Custom-made and old lenses

The other day during the bargain period, while I was standing at the store helping out, I received a consultation from a regular customer of the main store about custom-made products.

The concept is exactly "Photographer's Best"

Particular attention was paid to the fact that it was equipped with a three-dimensional pocket that could accommodate several camera lenses at the same time.

I have made jackets and vests with multiple storage spaces many times in the past, but this is the first time I have made them specifically for lenses.

The first thing I imagined was a large, box-shaped pocket with shock-absorbing materials such as urethane sponge packed into the interior, but as I talked to them, it seems that's not the case.

Customers are reluctant to combine materials such as urethane sponge with leather, believing that the thickness of the leather alone is sufficient for shock absorption, and that they do not have high expectations for shock absorption in the first place.

However, I was worried about this as well, so I made some suggestions to protect the lens, but there was enough background behind that blunt idea to keep me quiet.

This customer has experience working in harsh settings as a news photographer, and because he has used the camera extensively as a work tool, he already has a clear idea of ​​what he is looking for in an ideal vest.

I have already retired from photography as a job, and now I am enjoying my hobby of photography by attaching my favorite old lens to the digital camera I picked up for the first time several years ago. ” he says modestly.

His longtime partner, the nylon cameraman's vest, is already falling apart, and he has been thinking about making a new one out of his favorite leather.


So, I asked him if I could borrow the actual lenses he would actually store and his favorite nylon vest as reference items, and he promptly brought in a large amount of materials the next day.

3 vests and 1, 2, 3...6 lenses!





All of them are old, single-focal-length lenses, so they're quite heavy despite their small size.

The paint on the Leica lens is peeling off, and the copper color inside is slightly exposed, giving it a nice look.

There are Russian lenses of unknown model year, and the collection is multinational and endless!

"Old lenses are made of iron, so they're sturdy and heavy, but they don't break."

"Just put it in a plastic bag at a convenience store and stick it in your pocket, no problem."

As I looked at the lens group, I immediately noticed something unusual.

None of them have a lens cap on the front side.

"I don't need it. It's just a nuisance."

A number of shocking statements...

Although I wouldn't say it's a hobby, I also own and love cameras and several lenses.

I always feel stressed about lens caps, thinking they are a nuisance, but I can't think of a capless idea even if I stand on my head.

I see, I'm starting to get a little idea of ​​the best image the customer is trying to create.
It seems that this fixed concept was definitely a hindrance.

Rather than shock absorption, what is needed in a pocket is tensile strength to withstand the weight of metal lenses, and an opening for easy removal so that lenses can be replaced instantly.
Although it is the best, if you add several lenses to the weight of all leather, the total weight will be quite a bit.
In order to reduce fatigue from the weight on your shoulders, you want to install memory foam sponge in your shoulders.
However, I wonder if customers who dislike the combination of leather and different materials will be satisfied...


Thus began the arduous road to becoming the best leather photographer.

Mr. A, we have just started, but thank you very much for your exciting request!


[Ichijima]