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Re: [OM] Shifty trix redux

Subject: Re: [OM] Shifty trix redux
From: "Lex Jenkins" <lexjenkins@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Sat, 24 Jun 2000 16:56:44 PDT
Cc: ogreve@xxxxxxxxxxx
From: "Olaf Greve" <ogreve@xxxxxxxxxxx>

Ooooooooooooops, I say I admit to not having followed this thread (as well
as most others because of lack of time). Can you please summarise it
off-list, or was there some sort of joke in this thread I missed by not
reading it?!? :)

Cheerio!
Olafo

=========================
No problem, Olaf. Here's a copy of the initiating message and a detailed followup:
=========================
The current thread discussing Zuiko shift lenses reminds me of a cheap trick I learned, either in photo class or elsewhere, and was reminded of after visiting the Zoerk site.

( That's http://www.zoerk.com )

You can approximate the shift effect by using a lens cap with a pinhole.

Naturally, the lens cap must be capable of moving up and down so the
Cokin system filter bracket and cap is ideal.

So far I've only played with this little doodad for viewing the effect and haven't actually taken any photos so I have no idea how useful it would be.

(And if you're not familiar with the Cokin filter system, here's another improvised version.)

If you don't have a Cokin filter system just try this:

Cut a square of flat black construction paper large enough to cover the front of your wide angle lens (or normal lens, doesn't matter), with a couple of inches margin on all sides - 6"x6" ought to do it. Fastening the black paper to another sheet of paper to stiffen it helps - just use a glue stick, this isn't critical.)

Poke a hole through the middle with a thumb tack. Size doesn't matter much but smoothness does.

Mount the camera on a tripod to make this easier. Put a UV filter over the lens so you don't fingerprint it. Works best on tall objects so aim outside at a building or take the camera outside and use your house.

First, aim the camera roughly level. Place the black paper over the front of the lens with the pinhole centered. Slowly shift the pinhole around and observe the effect on perspective. You won't see a very dramatic effect at this point.

Now tilt the camera upward and repeat. This time you'll begin to see more dramatic effects on perspective changes. Same if you tilt the camera downward.

If the light's too dim through the pinhole feel free to enlarge it 'til it's comfortable. Anything up to the equivalent of roughly f/16 retains the shift effect pretty well.

All the Cokin filter system does is give you a handy bracket which holds the paper filter for you. In fact, Cokin makes a doodad that looks like their plastic lens cap, only it has a long slot in it. I'm not sure what the intended use was, but by taping over most of the slot and leaving just a pinhole, it accomplishes the same effect as the paper cutout version.

One of these days I'm gonna actually try some photos with this. So far I've just played with it or used it to demonstrate perspective shift to other folks.
---
Lex
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