The BEST Photography Gear I've Used In 2021! The GEAR Of The YEAR Show!
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- Опубліковано 8 лют 2025
- In this episode I review the best lenses, cameras and camera and lens combinations I've used over the past year.
I've reviewed so many cameras and lenses this year it's sometimes hard to keep track, so here are the outstanding ones, the ones I've enjoyed using the most, and those that make some of the nicest images!
Check out the video to find out which are the best!
Support this channel at www.patreon.co...
Thanks for watching and Happy Christmas to all!
"Damage, chaos, and tears." That's never the case at Zenography! Thank you for 2021, Nigel. I look forward to the adventures in 2022.
Many thanks Thomas, I hope you enjoy the offerings to come next year as much as you've enjoyed those of the last! Happy new year!
Your gratitude to us is topped by ours to you, Nigel.
Your channel has opened the door, and many eyes, to the joys of pairing old lenses and mirrorless digital bodies.
I for one have enjoyed every episode, and still go back and look at videos you made a few years ago. This channel has become THE encyclopedia of vintage lens videos, I don't think any other channel has reviewed as many and as varied lenses than Zenography has.
A Happy New Year to you and yours, may 2022 bring us as much Zen photography as this one has.
George
Many thanks for your kind remarks George, I'm very glad you've been enjoying the channel! Stay tuned for more in the coming year!
You have become my favourite UA-camr regarding cameras and photography. You are a very chilled guy. Keep it going ok….thanks
You say that patience pays off, and it certainly has for me this week. I got a Maniyaflex C2 for under £130... FULL SERVICED too. Bargain of the year..it's in very good condition. 🙂👍
Thank you for your very good and pleasant content!
Few weeks ago I went to a fleamarket and surprisingly noticed a lens in a box with old shoes... It was an old lens named "Pentaflex 50mm f1,8". The seller wanted 5 euro for it so I gave it to him straight away without bargaining which made him a bit stunned)) Back home I found out that this lens is non other than Meyer Optik Görliz Oreston, made for west-german market!!! For its very small focusing distance, this lens is now one of my favorits on my lumix camera!
Wishing you Merry Christmas and a very healthy, creative and joyous 2022. ❤️ 🎄🎅🏻
Many thanks, happy new year to you too, with maximum creativity too!
A Merry Christmas, Nigel (still 9 Days of Christmas to go..)). What a delight to have Zenography on the screen, presented in a manner which could only emanate from England, as otherwise highly useful gear might be forgotten.
My 1957 Industar 50 (KMZ, retractable) 3.5 is a lens which both you and Matt Osborne have praised and with good reason; its sharpness, contrast (particularly with the Leica Elmar lens hood fitted) and size leave no doubt about relying on it in the field.
Best wishes for 2022.
Many thanks Alexander, glad you're enjoying that great little Industar 50. Happy new year to you!
Thank you so much for another awesome video!
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
I had an X-Pro1 and used four lenses with it: the Fuji 18-55 kit lens (better than I expected!), the Fuji 18/2 (a bit underrated, IMO) and OM Zuiko 21/2 and 28/2.8. The black & white I got from the Zuikos was just remarkable. I moved on to the X-100F, which was good but not for me. So now I’m seriously thinking of going back to the X-Pro1.
I found the focus peaking to be more than adequate once I got used to it. Yes, it took a bit of time and I’m sure it’s improved on later Fuji cameras, but there is something about the XTrans 1 sensor that I really liked. The X-100F sensor didn’t “move” me like the X-Pro1 did. It reminded me of Kodachrome II vs. KM-25, only in reverse for me. Some people preferred Kodachrome II to the newer Kodachrome 25, though I preferred the new. You seem to prefer XTrans 2 to XTrans 1 while I prefer the XTrans 1.
I now have the Rokkor-M 28 and the Summicron-C 40 lenses, so I would be able to use those on a newly acquired X-Pro1, along with a variety of other “legacy” lenses I have. I *much* prefer the optical viewfinder of Fuji models rather than EVs, otherwise I might investigate the Sony a7.
I've seen every one of your videos this year Nigel. Many thanks and the very best regards.
I'm very glad you've enjoyed them Tony, happy new year to you!
Love your reviews, Nigel. Thank you so much. Maybe a review of Fed and Zorki commemorative cameras sometime? I own a lovely Yura and Sputnik commemorative, Fed 2 and Zorki 1 respectively. It is like holding a piece of history from the space race era. Cheers to a great 2022!
Looking forward to next year! Best wishes and thanks for the nice recap of 2021.
Many thanks Bert, glad you enjoyed it!
Happy new year to you Nigel. Looking forward to it and some more Zenography. 😀
Happy new year my friend!
Excellent video again Nigel... the Cook triplet which is the mother and father of modern lenses... Dennis Taylor invented it in 1893..also GB patent working for Cook company in York....pre dating Tessar...and other great optical establishments......
It's not a perfect lens by any means, but I do have kind of a soft spot for it! Thanks for the info!
I'm new to you channel.
I was searching eBay and came across the FED 2 . I had to UA-cam it and I found a few of your videos!
Your video style makes me feel like I'm sitting down and having a conversation with you! Very great!
Many thanks, glad you like it!
Hello from France Nigel, have a happy new year !
I'm using Fujifilm cameras for several years now, and i love them! I have a X-T2 with modern fuji lenses, principally for hiking. Recently i have buyed a X-Pro 2 for "slow photography" with old manual lenses. You need to try this camera absolutly ! The lovely vintage look of the X-Pro 1, but the technology of the X-T2. It gives fantastic results ! As you said, when i take it with old lenses, something appens . I take a big pleasure to use. I don't have many and many old lenses, but my favorite is the Zenitar 50mm 1.7...Very sharp, great colors, it delivers very pretty pictures with Fuji sensors.
Have just counted up the number of vintage lenses bought this year on your recommendation - they total 5. Looking forward to adding to the count next year and seeing more of Zorky! Thank you and a very Happy New Year to you.
I do hope Zorki puts in an appearance next year - he's a wilful fellow and treads his own path - but it may one day lead him to the sofa!
I just love your videos Nigel. It's also second time I see some pictures of Southport :) (before, I've seen some pictures of Wesley Street, Southport while you were reviewing some Konica Hexanons but I might be wrong about the lenses;) Next time you visit Southport pop into our shop - Cake Creations Southport on Wesley Street! Have a Happy Christmas and Spectacular 2022!
I'll certainly pop in when I'm there next - thanks for the invitation!
Thank you for this, and all your wonderful videos -- I've learned so much *and* really enjoy your photography!
Many thanks Randy, glad you're enjoying the videos!
The czj lens i love to shoot with is the 135mm but for me i would never go out without my canon FD 50mm f 1.4 lens ! Just lovely.
Thank you very much for your work. Your channel has rekindled my fascination for vintage lenses. I always look forward for the new episode. Best regards from Germany.
Many thanks Jendrik, very glad you're enjoying the channel - happy new year to you!
My Gear of the year:
1) Minolta XD7 2) Yashica FX3 Super 2000 3) Fujifilm X100 4) Fujifilm X-E1
It's never about the gear, but about your very own craft & vision, gear does matter only neglible, you can make a fine composition with your 5 bucks disposable Film camera. :) About the Yashica: you can also screw-into the C/Y Mount an M42 Adapter Ring, so one could use any C/Y mount SLR with M42 lenses, which gives tons of Lens choices. I am shooting the 40/1.8 since decades - it's the Kitlens of my FC1 Konica, simply.
Regarding TTArtisan - 17mm F1.4, 23mm F1.4, 35mm F1.4 & 50mm F1.2 are all excellent, way cheap APS-C Lenses, the whole Series is great onto any Fujifilm X-E1 to X-E4 series. I can tell you that my 23/1.4 & 35/1.4 TTA have both 10 blades, each lens.
Happy new year 2022, Nigel !
Happy new year to you too my friend, thanks for watching!
I have the yashica 50mm f1.4 but I find the 55mm f2.8 macro so much more usable in that you never have to worry about your minimum focusing distance. I do most pictures of flora and it makes such a difference when you get down on a shot not to have to find your self moving backwards because your inside the minimum.
That sounds like a nice little lens - enjoy!
@@zenography7923 They are a lot rarer than the f1.4 but you can still pick one up for £120.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! All the best for 2022 (Let’s hope… 🙃) Thanks for the reviews! So useful!
Glad you're enjoying the videos, happy new year to you!
Nice overview. We have similar likes. Tho I have many, many camera/lens options to choose from, my daily driver is a Fujifilm X-E3 with a Jupiter 8 or a 7Artisans 35mm 2.0 Sonnar (a real sleeper of a lens no one talks about). Thanks for the show and tell!
Those sound like ideal lenses for a very nice camera!
Happy New Year to you Nigel! As always, I'm looking forward to your videos.
I always feel like we are discussing cameras/lenses in your sitting room. Perhaps it is because I'm always relaxing & enjoying a cup of coffee while watching your videos.
All the best to you,
Chris
Many thanks Chris, glad you're enjoying the videos! Happy new year to you!
A Happy New Year! Thank you for all the impressive videos this year!
Thanks for watching, and happy new year to you too!
really enjoy your channel, your advice is priceless, more in 2022 please, have a fantastic year, best wishes
Many thanks Barrie, happy new year to you!
Thanks for all the videos this year! Looking forward to 2022 🙂
Many thanks Michael, happy new year!
Hallo Nigel and thank for you hard work. Thanks to your channel I’ve entered into wird of Vintage lenses and I enjoy it. The majority of the photos I took this year were with vintage Landes and especially with Russian lenses. They are great.
An idea for further episodes: review and comparisons of series of Russian lenses like Jupiter series, Mir series, Helios series etc.
Hey Marek, thanks for the suggestions and happy new year!
Thanks to your recommendation, I got the Yashica 50mm f1.4. Unique portrait lens for my fujis.
It's a very nice lens, hope your'e enjoying it!
I find focus peaking on my Pancolar works better than on my other lenses, it takes a little more careful tuning in to get it tack sharp.. absolutely love it.
In other words, peaking is more precise on a Pancolar.
I guess the sharper the lens, the better the peaking will work, and the Pancolar is still the sharpest vintage lens I've used, bar none!
@@zenography7923 that's exactly my findings, see if you come to the same conclusion. Happiest of new years Nigel, all best wishes, Aidan.
Thanks for the great videos. I only started using cameras this year and this channel has been a great help. Cheers :)
Many thanks, very glad it's proving useful!
What a great episode, thank's a lot! I don't have the Domiplan, but Zeiss have some nice triplets too, on the Contina and Nettar (MF) for example. I can't say that I find it particularly interesting with all of those lens tests with pictures of test charts - in Zenography this is not an issue. Thanks! Look out for the 1.7 Yashica, there are varieties, but some of them are really very nice. I haven't used my Fujifilm x-e2 much lately, so don't do what I did, bring one digital camera and one analog slr with an excellent viewfinder (Canon AE-1 program) on the same trip, and compare. Merry Christmas, and a happy new year!
Glad you enjoyed the episode Kalle, happy new year to you!
very nice video as usual
keep doing what you do,please,stay safe.
Many thanks Roger, glad you're enjoying the channel!
Thank you for all content you made in 2021 Nigel. Enjoyed them all. On your recommendations I now have 25 vintage lenses 😯
I'm very glad the episodes have been enjoyable and useful - happy new year to you!
Wouldn't it be interesting to have a list of 1970s camera lens prices on the web somewhere?
All it would take is some old photo magazines or catalogs.
That really would be interesting!
Nigel, complements and greetings from Sunny South Africa. I've made many a vintage lens purchase based on your advice. I would like to suggest you take a look at the Minolta 45 f2. I would love to hear your thoughts on it.
Thanks for the tip, I'll check it out!
If the problem with the E-M10 was dirty battery contacts, you'd think the camera wouldn't come on at all. But it can't hurt to take use your flashlight and look for green stuff on the contacts, and maybe put some electrical contact cleaner in there. I've bought a few "parts or fix" lots, and the ones I can bring back to life are usually ones where I clean the battery contacts.
Battery contacts are ok I think as the camera does power up - there's something more fundamental going on here I'm afraid - I think I'll have to chalk this one up to experience, but thanks for the suggestion!
Hi. I have been watching many of your videos. I enjoy them very much. I just purchased an Industar 61. Can you please point me to a video where you reviewed it? I also purchased a Ricoh 50mm f2. I can see some small scratches on the front element. I do not think that they will effect the picture quality. I only paid $20 (USD) for the lens. Can you please point me to the video that you featured the Ricoh in?? Thanks. Please keep making videos and I promise that I will keep watching!
PS - I am a new subscriber. I shoot mainly Pentax K-5 and Olympus EPL-3, EPL-2 and EPM-1. Hoping to get an OM-D soon.
You have to send off an Olympus camera to Portugal! for repair. Damaged my EM1, no spares in the UK apparently?Now replaced circa £220 for a good example. They are superb weather sealed pro standard camera,s and with firmware updates virtually a new camera. It,s weak spot is video,(not interested), for that the MK2/3, very expensive or Panasonic M4/3. Couple an EM1 with Pany 20MM F1.7, great combination and reasonably priced.
That sounds like a nice combination!
@@zenography7923 Aye, the Pany 20MM F1.7 is a superb len,s, apparently the Mk1 version is the best. Must try vintage lenses, have some M4/3 non digital to try out, very cheap, now thing,s have moved on, then coverter with elec contact,s, then still got autofocus.
Nikkor 43-86 3.5 seems like a great lense for environmental portrait and full portrait on apsc system like fuji.
Absolutely, I think it would work very well for that purpose!
happy xmas from peteeboy and his 5d2 and 55/1'7 auto reflecta and shes identical to my yashinon.. both tomioka goodstylle'' love from (ok) Preston uk
Happy new year to you and your cameras my friend!
Have you ever used the Flektogon 20/4 or 20/2.8 for astrophotography? I'm considering those lenses but can't find anyone who shot the stars with them. I'd like to know how they perform in the corners, how much chromatic aberration and distortion there is? There is nothing like that little pinpoints of stars to tell you about all the possible aberrations that can occur.
A small question, you said that the collapsible lenses don’t cause trouble on film cameras, but I seem to remember that some do have trouble with these lenses.
If I recall correctly camera’s like the Leica CL and maybe CLE can damage the lightsensor in front of the shutter if you collapse these lenses.
I might be wrong but maybe be careful when your not sure.
Certainly be careful, and thanks for your timely reminder! I really meant that collapsible lenses can be collapsed on rangefinder cameras like the Barnack Leicas or FSU rangefinders like the Zorki and Fed models - I ought to have been clearer!
I have a mint Minolta MC Rokkor-PG 58mm F1.2 Hawk Eye MC II.
Does anyone know how much these sold for back in the day... back in the 1970s?
The 43-86 Nikkor lens nearly ruined zoom lenses forever. The earliest versions were terrible. Nikon later (1976?) changed the number of elements (optical formula) and the multi coated ones are known be quite good. I assume that you must have the later version. I've owned many Nikkor lenses but never that one. May have to give it a try! At the right price of course......
Try a factory reset on the Oly camera if poss ....
I'll give it a go, thanks for the tip!
My brand new AX700 has an annoying blinking nd off caption on the lower left of my screen. DOes anyone know what the heck that is?
Sorry Rick I'm not sure about this - can anyone else help? You might find a forum dedicated to your camera would yield better results?
There is a 40mm Konica for sale near me for £35. Thinking about it.
Thought about it, I'm going to pick it up tomorrow.
Enjoy!
Not over-endowed with aperture blades 😬
:)
i know of a photographer , magnum photographer , uses 1 lens , 1 camera , 50mm prime and film camera . Infect i know a lot of them . people who know what they are doing use the best tool for that , not 55mm, not 45mm. 50mm. There are some who use 35mm , and there are those Filmographers who film ants and bugs , they also use 1 lens , a specific rod like lens , it does the job . There is no i like this one , i like that one . Its a tool . only if you dont know what you are doing you have a bunch of lenses , of course mostly unused .
It's all about exploring the technical and aesthetic properties of lenses, and I guess appreciating them too. Thanks for looking in.