Per Larry's "likalar,", some MM shots of an NBA game w/ an old 135mm (+ bonus)

[A miller]

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I recently posted some shots that I took with my MM at a NY Knicks game. I used a 35mm focal length, which produced reasonably pleasing results. Larry had the outside the box suggestion of shooting with a longer focal length. To me, this seemed challenging since the only long focal length I have is an old tele elmar 135mm f4, which is about 60 years old. It has very shallow DOF, particularly at the f5.6 and f8 that I would need to shoot.

 

I had an occasion this week to take Larry up on his challenge as I attended a Brooklyn Nets game. The seats were about 8 rows from the court. Here are some results, with an nice bonus at the end for those who suffer fully through the indulgence of my little project:

 

First, a couple of action shots ( I actually had a LOT of keepers, but thought that I didn't want to wear out my welcome)

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Next, some time out entertainment

 

 

 

 

 

Here's a shot of the crowd, with a lovely lady gazing across the court, seemingly day dreaming. But wait, she is not day-dreaming, but rather is staring at the real main event of the game; BEYONCE (and her husband, Jay Z)

 

 

 

 

 

 

My final assessment: I LOVE this old lens on the MM; and at 2500 ISO I was able to shoot just fine at f8 while pre-focused on the rim. So thanks very much to Larry for making the suggestion and getting me to think outside the box!!

 

--Adam

[Michael Hiles]

These pictures are terrific. The notion that Leicas can't do sports photography is - by this evidence - nonsense.

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[Hank Taylor]

Larry knows what he's talking about and your shots prove it, just fantastic!

 

Hank

[likalar]

Great! Nice series and write-up. It looks like you had a great time, and the results are very impressive. I also have a 135 Elmar that has given decent results, but not nearly as good, and you've inspired me to try it again. Your timing is excellent; the first frame is awesome! Since you got such great results at 5.6 and 8., how about taking the jump and trying that lens wide-open next time? Sure, less keepers, but the background crowd will get even softer, and if you get just one with the framing, focus and moment stars all lined up, bingo!

Thanks!!

 

Larry

[steve kessel]

Great stuff! Well done.

 

Best wishes

 

Steve

[A miller]

Many thanks, all. I really appreciate your time and patience in viewing my photos.

 

Larry - your new challenge is very timely as playoff season is right around the corner. I will inform all of my friends that i need to be invited in order to carry out this important assignment!

Best, Adam

[roguewave]

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Adam, your on the A list now. Much enjoyed.

[A miller]

Thanks, Ben. You've been on my A list for a while

[Bill Allsopp]

A great selection of super pictures.

[allamande]

Well done! Fantastic set, and that first shot is a total killer. Look forward to seeing the results of your next assignment.

 

Ece

[A miller]

Many thanks, Bill and Ece, for your time and kind remarks.

With regard to that first shot, the defender was charged with a foul for illegal contact to the shooter. Too bad b/c, based on the photo, it looks about as clean of a defensive play as one can make....

[tundraline]

Greta photos, and great focal length choice, Adam! Thank you.

[robert_parker]

Great sports coverage and nicely composed shots of the celebs, too

[stuny]

A terrific set.

[gunter]

Very good, Thank's

[schmolinski]

Thank you for sharing these!

[Quan]

My final assessment: I LOVE this old lens on the MM; and at 2500 ISO I was able to shoot just fine at f8 while pre-focused on the rim. So thanks very much to Larry for making the suggestion and getting me to think outside the box!!

 

--Adam

 

Adam,

 

Thanks for sharing this experience with us, terrific shots

[wilfredo]

You can feel the excitement of the game in these shots and doing them with the MM gives them a classic B&W look. Great tool in your hands!

[XVarior]

Again...terrific.

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[jeffrypittman]

These are terrific images. Bravo!