“Going back to basics.”
Why I shoot manually.
Using manual lenses instead of automatic lenses can enhance your photography skills in several ways:
Improved Understanding of Photography Fundamentals
Manual lenses require you to manually adjust settings such as aperture, focus, and sometimes even exposure. This hands-on approach forces you to learn and understand the fundamentals of photography, such as depth of field, hyperfocal distance, and exposure compensation. This deeper understanding translates into better control over your images and more creative freedom.
Enhanced Creative Control
Manual lenses give you precise control over the focus point, allowing you to achieve a more deliberate and artistic focus effect. You can easily create shallow depth of field effects or intentionally keep everything sharp (deep depth of field), depending on your creative vision. This level of control is often more challenging to achieve with autofocus lenses.
Technical Skill Development
Using manual lenses requires a certain level of technical skill and practice. Over time, you develop a more precise hand-eye coordination, honing your ability to quickly adjust settings and capture moments without relying on automation. This technical proficiency can set you apart as a photographer who understands the craft deeply.
Increased Attention to Detail
When using manual lenses, you become more attentive to details such as lighting conditions, composition, and the nuances of your subject. Since you are not relying on autofocus, you tend to spend more time observing and composing your shot, which can lead to more thoughtful and impactful photographs.
In essence, while autofocus lenses offer convenience and speed, manual lenses foster a deeper connection to the photographic process and a more intimate understanding of light, composition, and camera settings. This deeper knowledge and control can indeed make you a better photographer by allowing you to express your creative vision more effectively and with greater precision.