K5IIs + Helios M42-2 with reversed front element

Thought I would give another try with Helios 58mm M42 - 2 with the front lens element reversed.

Shot wide open to get the maximum swirly effect in the background.

This effect can be reduced by shooting at f2.8 instead of f2.

Hope you find them somewhat interesting.

f2.0

f2.0

f2.8

Definitely interesting

Certainly an effect that would probably only suit certain subjects. I'd imagine the effect would be much more noticeable on a full-frame camera … maybe an excuse to dig out the *ist film camera … I'll put the 8mm fisheye in the bag at the same time and get some full-circle shots, haven't done that in a long time

First find a pretty girl

Why would you do full-circle shots of a pretty girl in the first place?

😏

Cheers,

AlainCo

When seeing this I am inclined to look for my glasses, then find out I wear them already. There is hardly anything sharp and though I see the point of dreamy background, in this case I find it more distracting and irritating than pleasing, so I'm afraid I miss the point here.

Hi guys,

Thanks for having a look at these images taken with a reverse front element of a Helios 42-2 lens.

I know it's weird and not for everyone likings.

There are few web sites where they explain the effect of this practice.

This is one of many:

https://www.dyxum.com/dforum/samples-modified-helios-442_topic125138.html

I hope the images didn't cause too much dizziness or headache LOL

@hanhait: now you know where to check when you're looking for your glasses!

@Alex_virt: don't forget to keep some anti-dizziness tablet ready next time you might come across a thread like this one. (I know unlikely to occur!)

Cheers, best wishes and Season Greetings.

Ben

It's always fun to do these experiments!

The danger is that depending on the background, the viewer's attention is drawn by the center-point of the swirl. So if the subject is off-center, it may compete with the "eye of the swirl". From this series, I think #3 is the best, exactly for this reason.

Another thing you may wish to experiment with is the post-processing of these images. Increasing brightness will probably greatly enhance these images.

But continue experimenting

On the adapted lens forum, there are more people who use the 44-2 with reversed front element, often to great effect.

Sjak wrote:

It's always fun to do these experiments!

The danger is that depending on the background, the viewer's attention is drawn by the center-point of the swirl. So if the subject is off-center, it may compete with the "eye of the swirl". From this series, I think #3 is the best, exactly for this reason.

Yes, you're quite right! Thanks for your suggestions.

Another thing you may wish to experiment with is the post-processing of these images. Increasing brightness will probably greatly enhance these images.

But continue experimenting

That's what is all about...having fun experimenting. 

On the adapted lens forum, there are more people who use the 44-2 with reversed front element, often to great effect.

Never noticed the "Adapted lens forum". I had a quick browsing and I do find it interesting. Thank you.