zenitor 16mm - How to use?

[k_s_rajeev]

Hi,

I just got my Zenitor 16mm Fisheye and I was trying to use it on my 10D.

Whne I change the setting on the lens I do not see any changes in my eye piece, normally when I change my zoom on my 28-135 Lens I can see what I will be getting in the picture.

For any changes it looks the same.

Does this lens just works like this or something is wrong.

Thank you.

[jimsloy]

When you change zoom on your zoom lens, of course you will see a field of view difference, when you try to zoom on a lens that you can't zoom - I'm not quite sure what difference you are expecting to see?? Or did I miss something in your question?

[Griffin]

First, you have to understand this lens is totally mechanical, no AF and it is a prime. So, there is no apeature information sent to the camera, also there is no zoom and the DoF button won't work :)

However, unlike Nikon manual lenses, you can still obtain exposure information in Av and M camera modes, which is a plus. Also, since there is no AF, you have to adjust the focus via your viewfinder.

Hope this helps.


Griffin.

[jimsloy]

Are you not seeing focus changes with it?

I'm not sure if the 10D will tell you what it would like to set the Aperture at due to low lighting hitting the sensor given this type of lens and in a specific mode. Maybe others know?

[k_s_rajeev]

I think I was wrong.

I tried with my 28-135 and also the zenitor.

I did get a wide angle in the zenitor.

Onloy worry I see is the picturesa re not as clear as with my 28-135. I might be wrong, Probaly I have to experiment a little.

Does any one have the manual in english version, I got the Russian verison as others.

Thank you.

[Griffin]

I think we all get the "Russian" manual just like you do. :) But in principle, it works the same as other lenses, so I don't really think you need a manual. :) Just remember this lens is all manual of which you have to change the focus and apeature directly on the lens, but not from the camera.

The apeature can be changed by turing the ring closest to the lens mount. You can find numbers 2.8, 4, 5.6, all the way to 22, listed from right to left. Say if you want f/4, adjust the ring so the number "4" is right below the vertical mark above the ring. You have to do it directly on the lens, but not the dail on the camera body. The camera would not tell you the apeature setting, either.

To adjust the focus, there is another ring nearer to the forward with number 0.3...infinity below it. You can safely ignore these numbers fttb. If you turn this ring, you will see from viewfinder that the objects changes in focus. Turn this until you find the subject is just sharp enough. Your focus button (the shutter button by default) will not work since there is not auto focus motor in the lens. Again, you have to do it by yourself.

I guess this is all the basic elements you need to know how to operate the lens. I am sorry English is not my native tongue and I am typing all this from my work-place. :D

Hope it helps.


Griffin.

[k_s_rajeev]

Griffin,

Thank you for a descriptive explination and really apprecite it.

It really helped me.

Rajeev.

[dleewo]

I would like to add that you may want to use f2.8 to focus, and once you are satisfied with that, _then_ set the aperture that you want.

Ipretty much use my lens at f22 most of the time, but it's way too dark to focus at that aperture.

[Griffin]

dleewo wrote:
I would like to add that you may want to use f2.8 to focus, and once you are satisfied with that, _then_ set the aperture that you want.

Ipretty much use my lens at f22 most of the time, but it's way too dark to focus at that aperture.


Here is another one I read elsewhere. :)

To assist MF better in D30/D60/10D/300D, adjust the apeature 1-stop down from the desired value (2.8 becomes 4 and 4 becomes 5.6 and so on). Adjust the MF, once it is okay, switch back to the original f-value.

For Zenitar FE, imho, if your subject is far enough and you are stopping down to f/5.6 or below, you can safely ignore the focusing issue and just stay at infinity. It works for me over 90% of the time. :D


Griffin.

[TomKa]

Here is a link to work a bit with the images from the zenitar:
http://www.razziphoto.com/archives/000023.html#more
You can also stitch panorama pictures with PTGui and PanoTools.