Fujinon 55mm f/2.2

Although the lens mount of the Fujinon 55mm f/2.2 is the venerable M42 screw thread, closing down the aperture is a function which involves the cooperation of a companion camera, in this case a Fujica ST605 that I bought on eBay (complete with the lens) for £5. Using the lens on a Canon EOS digital camera via an adapter means using it at its widest aperture only. This photograph was about the best I could manage and if it looks half-way decent, much of the credit belongs to Lightroom. The lens is not multi-coated because Fuji economised on the specification of this camera/lens combination, aiming it at the budget-conscious. Thus the budget-conscious were deprived of contrast in their pictures. Even a lens hood doesn't make much difference.

Canon EOS 30D + Fujinon 55mm f/2.2 lens.

This is the Fujinon 55mm f/2.2 lens which came with my Fujica ST605 bought in practically new condition from an eBay seller for £5. Photographed with a Helios-44 lens also bought for a song on eBay. Camera: Camera: Fujifilm X-E1.

Fujinon 55mm f/2.2 lens on a Canon EOS 30D.

Photographed using a Fujinon 55mm f/2.2 lens in M42 screw mount on a Fujifilm X-E1 camera via an adapter.

Photographed with a Fujinon 55mm f/2.2 lens. Camera: Fujifilm X-E1.

Photographed using a Fujinon 55mm f/2.2 lens in M42 screw mount. Camera: Fujifilm X-E1.

Photographed using a Fujinon 55mm f/2.2 lens in M42 screw mount. Camera: Fujifilm X-E1.

In 2013 I successfully bid £5 on eBay for a Fujica ST605 camera complete with Fujinon f/2.2 55mm lens. It appeared to have been very little used; I put a film through it to be certain it functioned and pretty much forgot about it for years. Recently I discovered that the lens of this camera is known for its distinctive ‘soapbubble bokeh’ similar in character to the Meyer Trioplan 100mm f/2.8 lens (€973.82). Apparently this Fuji lens is the cheapest way of getting the ‘soapbubble bokeh’ feature. I’m not sure whether I like it or not, but it seems a shame not to experiment when others prize it so highly. Thanks to fellow ipernity member Ingo Krehl who added greatly to my scant knowledge of soapbubble bokeh. Lacking a suitable teleconverter, I have not followed Ingo's advice to the letter, and he might be disappointed to discover that my photograph was made through a dirty window. I must do better.