We recently added two new and exciting pieces of kit to our inventory…
Alexa Mini LF
Small body, big sensor
The Alexa Mini LF
...is Arri’s latest camera to incorporate the 4.5k full-frame sensor from the original Alexa LF camera. Aside from the sensor upgrade, Arri also improved the EVF/monitor along with adding additional accessory power ports to the rear and more user buttons to the operator side of the camera.
Nikon 58mm
Re-housed by Zero Optik
The NOCT 58mm
...or ‘Nocturnal’ 58mm is one of Nikon’s fastest primes and was developed in 1977 specifically for astrophotography. It has been re-housed by the fine folks at Zero Optik with a PL mount and modern mechanics for cinema use. The minimum focus has been reduced to nearly 1 foot and the iris has been upgraded to 16 blades for beautiful bokeh. They have remained faithful to the original design of the lens and included the classic silver ring on the housing. Nice touch.
Photographer and skateboarder Grant Moxley joined me for a quick camera test at a crusty, DIY, skate spot on an abandoned lot in northern Kentucky.
The vintage, full-frame, 58mm prime pairs nicely with the Mini LF’s large sensor and feels right at home on the new camera. Its size and weight compliment the small boxy nature of the camera and is perfect for gimbal builds. This is an awesome focal length on a full-frame sensor and in conjunction with its close focus ability you will find yourself using this lens for most shots on your list. It’s super fast T-stop is a dream for portrait connoisseurs as backgrounds melt away into a soft state of bokeh heaven.
The lens draws characteristics from the Canon K35’s and Zeiss Super Speeds. They have slightly lower contrast than modern lenses but are sharp, flare beautifully, but have ample saturation. At angles off-axis from direct light sources you get interesting glows, rainbow-like streaks, and hot orange clusters of orb-like refractions. Stop down a bit and you get a lovely 16-point sun flare thanks to the plethora of iris blades.
Shoot with this prime wide open, on a full-frame sensor, at minimum focus, and you’re left with a snails hair of DOF.
The Nikon AI primes are vintage lenses with a testament to resolution.
My problem with most vintage lenses is that they just don’t seem to resolve well on digital sensors, especially large digital sensors. As a kid, I learned the basics of photography with Nikon AI glass on a full-frame film camera and with modern gear I felt as if that sweet spot of resolution and character had been lost. This Nikon prime paired with the Mini LF delivers rich, detailed images, that aren’t lacking aesthetic and life like other modern primes. The images from this Nikon prime appear natural, life-like, and most importantly, human.
Check out the lens test on our Youtube page by clicking the link below.
