Went out on Monday to make some pictures of Coney Island for a freelance magazine article that I was submitting some of my photographs. Beautiful day, sunny clear not cold, I thought wow a great day for making pictures. The Cyclone and Wonderwheel were looking good.
I developed the pictures myself after I returned using a changing bag (darkroom technique) and finally they were ready. I noticed that my close up pictures were nice and sharp, but it was strange that all the distance (taken to infinity) pictures were not sharp. I then had a talk with a friend that had borrowed this 24mm wide angle lens a few months ago. He told me that he thought that he was not having a good day and he had the same problem. I must add that he has been making pictures for over 40 years so he does know about cameras and all the settings.
I am a take your time wait for the magical moment photographer, not on the fly, quick and fast. I photograph ancient and sacred places, architecture, and specialized people (fisherman, street cleaners, working-class, artists etc) not action pictures.
Well the conclusion is that the lens is defective and it will be in the dead camera box along with my dead digital camera I had years ago that got caught in a thunderstorm. Thankfully, when I was in Istanbul this past December, I had two cameras with me, my never let me down Rolleiflex and the Nikon f2 (with two different lens).
The good news is that I can go back to Coney Island, which is just a 30 minute subway ride, going back to Istanbul would be a 10 hour flight. So always makes sure you come prepared with a backup camera (lens) and a big ZIP UP PLASTIC BAG, for protection when there is any chance of rain. Of course do not keep your camera in this plastic all the time, it will cause mold, but only when you are out shooting.
Be prepared always and make sure you have enough film, digital cards, and your batteries are charged! Take it from one who knows.