We know, we know: gear doesn’t matter, except when it matters. I’m not here to rehash that debate. Rather, this is just a great film that shows off what you can accomplish even with a $50 lens and some know-how.

eBay is a veritable treasure trove of cheap finds when it comes to lenses. I’ve bought anything from an old Russian portrait lens with awesome bokeh to a 65mm f/0.75 X-ray lens. Yes, f/0.75. This film from Mathieu Stern is another shining example of all the great lenses you can happen upon in the Internet marketplace. Shot on a Konica Hexanon 40mm f/1.8, which you can find for around $50 on eBay, paired with the Sony a7 II, I think he certainly accomplished his goal of getting a cinematic look. Personally, I think the 40mm focal length is highly underrated, and I wish more modern lenses would take advantage of it. My old Rollei 35 SE has a 40mm lens, and I absolutely adore the images out of it. Either way, it’s great to see yet another example of what you can accomplish with budget gear and a vision, so hop on eBay, then get out there and start shooting!