No matter how long these videos are, they are never long enough for me as I love watching them so much. It feels like I am literally on the streets, shooting as well as learning from you. These videos taught me to enjoy shooting more than showing others the results and the fact that photography is way much more than just receiving appreciation from people.
I agree. It is maybe even more important to be simply be enjoying yourself. Getting fresh air, seeing people go about life, getting exercise, and the search for that great photo (even if it fails) is all part of the fun.
Nice video! The stairs scene about searching for the photo: I share this thought, but my mind thinks: "Another photographer here would have found a way to take a great photo." And then my competitiveness kicks in, and I try harder. It’s a paradox that when traveling to a new place, I often find great photos to take. Which means, someone traveling to where I live, will take great photos. Meaning, you can take great photos anywhere, even if it’s the same place you see every day. This is at the core of what I think is magic with street photography. I also share your thoughts about often not feeling I take great shots on my walks. And it’s more about having fun taking shots than the result. I think this is a part of the process of evolving as a Photographer. As you take more photos, you will eventually take great photos now and then. And those great photos become the high-water mark for what you know you can perform. And the photos you compare all the photos you take later. We just have to trust the process and know that you still have not taken your best photo. Not if you keep pushing yourself. Once travel to Japan is back, I will buy a workshop tour. See ya!
I love your logical proof for being able to take great photos everywhere. I think you are totally right! And you also highlight the high-water mark idea perfectly. It's what I was rambling on about towards the end of the video. There is a kind of regression to the mean that can be discouraging, but we are best to ignore it and focus on the process. Anyway, thank you! And I hope to see you soon!
Ah yeah, that's a iconic building in this area. It's the Hermes flagship store. It's usually just glass, but sometimes they decorate it like that. I've definitely shot it many times in many variations. :)
The 35 was my first lens after my 50mm 1.8, I loved it. But then I got an 85, and I moved away from the 35, but watching this made me want to go back out and use my 35 again!
I think it would be a super cool idea to dedicating a whole video to revisiting some locations of your most iconic shots and try to reframe them with your latest gear, like you sorta did at 25:00, to see how much the city changed and also to compare the camera outputs and what worked better back then and what works better now. I would be dying for a video like that!
@@EYExplore Oh, I don't know all the titles of your images. I could only briefly describe what's in the pictures, but that would create a couple of paragraphs. Definitely the business girl in front of the yellow sushi restaurant; the subway woman in the yellow dress; The geisha in front of the train; the midage couple in the subway (woman wears a straw hat); some of your older car lights photos and from the Noctopolis series. Of course you won't find the same human subjects again, but maybe you can come close. I really dig a lot shots from your 2014 video artist portrait which introduced me to your work and greatly inspired me to become a photographer myself. Most of them aren't even on your website anymore, but maybe worth coming back to. But I guess it's not the right time of the year to redo those shots, I figure they were all taking in summer. But a video like that would be so cool.
Man, first of all, thanks for being such a huge fan of my work! Sorry I didn't respond to this sooner, but it got hidden by youtube for some reason. It's funny, because I know all of the photos you are talking about! And yeah, it's true I've hidden some of those old shots from my site. Maybe I can bring them back. I did bring some back a little while ago in this series: www.lkazphoto.com/portfolio#/tokyo-cinematique/ All of these are from that era. I don't know if I'll do a video just about revisiting spots from old photos, but I have been trying more and more to show my older shots when they come up on relevant spots. I did that in our most recent video about 28mm: ua-cam.com/video/7ODW8zILCog/v-deo.html A few times I shot some old shots, some from years ago. I will try to do that more often because I think you're right, it's interesting! :)
Always so pumped when you’ve uploaded a video and it’s like 30 mins long, your videos are so great! Also loved your comments about great photos/enjoying yourself; took my X-Pro3 out the other day and had a blast taking photos, got home and found they were ALL terrible. Was bummed out for a while, until I realised that I’d had a great hour of walking around with my dog
Thank you so much!! And so glad I can convey some positivity. I feel we all get way too hung up on the image, and forget that photography is more about the mindset and and the experience than about the image. :)
So much to learn yet so enjoyable learning through your video. I was lucky enough to add a 17-55 mm Nikkor F2.8 to my D300 now it's living on the camera I love it.
Hey Lukasz, I'm inspired and entertained by your videos, as always. I also have the Z6 and I was also annoyed by the clutter on the screen when shooting like you mentioned at 20:14 . But I found out that you can hit the video record button(little red button next to the shutter) and all the junk disappears, both on screen and in the viewfinder. Why it's not one of the options in the display button, I have no idea. I know you have moved on to the Z9, but I hope this tip is useful to you nonetheless.
Thanks! Yeah, that's a custom control that can be enabled in the custom settings menu. My video record was button was used for something else. But yeah, it should be one of the Display button options... Thanks for sharing all the same!
nice tuto and pictures. I often hesitate between 50mm 1.8, 35mm 1.8 and heavier 24-70 F/2.8. I like the "wide angle" we have with 35mm. It also doesn't distort too much the faces when we remain not too close.
@@EYExplore have you preferred the adapted glass or the native x mount lenses? I started off with the 35mm z and loved it but was somewhat weary of it's cost
@@JoeMansLand I have by now switched all my lenses to Z mount and love them. But yeah they are expensive. I do still have a couple favorite f-mount lenses but don't use them these days.
I've mentioned before but I love this series of focal length discussions. I know this is specifically about the Viltrox but also serves as an education and demonstration of how you utilise the 35mm. Loved the 85mm one too. Would be interested to see a video of a 50mm at some point in the future. It's always been a focal length I've admired in other peoples shots but have never been able to use effectively myself. The small shift in FOV and compression you get from a 50 compared to a 40 has always been very difficult to manage for me. I've noticed it's also a focal length you don't use too often. Would make an interesting video! Had to leave the Patreon recently due to a change in personal circumstances but will be rejoining tomorrow. All the best and take care guys.
Thank you! Yeah, I used to own a 50mm a loooooooong time ago, but it's been a while. I do sometimes shoot around 50mm with a zoom lens though of course. I think it would be cool if I could pick up an interesting 50mm, like and old AIS lens or something. And no worries about Patreon!! :)
You can turn off the INFO MSG on Z6mk2 (it isn't possible on Z6mk1, why? Because, Nikon): f2 Custom Control > Assign button [Live view info display off]. Now you will have clean image on LCD screen.
You just blew mind. Thank you! Although, I still think it's absolutely IDIOTIC that this setting is only accessible via a custom setting. It should be part of the cycle controlled by the dedicated DISP button on the back. I'll be sure to mention this in a future video! :)
Really love these videos that are focusing on you enjoying street photography, keeps me inspired and looking forward to hitting the streets again. I struggle with liking my photos sometimes and others i like, seems to be an up and down thing for me.
When I started my travels a little over a year ago I brought a Z6, the Nikon 24-70mm f4, and the Nikon 35mm 1.8. I only wanted two lenses to cut down on weight while traveling perpetually. As a beginner, I relied heavily on that 24-70. Lately, I've been forcing myself to use the 35mm more. I do notice I miss focus more with the 35mm that the 24-70mm. Sometimes I think it's because I'm setting my depth of field too shallow when being very close to my subject. I didn't really have that problem with the 24-70. It's been a learning curve and I'm getting better. I'd like to see you do more videos with a 35mm since that is the only prime I will be shooting with for the foreseeable future.
Yeah, wide aperture primes are tricky that way. But once you get used to them, they offer a very fun shooting experience. I will definitely make more and more videos with my 40mm, but I no longer have the 35mm (too similar, so no point to have both).
Great video! Always useful and helpful content. This might be my next lens. Wished there was a Z 28mm f1.8. 35mm is definitely a great focal length. Did you ever use the Nikon Z 50 f1.8?
Thank you so much! I never used the 1.8 Nikon primes unfortunately, so I don't have a way to compare them directly. These days I'm using the 26mm f/2.8 and the the 40mm f/2, which I'm really enjoying! :)
Love your videos and been a fan for awhile… Just curious what firmware you’re running. I’m still on 1.20 (decided to hold off on 1.30 for now) on my Z6 II, and I don’t have that OK / ESC in the display at the bottom just above the bottom row - as you pointed out around 20:38. Maybe it’s based on settings in the Menu? I always shoot manual, but tried switching to aperture priority just now (think that’s what you were using in this video) and still not seeing that on my display.
Thank you! The OK thing only appears when you are using Subject Tracking within the Auto Area AF modes. Since I use this mode all the time, the thing appears all the time for me. Anyway, I didn't realize there is already 1.3. I should probably update it as my camera is still on 1.2!
@@EYExplore Thanks for responding! Haha, so funny, because I actually have the subject tracking as my Fn1 shortcut; it’s just been so long since I’ve used that. I’ve been using the different focus modes for so long now - quickly switching them using the Fn2 button. Anyways, I love the content you guys keep uploading! Keep up the great work!
Enjoyable post w/clever mix: lens “commentary”, cool images (reflections, and at 24 min caffe patrons), composition advice (stairs/perspective), and “Easter Egg” gems (BIC Camera Building in background of final image). Nice! How often are those downtown streets closed to traffic? YT rendering makes it difficult to assess lens IQ, but I get the general idea. I thought the gent behind the frosted glass door was about to come out and confront you. I’m also drawn to construction site compositions, but prefer to capture workers in colorful garb in the images. Looks like your team attracts local photographers who want to get images like those you are taking - imitation best kind of flattery. Cheers!
Thank you!! They close the main street in Ginza on Sat/Sun from noon to 5pm. And yeah, I agree that images in a video (even at 4k) are not the same as the actual images, so it's just a rough impression and you have to take my work for it haha. :)
really appreciate you including what you consider to be a failure in these videos (which I thought looked great!). It's nice to see that it happens to everyone though and that not all shots will be perfect. Love your work.
Talking about how the multiple shots influence photography, I started to use single shot like 2 months ago, no more full burst, and in fact my photos seems to be better, because I don't rely anymore on the "shot the more you can and some photos will be good" haha so yeah, single shots are probably a good habit haha
You are my favourite photography-related youtuber at the moment, I’m so glad I found your channel. 🙏 I’ve been following the tips you have given in your channel as well as in the Ricoh-channel and it have improved my (street) photography and my ability to see and perceive things so much. It’s weird how you’re not more famous or don’t have more subscribers. I recently bought 85mm F1.8 from Viltrox for my Sony A7 II- and A7C, interesting lens to use. Maybe bit too “tight” for my liking but has its own strenghts. My Sony 55mm F1.8 feels probably the most comfortable lens for my shooting style - quite versatile and really shines in isolating subjects and small compositions but isn’t too boxy looking. What do you think about 50-ish lenses?
Thank you very much!! I think we haven't been doing this channel for that long. We have some videos from 2017, but we didn't really work on it consistently until late 2019. Also, I'm terrible and making thumbnails and titles that youtube can pickup and make viral. I don't like making gimmicky youtube crap, but that's kinda needed to grow quickly. I'm happy with slow growth and small but solid base of fans. :) I like 50ish lenses. My favorite lens is my 40mm, so yeah. I use to own a 50mm too but eventually settled on 40mm because it's a bit more versatile for my liking. I enjoy 85mm as well, but I agree that it's a bit more specialized.
Love the first shot of the motorcycle dude, Lukasz! I like your discussion about autofocus. I’m really torn about it, on the one hand, it’s fast so I catch moments I would probably miss with manual focus… but on the other hand my compositions tend to be worse. I also “overshoot” my Z5, using High continuous, but I don’t feel like that’s a problem or negative. Often the 3rd or 4th frame in a series turns out to be the “decisive moment”.🤷🏼♂️ I’m currently only shooting manual Nikkor AIS lenses on my Z5. The viewfinder is so good, it feels like I’m shooting my film cameras. Incredible camera for $1000 USD.
Yeah, that's one thing I like about manual lenses, is they naturally slow you down. I spent so long on them that I kind of miss that aspect at this point. Glad you've loving the Z5! :)
Yeah I saw that too recently. Wow, such a disappointment. It used to be a cool buildings with great atmosphere. Man, it seems like half this city is gonna be parking lot at this rate...
As always, I love your guy's videos, especially these walk about videos. It's always interesting to me learning what's going through your head when you're taking every shot and gives me some mental tools to put in my arsenal. By the way your red shoes are awesome! Are those Keens?
Thank you so much!! So glad to hear that! And, yes those are Keen!! I love Keen. I've had a black pair for 3 years and recently bought the same shoes but this time in 'Ketchup' lol. A comfy pair of shoes that can be worn for hours on end is an important too for a photographer! :)
I thought it was a video about shooting 35mm film haha. I really enjoyed my 35, but for portability i changed to the vöigtlander 40 mm and is different, bu better for my style
Enjoyed the video and seeing your settings on the resulting photos. One thing I'd like to get your take on is the metering system on the Nikon Z. I just picked one up and am having a hard time adjusting coming from Olympus and the Ricoh GR. I find that the average mode tends to overexpose and I'm always having to crank down the exposure compensation. I see that you're often shooting at least -1EV in matrix (average) mode as well. From a practical point of view, I find it annoying that the exposure compensation doesn't seem to show up in the viewfinder or rear display once set (though it is shown on the top plate). In manual mode I often then forget my EV has been changed. As for another metering question, have you used the highlight-weighted mode much? I need to spend some more time with it but it seems pretty different from the comparable mode on the GR (I think it can still clip highlights if not careful). Cheers!
Matrix mode is not average mode actually. I explain this here: ua-cam.com/video/nGswIrIlXRs/v-deo.html Matrix is actually a bit different and does not work reliably with Subject Tracking AF, which I use all the time. On my previous Nikons I did always use Matrix Metering, and found it very good, but prefer the center-weighted average setting on my Z6 (as explained in the link above). As for -1EV, that's for two reason: 1) I usually shoot at night so all of the black parts of the scene kinda throw off the metering (camera tries to expose for the shadows). In the day time, the exposure if generally fine, but still I like to protect highlights and just bring up the exposure in post as I see fit. Much of the time I'm doing about +1 exposure in ACR, which means that it was kinda pointless to shoot at -1. So, it's really kind of a bad habit and I'm not sure if it is the most optimal way to shoot. In manual mode (full manual, along with manual ISO) the EV does nothing. However, it does change the 0 point for the metering chart if you are looking at it, but when I shoot in manual I don't bother checking what the meter things as that kinda defeats the purpose of manual for me. Regarding highlight-weighted metering, I tried it but found it too inconsistent. It would dark the scene way too much at night when dealing with lots of small sources of bright light (like car headlights or something).
@@EYExplore Thanks for the thorough reply! Your other video you referenced was very useful. I'm trying your frame-wide average exposure mode tip and am happy with the results. In manual mode I meant with auto-ISO (not full manual I guess). I've since realized that if you do an EV adjustment in this mode, the +/- icon appears so that helps a little as a reminder. I'd still prefer to see the EV-comp value but the icon is better than nothing. I'm going to keep getting acquainted with the Z6. The image quality and feature set for the price is pretty tough to beat. Have you tried out the new Z 40/2 and the Z 28/2.8? They're pretty fun.
@@davidkastelan3206 I ordered the 40/2 but it seems to be sold our everywhere at the moment so I am just waiting for it come through eventually. Really looking forward to it!
The camera does affect eh way you shoot. I used to not buy a camera without a viewfinder until my X-70. Now I realise that I can't shoot without the LCD anymore. I just prefer the photos shot with the back screen because I'm slightly too tall so all my eye level photos are looking down on the scene, where as my chest level photos look more inline with the subjects. More sky and less floor.
I don’t compare myself to other photographers, or their works-I do challenge myself to do better when I see my “meh” photos, I do go out for the fun of it-the hunt, but sometimes my photos are just average and that’s okay- no harm, no foul-especially since I shoot with a digital camera and download the photos to my iPad. I like a few of your photos, that you might have thought average, and enjoyed your video.
I was about to ask the same question, I find it strange people just walking everywhere like it's a cordoned off area where no cars can go but of course it's a regular street
Yes, one person did. Man that blew my mind haha. I still think it's crazy that this option is that hidden. It should just be part of the view modes that cycle when pressing the DISP button on the back. Wouldn't that make sense?!
@@EYExplore Yep. It looked like a woman taking pictures with a cell phone. You even made a comment. Maybe you took some that didn't get in the video. It's not really important; it's your video & your choice as to what goes in it. I was mostly just kidding you.
12:34 Why there are no cars on this street? I noticed, that sometimes on streets there are no cars for long time, like 2 min, is it because of traffic rules, or some holiday, or it's just because EYExplore team is making video, so government closed streets? ;)
LOL> I can't tell you how many times I've taken a picture only to have someone come up behind me and take the same picture! I sometimes want to ask them, I know why I took it but why did you?! 😂
Your shot made by D300 is way better than Z6mk2. Unfortunately I'm also seeing this in my pictures: they were better on D300s/D750 than o Z6mk1. More thinking, less shooting. I think it is related to the EVF and perfection that was made in technology in general. IMHO we are distracted by another monitor in front of our eyes and lenses are tech-sharp. Try to go back do D4 and your Voigt :-) I'm going to do that with my D750.
I think it's an unfair comparison. It has nothing to do with the camera or thinking. The moment was better in that old shot. The scene was more alive. And also my edit is different, from a different time. I do sometimes go back to my D4 and the Voigtlander lens (which I also sometimes use on the Z6) and I much prefer the Z6 overall. I enjoy the experience of using the D4 (the weight, balance, loud shutter sound, the OVF) but the ability to create images in difficult conditions (like low light, tracking AF, etc.) is much better with the Z6. Anyway, you are free to prefer what you like in terms of the final image (e.g. in terms of art) but I've shot with both cameras extensively and I'm not going back. And to be honest, I don't really like either of these photos. That old one is the oldest one I had of this scene, so I showed it for the sake of comparison.
@@EYExplore Of course you are right. You were there with both cameras :-) I'm probably too nostalgic. I'm not a pro-photographer which is living by doing a photographs. It's just a hobby for me. A very expensive one :-) I were shooting with D300s for 10 years until "hot pixels arrived" and it is really hard to beat my own muscle-memory with D750 or Z6. D750 is very close with that ergonomics from D300s. For the Z6 I need to constantly switching my brain therefore I'm using it only for specific purposes.
@@orbital2001 Also, I should say: don't take my comment as trying to convince which camera and shooting style is right for you. You may have seen my video: Love Your Camera. If you love your D750, then use it! And don't let some bozo on the internet (e.g. me lol) convince you otherwise, haha! In the end, pro or not pro, photography is an art form, not a science. We have to define our own values within this creative arena and then stick to them. You might like this article I wrote a while ago. Feel it's relevant here: www.lkazphoto.com/blog/values-in-photography-and-art
No matter how long these videos are, they are never long enough for me as I love watching them so much. It feels like I am literally on the streets, shooting as well as learning from you. These videos taught me to enjoy shooting more than showing others the results and the fact that photography is way much more than just receiving appreciation from people.
Thank you so much for saying so! I'm glad that our channel inspires you to create simple for its own sake! :)
I agree. It is maybe even more important to be simply be enjoying yourself. Getting fresh air, seeing people go about life, getting exercise, and the search for that great photo (even if it fails) is all part of the fun.
This is very true! Enjoyment is the ultimate point of all this after all. :)
Nice video!
The stairs scene about searching for the photo: I share this thought, but my mind thinks: "Another photographer here would have found a way to take a great photo." And then my competitiveness kicks in, and I try harder. It’s a paradox that when traveling to a new place, I often find great photos to take. Which means, someone traveling to where I live, will take great photos. Meaning, you can take great photos anywhere, even if it’s the same place you see every day. This is at the core of what I think is magic with street photography.
I also share your thoughts about often not feeling I take great shots on my walks. And it’s more about having fun taking shots than the result. I think this is a part of the process of evolving as a Photographer. As you take more photos, you will eventually take great photos now and then. And those great photos become the high-water mark for what you know you can perform. And the photos you compare all the photos you take later. We just have to trust the process and know that you still have not taken your best photo. Not if you keep pushing yourself.
Once travel to Japan is back, I will buy a workshop tour. See ya!
I love your logical proof for being able to take great photos everywhere. I think you are totally right! And you also highlight the high-water mark idea perfectly. It's what I was rambling on about towards the end of the video. There is a kind of regression to the mean that can be discouraging, but we are best to ignore it and focus on the process.
Anyway, thank you! And I hope to see you soon!
Love the building with the square glass tiles in the background at 18:30 . Have you done some shots there in the past?
Ah yeah, that's a iconic building in this area. It's the Hermes flagship store. It's usually just glass, but sometimes they decorate it like that. I've definitely shot it many times in many variations. :)
Easily the best photography UA-camr. Thank for the inspiration and tips
Thank you so much!! :)
@@EYExplore no thank you!!
The 35 was my first lens after my 50mm 1.8, I loved it. But then I got an 85, and I moved away from the 35, but watching this made me want to go back out and use my 35 again!
Haha, yeah, too many lenses, too little time!! :)
I think it would be a super cool idea to dedicating a whole video to revisiting some locations of your most iconic shots and try to reframe them with your latest gear, like you sorta did at 25:00, to see how much the city changed and also to compare the camera outputs and what worked better back then and what works better now. I would be dying for a video like that!
That's a pretty cool idea! Any shots you have in mind? :)
@@EYExplore Oh, I don't know all the titles of your images. I could only briefly describe what's in the pictures, but that would create a couple of paragraphs. Definitely the business girl in front of the yellow sushi restaurant; the subway woman in the yellow dress; The geisha in front of the train; the midage couple in the subway (woman wears a straw hat); some of your older car lights photos and from the Noctopolis series. Of course you won't find the same human subjects again, but maybe you can come close. I really dig a lot shots from your 2014 video artist portrait which introduced me to your work and greatly inspired me to become a photographer myself. Most of them aren't even on your website anymore, but maybe worth coming back to. But I guess it's not the right time of the year to redo those shots, I figure they were all taking in summer. But a video like that would be so cool.
Great idea!
Man, first of all, thanks for being such a huge fan of my work! Sorry I didn't respond to this sooner, but it got hidden by youtube for some reason. It's funny, because I know all of the photos you are talking about! And yeah, it's true I've hidden some of those old shots from my site. Maybe I can bring them back. I did bring some back a little while ago in this series: www.lkazphoto.com/portfolio#/tokyo-cinematique/
All of these are from that era. I don't know if I'll do a video just about revisiting spots from old photos, but I have been trying more and more to show my older shots when they come up on relevant spots. I did that in our most recent video about 28mm: ua-cam.com/video/7ODW8zILCog/v-deo.html
A few times I shot some old shots, some from years ago. I will try to do that more often because I think you're right, it's interesting! :)
@@EYExplore Awesome man! Committed artists who engage with their fans deserve engaged and committed fans! I apprecihiate it!
Always so pumped when you’ve uploaded a video and it’s like 30 mins long, your videos are so great! Also loved your comments about great photos/enjoying yourself; took my X-Pro3 out the other day and had a blast taking photos, got home and found they were ALL terrible. Was bummed out for a while, until I realised that I’d had a great hour of walking around with my dog
Also absolutely love the shot at 24:29
Thank you so much!! And so glad I can convey some positivity. I feel we all get way too hung up on the image, and forget that photography is more about the mindset and and the experience than about the image. :)
So much to learn yet so enjoyable learning through your video. I was lucky enough to add a 17-55 mm Nikkor F2.8 to my D300 now it's living on the camera I love it.
Oh that is a great lens! Glad you enjoyed the video! :)
Hey Lukasz, I'm inspired and entertained by your videos, as always. I also have the Z6 and I was also annoyed by the clutter on the screen when shooting like you mentioned at 20:14 . But I found out that you can hit the video record button(little red button next to the shutter) and all the junk disappears, both on screen and in the viewfinder. Why it's not one of the options in the display button, I have no idea. I know you have moved on to the Z9, but I hope this tip is useful to you nonetheless.
Thanks! Yeah, that's a custom control that can be enabled in the custom settings menu. My video record was button was used for something else. But yeah, it should be one of the Display button options... Thanks for sharing all the same!
Love these long vloggy type of videos. Keep them coming.
Thank you very much! They're been drifting longer and longer these days. :)
nice tuto and pictures. I often hesitate between 50mm 1.8, 35mm 1.8 and heavier 24-70 F/2.8. I like the "wide angle" we have with 35mm. It also doesn't distort too much the faces when we remain not too close.
Yeah, I find 40mm to be perfect for me. And my #2 choice is 28mm. With these two I can do pretty much anything. :)
Added the Nikkor Z 35mm to my Z9. Enjoying it.
I got it too recently! It's great! :)
@@EYExplore And with a mild case of GAS syndrome, I added a Nikon Zf as a back/walk around camera. Love that machine, too.
@@nigeldawson5960 Nice!
Awesome video, great to see a fellow Nikon Z shooter!
Thanks! Glad you liked it! :)
@@EYExplore have you preferred the adapted glass or the native x mount lenses? I started off with the 35mm z and loved it but was somewhat weary of it's cost
@@JoeMansLand I have by now switched all my lenses to Z mount and love them. But yeah they are expensive. I do still have a couple favorite f-mount lenses but don't use them these days.
I've mentioned before but I love this series of focal length discussions. I know this is specifically about the Viltrox but also serves as an education and demonstration of how you utilise the 35mm. Loved the 85mm one too. Would be interested to see a video of a 50mm at some point in the future. It's always been a focal length I've admired in other peoples shots but have never been able to use effectively myself. The small shift in FOV and compression you get from a 50 compared to a 40 has always been very difficult to manage for me. I've noticed it's also a focal length you don't use too often. Would make an interesting video! Had to leave the Patreon recently due to a change in personal circumstances but will be rejoining tomorrow. All the best and take care guys.
Thank you! Yeah, I used to own a 50mm a loooooooong time ago, but it's been a while. I do sometimes shoot around 50mm with a zoom lens though of course. I think it would be cool if I could pick up an interesting 50mm, like and old AIS lens or something. And no worries about Patreon!! :)
You can turn off the INFO MSG on Z6mk2 (it isn't possible on Z6mk1, why? Because, Nikon): f2 Custom Control > Assign button [Live view info display off].
Now you will have clean image on LCD screen.
You just blew mind. Thank you! Although, I still think it's absolutely IDIOTIC that this setting is only accessible via a custom setting. It should be part of the cycle controlled by the dedicated DISP button on the back. I'll be sure to mention this in a future video! :)
Thanks for your video! I enjoy watching them. Keep up the good work and your approach to photography! I agree with it 100% 👍
Thank you so much! :)
Really love these videos that are focusing on you enjoying street photography, keeps me inspired and looking forward to hitting the streets again. I struggle with liking my photos sometimes and others i like, seems to be an up and down thing for me.
Thank you for saying so! I feel we are gravitating towards this style more and more these days. :)
When I started my travels a little over a year ago I brought a Z6, the Nikon 24-70mm f4, and the Nikon 35mm 1.8. I only wanted two lenses to cut down on weight while traveling perpetually. As a beginner, I relied heavily on that 24-70. Lately, I've been forcing myself to use the 35mm more. I do notice I miss focus more with the 35mm that the 24-70mm. Sometimes I think it's because I'm setting my depth of field too shallow when being very close to my subject. I didn't really have that problem with the 24-70. It's been a learning curve and I'm getting better. I'd like to see you do more videos with a 35mm since that is the only prime I will be shooting with for the foreseeable future.
Yeah, wide aperture primes are tricky that way. But once you get used to them, they offer a very fun shooting experience. I will definitely make more and more videos with my 40mm, but I no longer have the 35mm (too similar, so no point to have both).
Great video! Always useful and helpful content. This might be my next lens. Wished there was a Z 28mm f1.8. 35mm is definitely a great focal length. Did you ever use the Nikon Z 50 f1.8?
Thank you so much! I never used the 1.8 Nikon primes unfortunately, so I don't have a way to compare them directly. These days I'm using the 26mm f/2.8 and the the 40mm f/2, which I'm really enjoying! :)
Love your videos and been a fan for awhile… Just curious what firmware you’re running. I’m still on 1.20 (decided to hold off on 1.30 for now) on my Z6 II, and I don’t have that OK / ESC in the display at the bottom just above the bottom row - as you pointed out around 20:38. Maybe it’s based on settings in the Menu? I always shoot manual, but tried switching to aperture priority just now (think that’s what you were using in this video) and still not seeing that on my display.
Thank you! The OK thing only appears when you are using Subject Tracking within the Auto Area AF modes. Since I use this mode all the time, the thing appears all the time for me.
Anyway, I didn't realize there is already 1.3. I should probably update it as my camera is still on 1.2!
@@EYExplore Thanks for responding! Haha, so funny, because I actually have the subject tracking as my Fn1 shortcut; it’s just been so long since I’ve used that. I’ve been using the different focus modes for so long now - quickly switching them using the Fn2 button. Anyways, I love the content you guys keep uploading! Keep up the great work!
@@mouseking7809 Thank you! Will do! :)
Enjoyable post w/clever mix: lens “commentary”, cool images (reflections, and at 24 min caffe patrons), composition advice (stairs/perspective), and “Easter Egg” gems (BIC Camera Building in background of final image). Nice! How often are those downtown streets closed to traffic? YT rendering makes it difficult to assess lens IQ, but I get the general idea. I thought the gent behind the frosted glass door was about to come out and confront you.
I’m also drawn to construction site compositions, but prefer to capture workers in colorful garb in the images. Looks like your team attracts local photographers who want to get images like those you are taking - imitation best kind of flattery. Cheers!
Thank you!! They close the main street in Ginza on Sat/Sun from noon to 5pm. And yeah, I agree that images in a video (even at 4k) are not the same as the actual images, so it's just a rough impression and you have to take my work for it haha. :)
really appreciate you including what you consider to be a failure in these videos (which I thought looked great!). It's nice to see that it happens to everyone though and that not all shots will be perfect. Love your work.
Yeah, it's much often like this than the opposite end of the spectrum. Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you! :)
35mm with the way you edit is very film like on this episode
Thanks!!! :)
Great video, absolutely great message at the end!
Thank you!! :)
Talking about how the multiple shots influence photography, I started to use single shot like 2 months ago, no more full burst, and in fact my photos seems to be better, because I don't rely anymore on the "shot the more you can and some photos will be good" haha so yeah, single shots are probably a good habit haha
Yeah, I think this is a good approach! Shoot less and more mindfully. :)
I always learn something new from your videos.
Thank you so much! What did you learn from this one? :)
always a pleasure!!!!
Thanks! :)
You are my favourite photography-related youtuber at the moment, I’m so glad I found your channel. 🙏 I’ve been following the tips you have given in your channel as well as in the Ricoh-channel and it have improved my (street) photography and my ability to see and perceive things so much. It’s weird how you’re not more famous or don’t have more subscribers.
I recently bought 85mm F1.8 from Viltrox for my Sony A7 II- and A7C, interesting lens to use. Maybe bit too “tight” for my liking but has its own strenghts. My Sony 55mm F1.8 feels probably the most comfortable lens for my shooting style - quite versatile and really shines in isolating subjects and small compositions but isn’t too boxy looking. What do you think about 50-ish lenses?
Thank you very much!! I think we haven't been doing this channel for that long. We have some videos from 2017, but we didn't really work on it consistently until late 2019. Also, I'm terrible and making thumbnails and titles that youtube can pickup and make viral. I don't like making gimmicky youtube crap, but that's kinda needed to grow quickly. I'm happy with slow growth and small but solid base of fans. :)
I like 50ish lenses. My favorite lens is my 40mm, so yeah. I use to own a 50mm too but eventually settled on 40mm because it's a bit more versatile for my liking. I enjoy 85mm as well, but I agree that it's a bit more specialized.
Love the first shot of the motorcycle dude, Lukasz!
I like your discussion about autofocus. I’m really torn about it, on the one hand, it’s fast so I catch moments I would probably miss with manual focus… but on the other hand my compositions tend to be worse. I also “overshoot” my Z5, using High continuous, but I don’t feel like that’s a problem or negative. Often the 3rd or 4th frame in a series turns out to be the “decisive moment”.🤷🏼♂️
I’m currently only shooting manual Nikkor AIS lenses on my Z5. The viewfinder is so good, it feels like I’m shooting my film cameras. Incredible camera for $1000 USD.
Yeah, that's one thing I like about manual lenses, is they naturally slow you down. I spent so long on them that I kind of miss that aspect at this point. Glad you've loving the Z5! :)
Awesome video! Just discovered the construction area is now just a parking lot.
Yeah I saw that too recently. Wow, such a disappointment. It used to be a cool buildings with great atmosphere. Man, it seems like half this city is gonna be parking lot at this rate...
what brand sling bag do you use?
The bag is from Squalo Works. It's not a camera bag, just a nice little messenger bag I found in a department store in Tokyo a few years back. :)
Definitely I appreciate your ways... Pleasan walk
Thanks!! Glad you enjoyed it! :)
As always, I love your guy's videos, especially these walk about videos. It's always interesting to me learning what's going through your head when you're taking every shot and gives me some mental tools to put in my arsenal. By the way your red shoes are awesome! Are those Keens?
Thank you so much!! So glad to hear that! And, yes those are Keen!! I love Keen. I've had a black pair for 3 years and recently bought the same shoes but this time in 'Ketchup' lol. A comfy pair of shoes that can be worn for hours on end is an important too for a photographer! :)
Do you think that the autofocus with Nikon branded Z lenses hits sharp focus more often than when using off brand lenses.
I don't think so, but I never did any tests so I could be totally wrong.
What do you think overall thoughts about the Viltrox 35mm? Is it fast enough for street photography / moments?
Did I not talk about this lens during the whole video haha? The lens is totally fine for street photography. :)
Haha I apologise for not listening because I only focused more on the surroundings that you photographed @@EYExplore :))
I thought it was a video about shooting 35mm film haha. I really enjoyed my 35, but for portability i changed to the vöigtlander 40 mm and is different, bu better for my style
Ah, yeah maybe some day I'll do a video about film. And I agree, the 40mm is much better. I prefer it as well! :)
Enjoyed the video and seeing your settings on the resulting photos. One thing I'd like to get your take on is the metering system on the Nikon Z. I just picked one up and am having a hard time adjusting coming from Olympus and the Ricoh GR. I find that the average mode tends to overexpose and I'm always having to crank down the exposure compensation. I see that you're often shooting at least -1EV in matrix (average) mode as well. From a practical point of view, I find it annoying that the exposure compensation doesn't seem to show up in the viewfinder or rear display once set (though it is shown on the top plate). In manual mode I often then forget my EV has been changed. As for another metering question, have you used the highlight-weighted mode much? I need to spend some more time with it but it seems pretty different from the comparable mode on the GR (I think it can still clip highlights if not careful). Cheers!
Matrix mode is not average mode actually. I explain this here: ua-cam.com/video/nGswIrIlXRs/v-deo.html
Matrix is actually a bit different and does not work reliably with Subject Tracking AF, which I use all the time. On my previous Nikons I did always use Matrix Metering, and found it very good, but prefer the center-weighted average setting on my Z6 (as explained in the link above).
As for -1EV, that's for two reason: 1) I usually shoot at night so all of the black parts of the scene kinda throw off the metering (camera tries to expose for the shadows). In the day time, the exposure if generally fine, but still I like to protect highlights and just bring up the exposure in post as I see fit. Much of the time I'm doing about +1 exposure in ACR, which means that it was kinda pointless to shoot at -1. So, it's really kind of a bad habit and I'm not sure if it is the most optimal way to shoot.
In manual mode (full manual, along with manual ISO) the EV does nothing. However, it does change the 0 point for the metering chart if you are looking at it, but when I shoot in manual I don't bother checking what the meter things as that kinda defeats the purpose of manual for me.
Regarding highlight-weighted metering, I tried it but found it too inconsistent. It would dark the scene way too much at night when dealing with lots of small sources of bright light (like car headlights or something).
@@EYExplore Thanks for the thorough reply! Your other video you referenced was very useful. I'm trying your frame-wide average exposure mode tip and am happy with the results.
In manual mode I meant with auto-ISO (not full manual I guess). I've since realized that if you do an EV adjustment in this mode, the +/- icon appears so that helps a little as a reminder. I'd still prefer to see the EV-comp value but the icon is better than nothing.
I'm going to keep getting acquainted with the Z6. The image quality and feature set for the price is pretty tough to beat. Have you tried out the new Z 40/2 and the Z 28/2.8? They're pretty fun.
@@davidkastelan3206 I ordered the 40/2 but it seems to be sold our everywhere at the moment so I am just waiting for it come through eventually. Really looking forward to it!
I love your videos! Thanks for your lessons, I’m learning a lot. Question: what happened with your Ricoh griii and griiix?
Thank you! Of course I still have them and use them regularly. :)
The camera does affect eh way you shoot. I used to not buy a camera without a viewfinder until my X-70. Now I realise that I can't shoot without the LCD anymore. I just prefer the photos shot with the back screen because I'm slightly too tall so all my eye level photos are looking down on the scene, where as my chest level photos look more inline with the subjects. More sky and less floor.
That is a very good point about being tall. I have the same problem! It's one thing I like about the GR. :)
Awesome video Thanks
Thank you for watching! :)
The guy behind the frosted glass saw you!!! Run!!!
Hahaha, he's gonna get me!! :)
I don’t compare myself to other photographers, or their works-I do challenge myself to do better when I see my “meh” photos, I do go out for the fun of it-the hunt, but sometimes my photos are just average and that’s okay- no harm, no foul-especially since I shoot with a digital camera and download the photos to my iPad. I like a few of your photos, that you might have thought average, and enjoyed your video.
Thank you so much! Glad to hear a like-minded sentiment! :)
Where are cars on the road?
There are not that many cars in Tokyo. Most people use public transport. :)
@@EYExplore pretty good
I was about to ask the same question, I find it strange people just walking everywhere like it's a cordoned off area where no cars can go but of course it's a regular street
I didn’t read all the comments, but I guess someone already told you about assigning a button to turn live view clutter on and off :-)
Yes, one person did. Man that blew my mind haha. I still think it's crazy that this option is that hidden. It should just be part of the view modes that cycle when pressing the DISP button on the back. Wouldn't that make sense?!
Nice! Thanks.
Thank you! :)
What? You didn't take photos of the person taking pictures? :-)
Was there someone? I don't remember. :)
@@EYExplore Yep. It looked like a woman taking pictures with a cell phone. You even made a comment. Maybe you took some that didn't get in the video. It's not really important; it's your video & your choice as to what goes in it. I was mostly just kidding you.
@@romiemiller7876 Ah, I must just not have found it worth shooting. Everyone has different interest! :)
@@EYExplore I'd be a boring world if we all had the same interests! As I said, I was just kidding you a little.
12:34 Why there are no cars on this street? I noticed, that sometimes on streets there are no cars for long time, like 2 min, is it because of traffic rules, or some holiday, or it's just because EYExplore team is making video, so government closed streets? ;)
So the big main street is closed on weekends from 12pm to 5pm so it can be a nice open space for people shopping. :)
LOL> I can't tell you how many times I've taken a picture only to have someone come up behind me and take the same picture! I sometimes want to ask them, I know why I took it but why did you?! 😂
Haha, yeah it's funny thing. It's also happened to me the other. I think, hey that's a good idea! :)
Shooting down to steps needed like ½ to match a famous shot :)
Shooting down the steps?
Yeah @@EYExplore
Your shot made by D300 is way better than Z6mk2. Unfortunately I'm also seeing this in my pictures: they were better on D300s/D750 than o Z6mk1. More thinking, less shooting.
I think it is related to the EVF and perfection that was made in technology in general.
IMHO we are distracted by another monitor in front of our eyes and lenses are tech-sharp.
Try to go back do D4 and your Voigt :-) I'm going to do that with my D750.
I think it's an unfair comparison. It has nothing to do with the camera or thinking. The moment was better in that old shot. The scene was more alive. And also my edit is different, from a different time.
I do sometimes go back to my D4 and the Voigtlander lens (which I also sometimes use on the Z6) and I much prefer the Z6 overall. I enjoy the experience of using the D4 (the weight, balance, loud shutter sound, the OVF) but the ability to create images in difficult conditions (like low light, tracking AF, etc.) is much better with the Z6.
Anyway, you are free to prefer what you like in terms of the final image (e.g. in terms of art) but I've shot with both cameras extensively and I'm not going back. And to be honest, I don't really like either of these photos. That old one is the oldest one I had of this scene, so I showed it for the sake of comparison.
@@EYExplore Of course you are right. You were there with both cameras :-) I'm probably too nostalgic. I'm not a pro-photographer which is living by doing a photographs. It's just a hobby for me. A very expensive one :-) I were shooting with D300s for 10 years until "hot pixels arrived" and it is really hard to beat my own muscle-memory with D750 or Z6. D750 is very close with that ergonomics from D300s. For the Z6 I need to constantly switching my brain therefore I'm using it only for specific purposes.
@@orbital2001 Also, I should say: don't take my comment as trying to convince which camera and shooting style is right for you. You may have seen my video: Love Your Camera. If you love your D750, then use it! And don't let some bozo on the internet (e.g. me lol) convince you otherwise, haha!
In the end, pro or not pro, photography is an art form, not a science. We have to define our own values within this creative arena and then stick to them.
You might like this article I wrote a while ago. Feel it's relevant here: www.lkazphoto.com/blog/values-in-photography-and-art
I bet the Z9 is right down your street . . .
Already ordered :)
@@EYExplore Aha Noice