This tilt-shift adventure example is just meant to illustrate the diorama effect (miniature faking) that happens when the lens is tilted opposite to the focal plane of the subject to minimize depth of field. I am not very fond of such kind of photographs and it is therefore unlikely that I will show another example anytime soon. But if YOU should be interested in miniaturizing, take this picture of Geneva as an example that it is possible with the Mirex tilt-shift adapter. On the other hand, you can also just turn on your computer and apply a post-production diorama effect.
You know that you are getting old(er) when you start talking about how things used to be. Lenses used to be made of solid metal and glass, and to have wide, rubberized focusing rings and a manually adjustable aperture. There also used to be a hyperfocal distance scale engraved on the focusing ring and the lenses were devoid of any computer ship, electronic contacts, or autofocus motors. If you long for the good old lenses and need somebody to blame for the change, point your anger at Auto Focus (AF).
AF brought along electronic contacts and microchips and paved the ground for electronic apertures and diminishing focusing rings. None of these changes made the lenses worse or better - just different (and cheaper to produce). Luckily, if you long for aperture rings and smooth manual focusing, times have never been better. As mentioned earlier, the short flange focal distance of the new compact systems cameras (CSC) allows fitting all kinds of "old" manual focus lenses on your preferred CSC body.
For me, using old lenses just for the sake of the handling experience and for nostalgic reasons is not satisfactory. The conveniences of modern, lightweight, small and extremely versatile zoom lenses by far outweighs the affection for the craftsmanship and touch of a "classical" lens. However, the Mirex tilt-shift adapter introduced earlier changes the equation in different ways. It expands the functionality of my "old" lenses beyond what they were capable of on the cameras they were intended for. In addition, the tilt-shift adapter extends the functions of my CSC body and almost becomes a part of the camera itself. The adapter has a lens release button, just like the camera has, and can therefore stay on the camera while different lenses are attached to take advantage of the tilt-shift function.
The Mirex adapter has a Canon EF lens mount and therefore transforms the micro four thirds camera it is used on into a Canon CSC tilt-shift camera. This is particularly advantageous, because the Canon EF flange focal distance is shorter than the one of the Leica R, Olympus OM and Nikon mounts; to name just three. It is therefore possible to use any of these lenses on the tilt-shift adapter provided you have the appropriate adapter at hand. An even better solution are the Leitax replacement mounts that are screwed on top of the original mount and semi-permanently adapt your lens to the Canon EF mount.
