A Day at Castel Sant'Elmo: A Visual Journey with Voigtlander Lenses
On the first Sunday of each month, I take advantage of the free entry to museums, finding inspiration in the bustling crowds and the inherent grandeur of these historical settings. This past Sunday, I chose Castel Sant'Elmo for my photographic exploration. My goal was to test two exceptional lenses on my Fujifilm X-T4: the Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f/1.7 and the Voigtlander 90mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar.
The Choice of Lenses
The Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f/1.7 and the Voigtlander 90mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar are remarkable lenses, renowned for their optical excellence. The Ultron 35mm, with its fast aperture, offers incredible sharpness and a dreamy bokeh that is perfect for capturing intricate details and creating a sense of depth. The 90mm APO-Lanthar, on the other hand, is a lens that stands out due to its apochromatic design, which significantly reduces chromatic aberrations. The term "Lanthar" itself is synonymous with superior glass quality, ensuring stunning clarity and contrast in every shot.
These lenses originally belonged to a Bessa R, a gift that introduced me to the world of analog photography. The Bessa R is a revered rangefinder camera known for its simplicity, robust build, and outstanding image quality. Its compatibility with M-mount lenses makes it a versatile tool for any photography enthusiast.
The Setting: Castel Sant'Elmo
I chose Castel Sant'Elmo for its expansive vistas and architectural splendor. The castle's elevated position offers a sweeping view of Naples, providing both a grand backdrop and a subject in itself. This setting allowed me to experiment with the 35mm lens, capturing wide scenes with rich detail, and the 90mm lens, isolating subjects with precision.
One of the most compelling aspects of these lenses, particularly when used with the Bessa R, is their ability to handle highlights. The high contrast scenes at Castel Sant'Elmo were ideal for pushing these lenses to their limits. I found that stopping down the aperture slightly helped manage the intense highlights, resulting in images that were both dramatic and well-controlled.
The Technicalities
To attach these M-mount lenses to my Fujifilm X-T4, I used a K&F Concept adapter, which cost around thirty euros. This adapter worked flawlessly, maintaining a solid connection between the camera and the lenses, allowing me to focus on capturing the moment without technical distractions.
The Experience
Photographing with these lenses was an immersive experience. The weather was overcast, adding a nostalgic tone to the photoshoot. As I moved through the castle, each frame was a blend of historic ambiance and modern photographic technique. The 90mm lens, in particular, evoked a touch of Henri Cartier-Bresson's style, with its ability to create images that felt both intimate and expansive.
When I photograph, I enter a tunnel of concentration. The world fades away, and I become entirely absorbed in the visual narrative unfolding before me. This session was no different. For an hour and a half, I was lost in the interplay of light, shadow, and texture, each click of the shutter a step deeper into this creative trance. By the end, I was mentally exhausted, nearly faint from the intensity of focus and the sheer effort of translating a moment into a lasting image.
Conclusion
This visit to Castel Sant'Elmo was more than just a test of lenses; it was a reaffirmation of why I love photography. The combination of exceptional glass and a captivating setting created a series of images that were both technically impressive and emotionally resonant. As I continue to explore and share my visual stories, I aim to maintain this blend of professionalism and personal connection, ensuring that each photograph is a testament to the beauty and complexity of the world we inhabit.