Lensbaby

I've been looking at the results and the LB can be incredible.

But, I got a chance to try a LB (composer/double glass) at a photoshow for about 10 minutes and I just couldn't get a feel for focus area.

I had the F4 and the F2 (or lack thereof) aperture discs and I couldn't 'feel' the sweet spot move around. I moved it and then moving the camera around and I sort of tell the top/bottom/side-to-side was more in focus but it wasn't nearly as clear as I thought it would be based on the great pictures I've seen. I felt like it was going to take a helluva a lot of practice to get anywhere. I usually pick things up quickly and enjoy the challenge but this... left me not sure I wanted to start an exercise in frustration.

So my question. How was your first LB experience? Are some of us Lensbaby dumb? Does it sound like there was something wrong with my setup (it was a borrowed camera body and I didn't check the diopter - although the AF points seemed O.K).

I'd like to hear what people think:

Thanks,

Justin

My first time was at my brothers house a few years ago. He said, you have to check this out. It was just after the release of the LB 2.0 I think. Anyway, my first image was sh!t to tell the truth. But I knew that I felt it. It was a number of months later by the time that I got my own. And now if it is off my camera there is a reason, probably a paying gig, that would not suit the LB style. I would say if you could try out a muse, control freak, or a 2.0, you may be able to "understand" how the lens feels a bit better. I know that there are a few here that swear by LBO, and the single glass muse wide open, which are the hardest to use. As a wise man once said "we choose these challenge's, because they are hard, not because they are easy"

My first time was...about 6-7 years ago when the only Baby around was the LBO. I admit the first roll (yes, I used film and I STILL do.) was shit. The focus was never right. Although I was smitten and rarely use another lens with my Nikon FM2. A totally manual film camera, which I guess makes me a control freak. I've never tried any other Baby since. (not 4 lack of wanting!).
Like Patrick said above, try those lens with a smaller aperture at first. (like f/5.6, 8 or 11)
You should be able to "feel" it then.
Like an ex teacher told me once: "Practice makes perfect."

[elenisworld.blogspot.com]
[www.flickr.com]

I've had the LB for three years now, and still think it is very difficult, but after doing "regular glass" photography for some time, I always get back to the LB. It's like a part of me. I like the non-rotating types best. My favorite is the 2.0, but I guess the muse is equal. I have the composer, but find it less "dynamic" to work with. Personal preference.

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My website: [www.fotoaalborg.dk]
Blog (English): [www.retrofoto.dk]
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my first lensbaby was a 2.0. like most i was frustrated at first and the 2.0 sat on the shelf for a few weeks. but it taunted me and i finally decided i wouldn't let it win. ;-) it took weeks of practice and yes, thank goodness for digital and the ability to delete images. but once i started to get a feel for it, i absolutely fell in love. each image is unique - never to be duplicated. i love the softness and the ethereal, impressionistic images i can produce.

i should say that i'm not a "technical" shooter, but an "intuitive" shooter. i'm not so hung up on technical things - fstops and apertures and exposure settings; i go with my feeling. and that's probably why LB's are such a good fit for me.

i think anyone can learn to use LB's but it DOES take patience and practice. i can safely say the LB lenses i own - and i have everything they make (that was up until today and the new optics were released!!) - are my favorite lenses. i am never without one. if you really want to read more, i blogged about it here
[cindimh2.blogspot.com]

i wish you luck with your decision. i hope you give it a whirl. Until my latest purchase of the muse, the LBO (original) was my favorite. but with the muse, i'm a total goner and i can't stop shooting... good luck!
cindi

[www.etsy.com]
[www.etsy.com]

Work place got the first batch in. my job was to learn how to use them. Took home a LBO, 2.0, and 3g for a week. First day nailed a few really good images and lots of bad ones. Could see the potential. Had to learn to hold focus with LBO and 2.0. Would just let go when pushing the shutter release.

Must set diopter on viewfinder. I am pretty good at manual focus with standard lenses (even af lenses are probably mf 85% of the time). So the LB wasn't that hard. Moving the sweet spot took longer to get a feel for.

Bought the LBO. After finally getting the names of the LBs figured out and what they did, it all changed! The Muse and Composer hit the market. Took those home to learn. Bought the Composer and all the Optic Swap optics.

thanks
barondla