I don't want to offend anyone, and I'm not referring to anyone, or any image in particular, but I strongly dislike the swirly petzval look. Whenever I see it, I see a ruined image, marred by an imperfect optic, and not an interesting artifact. I find the effect distracting and wholly unattractive. I really don't understand the appeal. Just one viewer's perspective, and not meant as a definitive judgment.
Jay,
I don't want to say by who either, but your view is shared by others....
Shh... you'll disrupt the entire Brass lens economy here, people won't be blowing thousands on some old Coke bottle lenses.I strongly dislike the swirly petzval look
Next thing you know, you might say poorly poured wet plates, muddy Platinum prints, and expired Polaroids aren't attractive and the whole site will implode onto itself.
Jay,
I'm sure quite a few people would agree with you - probably the majority.
Personally, I am beginning to enjoy the swirls, and the somewhat unpredictable nature of the 'imperfect optic'...
Between the swirly petzvals, and the glow of a little meniscus, I've regained my desire to actually get film out of the freezer, and spend some time in the field and darkroom...
So for me it works
Cheers,
Dan
Richard,
I visit your site often, and feel no embarrassment in considering you a master photographer. I also enjoy your writing, very much. Sorry to gush.
Frank,
It seems we've found common ground. I knew it must exist somewhere!
Dan,
I hesitate to say any motivation is better than no motivation, but in this case, I'm sure it's true. And I don't want to suggest I'm a member of the f/64 cult, either. I'm happy to embrace imperfection as a creative tool, when it adds value to an image, and I understand this is a matter of taste and preference. Maybe you're right about the majority, and it's just that the petzval crowd is disproportionately active in the nude and portrait threads. In any case, I'm relieved to know I'm not alone, even if that means I'm not alone with that little Guido Frank P. (I'm just joking, Frank, I have nothing but respect for Italian Americans).
Jay,
Thank you so much!
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