More than Just a Portrait Lens: the Nikon 135mm 1.8 Plena Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2026-09-24 | More than Just a Portrait Lens: the Nikon 135mm 1.8 Plena
Where did all the 35mm SLRS Go? Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-07-30 | I talk about 10 35mm single lens reflex cameras from the early 1970's that are mostly forgotten today.My email jlvphoto@yahoo.comWhat if not Nikon? Would would I shoot:youtu.be/5qSHxKBuMvM3 Nikon film cameras I recommend if you're on a budget: youtu.be/Au6L4Nqv7dIShould you buy refurbished over new?youtu.be/6HFHUOLEs1k
Should you Choose Zooms or Primes? Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-07-28 | In this video I give my reasons for choosing zoom lenses or primes and sometimes a combination of both.In the comments section please let me know what you prefer. Also I would like to hear your comments on what type of videos you would like me to make.My email jlvphoto@yahoo.com
If I was not Shooting Nikon What Would I Shoot With? Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-07-23 | I explain what camera system I would be shooting with if I never shot with Nikon or if Nikon never existed .My email: jlvphoto@yahoo.com
Street Photography with the Nikon Z6 and 24-200. Do I shoot too much? Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-07-21 | In this video I show many photos I took on a walk in Philadelphia with my Nikon Z6 and 24-200 Z mount zoom. I explain my thinking on shooting these pictures and my doubts as to if they are any good. I think I shoot too much because it's so easy to do with digital and question whether I should think more before I shoot. I welcome your constructive criticism.My email: jlvphoto@yahoo.comMy earlier Z6 with 24-200 video: youtu.be/hjcHHPAvUH0The 3 best Nikon manual focus cameras if you are on a budget:youtu.be/Au6L4Nqv7dI
Should you Buy an Original Nikon Z6 in 2025? Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-07-16 | I talk about my 6 1/2 year old Nikon Z6 and answer the question if it's obsolete or a good choice in 2025. With sample photos. My email jlvphoto@yahoo.comMy 52 year journey with Nikon:youtu.be/2uRWt9GX5U0
Nikon F Mount Lens Versions Explained Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-07-14 | I explain some of the differences in different variations of Nikon F mount lenses, using the 50mm F2, 105mm 2.5 and 200mm F4 as examples. I apologize for the poor audio quality of the is video. There was an issue with my microphone and didn't have time to re-record it. My email: jlvphoto@yahoo.comLink to the Photosynthesis web site :http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.htmlLink to my 200mm F4 review:youtu.be/Su6RrLp2FkM
Can You Guess what Lens was Used for these Images with the Nikon D810? Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-07-09 | Try to guess the lens used. I show a bunch of images shot in center city Philadelphia with the Nikon D810 and you try to guess what lens was used. I reveal the lens about half way through the video.My email jlvphoto@yahoo.comReview of the Nikon 35-80mm Zoom: youtu.be/XQJqvmJME60Is refurbished best? youtu.be/6HFHUOLEs1kWhich camera would you choose:youtu.be/lqLy15n9E88
The 2 Best Things About Nikon Z8 Firmware 3.0 Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-07-07 | I talk about the 2 features I like best about the new Nikon Z8 firmware 3.0. In this video you will learn how to set up and use them.My email jlvphoto@yahoo.comIs digital better than film: youtu.be/ZaISgs-dk2wImprovements needed to Z mount lenses: youtu.be/gLjcqu8IAtY
4 Tips for Successful Summer Photos Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-07-02 | I list 4 things you can do that will aid in producing better summer photos, by protecting your equipment, keeping your kit light, keeping safe and exposing your beach photos correctly. Bonus tips on fireworks photos.My email: jlvphoto@yahoo.comEasy street photography:youtu.be/7VEA0slA_zgIs refurbished best? youtu.be/6HFHUOLEs1k
The 3 Nikon Manual Focus Cameras I Highly Recommend: That Wont Break the Bank Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-06-30 | I list 3 Nikon 35mm manual focus film cameras that I believe are good choices for someone buying their first Nikon or adding a film camera if they already have a digital. My email: jlvphoto@yahoo.com Nikon FM video: youtu.be/LXYUzYwLqiQNikon FE2 video: youtu.be/5Ubt-ahBd3oNikon EM video: youtu.be/zHbck1C1KJ0Guess which lens:youtu.be/VrxGfcSGCSs
A Review of a Damaged Nikkor QC 135mm 3.5 Manual Focus Lens Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-06-25 | I review a Nikon 135mm 3.5 lens that has a damaged front thread and some thin internal haze. It looks like the lens may have been dropped at some point. But has the damage affected its performance? what this video to find out.
Slide Film or Digital. Part 2 Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-06-23 | This video is a follow up to my video comparing images shot on slide film and on digital. I also answer some of the comments on the first video.What gives better results slide film or digital: youtu.be/sDKybqKQ730Should you buy new or refurbished :youtu.be/6HFHUOLEs1k
Reviewing the Vintage Vivitar 28mm 2.8 Lens on the Nikon Z8 Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-06-18 | I review the Vivitar 28mm in Minolta mount on my Z8. With lots of photos. I'm surprised at the results, for a lens I totally forgot about.My email: jlvphoto@yahoo.comReview of the Minolta 28mm 3.5: youtu.be/6DCWuQAF-AAReview of the Canon 28mm 3.5: youtu.be/4_nggk2a0oQReview of the Nikon 28mm 3.5: youtu.be/35Un6d2ISyQ
Nikon Z Lenses are Great But Improvements are Needed. Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-06-16 | I explain the 2 things that will make the Nikon Z mount lenses more user friendly.My email:jlvphoto@yahoo.comShould you buy refurbished over new? youtu.be/6HFHUOLEs1kReview of the Pentax Super Takumar 105mm 2.8: youtu.be/DFZvDedHdE8
Is it Easy to Take Very Good or Even Great Photographs in 2025? Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-06-11 | I explain that the old masters of photography took great photographs without the technical inovations that we have today. So should it be easy for us to take great photos?My email: jlvphoto@yahoo.comSlide film or digital: youtu.be/sDKybqKQ730Why you can't count on a great lens:youtu.be/pCD7y8bcEHMIs it easy to take great pictures? youtu.be/XQJqvmJME60
What Gives Better Results: Slide Film or Digital? Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-06-09 | I compare images taken with a Nikon F2AS and Ektachrome 100 film to images from a Nikon Z6 and Z8. Also compared are scans of the film from the lab and results from my Nikon ES-2 digitizer.My email: jlvphoto@yahoo.comB&W or color: youtu.be/DPWh46uPzcMWhy I love film cameras but shoot digital:youtu.be/mf-2I1SdTS8Is refurbished best? youtu.be/6HFHUOLEs1k
Why you Cant Count on a Great Lens to Make Great Pictures Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-06-04 | I explain that great photos don't come from great equipment. There is a lot more to getting great images than shooting with a great lens.My email: jlvphoto@yahoo.comShould you buy refurbished:youtu.be/6HFHUOLEs1kReview of the Nikon 60mm 2.8D:youtu.be/4jBdB6duUwM
Should you Buy Refurbished over New or Used Cameras and Lenses? Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-06-02 | I explain the pros and cons of buying new, refurbished or use cameras and lenses with some price comparisons. My email jlvphoto@yahoo.comComparing the Nikon 50mm 1.4Z to the 55mm 2.8 Micro Nikkor: youtu.be/_m-p3MvINMsWhat's the difference between Canon, Minolta, Nikon and Pentax lenses: youtu.be/jB4lrq0QGxw
Shooting With the Nikon D7100 in 2025. Should I sell it? Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-05-28 | I take my Nikon D7100 and 35mm 1.8 DX lens on a shoot to the Black Run Preserve in New Jersey to determine if I should keep it.My email: jlvphoto@yahoo.com Comparing 2 Nikon 200mm lenses: youtu.be/Su6RrLp2FkMCan you have too many lenses: youtu.be/moGZcOjIVLw
Nikon D810 and 35-80AF for Street Photography? Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-05-26 | Is the Nikon D810 with AF Zoom Suitable for Street Photography?In this video, with a lot of sample images, I talk about my experience doing street photography of people with the Nikon D810 and 35-80 AF zoom lens.My email:jlvphoto@yahoo.comMy review of the Nikon autofocus 35-80 F4-5.6D zoom: youtu.be/Y5EVgmGwQeUEasy street photography: youtu.be/7VEA0slA_zg
Which Camera Would you Choose? Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-05-21 | I compare 4 vintage 35mm single lens reflex cameras. The Pentax Spotmatic, Canon FT, Minolta SRT 101 and Nikkormat FTN.My email jlvphoto@yahoo.com Pentax Spotmatic video: youtu.be/meoqgGFTjwkCanon FT video:youtu.be/9BMK1dRClQAMinolta SRT 101 video:youtu.be/fITxFWUUcaYNikkormat FTN Video:youtu.be/MqDcQNm2zHI
Is the 35-80mm 4.5-5.6D AF Nikkor the Best Cheap Lens From Nikon? Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-05-19 | I review the very inexpensive Nikon AF 35-80mm F4.0-5.6 D Zoom Lens. I shot this lens on a Nikon D810 camera on a rainy day in center city Philadelphia, PA.My email: jlvphoto@yahoo.comDo you really need a closet full of lenses: youtu.be/moGZcOjIVLwNikon 43-86mm review:youtu.be/5JxTTYl9mVQ
The 60mm 2.8D Micro Nikkor: More than a Macro Lens Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-05-14 | In this video I review the 60mm 2.8D Micro Nikkor not as a Macro Lens but as a Standard lens. You will find no macro photos in this video just pictures at medium and far distances. How well did it do? Watch this video to find out. My email jlvphoto@yahoo.comComparing the Nikon 55mm 2.8 to the new 50mm 1.4: youtu.be/_m-p3MvINMs
Reviewing the 60 Year Old Nikon 300mm 4.5 Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-05-12 | I review Nikons Nikkor-P 300mm F4.5 Pre-Ai telephoto lens. Images were shot at the Dad Vail Regatta in Pennsauken, New Jersey. My email jlvphoto@yahoo.com
Looking Back at 3 Decades of Pictures Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-05-07 | I look back at over 80 pictures from the early 70's to the mid 90's. These pictures span from when I just started out in photography to my time as the photographer for a weekly newspaper. My email jlvphoto@yahoo.comLooking back at pictures from 1992: youtu.be/eVYlFv42Akc
Is Black and White Better Than color? Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-05-05 | In this video I explain why I think than in many cases black and white is better than color. You will see many examples with side by side comparisons of the same image in black and white and color.My email:jlvphoto@yahoo.comEasy street photography in black and white: youtu.be/7VEA0slA_zgWhat's different? youtu.be/jB4lrq0QGxwThe medium format advantage: youtu.be/nNGo_F5B-pc
Tips for Easy Street Photography of People Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-04-30 | I give tips for street photography using just 1 camera and a wide angle lens. This video is primarily aimed at photography beginners but will help even an expirenced photographer looking to get onto street photography.My email: jlvphoto@yahoo.com
Review of the 105mm 2.8 Super Takumar Portrait Lens Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-04-27 | I review the vintage Super Takumar 105mm 2.8 lens and compare it to the original Nikkor 105mm 2.5. Which is better?my email jlvphoto@yahoo.comNikon 24-200 Z review: youtu.be/HIvtIV0kPyANikon 75-150 3.5 Series E review: youtu.be/BAdRK4eyirUReview of the Pentax Super Takumar 105mm 2.8:
Nikon 43-86 3.5 Pre-Ai: Sharper Than You Think. Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-04-23 | I revisit the Nikon Pre-Ai 43-86mm 3.5 zoom. This lens is considered by many, including me, to be unsharp. I now disagree. It is sharp enough for many subjects under the right conditions.My email: jlvphot@yahoo.comMy previous 43-86 video: youtu.be/GuKxdJOAD0QMy first 43-86 video: youtu.be/Vuu6eSLwIHMComparing 2 Nikon 200mm lenses: youtu.be/Su6RrLp2FkM
Comparing 2 Nikon Vintage 200mm F4 Lenses Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-04-21 | I compare the Nikon Nikkor Pre-Ai 200mm F4 lens to the Nikkor Ai 200mm F4 lens. Download the actual test images by following the link below. Let me know your thoughts on the images.Test images for download: jlvphoto.net/Nikon-200-F4-vs-200-F4My email: jlvphoto@yahoo.comComparing 2 Nikon 200mm lenses:
The Simplest Solution for Close-Up Photography Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-04-16 | I show how to use close-up lenses and compare them to extension tubes.My email jlvphoto@yahoo.comUsing the Nikon PB-4 bellows: youtu.be/zZmzwKaiNsUTestin 2 Nikon macro lenses: youtu.be/p60ld02dJgM
What the Difference Between Canon, Nikon, Minolta and Pentax? Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-04-14 | In this video I explain the difference in between the 4 most popular lens brand from the 1960's. My email: jlvphoto@yahoo.comCanon FL 28mm 3.5 review: youtu.be/4_nggk2a0oQNikon 28mm 3.5 review: youtu.be/35Un6d2ISyQMinolta 28mm 3.5 review: youtu.be/QtX6rZtDPHIPentax 28mm 3.5 review: youtu.be/9YYL33_n2sU
Do You Really Need a Closet Full of Lenses? Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-04-09 | Between Manual and autofocus I have over 70 lenses. Is that too many? In this video I try to answer that question.My email jlvphoto@yahoo.comWhen are manual focus lenses better than autofocus:youtu.be/2fOMiAx5qqgReview of the Sigma 15mm 2.8:youtu.be/ineKVfrXbNw
How Good is the Canon FL 28mm 3.5 Lens? Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-04-07 | I do a short review on the Canon FL 28mm 3.5 lens on the Nikon Z8 using the Fotasy adapter. My email: jlvphoto@yahoo.com Minolta 28mm 3.5 review: youtu.be/6DCWuQAF-AANikon 28mm 3.5 review:youtu.be/35Un6d2ISyQOlympus 28mm 3.5 review: youtu.be/MXd-i6N6w3U
Why I Love 35mm Film Cameras but Mostly Shoot Digital Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-04-02 | I explain my reasons for shooting mostly digital, but why I still love 35mm film cameras.
27 Reasons Why the Nikon F2 is Better Than the Nikon F. Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-03-31 | I explain the 27 improvements made to the Nikon F2 over the Nikon F.My email jlvphoto@yahoo.comFeatures, controls and how to use the Nikon F2: youtu.be/KwzWTpdCM4QLooking back at the Nikon F2 introduction: youtu.be/EgcZYPcEo9sSelecting and using vintage manual focus lenses: youtu.be/gyk026QpwzY
Some of my Favorite Pictures I Shot Over the Last 55 Years Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-03-26 | I show and explain how I shot some of my favorite pictures.My email: jlvphoto@yahoo.comThe best way to view photographs:youtu.be/pL5pECsUH2wReview of the Sigma 15mm 2.8 Fisheye: youtu.be/ineKVfrXbNwReviewing the Nikon 35-70 2.8 on the D810: youtu.be/c59HyWZCPK8
What is the Best Way to View Photographs? Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-03-24 | I give my opinion on the best way to view photographic images.My email: jlvphoto@yahoo.comThe medium format advantage: youtu.be/nNGo_F5B-pcLooking back at the introduction of the Nikon F2: youtu.be/EgcZYPcEo9sTesting the Nikon 14-30 F4 zoom: youtu.be/HPhlcfBsUQU
Features, Controls and How to Use the Nikon F2 Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-03-19 | I explain everything there is to know in order to use the Nikon F2 35mm single lens reflex camera.There is a mistake in the video: When I talk about compensation for various focus screens. The settings are + 1/2 stop and up to -2 stops not the other way around. Very few screens require a compensation setting. Sorry for any confusion. My email: jlvphoto@yahoo.comHow to use the Nikon F: youtu.be/aDG1G_WYW8IHow to use the Nikon FE2: youtu.be/5Ubt-ahBd3oHow to use the Nikon FM: youtu.be/LXYUzYwLqiQMy 52 year journey with Nikon: youtu.be/2uRWt9GX5U0
When is Manual Better than Autofocus? Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-03-17 | I explain how in some instances it's better to use a manual focus lens.My email:jlvphoto@yahoo.comReview of the Pentax 28mm 3.5: youtu.be/9YYL33_n2sU
The Medium Format Advantage Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-03-12 | I talk about the advantages of medium format film cameras over 35mm cameras.My email: jlvphoto@yahoo.comShooting square with a digital camera: youtu.be/NPLGu5xT4zcWhat you need to know about Twin Lens Reflex cameras: youtu.be/UHabZKUBirk
Looking Back at the Nikon F3 Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-03-10 | I look back at the 1980 introduction of the Nikon F3 and talk about some of its key features.My email: jlvphoto@yahoo.comLooking back at the Nikon F2:youtu.be/EgcZYPcEo9sA review of the Nikon 24-120 F4 mount:youtu.be/dIt7VqGHocI
Looking Back at B&W Images I Shot in 1992 Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-03-05 | I go through a box of black and white prints I shot in 1992, while working for a weekly newspaper in South Philadelphia.My email: jlvphoto@yahoo.comLookin back at the Nikon F2:youtu.be/EgcZYPcEo9s
Shooting the SS United States Leaving Philadelphia Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-03-03 | I explain how I shot both video and still images of the SS United States leaving the port of Philadelphia. I shot video with the Nikon Z8 and 70-200 2.8 Z mount, stills with the Nikon Z6 and 24-200 F4-6.3 Z mount and the Nikon D810 with 70-200 F4 F mount. I also shoot a few frames with a Nikon F2AS with a 55mm 2.8 AIS on Ektachrome 100.Please leave any questions or comments below. I always try to respond to all questions and comments.
Shooting Snow with the Nikon Z8 and 135mm Plena Wide Open at 1.8 Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-02-26 | I talk about shooting at 1.8 with the Nikon 135mm 1.8 Plena after a snow storm.My email: jlvphoto@yahoo.comPlease leave your comments in the comments below.Testing 9 lenses for bokeh: youtu.be/IqIWflu7onEHelios front element reversed :youtu.be/oT4H64mKVP4
Shooting High School Basketball with the Nikon 135mm 1.8 Plena Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-02-24 | I explain what setting I used ,with lots of samples, shooting a high school basketball game with the Nikon Z8 and 135mm 1.8 Plena.My email jlvphoto@yahoo.comShooting Basketball with the Nikkor 50mm 1.4Z: youtu.be/AitFhMISpfkBokeh and action with the Plena: youtu.be/lDPZIeBOQAI
Comparing the 50mm 1.4 Nikkor Z to the 55mm 2.8 Micro Nikkor Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-02-19 | Is the vintage 55mm 2.8 Micro Nikkor sharper than the modern 50mm 1.4 Z mount Nikkor?Link to the test images: jlvphoto.net/55mm-28-Micro-Nikkor-vs-50-mm-14-Nikkor-Z/n-cVTTpcMy lens tournament final video:youtu.be/tpv7MyYNOkIMy video comparing the 55 2.8 Micro Nikkor to the 60mm 2.8D AF Micro Nikkor:youtu.be/p60ld02dJgM
Looking Back at the Nikon F2 Introduction in 1971 Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-02-17 | I give my remembrance of the introduction of the Nikon F2. My email jlvphoto@yahoo.comPlease give me your thoughts on the Nikon F2 in the comments below. Look for more Nikon F2 videos in the coming weeks.Meter finders for the Nikon F2 and how they work:youtu.be/n0u_zdGFxtkHow to tell the difference between a Nikon Pre-Ai, Ai and Ais lens: youtu.be/aO-jSm0KUzA
Photographing the Eagles Super Bowl Celebration and Nighttime Street Photography Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-02-12 | I explain how I photographed Philadelphia Eagles fans celebrating their Super Bowl win and also doing some nighttime street photography with the Nikon Z8 and 40mm 2.0 Z mount lens.My email: jlvphoto@yahoo.comNFC championship celebration video:youtu.be/lWz7vO0VzqQ
Final 12 Normal Lenses Tested in the Lens Tournament Jules Vuottos Photo Focus 2025-02-10 | This is the final video in my normal lens tournament. I give the results of round 2 and 3 and which lens came out on top in the final round with the remaining 2 lenses.My introduction video to my normal lens tournament:youtu.be/yI9ibN5WNFATest Images:Nikkor 50mm 1.4 Ais vs Rokkor 58mm 1.4 MC : jlvphoto.net/50-14-Ais-Nikkor-vs-58-14-MC-RokkorNikkor AFS 50mm 1.8G vs Canon 50mm 1.8 New FD : jlvphoto.net/Nikkor-50-18G-vs-Canon-50-18-New-FD/n-fnMZWSCanon 50mm 1.4 New FD vs Nikkor HC 50mm 2.0 Pre Ai :jlvphoto.net/Canon-50-14-New-FD-vs-50-20-Nikkor-HC50mm 1.4 Rokkor-X vs Nikkor 50mm 1.8 AFD :jlvphoto.net/50-14-Rokkor-X-vs-50-18-AFD-Nikkor/n-gWTJHbCanon 50mm 1.4 FD vs Nikkor 50mm 2.0 Ai: jlvphoto.net/Canon-50-14-FD-vs-Nikkor-50-20-Ai/n-LnGbCd50mm 1.4 Nikkor Z vs MC rokkor 55 mm 1.7:jlvphoto.net/Nikkor-50-14Z-vs-55-17-MC-Rokkor/n-Smmgf5Previous test videos:16 lenses tested: youtu.be/Nh-gNInphjAFirst 4 Lenses tested: youtu.be/FOanMaMj7Ck2nd 4 Lenses tested: youtu.be/2SAeSs1YcGITesting details for all lenses in the tournament:For sharpness Test:Test scene lit with 2 LED lights for even lighting.Exposure was set by taking an incident meter reading and the Nikon Z8 camera used for testing all lenses was set for manual exposure mode at 400 iso.The camera was set for normal picture control and highest quality jpeg.A custom white balance was set for each lens off of an 18% grey card.The camera was mounted on a sturdy tripod and the focal plane was 8.5ft from the mannequin head. A remote release was used. Focus was on the left eye of the mannequin. For the bokeh test:The focal plane was 3.5ft from the basketball and the ball was 5ft from the background. A custom white balance was set for each lens off of an 18% grey card. Lighting was just one LED light to the left. An incident reading was taken from just in front of the basketball. Focus was on the L in Spalding.
