“Ektoplasmar” is the unofficial title for my converted projection lenses. The name references the surreal, unusual and vintage nature of the lenses and the images they create. It also hints at some of the components.
This post features some of my test images. All are made handheld with unfinished lenses, but I think these preliminary results are interesting enough to give you an idea what I’m doing.
The purpose is mostly to experiment creatively and to expand my own range of possibilities. In order to do that, I’m making several. If you like the images you see, sign up to my email newsletter and I’ll keep you up to date.
This project is not meant to be exactly novel. I’m using lenses that must be pushing at least 50 years old! But they do get some superior, old-school bokeh, and give images a beautiful, dreamy look.
Old school optics are hard to simulate in Photoshop with an authentic look. (Especially if you enjoy taking pictures more than editing them!)
Projection lens conversion, not a hack
There are people getting excellent results with these projection lenses using plumbing supplies, tape, bicycle inner tube, sometimes vacuum cleaner hose. But I worry about getting dust on my sensor that way. Or dropping my lens.
So, I’m going for something that I think will be a bit more permanent. That is taking some work, and a lot of waiting and testing, but if it keeps dust off my sensor and allows me to easily change lenses… It’s gonna be worth it!
Gimme!
I’m planning to convert several projection lenses and sell or give away at least one. I can’t offer pre-ordering because I don’t yet know enough details about the final product. Also, there might only one or two available. I don’t know yet.
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