p.334 #18 · Sony RX1, RX1R, RX1R II and RX1R III Image Thread
Not even most Tibetan tragics know this one. It's Shalu Monastery, dating from around 980AD, some say. It was never destroyed, and the foot nubs and columns and rock aggregate walls are evidence of its provenance. It was renovated and extended with Mongol money around the time of Kublai Khan.
So it is Tibet's only 'Chinese' styled monastery. I got access to the (long off-limits) 13th century protector chapel, in the dusty but hugely overbuilt front chamber of the monastery. The chapel lies just behind this doorway and the massive walls. Shalu is always well-patronised - Tibetans enjoy their cultural history as much as I do. I take my guides to places they have never seen, they love that.
p.334 #19 · Sony RX1, RX1R, RX1R II and RX1R III Image Thread
The Sonnar does a fine job at this focal distance. Angle of view is about right and focus fade retains context of subjects. F2 is plenty fast enough for this work IMO. The CV 40/1.2 would be nice to try, though. (All Shalu below)
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the figurines that form the aureole look very old, love the garuda (top).
p.334 #20 · Sony RX1, RX1R, RX1R II and RX1R III Image Thread
Had to venture out and pick some things for work. Decided to take the long way and check out Midtown in the midst of our lockdown. I wish I had before and after pictures to better illustrate how empty the streets are (comparatively) and how dark the windows are.