In the details or can you believe that this is a storm grate?

I've been going through some of photos I took back in 2009 and thought that this photo was interesting. I've always found that the Japanese are especially good at the small details that make even the most mundane of things interesting. This stormdrain grating in Setagaya near Baji Koen had an unusual pattern. Not sure if it is a bunch of boys kicking balls or a boys kicking other boys heads. The repetitive pattern or tessellation is very Escheresque.

Nikon D700with Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-Sf8, ISO 400, 1/50 sec.

Beat the Heat in Marunouchi

At Marunouchi district Bon Odori Festival I noticed these unusual frozen flowers on display. Many others also found these interesting and cool to the touch!

These shots and many more shots that night were taken with my ancient Nikkor 24mm AI F2.0. According to MIR, this lens was produced from 1977 through 1982. The focus barrel on my copy has been a little wobbly since I bought it in the early-90's when I lived in Florida. It is still plenty fast and sharp for such a compact and light lens. The only faster alternative from Nikon is the new Nikon 24mm f/1.4G ED AF-Swhich is well regarded and crazy expensive.

Nikon D600with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f4, ISO 400, 1/50 sec.

Nikon D600with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f4, ISO 800, 1/20 sec.

Marunouchi Bon Odori

I swung by the Marunouchi neighborhood with some friends for the evening Bon Odori on the last Saturday of July. I took plenty of photos but was very impressed by the D600's video capability especially by the performance of a late 1970's vintage Nikkor 24mm F2.0 that I was using.

It will take a little while for me to figure out the best way to post videos, and the blogger version seems to be reduced to a sub-standard definition.  A hi-definition version was also posted to YouTube.

Nikon D600with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI