All posts by Martin

Martin M.H. lives outside Stockholm, Sweden. He is a M.Sc. in Computer Technology but he has been a passionate photographer for over 50 years. He started his photographic adventures when he was thirteen with an Agfamatic pocket camera, which he soon replaced with a Canon rangefinder camera that his mom gave him in his teenages. After that he has been using Canon SLR, Nikon SLR manual focus and Autofocus, Sony mirrorless crop sensor, Nikon DSLR and Nikon Mirrorless. He has photographed any genre he could throughout the years and you can see all kind of images in his portfolio. During the later years though it has been mostly landscape, nature, travel and some street/documentary photography.
Analogue, B&W Negative

Analogue Photography: Part 4 – Ilford HP5 Plus at a Historical Engine Factory

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Introduction

After getting back into film and starting the Analogue Photography series with the iconic Kodak Tri-X, I turned to its European counterpart for this round — the equally legendary Ilford HP5 Plus. Long favored by press photographers, photojournalists, and enthusiasts who needed a reliable workhorse, HP5 Plus has earned its reputation as a versatile and forgiving black-and-white film.

For this installment, I chose a location much older than the film stock itself — a historic engine factory that felt like the perfect match: the Pythagoras Hot-Bulb Engine Factory.

Engine operator Kent-Peder Stiggel
Machine details A
Drilling tool and the factory

Continue reading Analogue Photography: Part 4 – Ilford HP5 Plus at a Historical Engine Factory →

7Artisans, lenses, Review

REVIEW: 7Artisans AF 10mm f/2.8 (APS-C)

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Introduction

Just two years ago, finding a true ultra wide-angle prime for APS-C cameras felt like chasing a unicorn. But that’s changed fast. A wave of new releases—many from Chinese lens makers—has opened up a lot of new options for APS-C shooters. Now, 7Artisans joins the mix with its 10mm f/2.8, a lens that promises a lot for its price. Can it really stand out in this crowded new field? Let’s find out.

camera-icon2I tested this lens on a Nikon Zfc.
You can see this review as a YouTube video here!
Sample images in high resolution here.

Sample Images

Nikon Zf | 7Artisans AF 24mm F/1.8 | f/5
Nikon Zf | 7Artisans AF 24mm F/1.8 | f/4Nikon Zfc | 7Artisans AF 10mm F/2.8 | f/13
Nikon Zfc | 7Artisans AF 10mm F/2.8 | f/5
Nikon Zfc | 7Artisans AF 10mm F/2.8 | f/11
Nikon Zfc | 7Artisans AF 10mm F/2.8 | f/11
Nikon Zfc | 7Artisans AF 10mm F/2.8 | f/8

Continue reading REVIEW: 7Artisans AF 10mm f/2.8 (APS-C) →

7Artisans, lenses, Nikon Z, Review

REVIEW: 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8

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Introduction

The 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8 full-frame lens for E-mount was released on September 4th, and now the company has added L- and Z-mount versions. It follows their earlier 24mm f/1.8 full-frame lens, which was well received by photographers. At a launch price of $299, this new 35mm sits on the budget-friendly side of the lineup, and if it performs as well as its 24mm sibling, it should offer great value for money. Let’s check it out!

camera-icon2I tested this lens on a 46 Mp Nikon Z7ii (Sample images were taken with a Nikon Zf)
You can see this review as a YouTube video here!
Sample images in high resolution here.

Sample Images

Nikon Zf | 7ARTISANS AF 35mm F/1.8 | f/4
Nikon Zf | 7ARTISANS AF 35mm F/1.8 | f/1.8
Nikon Zf | 7ARTISANS AF 35mm F/1.8 | f/4
Nikon Zf | 7ARTISANS AF 35mm F/1.8 | f/4.5
Nikon Zf | 7ARTISANS AF 35mm F/1.8 | f/8
Nikon Zf | 7ARTISANS AF 35mm F/1.8 | f/1.8

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lenses, Nikon, Review

REVIEW: Nikon AI Nikkor 24mm f/2

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Introduction

Today, I’m taking a look at a vintage classic — the Nikkor 24mm f/2 AI. With analogue photography making a strong comeback, old film-era lenses like this are getting attention again. Nikon first released it in 1977 as the AI version, followed by the AI-S in 1981 — same optical design, just refined mechanics. This lens was designed near the end of the era when Nikon still held absolute dominance in the professional segment.

For decades, this was Nikon’s fastest 24mm, holding that title until the AF-S 24mm f/1.4G came along in 2010. Even more impressive, Nikon kept producing it until 2005 and sold it as new until 2007 — nearly 30 years on the market. That’s a remarkably long run for any lens, but was it truly because of its performance, or something else? Let’s find out.

camera-icon2I tested this lens on a 46 Mp Nikon Z7ii (Sample images were taken with a Nikon Zf )

You can see this review as a YouTube video here!
Sample images in high resolution here.

Sample Images

Nikon Zf | Nikon Ai 24mm f/2 | f/8
Nikon Z7ii | Nikon Ai 24mm f/2 | f/5.6
Nikon Z7ii | Nikon Ai 24mm f/2 | f/2
Nikon Zf | Nikon Ai 24mm f/2 | f/5.6
Nikon Z7ii | Nikon Ai 24mm f/2 | f/2

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Accessory, Review, Viltrox

REVIEW: Viltrox Spark Z3 Flash

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Introduction

This is the full review of the flash.

Viltrox previously released the retro-styled manual flash Z1. Now they’ve followed up with a new flash that operates in both Manual and Auto (TTL) modes.

As I haven’t had enough time with the flash to make a full review, I’ve put together a preview with a handling section here. Later on, I’ll test the flash in the field and complete the review with my experience and sample images.

camera-icon2I tested these flashes on a Nikon Zf and a Nikon Zfc.
You can see this review as a YouTube video here!
Sample images in high resolution here.

Sample Images

Viltrox Spark Z3 flash | TTL | 60mm | f/16
Viltrox Spark Z3 flash | 35mm | f/2.8
Viltrox Spark Z3 flash | 35mm | f/16
Viltrox Spark Z3 flash | 35mm | f/1.8
Viltrox Spark Z3 flash | 60mm | f/16

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