Using a vintage lens is a way to connect with the history of photography. For some photographers, using a vintage lens is like meeting an old friend since a very long times.
There are several reasons why vintage lenses became increasingly popular among photographers.
While we aim for perfection in photography by using high-end equipment in order to reduce irritating effects like distortion and aberration in lenses, we forget, that vintage lenses can add unique aesthetics and characters to your photography.
Special Bokeh effects, softness and lens flares are seen as the soul of analog lenses by ALPA photographer Nicolas Augsburger Rossi.
“I have an admiration for medium format photography and for the character and soul of vintage lenses from the 1950s - 1970s, as well as high-definition ones.”
Many of the lenses he owns inspire with special characteristics such as image quality, distinctive looks, creative control, and craftsmanship that appeals to photographers who prioritize these aspects in their work.
Nicolas brought his medium format lenses back to life by testing them with a digital Canon camera body, first.
The desire for more flexibility and a larger image sensor soon emerged. He soon added a Leaf Credo 40 to his camera equipment and today he works with a Phase One IQ4 150 on an ALPA 12 FPS and ALPA 12 STC
When we asked Nicolas what his most important item in his camera bag was today, he immediately said:
"Today, my ALPA 12 FPS is the most important item in my camera bag because it is the link and control between the sensor and my beloved lenses."
When we designed the ALPA 12 FPS, we aimed to not only design a focal plane shutter camera/module, we aimed to provide photographers with a tool that gives photographers the freedom to choose from various lens combinations.
We are super excited about the fact, that Nicolas Augsburger Rossi came across ALPA and found the ALPA 12 FPS to be the perfect tool to combine vintage lenses with modern high-end medium format photography.
Nicolas is a Swiss optometrist, who is using his ALPA 12 FPS in various configurations. We don't want to confuse you by throwing all configurations into one ALPALog, and so we decided to highlight the configurations he is working with in an upcoming series of ALPALogs.
Stay tuned!
"I am a Swiss optometrist with a passion for working with light on a daily basis. Owner of Stile Ottica SA based in Mendrisio, Canton Ticino. I have an admiration for medium format photography and for the character and soul of vintage lenses from the 50s - 70s, as well as high definition ones."
Nicolas Augsburger Rossi focuses his photographic work on nature and architecture. He creates fine art prints that are finding a growing number of fans.
ALPA photographer Nicolas Augsburger Rossi began his apprenticeship as an optician in Lausanne in 1993 and this was the first time when his interest in photography was awakened.
Nicolas Augsburger Rossi is the owner of the company Stile Ottica SA located in Mendrisio, Ticino.
We wonder what is in your camera bag? And more important: What kind of lenses do you own, that you would like to use for your photography?
If you have questions about your camera equipment, please email: services@alpa.ch
We are looking forward to hearing, what is your most beloved lens!
Your ALPAs