When you first looked at this image I would guess that quite a few of you attributed the 1970s like retro look to the processing. If you've taken a look at the original though, most of the effect is down to the lens: the Flare Factory 58, produced by the oddly named company, Dog Schidt Optiks.

I'll write more about this lens in a separate blog post at some point soon but, in the meanwhile, the Flare Factory 58 is a modified and re-engineered Helios 44-M 58mm f/2.0. The lenses are reconditioned, the coatings from the lens elements are removed, and a unique tint is added to one of the elements. For my lens this is a red/amber tint.

It's an odd and difficult lens to shoot with, but I have a feeling that I'm going to be able to produce some truly unique images once I get the hang of using it.

As always, let me know what you think.