Dwayne Foong

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Dwayne Foong

🎥 serviced & cinemodded vintage lenses for filmmaking. 🏕️⛰️ solo hiking & camping It's not just about making money, though.

Hey there, I'm Dwayne Foong, a digital content creator with a passion for vintage lenses and the great outdoors. I've been a professional photographer since 2007, specializing in editorial fashion and commercial photography. In 2018, I started venturing into videos and began sharing my experiences on YouTube and other social media platforms. Since 2020, I've transitioned into a full-time digital c

ontent creator, focusing on vintage lenses and solo camping and hiking content. I love exploring the unique qualities of vintage lenses, which are affordable, imperfect, and full of character. With my expertise in restoring these lenses, I'm able to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind images that capture the essence of each moment. I also dabble in cleaning, lubricating, and adjusting vintage lenses, and I also trade them for income. For me, there's something special about holding a piece of history in my hands and using it to create beautiful images. When I'm not working with vintage lenses, I enjoy immersing myself in nature through hiking and camping in the dense rainforests of South East Asia. These experiences serve as a mental recharge and a way to stay grounded in life. By subscribing to my content, you'll gain access to a world of unique and inspiring content, as well as become part of a community of adventure-seekers and photography enthusiasts. I'm excited to share my experiences and knowledge with you, so join me on this journey and let's explore new horizons together!

23/07/2024

I usually avoid servicing third-party lenses, especially when the cost of service versus the lens cost doesn't add up. But when asked me to work on his Canon FD 28mm f2.8 SSC, I felt compelled to take it on because of the trust he placed in me.

This Canon FD lens had been hard-converted to an EF mount using Simmod parts (you can't adapt FD to EF due to focal fl**ge distance). The infinity focus was off because of this difference in distance. For cine lenses, you'd typically shim the mount by inserting or removing thin metal plates to adjust the focal fl**ge distance. Fortunately, Canon FD lenses have a clever construction that allows you to fine-tune the infinity hard stop by adjusting the focusing helicoid itself. Pretty neat. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for Soviet lenses.

I also discovered that someone had used contact adhesive ("Dunlop glue" if you're familiar) to secure the focus ring, along with a layer of T-7000 adhesive (the waterproofing glue used in iPhones). I'm not exactly sure why all this glue was used, but I cleaned off the old adhesive since it wasn't reusable. After reapplying a fresh layer, I reassembled the focus ring, tightened all the screws (using a JIS screwdriver, of course), and secured them with Loctite 243.

It was a meticulous job, but knowing the lens is now performing at its best makes it all worth it. For professional film production, a properly functioning lens is crucial. My modifications ensure the lens works as it should, allowing the 1st AC (focus puller) to do their job without any hindrance. It's these little challenges and the satisfaction of restoring a lens to its optimal condition that keep my passion for lens restoration alive. I aim to provide properly serviced vintage lenses so filmmakers can enjoy their unique benefits, focusing on framing the images rather than being bogged down by technical issues.

22/07/2024

i’ve never thought i’d be standing at this spot looking at this angle again after all these years.

in 2009 i stumbled into a web production company to shoot for their web series. one thing led to another, i began renting their top floor studio on “per use” basis. it was a very basic studio, with minimal equipment focusing on video production. i bought a pair of 500W Visico, a china made studio strobe which had its capacitor burnt a year later.

i built up my portrait and fashion portfolio here for many years, wanting to be the next editorial photographer for magazine names such as FHM, Maxim, you know, “men’s lifestyle magazine”.

but destiny pulled me to the other direction, when a fashion stylist jio me to shoot for a niche fashion magazine, oxygen, where i was exposed to the world of high fashion and all that stuff. i did a couple more for citta bella, nu you, brands, designers, etc.

i mailed my portfolio to advertising agencies to find more work. i did a couple small commercials throughout the years, but when i got a job to shoot a johnnie walker’s special edition bottle, i felt like i have done a horrible job. the end result was no where near a johnnie walker’s ad, nor it look anything close to an alcohol ad campaign. although it was a small, regional product launch, i hope the person in charge did not get into too much trouble for the rookie result that i’ve produced for them.

i ended my stint here in 2012, sold all my studio equipments (which was then accumulated close to RM60K）, to start from the bottom again as an assistant, in the country’s top commercial studio Image Rom, to learn how the real stuff was done. (YouTube tutorials wasn’t a thing)

22/07/2024

I don’t remember exactly how this 1981 Helios-44M ended up in my inventory. I usually avoid stocking the Helios-44M due to its newer body design, which doesn’t quite fit with my sets of Mir-1B and Jupiter-9 lenses.

For quite some time, I've kept this lens in my dry box because of its pristine condition, without any scratches on the body or optics. It's what is known as Mint+++++ on eBay 🤭 I initially wanted to keep this copy for myself because of its ultra-clean condition and the unique rainbow flares it produces, unlike the usual veiling glare seen in Helios-44-2s. However, I use my Helios-44-2 so much that this pristine Helios-44M rarely gets any attention. Additionally, I didn't want to get a customised follow focus ring just for this lens.

As is common for any Helios of this age (40+ years and counting), the grease was drying, and I could feel it clumping up at certain focus ranges.

I'm not one to keep things around unnecessarily, so one fine day, I took it out of the dry box and gave it a thorough service. I relubricated the focus ring, cleaned the optics, and declicked and dampened the aperture ring. Then, I put it up for sale, looking for a new owner.

And so the story ends with a 43-year-old, pristine Helios-44M, with refreshed mechanics, found its way to a new owner for another 40 years of use and enjoyment.

09/07/2024

Hey filmmakers! Wondering if there's anything better than a good vintage lens copy? You're in the right place.

I'm Dwayne, and I've spent countless hours perfecting vintage Soviet lenses. Join me as we transform these lenses into something extraordinary.

We start by completely disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling the lenses with precision. Using an ISO 12233 chart, I make tiny adjustments for perfect sharpness.

Each lens is carefully restored by hand, blending old-school craftsmanship with modern standards. These lenses aren't just cleaned; they're reborn.

Stick around to discover the unique character of vintage lenses and how they can tell new stories. Let's explore together!

06/07/2024

to swirl a helios-44-2 you'd need a busy background with specular highlights, and a magic focus distance. and i didn't tell you that magic number is 2 meters 🤩

05/07/2024

They didn't warn me about the potential addiction to disassemble and reassemble aperture blades 🤣

The Helios-44-2, which currently sits on the floor at USD 75 a piece, is one of the cheapest and widely available vintage lenses. Although that floor price doesn't directly translate to easiest and quickest to service.

Old Soviet grease from the aperture ring mechanism often leaks into the aperture blade mechanism itself, then into the lens barrel, eventually contaminating the lens elements. This can severely impact image quality, causing haze, reduced contrast, and potentially a breeding ground for fungus.

On a good day, I can completely disassemble, flush the lens block, clean the lens elements, relubricate both the aperture ring and focusing helicoid, and reassemble them back in just under 5 hours. That 5 hours doesn't include cleaning and reassembling aperture blades, of course.

For those looking to try their hand at this, here are a few tips:

Document the Process: Take photos or notes at each stage of disassembly. This will be invaluable when you reassemble the lens.

Tools Matter: Invest in quality precision tools. Cheap tools can easily damage delicate parts, especially those original steel grub screws.

Clean Thoroughly: Ensure all old grease is removed completely. I use a mix of 99% isopropyl alcohol for cleaning.

Patience is Key: Reassembling the aperture blades can be particularly fiddly. Patience and a steady hand are crucial.

One thing I’ve learned is that each lens has its own quirks. The Helios-44-2, with its famed swirly bokeh and character, is worth the effort. Seeing the transformation from a hazy, greasy old lens to a clean, smoothly operating piece of history fills up my dopamine bucket.

28/06/2024

relubricating the focusing heliccoid was the first half of the game, second half of the game is relubricating aperture ring and cleaning the elements.

28/06/2024

servicing, restoring and rebuilding vintage soviet lens mir-10a 28mm f3.5 (000737)

27/06/2024

the mir-10a 28mm f3.5 is built differently from other vintage soviet lenses.

26/06/2024

servicing, restoring and rebuilding vintage soviet lens mir-10a 28mm f3.5 (000737)

disassembly, relubricate, restore, rebuild, service

25/06/2024

getting started on the mir-10a 28mm f3.5

24/06/2024

Hi, I’m Dwayne. In this video, I share my journey from sharp stills to a cinematic film look.

I start by adjusting a lens, talking about the magic of reviving old lenses. These vintage Soviet lenses have transformed my work, adding a new dimension to my fashion and commercial photography.

You'll see me at my workbench, perfecting each lens. The transformation is incredible, and what I offer is the best of the best—gear that truly sings.

I compare shots taken with standard lenses versus my restored vintage lenses. My style now features soft skin tones, gentle fall-off, and dramatic flares. When you buy a lens from me, you get a full package with custom adapters, printed caps, and a one-year promise of quality.

The video ends with me inviting you to level up your visual game with my lenses. Let's create some cinematic magic together.

21/06/2024

In this video, I share my passion for vintage lenses and their untapped potential. I start by showing you an old, well-used lens and talk about its history and the moments it has captured. Then, I explain my process of restoring these lenses, starting with carefully taking them apart and cleaning each piece.

I replace the old grease with high-quality, specialized grease to ensure smooth operation and clean the glass elements to restore their clarity. I use new stainless steel screws to secure the lens parts, making sure everything is perfectly aligned. Once I reassemble the lens, I mount it on a camera and demonstrate its renewed capabilities with beautiful, cinematic footage.

Throughout the video, I emphasize the unique qualities and soulful character of vintage lenses. I invite you to join me in appreciating these classic tools and ensure that every frame you capture tells a compelling story.

19/06/2024

servicing, restoring and rebuilding 1986 vintage soviet lens jupiter9 85mm f2 (8661259)

disassembly, relubricate, restore, rebuild, service

17/06/2024

servicing, restoring and rebuilding 1986 vintage soviet lens helios-44-2 (8661259)

disassembly, relubricate, restore, rebuild, service

16/06/2024

servicing, restoring and rebuilding 1985 vintage soviet lens helios-44-2 (85048433)

disassembly, relubricate, restore, rebuild, service

12/06/2024

servicing, restoring and rebuilding 1985 vintage soviet lens helios-44-2 (85048433)

disassembly, relubricate, restore, rebuild, service

12/06/2024

servicing, restoring and rebuilding 1985 vintage soviet lens mir-1b 37mm f2.8 SN: 85033692

disassembly, relubricate, restore, rebuild, service

11/06/2024

servicing, restoring and rebuilding 1985 vintage soviet lens mir-1b (85033692)

disassembly, relubricate, restore, rebuild, service

11/06/2024

servicing, restoring and rebuilding 1985 vintage soviet lens mir-1b (85033692)

disassembly, relubricate, restore, rebuild, service

09/06/2024

servicing and restoring 1980 vintage soviet lens helios-44-2 (80390434)

full Cleaning, Lubricate and Adjust (CLA)

09/06/2024

servicing and restoring 1980 vintage soviet lens helios-44-2 (80390434)

full Cleaning, Lubricate and Adjust (CLA)

06/06/2024

trying to replace canon 5d classic lcd screen

06/06/2024

'single action aperture' 1984 vintage soviet lens jupiter-9 (8415720)

Address

Subang Jaya

Website

https://linktr.ee/dwaynefoong, http://carousell.app.link/YSRI47vk8Kb

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Videos

Hey filmmakers! Ever wondered if there's something better than a good vintage lens copy? You're in the right place. I'm Dwayne, and I've spent countless hours perfecting the restoration of vintage Soviet lenses. Join me as we go beyond good copies to transform these lenses into exceptional tools. We'll start with a complete teardown, meticulously clean every part, and reassemble with precision. Using an ISO 12233 chart, I'll fine-tune the lenses to ensure perfect sharpness. My lenses are hand-aligned, combining old-school craftsmanship with modern standards. Each restored lens tells a unique story. It's not just about capturing images, but about the history and future stories these lenses can create. If you're interested in vintage lenses with unique character, stay tuned. There's a lot to explore, and I'm here to guide you every step of the way.

Giving vintage lenses new life beyond good copies

Hey filmmakers! Wondering if there's anything better than a good vintage lens copy? You're in the right place. I'm Dwayne, and I've spent countless hours perfecting vintage Soviet lenses. Join me as we transform these lenses into something extraordinary. We start by completely disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling the lenses with precision. Using an ISO 12233 chart, I make tiny adjustments for perfect sharpness. Each lens is carefully restored by hand, blending old-school craftsmanship with modern standards. These lenses aren't just cleaned; they're reborn. Stick around to discover the unique character of vintage lenses and how they can tell new stories. Let's explore together!

Giving vintage lenses new life beyond good copies

Hey filmmakers! Wondering if there's anything better than a good vintage lens copy? You're in the right place. I'm Dwayne, and I've spent countless hours perfecting vintage Soviet lenses. Join me as we transform these lenses into something extraordinary. We start by completely disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling the lenses with precision. Using an ISO 12233 chart, I make tiny adjustments for perfect sharpness. Each lens is carefully restored by hand, blending old-school craftsmanship with modern standards. These lenses aren't just cleaned; they're reborn. Stick around to discover the unique character of vintage lenses and how they can tell new stories. Let's explore together!

Giving vintage lenses new life beyond good copies

Hey filmmakers! Wondering if there's anything better than a good vintage lens copy? You're in the right place. I'm Dwayne, and I've spent countless hours perfecting vintage Soviet lenses. Join me as we transform these lenses into something extraordinary. We start by completely disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling the lenses with precision. Using an ISO 12233 chart, I make tiny adjustments for perfect sharpness. Each lens is carefully restored by hand, blending old-school craftsmanship with modern standards. These lenses aren't just cleaned; they're reborn. Stick around to discover the unique character of vintage lenses and how they can tell new stories. Let's explore together!

Giving vintage lenses new life beyond good copies

Hey filmmakers! Wondering if there's anything better than a good vintage lens copy? You're in the right place. I'm Dwayne, and I've spent countless hours perfecting vintage Soviet lenses. Join me as we transform these lenses into something extraordinary. We start by completely disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling the lenses with precision. Using an ISO 12233 chart, I make tiny adjustments for perfect sharpness. Each lens is carefully restored by hand, blending old-school craftsmanship with modern standards. These lenses aren't just cleaned; they're reborn. Stick around to discover the unique character of vintage lenses and how they can tell new stories. Let's explore together!

where did the oil from aperture blades come from?

mir-10a 28mm f3.5 vintage soviet lens service

relubricating the focusing heliccoid was the first half of the game, second half of the game is relubricating aperture ring and cleaning the elements.