I took the first shot with my new Petzval Lomography lens from Russia today, my first encounter with Russian glass, and a lens build exactly the way it was built in 1840. With this lens – I have a LOT to learn, you have to get close and center the shot, insert the right Aperture plate, and adjust the Bokeh, the blur in the back to enhance the portrait.

The gear mechanism that runs the manual focus is very tricky, it will take a lot of patience and a lot of practice. It’s going to New York City with me tomorrow.

I didn’t quite get it, but came close, and I got the idea. I’m going to love this lens if I survive it. They say it is not for beginners, and that is sure true, I’ll either master it or fall apart along the way. I got one or two shots that I like and am beginning to feel it will be possible to get some wonderful portraits with this lens. But maybe not for awhile.

I love the lens, it is quite striking and original.