Author Archives: cpburrows

Universe Optics Quartz 78mm F3.8 UV Lens

ByCPBurrows July 27, 2017 2 Informational

ue to my interest in alternative light photography, I keep my eye out for lenses that would be suitable for reflected ultraviolet photography. When I had a chance to get this 78mm F3.8 quartz lens, apparently made by Universe Optics, I went for it. A week later I had it, along with some other equipment which while interesting, was not my focus. Horiba SceneScope SC-123 The lens is used with RUVIS (reflected ultraviolet imaging system) kits typically used for crime […]

Sony A65 Full-Spectrum IR Conversion

ByCPBurrows January 11, 2017 1 Informational

ver since my A580 broke and I started using SLT Sony bodies, I’ve badly wanted an IR-capable body with EVF. Manual focusing is hard with infrared due to the focus shift, meaning most of the shots I ever did with the A330 required trial and error or high depth-of-field to get what I needed to be in focus. I picked up an A65 with focusing issues a while back, slated for conversion from the day I bought it, and I’ve […]

Mitake 135mm F1.8 Lens Repair – Disassembly Guide

ByCPBurrows September 30, 2014 8 Informational

while back I was at the Bargain Camera Show in Pasadena, and I saw a bit of an odd lens somebody had. With its huge front element and ability to diminish even larger full-frame bodies, it was quite a striking piece of glass. I don’t remember the make of that particular one, but I do remember it being a 135mm F1.8 I don’t do a lot of portraiture, but the oddity/uniqueness of the 135mm F1.8 drew me and I […]

Minolta Maxxum 35-70mm F3.5-4.5 True Macro Modification

ByCPBurrows June 11, 2013 Informational

ne of the first things to interest me in photography was the world of macro. Before I got my first DSLR, I had seen people’s super macro photos of flies and other insects, showing the facets and reflections in their eyes. I wanted that, but I certainly couldn’t afford to buy a true macro lens, which led me to seek an inexpensive alternative. In my searches, I came across a mention on Flickr of […]

How to Fake Neutral Density Filter Effects

ByCPBurrows May 22, 2013 2 Informational

recently took a trip to El Capitan State Beach, remembering it fondly from going there as a kid, at least a decade ago. Hoping to be treated to some visually entertaining weather, there were next to no clouds, and none of the morning coastal fog I had expected. Nonetheless, the tides and weather cooperated long enough to allow me to test out an idea I had; using multiple shorter exposures to simulate the effects of a single long one taken […]

Sony A330 Full-Spectrum IR Conversion

ByCPBurrows April 25, 2013 Informational

When I first saw a “False Color” infrared photograph, I instantly fell in love and knew one day I simply must get myself one. It was a long time coming, but I finally found a good deal on a Sony A330 and jumped. Even though it was inexpensive as these things go, it nonetheless took me quite a while to work up the moxie required to tear into my camera without a guide. I’d seen DIYs for the A100, but […]