Back On Stage (With a Damaged Lens)

Last 25 October I went back on the (back)stage of the Teatro Marrucino, one of the 29 Italy’s ‘teatri di tradizione’, for the opening of the opera season, which started with Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot which, for a number of reasons, proved to be more challenging than usual.

Least of the close shots, there was another possibilty to use the Ultron and the Z5: framing the whole stage and keeping the main subject in focus and taking advantage of the narrow depth of field. However, when I tried to adjust the focus, I suddenly realised that the focus ring would not go beyond 6 metres, meaning it was impossible to focus on infinity.

Over time, I developed the habit of carrying out a functionality check on the gear I planned to use a few days before the event, to allow time to address any issues that might arise. This time, however, I did not, because I was overconfident — and overconfidence led to failure. I should not have violated the protocol, because in event photography, you can’t afford to make mistakes. Fortunately, the X-T5 saved the day; however, I was kicking myself for being so reckless. Though lessons are learnt the hard way! Be that as it may, I tried to make use of the Ultron despite its failing to take some close-up behind-the-scenes photos in the moments between the acts, when the crew were changing the props on stage. This is one of those pictures, portraying two of the emperor’s three ministers, but I can’t say which of Ping, Pong or Pang was missing.

Seeing the results made me even angrier, as this old glass proved itself to be highly capable. This is why seeing the results made me even angrier, as this old glass proved itself highly capable. I therefore sent it back to Master Adriano Lolli to see if he could repair it. He often performs miracles, so I am confident that he will restore the Ultron to full functionality.