Antoine Mutin Captures the Landscapes of Japan with the New Petzval 55 f/1.7 MKII Art Lens

French photographer Antoine Mutin moved to Korea in 2022 and continues his photographic journey while exploring the diverse cultures of Asia. In this interview, he shares his travel photos from Japan taken with the New Petzval 55mm f/1.7 MKII Art Lens and discusses his experiences during the shoot. From his deep and documentary-style photographs to shooting tips and his upcoming Mongolia travel project, Antoine offers a glimpse into his creative process.

Be inspired by his impressive works that showcase the dreamy lens effects and a strong sense of seasonality, and experience the charm of analogue photography through this interview!

Hi Antoine, great to have you on Lomography Magazine again! Please tell us about yourself and your work.

I’m French, and I moved to South Korea in 2022. I’m currently living as a photographer, mostly focusing on events and portraits, but I also create YouTube videos about photography and film photography. I started experimenting with photography more than 10 years ago after a trip to Norway. I’m in South Korea because I love traveling and always want to explore more of the unknown. Since I feel very attached to Asia, it’s also a great way for me to discover more about its diverse cultures.

How do you define your photography style?

That’s a tricky question! I often hear people say they recognize my pictures, which is always nice to hear, but putting it into words is hard. I would say the most important thing for me is capturing humans in their living context. These days, I’m experimenting more with still life, interesting light, and colors—less popular but more challenging to make interesting. However, I always return to the documentary style I love, focusing on wide angles and depth to document the streets.

Tell us about the concept behind the New Petzval 55 Art Lens photoshoot.

When I use new equipment, I like to see what it inspires in me and develop a concept around that. The Petzval 55 Mark II has a very dreamy effect, and since I was going to Japan, I thought of creating a series that captures the feelings you remember from traveling there—the colors, the lights, and the calm atmosphere. It felt like a perfect match, and I’m really happy with the results!

You shared photos full of seasonal vibes. What scenes immediately make you press the shutter?

It might not be the most original, but the red temple by the lake with the mountain and beautiful autumn colors really stood out to me. Japan always surprises me with its ability to delight you through the simple beauty of nature and tradition.

How did you feel using the New Petzval 55mm f/1.7 MKII lens?

I was a bit nervous about the manual focus. Even though I’ve been using film cameras more recently, it can still be tricky. However, using a digital camera (Nikon Z6) and its screen zoom function made focusing much easier. There is a bit of a learning curve to get used to it, but the lens is smooth and adaptable. One thing to keep in mind is the strength effect ring—adjusting it can change the focus slightly. I mostly kept it at 6 or 7 to avoid adjusting it repeatedly.

Would you recommend this lens to other photographers?

Yes, definitely. The effect is very strong but also completely unique compared to a traditional lens. It’s a great tool for standing out and pushing your creativity in new directions.

What was your favorite photo from this shoot and why?

I think it’s the one with the Japanese person at the vending machine and the mountain in the background. It’s such a simple moment of life with different layers adding context. It’s straightforward, but the image works really well to immerse you in Japanese life.

Do you have any tips or tricks for shooting with the Petzval 55 lens?

I’d suggest shooting between F2.8 and F4 for the sharpest images while still maintaining a strong effect. Also, set the effect strength level before focusing, as changing it afterward will alter the focus.

Do you have any upcoming projects or work that you’d like to share with our community?

Actually, I just bought tickets to Mongolia! I’ll be going in December for the first time. I’ve always wanted to explore another side of Asia, and although it will be extremely cold, I’m excited to discover the culture and take lots of photos. Two weeks of shooting in the snow—I’m really looking forward to it!

Thank you Antoine Mutin for sharing your moments in Japan! Check out his instagram to see more of Antoine's works.

written by hey_springtime on 2025-02-08 #gear #people #places #videos #digital #japan #art-lens #petzval-55-f-1-7-mkii-art-lens Share Article