In my previous blog post, I mentioned that Lomography contacted me for a collaboration. Well, we’re still discussing some details, but meanwhile they have a Kickstarter project going on and would like me to give a shout on it.
The product they are kickstarting is the Lomography Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art Lens. To break down the name, Daguerreotype was a camera built by Louis Daguerre, while Achromat describes the achromatic lens that was created by Charles Chevalier. Both the camera and lens were combined which gave birth to practical photography in 1838.
Image credit: Lomography
This brand new lens by Lomography, inspired by Chevalier’s lens, offers a maximum aperture of f/2.9 and focal length of 64mm. The aperture is adjusted using Waterhouse aperture system, by changing pieces of diaphragm with various hole sizes (aperture). It is a manual lens with Nikon and Canon mount variants. Focusing distance ranges from 50cm to infinity. You can use on other camera mounts via mount converters.
Image credit: Lomography
The lens is made in brass with natural or black finish. It boasts the premium optic quality that Lomography established with other art lenses like the New Petzval 85, New Russar+, Lomo LC-A Minitar-1, The Petzval 58 Bokeh Control and Lomography New Jupiter 3+ Art Lenses.
Looking at the sample photos posted on the Kickstarter page, the images below f/4 deliver an ethereal glow reminiscent of the 19th century photography, while f/5.6 and smaller apertures create the modern sharp results.
The response has been overwhelming so far. Over 1,400 backers (as at 13 April) has pledged over half a million U.S. dollars. Lomography expects to manufacture and deliver the products to backers from September onwards. Expected retail price is US$499 and the Black Edition at US$599.
If you are interested, head on to the Kickstarter page. Funding will close on 11 May 2016 AWST (GMT+8).
Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lomography/the-lomography-daguerreotype-achromat-29-64-art-le
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