Sigma Zoom-γ (Gamma) 21-35mm f/3.5-4, The Twin Towers

Analog Diary: Film photography favorites, the Petronas Twin Towers with the all-metal Sigma Zoom-γ (Gamma) 21-35mm f/3.5-4, a lens widely recognized as the world's first wide-angle zoom lens for 35mm film SLRs.

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I was at the location of the Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur, recently with another camera, but found that the 28mm wide-angle zoom I had on the camera wasn't wide enough to capture both of the twin-tower elements in a single frame as I would like it to be. The decision to visit the location again, with another camera, was the better choice.

For the second visit, I took the ultra-wide-angle Sigma Zoom-Gamma 21-35mm F3.5~4 mounted on the Olympus OM-2SP, and I was able to capture the set of amateurish images I was looking for.

Launched in 1979, the one-touch Zoom Gamma 21-35mm lens was the world’s first wide-angle zoom, an area that Sigma continues to excel in today. The lens was a solid metal and glass construction with 7 elements in 7 groups, and comes complete with a built-in floral hood, and a rotating front element with a diameter of 67mm.

While I have used the lens only occasionally, initially for image samples with the lens adapted to the digital Pen E-P5, and then only of late, I do have high regard for the lens - for its built quality, the zoom range it offers, images it renders, and its worth as a keeper.

Olympus OM-2S, Sigma Zoom-γ 21-35mm f/3.5-4

The lens, which is almost a rarity, came almost complementary with the purchase of an Olympus OM body. By itself, listings of the lens on auction sites are far and few in between. You may, instead, find more instances of the follow-up Sigma Zoom-Gamma II 21-35mm F3.5~4.2 being offered in the listings or something that will cost you an arm and a leg in the form of the Leica Vario-Elmar-R 21-35mm F3.5~4 Asph.

Olympus OM-2S, Sigma Zoom-γ 21-35mm f/3.5-4

These images were shot on a roll of a recently expired Kodak ColorPlus 200, post-processed on Olympus Viewer 3 (OV3), and print sharpened on Google NIK Sharpener Pro3.

Sigma Zoom-γ 21-35mm f/3.5-4, In The Park

Analog Diary: Film photography favorites, images with a Sigma Zoom-γ (Gamma) 21-35mm f/3.5-4, a historically significant lens widely recognized as the world's first wide-angle zoom lens for 35mm film SLRs.

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The Sigma Zoom-Gamma 21-35mm f/3.5-4 is quite a remarkable lens, with good image quality and a zoom range that is hard to replicate or replace. The lens was launched by Sigma in 1979 as the world's first wide-angle zoom lens.

The lens is a solid all-metal and glass construction, with 12 elements in 12 groups, 105mm in length, weighs 450 grams, comes with a non-rotating front element, takes 67mm filters, and has a built-in floral pattern hood.

I also did an earlier post with the lens mounted on the digital Pen E-P5, which includes images shot at various focal range equivalents, but felt that the equation is not complete without a similar post with the lens mounted on what it was originally designed and produced for, an SLR film camera.

Sigma Zoom-γ 21-35mm f/3.5-4

This session here was down at the park, on a hazy day, with shots mainly of the landscape. The images, as you can see, turned out to be sharp, clear, and better than expected. They were shot on a roll of expired Fujifilm Superia 200, post-processed on Olympus Viewer 3 (OV3), and print-sharpened on Google NIK Sharpener Pro3.

Olympus OM-2S, Sigma Zoom-γ 21-35mm f/3.5-4

EndNote: For those who are interested in a bit of technicality and an approach towards rectifying the 'fix' of the infinity focus problem of Sigma Gamma, please visit the site here.

Sigma Zoom-γ 21-35mm f/3.5-4, The Zoom Range

Olympus E-P5, Sigma Zoom-γ 21-35mm f/3.5-4 @21mm

Cameras and Lenses: Testing the zoom range of the vintage Sigma Zoom-γ 21-35mm f/3.5-4, a robust all-metal build and manual mechanical controls lens, the world's first wide-angle zoom, on an Olympus Pen E-P5.

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Testing out the zoom range of the Sigma Zoom-Gamma 21-35mm f/3.5-4, the first 2-ring version of Sigma's Gamma series of ultra-wide-angle zoom lenses. This version was introduced in 1979. Economical, as it covers all four of the most important wide-angle focal lengths, the 21mm, 24mm, 28mm, and 35mm, in one compact combo.

Olympus E-P5, Sigma Zoom-γ 21-35mm f/3.5-4 @24mm

Olympus E-P5, Sigma Zoom-γ 21-35mm f/3.5-4 @28mm

Olympus E-P5, Sigma Zoom-γ 21-35mm f/3.5-4 @31mm

On an MFT (Micro Four-Thirds) digital, the Zoom-Gamma 21-35mm f/3.5-4 will be a standard zoom with the equivalent focal lengths from 42 to 70mm. The lens incorporates Sigma's unique floating element system, virtually eliminating all aberrations throughout the entire zoom range.

Olympus E-P5, Sigma Zoom-γ 21-35mm f/3.5-4

It is a super solid all-metal with 11 elements in a 7-group construction, weighs about 465 grams, and measures 105mm in length. The F stop range is 3.5 to 22 with half-stop clicks, and the lens is fitted in a floral-pattern hood and takes in a 67mm filter size.

Olympus E-P5, Sigma Zoom-γ 21-35mm f/3.5-4

Images were shot with the lens mounted on the Olympus E-P5, at the focal length indicators of 21mm, 24mm, 28mm, 31mm, and 35mm. Post-processing and print finishing were done on Olympus Viewer 3 (OV3) and Google Nik Sharpener Pro 3.

Nikon D200, Sigma Zoom-γ 21-35mm f/3.5-4

CCD Resurgence: The Nikon D200, and the legacy Sigma Zoom-γ 21-35mm f/3.5-4 for a delightfully nostalgic, and fully mechanical shooting experience.

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An interesting legacy lens I re-acquired recently was an excellent condition two-ringed Sigma Zoom-Gamma 21-35mm f/3.5-4, a lens I had before, sold because it was developing haze within its elements.

The copy is in excellent overall condition, clean and tidy all around, with excellent condition glass, and different from the first copy, which came with an Olympus OM mount; this one had a Nikon-F mount.

The two-ringed version updates the earlier and original push-pull zoom, the Sigma Zoom 21-35mm f/3.5-4.2, which was released in 1986.

The two-ringed Zoom-γ, a solid built with 7 elements in 7 groups, was the first wide-angle zoom produced for the SLR camera market. This version was released in 1979 and enjoyed a rating of Sharpness (8.5), Aberrations (8.5), Bokeh (9.0), Handling (9.0), and Value (9.0) at PentaxForums.

Fitted to the Nikon D200, the lens is equivalent to a 31.5 to 52.5mm zoom on a 35 full-frame camera, a versatile range suitable for full-body portraits, landscapes, and street photography. At the long end of the zoom, at 52.5mm, the focal length is still within the standard of a 'normal lens' where images are seen with natural perspectives similar to what the eye sees.

The lens, well used and near enough to be in the forties now, is still exemplary of a robust build, with a smooth focusing ring and zoom functions. The aperture ring is quite stiff, though. With the zoom markings on the inner barrel faded and barely visible, I was neither too keen to do a zoom walk with the lens set at its 21, 24, 28, and 35mm focal lengths.

For the vintage enthusiast, the Sigma Zoom-Gamma AF 21-35mm f/3.5-4, despite its variations, is still worth looking at as an option with a low-end start on the auction market. The combination of solid build quality, potential longevity of use, decent optical performance when stopped down, and historical significance as one of the first wide-angle zooms for the SLR camera market makes it a worthwhile consideration for collectors and users.

Nikon D200, Sigma Zoom-γ 21-35mm f/3.5-4

The Nikon D200, introduced by Nikon in 2005, is an advanced/enthusiast-level digital SLR camera positioned between entry-level and high-end models in Nikon's lineup. The camera has a robust magnesium alloy body, fitted environmental seals, and a 10.2MP APS-C CCD sensor, considered advanced for its time.

Sigma Zoom-γ AF 21-35mm f/3.5-4.2, The Street Scene

Analog Diary: Film photography favorites, images with the Sigma Zoom-γ AF 21-35mm f/3.5-4.2, the street scene with the lens mounted on a Canon EOS 700 QD 35mm SLR film camera.

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My guess on the best part of having an autofocus super-wide-angle fitted to your AE (auto-exposure) SLR film camera, in this case, a Sigma Zoom AF 21-35mm F3.5~4.2 mounted on a Canon EOS 700 QD, is the fact that you can use it just like a plain and simple point-and-shoot camera, or in whatever form or style you fancy.

This includes holding up the camera to your eye for proper framing, hipster style, or by holding the camera away at arm's length while framing the image in guesstimate style. While you might end up having an interesting composition with the last method, it might not work at all either.

The Sigma Zoom AF 21-35mm 1:3.5~4.2, launched in 1985, was a carryover from the highly acknowledged MF version of the world's wide-angle zoom, Sigma Zoom-Gamma 21-35mm F3.5~4 (1979), back when no one was sure if such a lens was possible.

While the camera and lens combo might be a bit of bulk, with a combined weight reaching nearly 1.4kg, it was, nevertheless, fun to use. All you need to do is set the lens to the focal length you want to shoot with, and off you go. Everything else is automatic, even the film rewind at the end of the roll.

Canon EOS 700 QD, Sigma Zoom-γ AF 21-35mm 1:3.5~4.2

Just as well, the Canon EOS 700QD is one of the cameras that comes with a Reversible Selector Dial. Do this by unscrewing the knurled screw of the selector dial, flipping the dial over, and you will have access to the camera's shutter priority mode.

Sigma Zoom-γ AF 21-35mm f/3.5-4.2, Take I

Analog Diary: Film photography favorites, images with a Sigma Zoom-γ AF 21-35mm f/3.5-4.2, an all-metal ultra-wide zoom lens known for its robust build and wide-angle focal range.

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I already had a copy of the Sigma Zoom-Gamma 21-35mm 1:3.5~4.2, a 1979 vintage from Sigma in my collection, and had a couple of good outings with it, but went on and decided to add the AF version of the lens, the Sigma Zoom AF 21-35mm 1:3.5~4.2.2, to the jumble.

The lens, an AF version of the same, very highly rated by reviewers on the Dyxum forum, was released in 1985. It came with a 77mm. diameter front element, bigger when compared to the 67mm of the prior, and it weighs in at 480 grams.

My copy comes with an EOS EF-mount, and the camera I had to test it on was the Canon EOS 700QD (1990). Aside from the weight of the camera and lens, which totals almost 1.4 kg (with a heavy-duty wide shoulder strap attached), it might not take too long for you to feel the weight when it is hanging down your neck; both cameras and the lens seem to be functioning well. This is despite their age, which are about 35 and 29 years old, respectively.

Canon EOS 700 QD, Sigma Zoom-γ AF 21-35mm f/3.5-4.2

As was the case with all cameras that I tested, the first instance was always down to the park, an early morning visit this time, with the main emphasis of the test being the zoom range of the lens. Images were shot on Kodak ColorPlus 200, post-processed on Olympus Viewer 3, and print sharpened on Windows Photo.

Canon EOS 700 QD, Sigma Zoom-γ AF 21-35mm f/3.5-4.2

Your observation is probably as good as mine due to the rich color rendition of the landscape. I will have to work harder, however, on getting sharper images with different subjects and lighting conditions while going through the various preset shooting modes or with the shutter-priority option.

Two Vintage 35mm Analog SLRs, Loaded And Primed, Ready To Go

Analog Diary,: Film photography favorites, a look at two vintage popular analog 35mm SLR film cameras, a Canon EOS 700 QD, and a Nikon F-601, loaded, primed, and ready to go.

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My collection of vintage lenses and 35mm film SLRs grew over the last two weeks with the addition of an EF-mount Sigma Zoom-γ AF 21-35mm f/3.5-4.2 zoom, a Canon EOS 700QD, the lens will be mounted on, and an AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-105mm f/3.5~4.5 D, which I wanted to test mounted on the Nikon F601, an earlier acquisition.

Canon EOS 700 QD, Sigma Zoom AF 21-35mm F3.5-4.2

The Sigma Zoom-γ AF 21-35mm f/3.5-4.2, the second in my collection after the initial Sigma Zoom-Gamma 21-35mm f/3.5-4, the world's first wide-angle zoom lens, was introduced in 1985 to meet the demands of AF SLR cameras, which started with the introduction of the Minolta Maxxum series.

Canon EOS 700 QD, Sigma Zoom AF 21-35mm F3.5-4.2

Just as well, the Canon EOS 700 QD, released in 1990 by Canon, was an upgrade of the EOS750/EOS850. Canon's initial development of the EOS series started with the introduction of the EOS 650 in 1987. The EOS 700QD is a frame-and-shoot 35mm film SLR with a range of programmed scene settings and an option of using the camera as a shutter-priority SLR.

Nikon F601, AF Nikkor 35-105mm f/3.5~4.5 D

The AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-105mm f/3.5~4.5 D, developed from an Ai-S version of the same, is a kit zoom lens packaged with Nikon F cameras. The lens is said to be a gem often overlooked by photographers and reviewers during the days of Nikon AF film SLRs. It is a push-pull zoom with a decent zoom range, very well made, and a bit bulky by today's standards, but it comes with image qualities that are highly respected. Ken Rockwell's review here praises the lens.

Nikon F601, AF Nikkor 35-105mm F3.5~4.5 D

The Nikon F601 (N6006 in the US), an earlier acquisition, is a tough bakelite body from the era of the professional Nikon F4 and semi-professional F90x. Introduced in 1991, a couple of years after the F801, the Nikon mid-range came with an improved second-generation autofocus system, motor drive for automatic film advance, a built-in pop-up electronic flash, a top shutter speed of 1/2000 of a second, and a new 'Matrix' evaluative multi-zone metering program.

The camera and lens are a seamless fit; it has one of the brightest viewfinders I have ever come across, and it looks all set to be one of my preferred camera-lens combinations.