How to use a Lensbaby 3G

I’m the sort of person who does things first then reads instructions when things catch fire/blow up/fall to bits. All too often I find out that it was actually ME who was doing things wrong and the misbehaving item was in fact acting perfectly normally. Which beings me to the subject of my Lensbaby 3G.

Whilst pondering the purchase of said item I knew this was just the lens for me – I saw fabulous photos by others; giving life, dreamy movement and a whole new feel to the world around us.

So, I did it, I bought it, and after a cursory glance at the accompanying literature started shooting away. I certainly had blur, lots of blur, but not a lot of else if I’m honest. I was told there was a knack to it so I didn’t worry too much and kept on squeezing and bending and shooting, but everything was VERY blurry. It was no good, instructions were needed. Actually a YouTube video was all it took and I’m so glad I took the time to watch it because now everything comes out blurry AND sharp. Just as it should. What a surprise!

The following won’t mean much unless you’ve got a Lensbaby 3G and have also neglected the instruction book…

1. Use one of the middle sized apeture rings – a big apeture (lots of light) will give you LOTS of blur. Too much blur for a newbie. Reign it in, admit you’re a beginner and keep it under control.
2. Turn your focussing knob to the middle – this will give you options later.
3. (This is the bit I didn’t ‘get’). Squeeze the bellows in and out to focus on the ‘sweet spot’. NO BENDING. Not yet. Now lock down.
4. Twist one of the three threaded prongs to bend your lens in a particular direction, then tweak the focus.
5. Bingo!