Why Vintage Lenses Are Making a Comeback

Why Vintage Lenses Are Making a Comeback in the Digital Age

Let me start by saying that today’s cameras are nothing short of incredible. Mirrorless, incredible autofocus, great autoexposure, and lenses so sharp you could cut yourself, it sometimes feels like we’ve reached or almost reached the technological peak of photography.

We probably haven’t but it’s sometimes difficult to see where tech will go next. Other than more megapixels of course. It’s always more!

So, why are so many photographers including myself hunting down lenses made back when film was the king of all it surveyed?

However, for those of us not obsessed with the latest and greatest specs it turns out that those vintage lenses from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s in particular aren’t just relics but tools that can be used for creating images with soul.

Modern Lenses Are Marvels of Precision

I do, of course, have to give credit where it’s due. In this day and age lenses are nothing short of high-tech masterpieces. They’re sharper from edge to edge than ever before, coated with special coatings to fight lens flare, and designed by computers to help erase distortions before they even happen. Autofocus is blisteringly fast and just about silent and if you go for professional grade lenses weather sealing means you can shoot in conditions without having a panic attack. And many have image stabilization built in.

Although amateurs and hobbyists want many of the same things professionals do it’s for pros that they really come into their own. For those who earn a living with their work there is a need for consistency, reliability, and clinical perfection which modern lenses can provide.

The Vintage Lens Appeal

Here’s where the plot twist comes in! Vintage lenses don’t try to hide their imperfections; they flaunt them. Soft corners, the imperfections of a swirl in the out-of-focus background, or the subtle glow that they give to highlights? Don’t make the mistake of thinking of those as flaws to be overcome. They’re not. Those old lenses give a vintage look that many of today’s photographers are not only discovering but embracing.

These types of character flaws are what computer-designed modern lenses often remove in the chase for perfection. A modern lens might render a blurry background smoothly, but it does so clinically. It’s a technical achievement rather than an artistic one. A vintage lens behaves like an impressionist painter and paints a picture with texture, mood, and sometimes a little chaos.

You’re Holding a Piece of Photographic History

Something that comes as a real surprise to many when they first pick up a vintage lens is just how it feels. Without actually buying one it’s harder to find a vintage lens nowadays as so many camera stores have disappeared, but If you do get the chance, pick up a vintage lens from companies like Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Minolta, or Konica, and think about how it feels.

It’s solid, has an all-metal barrel, and yes, it’s heavier than most photographers are used to. But, turn the focus ring and it’ll probably be a surprise at just how smooth it rotates with a satisfying mechanical precision. The aperture ring turns positively and clicks into place with a tactile click.

Unlike many aspects of technology today, these lenses were built to last, with a craftsmanship that’s become increasingly rare. It feels “right” unlike so many lightweight, plastic, electronic lenes rarely do. Is it as fast as top-notch autofocus lenses? No, it isn’t. The process is slower, more intentional, and from my personal perspective, enjoyable.

How to Use Them Today

“That sounds great,” you might think, “but my camera is digital!” Well, so are many of mine! Fortunately, adapting these vintage lenses has never been simpler.

For most mirrorless cameras (like Olympus/OM System, Panasonic, Sony, Fujifilm, or Canon, a simple, inexpensive mechanical adapter is all you need. It lets you mount the old lens and retain focus to infinity, turning your modern camera into a time machine.

You might be surprised at just how many vintage lens makes can be adapted to modern cameras! For example, my main out and about digital camera is still my Olympus OM-D E-M1 II and so far I have M/43 adapters (KentFaith) for M42, Canon FD, Contax/Yashica, Konica AR, Minolta MD, and Olympus OM.

The featured image at the top of this article is an unknown brand 500mm f/6.3 mirror lens with an M42 screw thread mounted on my Olympus OM-D E-M1 II. To do this I used a K&F adapter which can be found on Amazon by clicking here. There are adapters available for most modern cameras so the chances are there is something available for yours!

Who Are Vintage Lenses For?

• Filmmakers: Seeking a more organic, cinematic look straight out of camera.
• Portrait Photographers: Needing flattering skin tones and unique bokeh.
• Travel & Landscape Shooters: Appreciating the small size of old prime lenses.
• Hobbyists: Willing to try something different.
• Anyone on a Budget: You can often buy an excellent, fast vintage prime lens for less than the price of a quality filter for a new one. Seriously!

Vintage Lenses Can Make You a Better Photographer

Perhaps the greatest benefit of shooting with a vintage lens is that it slows you down. With no autofocus, you gave to manually focus by hand and eye. With no fully automated metering mode, you think more about light and exposure.

It’s a deliberate process that forces you to compose more carefully and actively consider each frame. Its the opposite of the take 1000 pictures just because you can approach – who has time to go through that many shots if that’s your methodology? I certainly don’t!

It’s Not About “Better,” It’s About “Different”

So, which is right for you? Well, its not a war where one side wins. In other words, it doesn’t have to be one or the other it can be both.

You should choose modern lenses for their almost unbeatable sharpness, speed, and convenience. They’re undoubtedly the best for nailing the shot under almost any conditions.

But consider choosing vintage lenses for character and a unique look. They’re for when you want your images to feel, not just look, a certain way.

Our current photographic world seems to be obsessed with megapixels and pixel-perfect precision. Give it some thought though, as sometimes it’s the imperfect that leaves the deepest impression. Then give it a try!