Lensbaby Sol 45 Lens Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The Lensbaby Sol 45 is a unique 45mm f/3.5 selective focus lens designed for Nikon F-mount cameras. It allows photographers to create a tack-sharp circular area of focus surrounded by smooth, artistic blur (bokeh). With its 8.5 degrees of tilt, you can precisely position this sharp area within your frame. The lens also features integrated creative bokeh blades to add subtle lines and texture to the out-of-focus areas.

This manual provides essential information for the proper setup, operation, and care of your Lensbaby Sol 45 lens. Please read it thoroughly to maximize your creative potential with this distinctive optical tool.

2. Product Overview

The Lensbaby Sol 45 is constructed with an all-metal body, ensuring durability. Its primary features include a manual focus ring, a tilt mechanism, and two hinged creative bokeh blades.

Figure 1: The Lensbaby Sol 45 lens, demonstrating its unique tilt mechanism. This lens allows for selective focus, creating a sharp area surrounded by blur.

Figure 2: A view of the Lensbaby Sol 45 lens in its standard, non-tilted configuration. Note the focus ring texture and the 'Sol' branding.

Figure 3: This image provides a closer look at the construction of the Lensbaby Sol 45, including the knurled focus ring designed for precise manual adjustments.

Key Components:

• Focus Ring: Textured ring for manual focusing.
• Tilt Mechanism: Allows the lens barrel to be tilted up to 8.5 degrees in any direction.
• Center-Locking Mechanism: A twist-lock feature to secure the lens in a non-tilted, center-focus position.
• Creative Bokeh Blades: Two hinged arms with small blades that can be moved into the field of view to add texture to bokeh.
• Lens Mount: Nikon F-mount for attachment to compatible cameras.

3. Setup and Installation

Attaching the Lens:

1. Ensure your camera is powered off.
2. Align the red dot on the Lensbaby Sol 45 lens with the corresponding mounting index mark on your Nikon F-mount camera body.
3. Gently insert the lens into the camera mount and rotate it clockwise until it clicks into place. Do not force the lens.
4. Remove the front lens cap.

Camera Compatibility and Settings:

The Lensbaby Sol 45 is a fully manual lens. It does not communicate electronically with your camera body. Therefore, it is essential to set your camera to Manual (M) exposure mode for proper operation.

Important Note for Nikon Cameras:

Many Nikon camera models (including D3000, D5000, and some D7000 series) may display a "Lens not Found" error or prevent shutter release when a non-CPU lens like the Sol 45 is attached. This is normal behavior. To resolve this, ensure your camera is set to Manual (M) exposure mode. You will need to manually adjust shutter speed and ISO to achieve correct exposure, as the lens has a fixed f/3.5 aperture.

The lens is compatible with both Nikon DX (APS-C) and Nikon FX (Full-Frame) sensor cameras.

4. Operating Instructions

Focusing:

The Sol 45 is a manual focus lens. To focus, rotate the textured focus ring until your desired subject appears sharp. The lens focuses from approximately 14 inches (36 cm) to infinity. For precise focusing, especially when tilting, it is recommended to use your camera's Live View mode with magnification.

Tilting for Selective Focus:

The unique feature of the Sol 45 is its ability to tilt, which moves the sharp "sweet spot" of focus within your image frame. To tilt the lens:

1. Grasp the lens barrel and gently tilt it in the desired direction. The lens can tilt up to 8.5 degrees.
2. Observe through your viewfinder or Live View as the sharp area shifts.
3. Once the sweet spot is positioned, fine-tune your focus using the focus ring.

To return the lens to a central, non-tilted position, twist the lens barrel until it locks into the center-locking mechanism. This provides a quick way to achieve a central sweet spot.

Using Creative Bokeh Blades:

The Sol 45 includes two small, hinged blades that can be deployed to add subtle lines and texture to the out-of-focus areas of your image. These are not aperture blades.

1. Locate the two small arms on the front of the lens barrel.
2. Gently swing these arms inward until the blades are within the lens's field of view.
3. You can rotate the blades horizontally, vertically, or diagonally to achieve different textural effects in the bokeh.
4. When not in use, swing the arms back to their resting position at the edges of the lens.

Exposure Control:

Since the Sol 45 has a fixed aperture of f/3.5, you will control exposure primarily through your camera's shutter speed and ISO settings. Use your camera's light meter in Manual (M) mode to determine the appropriate settings for your scene.

5. Maintenance and Care

• Cleaning the Lens: Use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth specifically designed for optical surfaces. For stubborn smudges, use a small amount of lens cleaning fluid applied to the cloth, not directly to the lens. Avoid touching the glass elements with your fingers.
• Storage: When not in use, keep the front and rear lens caps on. Store the lens in a dry, dust-free environment, ideally in a padded camera bag or case.
• Handling: Avoid dropping the lens or subjecting it to harsh impacts. Do not expose the lens to extreme temperatures or humidity.
• Water Exposure: The Sol 45 is not weather-sealed. Protect it from rain, splashes, and excessive moisture.

6. Troubleshooting

• "Lens not Found" Error on Nikon Camera: This is expected behavior for many Nikon F-mount cameras when a non-CPU lens is attached. Ensure your camera is set to Manual (M) exposure mode. The lens will function correctly in this mode, requiring manual adjustment of shutter speed and ISO.
• Difficulty Achieving Sharp Focus: The Sol 45 is a manual focus lens. Practice is required to master manual focusing, especially with the selective focus effect. Use your camera's Live View with magnification for critical focus. Ensure the lens is not excessively tilted if you are aiming for a larger sharp area.
• Unwanted Bokeh Texture: If you observe lines or textures in your bokeh that are not desired, check if the creative bokeh blades are deployed. Swing them back to their resting position at the edges of the lens barrel.
• Lens Feels Loose or Wobbly: Ensure the lens is securely mounted to the camera body. If the tilt mechanism feels excessively loose, it may be due to normal operation; however, if it feels damaged, contact Lensbaby support.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

For information regarding warranty coverage, product registration, or technical support, please refer to the official Lensbaby website or contact Lensbaby customer service directly. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

Lensbaby Official Website: www.lensbaby.com