Photographer Chao Jian on Finding Joy with the New Petzval 80.5mm f/1.9 MKII
2This time, photographer Chao Jian captured stunning visuals for us using the Lomography Color Negative 35 mm ISO 400, paired with the New Petzval 80.5mm f/1.9 MKII Art Lens. It was his first time exploring a medium telephoto focal length, and he shared his thoughts on the experience with us!
Hello Chao Jian, nice to meet you! Could you briefly introduce yourself to our online magazine readers?
Hi everyone, I’m Chao Jian from Taichung. I’m currently working as a freelance photographer. Most of my current projects involve fashion brand lookbooks and personal portrait-style photography.
How did you get started with film photography?
Around 2021, I began shooting with an FM2. Coincidentally, that was when film prices hit a historic high. It was also during the peak of the pandemic, which encouraged me to slow down and take things more mindfully. Unlike digital photography, where you can snap away without much thought, film made me focus on every step — adjusting focus, shutter speed, and aperture — each of which became an essential part of capturing the perfect image.
This time, you used the New Petzval 80.5mm Art Lens. How did it feel?
To be honest, aside from my go-to 50mm prime lens, this was my first time using an 80.5mm focal length — and with an f/1.9 aperture no less. For a medium telephoto lens, that’s quite a rare and generous aperture, making it incredibly versatile for different shooting scenarios and subjects.
Before the shoot, I did a bit of online research to get a sense of what kind of images it could produce. And sure enough, the final results blew me away — the swirly bokeh effect was truly eye-opening. I had never imagined bokeh could look like that. Overall, it was a very unique and special experience.
Was there a particular design or feature you especially liked?
The black finish and aluminum build of the lens really hit the spot for me in terms of aesthetics. As for functionality, it has to be the adjustable bokeh control ring — being able to fine-tune the intensity of the swirly bokeh is an experience you simply can’t get with other lenses. It’s definitely one of a kind!
Do you have any advice for those using this lens for the first time?
Don’t be afraid to experiment with subjects that have a strong visual presence. The unique bokeh effect of this lens can really enhance such compositions and bring out unexpected creative results. You’ll likely achieve outcomes that go beyond what you expect!
Can you pick your favorite photo from this shoot for us?
This shot perfectly reflects what I mentioned earlier — a subject with strong visual presence, enhanced beautifully by the swirly bokeh effect. The way the wind randomly moves the hair blends seamlessly with the swirl, giving the entire image a vivid, dynamic atmosphere.
When pairing the Color Negative 35 mm ISO 400 with the New Petzval 80.5mm, what kind of results were you expecting? Did the outcome match your expectations?
I’d say the results fully lived up to my expectations — they were honestly fantastic! I would describe this combination as both expressive and restrained. The unique characteristics of the lens gave me a lot of creative freedom in choosing my subjects, while the Lomo 400 film delivered a balanced and reliable color performance. In fact, because of its neutrality, the film helped keep the final images from feeling overly dramatic, making the overall pairing feel just right.
How would you describe your photographic style?
I’d say my perspective is quite free and unrestrained. I don’t feel the need to wait for a “right answer” in the frame before pressing the shutter. I’m more drawn to the idea of serendipity — sometimes capturing a moment feels more important than capturing the perfect shot.
Finally, do you have any upcoming photography projects or anything you'd like to share?
No specific plans at the moment, so I just hope everyone continues to support my work. After all, what matters most is simply enjoying the process of photography!
A huge thanks to Chao Jian for capturing these beautifully unexpected moments. We're excited to see what he shares next — follow him on Instagram to keep up with his latest work.
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