Crafting a Different Look: Vintage Lenses on Modern Cameras with Dylan Baillie

This Workshop has SOLD OUT. Please email John@winnipegfilmgroup.com or call 204-925-3456 ext. 111 to be placed on the waitlist.

Dates: March 28, 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Winnipeg Film Group, 3rd Floor – 100 Arthur Street

Modern digital lenses prioritize sharpness and consistency, but vintage lenses offer something different — character, texture, and imperfection that can dramatically shape the look and feel of an image.

This one-day, hands-on workshop explores how vintage lenses can be adapted and used on modern digital cameras to create distinctive visual styles. Led by Winnipeg-based cinematographer Dylan Baillie, the workshop is designed for filmmakers who want to better understand how older optics interact with modern sensors, and how to use those interactions creatively in their work.

Through guided demonstrations and hands-on experimentation, participants will learn the practical considerations of adapting vintage lenses, explore their creative advantages and limitations, and experiment with tools that further shape and transform the image.

What You’ll Learn

Participants will begin with an overview of digital sensor sizes — including Micro Four Thirds, APS-C, and Full Frame — and how sensor size affects field of view, depth of field, and the behaviour of vintage lenses when adapted to modern cameras.

The workshop will introduce common vintage lens mounts and adapters, including C-mount, PL mount, Exakta mount, and OCT-19, outlining what is required to safely and effectively adapt these lenses for digital use. Participants will explore the practical advantages and disadvantages of working with vintage lenses, including issues of sharpness, focus breathing, flare, distortion, and coverage.

Creative applications will be emphasized throughout the session, with demonstrations of simple and effective visual techniques that take advantage of vintage lens characteristics. Participants will also be introduced to additional WFG equipment such as filters and prisms, and how these tools can be combined with vintage lenses to further shape image texture and mood.

The workshop will conclude with hands-on experimentation time, allowing participants to test lenses, compare results, and explore different creative approaches in a supported, low-pressure environment.

Who Should Attend

This workshop is ideal for:

• Emerging filmmakers and cinematographers

• Directors interested in developing a distinct visual style

• Camera operators and crew curious about alternative optics

• Documentary and narrative filmmakers looking to add texture and character to their images

• Anyone interested in experimenting beyond modern, clinical lenses

No prior experience with vintage lenses is required.

This workshop is part of the Winnipeg Film Group’s new 2026 reduced-rate workshop program, made possible through generous support from The Winnipeg Foundation. Thanks to their contribution, we’re able to offer more affordable, hands-on filmmaking opportunities for our community throughout the year.

About the Instructor

Dylan Baillie is a Winnipeg-based cinematographer with experience working across narrative, documentary, and experimental projects. Dylan brings a practical, creative-first approach to cinematography, with a strong interest in how tools and techniques can be adapted to support story, mood, and visual identity.

Through both his professional work and teaching, Dylan is committed to making cinematography knowledge accessible and encouraging filmmakers to experiment, take creative risks, and develop their own visual voice.

REFUND POLICY

The Winnipeg Film Group reserves the right to cancel any course where the minimum registration has not been met. Anyone registered for a course that has been cancelled is eligible for a full refund, Cancelled course fees may also be used towards any other Winnipeg Film Group training programs.

Assistance and accommodations are available to participants with different disabilities. Please call or email us for more information: john@winnipegfilmgroup.com

This Workshop has SOLD OUT. Please email John@winnipegfilmgroup.com or call 204-925-3456 ext. 111 to be placed on the waitlist.