Once installed, you then need a free 32-bit version of Windows 7, even if you are only going to use it as a one-off. The most popular open-source product is Oracle's VirtualBox, which is available for all operating systems. So, how best to get it working without having to buy an old Windows 7 laptop just to run it? The answer is to use a virtual machine (VM) through some free options out there.įirst up, you need software to run a virtual machine (known as a hypervisor). The Blur Calculator hasn't been updated in several years, and the problem for users is that it's a 16-bit Windows program This is supported on 32-bit Windows 7 machines but not newer versions. This is exactly what Bob Atikin's Blur Calculator does. This begins with looking at depth of field (DOF) and hyperfocal distance (HFD) calculations but goes much further. ![]() Now, we can't calculate the latter (because it's subjective), but we can calculate the former. Installing BlurCalcīokeh refers to both the quantity of blur as well as its subjective quality. It's also a small lens, which is great a match for the Fuji. On my Fuji X-M1, I have a preference for using my manual Nikon E Series 50 mm f/1.8, which produces a less smooth - perhaps even chaotic or anarchic - blur that is so pleasingly different I just have to shoot with it. For example, my favorite portrait lens on my Nikon D800 is the Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 because of the modest cost, relatively small size, and delightful blur it renders. We can see it being a fantastic secret weapon on portrait, engagement or wedding shoots to add an extra wow-factor to photos and delight clients and viewers alike. Currently it's only available for pre-order from the Lomography Shop.In the last article, I covered the core aspects that govern the way that defocused areas appear in an image and then went on to give some examples from several lenses I have shot with. Is the striking effect worth the limited compositional freedom, or will the enforced central composition frustrate you too much?Įither way, besides this potentially frustrating factor, this is a genuinely tempting little lens. So, should this limiting factor put you off investing in this latest Lomo offering? That's something only you can decide. While we're not expecting tack-sharp shots from a Lomography lens, we would like the freedom to experiment with a rule-of-thirds composition – or, indeed, anything except a central composition – at wide apertures. While the swirly bokeh effect is very striking, the image quality definitely pays the price. However, the lack of sharpness outside of the immediate centre of the lens at wide apertures is a little daunting, especially when you're paying at least £350 for an admittedly niche lens. Setting the bokeh control ring to 7 gives a soft, unfocused quality (click top-right for full-size) (Image credit: Future) While this means you can capture some truly dramatic portraits, it also severely limits your creative choices. ![]() ![]() This is because the centre of the lens is the only place to capture sharp details, and anything else outside of this falls off into significant softness. If you're shooting at wide apertures then the only possible way to compose is with a central composition. However, while we loved the creative effect the Petzval 55mm f/1.7 MKII gave, our biggest gripe with this lens is its limiting nature. Personally, we feel that you don't shoot on a Lomo lens for sharp, crisp shots, so we whacked the control ring up to 7 and enjoyed the almost-surreal results. If you want super soft and blurry bokeh, then adjust it to 7. If you want more clearly defined bokeh, set the control ring to 1. ![]() While we were initially dubious about how much the bokeh control ring would actually affect the bokeh, by the end of the shoot we'd eaten our words, as there was a noticeable difference between 1 and 7. However, it's also worth noting that it definitely depends on your lighting situation – if you can't see any bokeh in your photo, then you won't really see the effect of the bokeh control ring! So how did it handle in test? Well, if you want swirly, whirly, creamy, dreamy bokeh, then this lens should be your number one stop. Using focus peaking enabled us to get a more accurate focus while using the lens (click top-right for full-size) (Image credit: Future)
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