If you don’t know Thypoch, they are a rather new company, which only launched their first set of lenses last year. These lenses were the Thypoch Simera series, which looked like old Leica glass. Not only that, but the Simera lenses had great optics as well. Because of this, I’m happy that Thypoch is back with its second-ever series, the Thypoch Eureka. Currently, this series is composed of only one lens, the M-mount Eureka 50mm f/2, a lens with a look so retro to fool anyone into thinking it’s from the 1950s.

The Thypoch Eureka 50mm f/2

Seeing the Thypoch Eureka 50mm f/2 on an old camera makes even a vintage lens geek like myself feel like it belongs to the same era—almost like it was bundled with cameras such as the Leica M3. The lens uses a metallic finish and a collapsible design, which, as you would expect from Thypoch, looks like an old Leica Summitar. Even if you don’t care about retro designs, this design is still hard to hate with its compact and convenient nature.

The Eureka 50mm f/2 aperture is plenty fast for a lens this size. It has a 12-blade diaphragm design, which has more blades than most vintage 50mm lenses. In images, this will translate to smoother bokeh circles. The lens has a 0.9m close focus distance, which is just slightly better than the 1-meter distance of the Summitar 50mm f/2 the Eureka is based on.

The M-mount is easily adaptable, and because the Eureka can cover a full-frame sensor, it can be easily adapted to any mirrorless camera. But it would still feel a bit retro on a digital sensor, thanks to Thypoch interesting coating, which simulates the coating of old glass. This should translate to flares similar to vintage lenses. (And I hope that this series follows the same release path of the Simera line to expand to extra mounts as well)

Thypoch Eureka 50mm f/2 samples

Thypoch Eureka 50mm f/2 specs

Price and availability

Eureka 50mm f/2 comes with a front cap, a rear cap, a UV filter, and a photo book. The lens is available in aluminum and brass versions for $579 and $859, respectively.



Books
Photography

#dogs
#humor
#Winnie Au

Protecting an injured paw or pesky stitches never looked so good. Winnie Au (previously) upends the humiliating nature of Elizabethan collars as she photographs hounds sporting stylish takes on the medical devices for her series Cone Of Shame.

Au began the project back in 2017 in collaboration with designer Marie-Yan Morvan as a way to showcase dogs’ unique personalities and turn otherwise torturous ruffs into spectacular accessories. Using materials like paper and tulle, and more unconventional finds like dissolvable insulation foam and candy buttons, the pair fashioned a wide array of designs much more glamorous and charming than their veterinarian-issued counterparts. “Each dog, cone, and backdrop has been conceived as a mash-up of abstract shapes, tones, and textures. No longer turning dogs into laughing stocks, these collars become works of art,” Au says.

A new book published by Union Square & Co. collects photos of 60 dogs donning the fashionable ruffs, 48 of which haven’t been shared before. While the core concept is the same as when the series began, the pair incorporated newer technologies into recent images, including the inflatable rings that have grown in popularity. They also worked with new breeds and materials in what Au describes as “my love letter to all the good dogs out there.”

Cone Of Shame will be released on July 9 and is available for pre-order in the Colossal Shop. Find more from Au on Instagram.

#dogs
#humor
#Winnie Au

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Tokyo shares similarities with London and New York, among them being one of the most photographed cities in the world, yet it maintains an unexpected tranquility.

Both Yokohama and Tokyo are bustling cities, with people either rushing about or catching a quick nap, but there is an undeniable order to the chaos. Walking through a busy train station, one side can be completely empty while the other is packed, as everyone adheres to the designated walking lanes without deviation.

I recently travelled there for the first time and endeavoured to capture the sights, colours, smells and everything that makes Japan such an enchanting country.

The advertising boards are unlike anything I have ever seen, adorned with charming anime characters at every turn. As you stroll through Yokohama, street vendors offer an array of items, including personalised art. Despite the language barrier, everyone is patient and kind, always eager to assist.

Food is a cornerstone of Japanese culture. Tiny restaurants with queues stretching out the door are commonplace, with waiters taking orders right on the street. Both tourists and locals search for the best sushi, ramen or tempura, eager to savour the authentic flavours.

Japan is one of the most extraordinary countries, home to the most remarkable people. As you wander through its streets, you will never run out of captivating moments to photograph.

Updated: May 24, 2024, 6:01 PM

“I was photographing Little Egrets in a flooded inlet when I stumbled upon this lone figure standing poised. Its gracefully preening silhouette contrasted with the dark foliage and highlighted the delicate balance between nature and the challenges it faces.

This photograph captures the resilience of the Egret navigating a changing environment. As rising sea levels transform estuaries into rias (or inlets), Little Egrets face the loss of their natural habitat, emphasizing the urgency of climate action. 

Converting the image to black and white accentuates the fragility of their existence, with the muted tones underscoring the uncertainty of their future. Little Egrets are crucial subjects for research, providing insights into avian behavior and their ability to adapt to climate change.

Their presence in urban estuaries also highlights the need for sustainable human-wildlife interactions and serves as a reminder of our responsibility to protect and restore natural ecosystems.”

Jacob J. Watson-Howland

Jacob J. Watson-Howland, known as Nature with Jacob, is a nature photographer, filmmaker, writer, and content creator. He captures the beauty of the natural world through his exceptional photography, captivating videos, weekly newsletter, and inspiring stories, with the aim of promoting a sense of well-being and connection to nature among his audience.

Tech details

Camera: Canon EOS R6

Lens: Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 OS II USM 

Aperture: f/7.1

Shutter speed: 1/1000 sec

ISO: 320