Lille, 35, 105 (not 35-105)

[Airy]

A 13 km walk around Lille. The weather was very cooperative. There were a couple of shooting opportunities.

Df, and oldies-but-goodies : the 105/2.5 AI, and the Zeiss 35/2 ZF2. In my younger days, 35-105 was the most desirable focal range for zooms : every brand had one, and they were not very expensive since the range was moderate and the short side not too demanding, as far as optical design is concerned. Besides, that's a very useful range.

Today, I restricted myself to both ends. The Zeiss and the Nikkor have quite different a rendering; both are very sharp, but the Zeiss never requires the contrast to be pushed, while I had to push the Nikkor's contrast every now and then. Maybe that's also one of the reasons for the Nikkor's reputation as a portrait lens - back in film days, there was no easy way to damp the contrast, except of course in B&W prints.

35mm was never my favourite FL, but the Zeiss is a "compelling" lens, especially for night or interior shots. I also have the Sigma 35/1.4 A, but never bonded with it (I'll re-sell it when I have time). In absolute terms, it may be sharper, but I'm tempted to add "so what".

First four : 1) a recently opened bar; funny outside, but inside you just get the usual supplies, a bore ; 2) a wink to catholics; 3) the Napoleon bridge over Deule canal; 4) and 5) shot from the bridge

[Airy]

More or less erotic mushrooms.

[Airy]

1) one remarkable tree (a beech) ; 2) and 3) same place, time, and lens, but the light could not be more different.

[Airy]

The 105 again; 1) a vine at the exterior of a restaurant; shot wide open; notice the "whirling" bokeh; 2) the same lens at f/5.6 providing a razor-sharp reproduction of street art.

[Airy]

Some views of downtown Lille, all 35.

[Airy]

The last tango (rather: salsa) in Lille. All 35, with some cropping.

[Akira]

As always, it's interesting to trace your stream of thought or consciousness, thanks to the way you post the images in the same order you actually shot them. (Except for the last tango not in Paris.)

[Airy]

Indeed, chronological order. I feel X-rayed
Lille is a very "mineral" city as it grew within its defensive walls, but benefits from its vast citadel, built by Vauban, and now covered by old trees. Within minutes, you can experience the transition from brickwalls to thick forest.

[Bent Hjarbo]

Nice story, and fine pictures.

[John Geerts]

Great series, Airy.

The Zeiss Distagon 35/2 is a beauty of a lens. Sometimes wide open hard to get the focus correct (as with most MF Zeiss lenses)

[Airy]

Generally speaking, wide angles are difficult to focus manually (example: 20/2.8 AIS in a dim place). Not sure this is brand-specific. Easiest MF is around 100-180mm, in my experience. Above, camera shake again creates difficulties (aaaah, focussing the 500/8 mirror lens... an exercise in patience).

[PeterN]

Thank you for a wonderful tour around the city!

[Jacques Pochoy]

Nice strolling in Lille and the Citadelle surroundings !
We used to work with my students in Lomme and the "Bois blancs" around the lower part of the Deûle canal... I think my students would have filled that new café, even if there are some more interesting ones in the vieux Lille... 
Who knows? We might get back there one of these days as the "Métropole" is quite active 

[Airy]

which café are you mentioning ? the one with the stairs that look like a piano keyboard ?

[Akira]

Indeed, chronological order. I feel X-rayed
Lille is a very "mineral" city as it grew within its defensive walls, but benefits from its vast citadel, built by Vauban, and now covered by old trees. Within minutes, you can experience the transition from brickwalls to thick forest.

That sounds like an ideal living environment for me.  The area of Sapporo, my home town, I lived in was a mineral housing complex, but it was just a matter of 10-20 minutes walk to access the rich natural environment.