Petri 55mm f1.8 Socket Lens Review | Written by: Keith Nickoson

The vintage Petri 55mm is back! This time I have heavily modified a different copy to perform as an odd hybrid TS lens. Because it has been altered significantly from its original stock construction (as with my other Petri lens which you can see here), I will not be doing a formal lens review. I’d rather just show off the applied aesthetic and creative capabilities of the lens.

The iris has been removed, so the lens is a constant f1.8. The minimum focus varies due to the oddity of the mount, but there’s also no problem reaching infinity either. At times it has the appearance of a split-field diopter. The Petri however retains both bokeh and slivers of sharpness in a multiplicitous manner through the frame, where a split-field close-up lens would not - something like a lens baby, but also unique to itself.

CITY BREAKS | PETRI 55mm GALLERY

I met B-Boy dancer and Master Barber Daisun Santana many years ago when I was shooting a video for the Cleveland Cavs Scream Team, of which he was a member. Through hard work and dedication he has opened his own barber shop in Parma, OH, which bears the namesake of his original dance studio - City Breaks. Now City Breaks Barbershop, Olivia and I had the honor of shooting some video footage of their grand opening (that video can be seen HERE). Between coverage on the F55, I pulled out the Sony A7 with my weirdo Petri lens to capture the images you see below. Much respect and many thanks to my friend Daisun, and all the barbers and guests that helped make this evening a success.