay from a source in China.

Many have shot with the Petzval Lens mounted on Canon and Nikon cameras, but not so much with a Leica. What do you think is the difference between shooting with the lens on a Leica camera from shooting with a Canon and Nikon?

It is actually quite challenging to use this lens with the Leica camera because the lens is not rangefinder-coupled. You therefore have to rely on bodies that will work with an electronic viewfinder. The Leica M Type 240 is the first M body that allows the use of an electronic viewfinder so it really opens up a new world for Leica M shooter. It still is not as easy to use however. Using the EVF, there is quite a lag between shutter release and when the camera is ready to shoot again. You don’t have that problem with, say a Nikon or Canon DSLR. The Petzval requires very precise focus when shooting wide open. In order to achieve that, I needed the help of magnified view in my EVF. The placement of the button to trigger the magnified view is in the front of the Leica which for me is just not as user-friendly as my Lumix G1. But that is just my own preference. I wished that Petzval would produce a version that is RF-coupled.

How did you find out about the Petzval lens and what do you like the most about it?

I saw the Kickstarter campaign and thought that it would be a cool lens to have. I waited until I was able to view some images from the lens. I am interested in great portrait lens so there is a natural attraction to the Petzval. I am always looking for lens that can make the subject pop or have some unique signature. The thing that I like most about this lens is the unique swirly bokeh that the lens is capable of producing while still maintaining a very sharp center image. Next to that is the cool looking brass finish.

Any tips you want to share on shooting with this lens on Leica Cameras?

A must-have for Leica with this lens is a camera grip. The Leica body is built for use with small rangefinder lens. The Petzval is long and heavy when compared to the regular RF lens, together with the unconventional focusing mechanism, the grip is a must-have. This lens has a DOF that is so shallow but at the same time, the focus travel is so short, it is very hard to have a spot-on focus at wide open. I find that it is almost a necessity to magnify the focus area when focusing.

What is that one picture that you haven’t taken and you hope to capture?

There are just too many pictures that I have yet taken. The world is just so full of many beautiful places, things and people, it is so hard to pick just one.

Any future photography projects?

I am currently working on a website that contains a collection of my work and highlight the lenses that I used to take the pictures.

What’s the best picture you have shot with this lens?

There are quite a few that I really like but this one is my favorite. It is not about having everything perfect but it is more of the special feeling it imparts. It should bring you back to that moment when you look at that picture. I love the way this image was rendered with the sunlight just hitting the lens that cause it to flare at what I think was the perfect spot.

The New Lomography Petzval Art Lens is a stunning reinvention of the legendary lens created by Joseph Petzval in the 19th century. It is compatible with all Canon EF and Nikon F mount analogue and digital cameras and offers both photographers and filmmakers the chance to shoot truly unique photographs and videos.

written by antoniocastello on 2015-01-21 #people #interview #vince #tan #photographer #lomography #leica #lomoamigo #petzval #vince-tn