The primary reason for choosing a CANON DSLR was the convenience it offered for adapting CONTAX lenses. While OLYMPUS E-series cameras could also achieve lens adaptation, the need to multiply the focal length by 2 and the non-standard 3:2 aspect ratio ruled them out as options.
With the CANON 350D, adapting CONTAX lenses required careful selection of adapter rings. I've only used two types, one made in China (approximately $750 on eBay, around $900-1,500 in Taiwan) and the other made in Japan (around $2,250). I heard that the Japanese-made adapter rings of more recent manufacture had exceptional quality but came at a price of around $4,500, which I couldn't justify.
The Chinese-made adapter ring had good compatibility, but its thickness wasn't quite accurate, off by about 0.X mm. This didn't make a significant difference with lenses having a focal length of 50mm or more, but with lenses at or below 35mm, it became evident that the infinity focus wasn't precise enough. The Japanese-made adapter ring had excellent compatibility, no issues with infinity focus, and its matte black finish added a sense of quality. In the end, I chose the Japanese-made adapter ring and purchased a total of four.
For this trip, I brought along the CANON EOS 350D, Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8/21mm T* (=34mm), and Carl Zeiss Planar 1.4/50mm T* (=80mm).
當初會買CANON DLR的原因，主要是看上她轉接CONTAX鏡頭的便利性。雖然OYLMPUS E系列也可以達到轉接的目的，但因為焦距需乘上2倍且非3:2的傳統底片比率，所以並不列入選。
有了CANON 350D，要搭上CONTAX鏡頭，那就要慎選轉接環了。我只用過兩種，一是大陸製(eBay約$750，台灣約賣$900-1,500)另一是日本製(約$2,250)，日製的近代接環聽說品質超好，但價格約$4,500，就捨不得買了。大陸製轉接環密合度尚佳，但是厚度不是很正確，應該多了0.0X mm，在焦距50mm以上的鏡頭上使用差異不大，但在35mm(含)以下的鏡頭使用，就會發現無窮遠對焦不夠精確。日製接環密合度很好，無窮遠對焦沒問題，而且以啞黑色塗裝增添質感，最後我決定採用日製接環，一共買了4個。這次帶了CANON EOS 350D、Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8/21mm T* (=34mm)與Carl Zeiss Planar 1.4/50mm T* (=80mm)。
Daxi Township is a must-visit destination on the Northern Cross-Island Highway scenic route. Most visitors simply pass through or stop at the rest area to purchase Daxi dried tofu. About five years ago, I learned from travel books that this place had well-preserved historic buildings, and I only realized it was a great photography location after seeing it with my own eyes. This time, I brought along two fellow photography enthusiasts to broaden our horizons.
大溪鎮是到北橫風景區的必經之地，大部分的遊客都是路過或者在休息站買些大溪豆干。約5年前從旅遊書籍上得知這裏有一些保存良好的好建築，親眼目賭後才發現這裡真是個攝影的好地方，這次也就帶著兩位公司攝影同好來開開眼界。
Photo 1: 大溪老街 (Canon EOS 350D, Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8/21mm T*)
In addition to the old buildings, there is also a memorial hall dedicated to Chiang Kai-shek, which has now been transformed into an exhibition hall and an outdoor café.
除了老建築，還有一個蔣中正的紀念堂，目前已改為展覽館與露天咖啡座。
Photo 2: 總統 蔣公紀念堂 (Canon EOS 350D, Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8/21mm T*)
Another must-visit place is Huang Rixiang's old shop. Their freshly braised tofu and pork belly are tastier than anywhere else. After spending a morning taking photos, it's time to fill our stomachs and hit the road!
另外黃日香老店也是個不能錯過的地方，現滷的豆干與豬肚比任何一個地方都好吃，拍了一個上午，現填飽肚子在上路吧！
其他照片請參閱 相簿-Daxi Old Street Album 大溪老街 2006。
