What can you create with a Canon SL3 and a Broken FD lens?

Blog by Jada Parrish | Jada's Camera Challenge | 12/20/22

Recently, David has been challenging me to shoot with random camera setups that I am completely unfamiliar with. These challenges help push me out of my comfort zone, stay fresh, and develop new shooting styles.

Today's challenge was to photograph a mid-day shoot at a "grungy" location using a Canon SL3 and a broken Kiron 24mm f2 FD lens. The aperture on this lens is broken and is permanently stuck on f2 and the focus is incredibly soft. I was seriously curious about what a consumer-grade camera and a half-broken, old lens could create.

We found an abandoned Burger King and used that as our backdrop. Our model, Justin, wore a 1970's inspired look that complimented the soft and distorted quality of the Kiron lens.

I always like to build out a loose story when I shoot because it helps me pose and build out a story. The concept for this shoot was "Open For Business." I had Justin pose proudly in front of this abandoned fast-food restaurant as if he were posing for an article in the local paper announcing the opening of his next successful business venture. I love the irony the grungy setting created.

Overall, I think this was a really fun way to shoot. It created some grungy, gritty effects that I was not expecting. Focusing the Kiron 24mm f2 FD lens was incredibly hard. I'm not sure if that was because it is broken or if that is just how the lens is. I found the closer I was to the subject, the sharper I could get the images...but when I was further away focusing was pretty much impossible. I didn't really mind though. I feel like it worked with the images and tone of the shoot. What do you think?!

What can you create with a Canon SL3 and a Broken FD lens? - Jada And David Parrish