Duffman Takes the Daguerreotype Achromat Art Lens to the Streets of New York

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We’ve been constantly impressed by community member Duffman’s ability to see a moment. He tested the Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art Lens on the streets of New York City and brought back some breathtaking results. Read in-depth his first impressions of the lens below.

Please tell us about your photography. How long have you been doing it? What is the pull of photography?

I started in 2012 with the Diana F+ which I got the for my 17th birthday. From day one I was a very enthusiastic shooter. I liked the possibility of experimenting with multiple exposures, cross processing, using different films and cameras to make unique photos. Photography is my art and mode of exploring the world around me and meeting people. I‘m not a writer and not a teller so I like to show photos which can tell much more than words.

This lens has a fascinating history, so let’s play the association game. What came to mind when you first saw the Daguerreotype Art Lens? What is special about its build?

It looked like a old binoculars and reminded me of the Petzval lens. It‘s a long lens. The aperture plates come in the front. And the golden brass looks super old and vintage.

What did you take pictures of? What camera did you use?

I was shooting with it for two days around downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn. As usually I took some photos of people on the streets who interested me. Sometimes I shot candid and sometimes I approached the person to take his or her portrait. I used a Canon EOS Rebel K2 which Katherine of Lomography lent me. Thank you again for trusting in me!

The lens is a continuation of Lomography’s experimental tradition. What special effects have you done using the lens?

The lens came with most interesting aperture plates I ever saw. They make special and unseen textures in the bokeh. It is also very soft which gives you a dreamy look. I shot with wide apertures.The photos look 3D-like and the subject is completely isolated from the background.

In terms of your own photography needs, what is the best feature of the Daguerreotype Art Lens?

Daguerreotype makes extraordinary photos through the special apertures and the softness it gives. Something you can’t do with any digital lens. The focal length is very comfortable for me. Especially for portraits and street photography. Because of the vintage look a lot of people are curious what kind of a lens it is. That helps to meet new people and sometimes to convince to take their photo.

How does Daguerreotype Art Lens differ from other Lomography Art Lenses?

It reminds me of the Petzval because of the form and color but it makes completely different-looking photos with very interesting and strong bokeh. Daguerreotype is in some ways superior. It has a normal focusing ring and the apertures plates come in the front so no dust comes in to the lens.

Why use a special lens at all?

Because regular lenses are boring. If you want something different a special lens helps to create a more artistic look. And it is much more fun to shoot.

Let’s get technical. What tip would you give to a first-time user?

My tip would be definitely to use the special apertures and not to shoot wide open because it gets to soft. Take your time while focusing and look for a nice background with lights, textures and colors.


Check out more of Duffman’s work on his LomoHome.


The Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art Lens, inspired by a long-lost aesthetic, presents the return of dreamy, ethereal photographs. Honing the essence of the world’s first photographic optic, the Daguerreotype Achromat Lens offers the versatility of 21st century technology with the eminent characteristics of 19th century paintings. This premium handcrafted optic, with its unique Lumière and Aquarelle Aperture Plates, is compatible with Canon EF and Nikon F mount cameras and allows for both silky soft-focused details and crisp, defined photographs—boasting the versatile nature of the Lomography Art Lens Family.

Dare to dream and fund this project on Kickstarter to bring the delicate aura of French Romanticism and Impressionism into 21st century imagery!

2016-05-03 #gear #news #daguerreotype #kickstarter #achromat #artlens #lomographyartlenses #daguerreotype-achromat-art-lens

一個留言

  1. dop
    dop ·

    great photographs @duffman!

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