Born in Kyoto, Takeshi Hanatani studied photography by himself, before moving to Canada in 1998. After crossing the country from the west coast to the east coast by car, he lived in the Canadian Rockies, where he became fascinated with bears. His photographic destinations gradually moved north, to places such as Alaska and the northernmost regions of Canada. After becoming a permanent resident of Canada in 2007, he settled down in White Horse in Yukon Territory.
Hanatani has always been searching for a way in which people can live in harmony with other creatures as a part of nature, rather than as an adversary. He continues to pursue his interest in wildlife, capturing images in the harsh, natural environment of the northernmost territories.
This lens stands out in my snapshot photography. Or, I should rather say that its compact body, which takes up almost no space in my camera bag, makes it something special. Measuring just 25mm in length, it provides a flare-cutter-type hood to keep the lens compact, and a 43mm-diameter filter thread inside the lens hood for the attachment of filters. All these features let us witness the PENTAX designers’ enthusiasm for and devotion to this lens.
When I’m on the road looking for wildlife, I often use this lens for snapshots. It’s a lens exclusively used for my memories, one I choose to keep track of my journeys and capture images which I seldom release to the public. For some reason, this lens makes me think in simpler terms. I just point it at whatever interests me, and freely frame up images to preserve these memories. It has the further charm of making me feel loose and relaxed. It even encourages me to freely explore my creative sensibilities by disregarding photographic theories and techniques.
