L-Mount Alliance Owners Thread

[Adam-G]

Yeah, to be fair, my butterfly images are not 'true' macro...at best, they are close up/near macro!!! There are different levels of macro really, one mans macro is another mans close up! Then there is crazy ultra macro, with 500 stacked images, using near microscope lenses.

Macro by definition is just 1:1 or greater reproduction ratio in terms of subject to sensor.

That's another thing that makes me think you won't struggle with the halved depth of field going from MFT to Full Frame. Distance from the subject increases the depth of field so if you're shooting a little less tightly, you'll probably get the advantage of finding it much easier to blow out the background if required on Full Frame.

 

[Testudo Man]

Macro by definition is just 1:1 or greater reproduction ratio in terms of subject to sensor.

That's another thing that makes me think you won't struggle with the halved depth of field going from MFT to Full Frame. Distance from the subject increases the depth of field so if you're shooting a little less tightly, you'll probably get the advantage of finding it much easier to blow out the background if required on Full Frame.

To be fair, i have another camera set up for 'proper' macro, but ive not been into macro lately, just close up for Butterflies/Reptiles.

If youve seen my Flickr images, then yes, i do strive for a non cluttered/creamy/blown out background, so as you say, perhaps Full Frame could help with this.

Well...i said that i would wait for next year (to hook up with a FF body)...but, ive found an S5 with the kit lens plus spare battery/charger, with less than 3000 clicks!!! Close to home (less than 10 miles) so i might just go take a look? no harm in just looking is there!!
What sort of money/price would a UK S5 with kit lens an extra battery, an low shutter count go for? how much would i need to pay? Im pretty sure ive seen somewhere that you can buy a brand new S5 with kit lens, for just under £1000, from the usual retailers. Cheers Paul.

 

[Adam-G]

Well...i said that i would wait for next year (to hook up with a FF body)...but, ive found an S5 with the kit lens plus spare battery/charger, with less than 3000 clicks!!! Close to home (less than 10 miles) so i might just go take a look? no harm in just looking is there!!
What sort of money/price would a UK S5 with kit lens an extra battery, an low shutter count go for? how much would i need to pay? Im pretty sure ive seen somewhere that you can buy a brand new S5 with kit lens, for just under £1000, from the usual retailers. Cheers Paul.

For such a small difference in price I'd be going new but that's just me. Might be a good negotiating point though, the fact that the body and kit lens can be had for £999 new now which is an absolute bargain.

 

[Testudo Man]

For such a small difference in price I'd be going new but that's just me. Might be a good negotiating point though, the fact that the body and kit lens can be had for £999 new now which is an absolute bargain.

I rarely buy new camera gear, i dont mind 2ndhand stuff, but i dont buy off of dealers/traders. I tend to find bargains that are hardly used/as new, an are advertised privately. I also look for local gear, so i can view in person. My Panny G9 was local, as new, with less than 400 clicks. I also bought the Olympus 60mm macro lens off the same guy, at the same time.

Yes, when i go view this S5 with kit lens, i will mention the fact that these are selling brand new for just under a grand, which could sway having a deal/haggling etc............The owner is a female, an not being sexiest, but i find it harder to strike a deal with females!!! No offence intended to all the woman out there, but with guys, deals are easier in general.
Anyway, it looks like im viewing this Saturday, all going as planned. Im gonna take both Cannon 500D/250D close up lenses with me, but i still think the kit lens will not have the reach i need, for my type of images??

 

[Adam-G]

Anyway, it looks like im viewing this Saturday, all going as planned. Im gonna take both Cannon 500D/250D close up lenses with me, but i still think the kit lens will not have the reach i need, for my type of images??

The 20-60mm is a great little lens but it's very much a jack of all trades, walkaround lens for most people. The 20mm at the wide end is handy as I don't have a wide prime and generally don't shoot wide very often but if you've got a specialist need, it's likely not going to cover it off.

 

[Testudo Man]

The 20-60mm is a great little lens but it's very much a jack of all trades, walkaround lens for most people. The 20mm at the wide end is handy as I don't have a wide prime and generally don't shoot wide very often but if you've got a specialist need, it's likely not going to cover it off.

I dont shoot people or places/landscapes, i just shoot wildlife, an i shoot close up! I did look into 'wide' close up macro a few years ago, but im sure a specialist lens was needed?? Wide Macro type images shows the subject in its environment, but the lens allows you to get real close to the subject. Perhaps at the wider end of the kit lens (with a Canon 500D close up lens attached) i can try for wide close up type images...who knows, the kit lens might force me to shoot in a different style?...but, i cant help it, i always end up going in as close as i can!!!

 

[Testudo Man]

Well, i didnt buy the camera...for several reasons really, sensor was covered in dust!! an they were thinking about a price, an would let me know!!! Not sure i want to get involved with a real dusty sensor??? But the camera handled ok, it was in great condition (mainly used for video) hence less than 3000 clicks. Ist time ive held an S5 an kit lens in the hand, didnt have to travel far, so im seeing this as a tester. Attached both Canon 250D an 500D close up lenses, an after changing focus point to large/central (not sure what she had it set to?!) the camera had no problem focusing on stuff in their garden, i took less than 20 shots, in bright sunlight.
I just shot at 60mm, changed aperture from f/8 to f/11. Camera focused less than 6 inches distance from subjects (only because of close up lenses).
The camera handle/body is not as deep/comfortable as my G9, but i could get used to that...i could make it work with just the kit lens for my style of images im after, but ultimately, i would have to get the macro 100mm lens, to move forward, an get the best out of it. Its been a long time since i had to have a sensor cleaned, an i paid a local professional to clean it (Nikon D700 i think) do people still clean their own sensors these days?

Anyway, a couple of testing garden images, jpegs, handheld, basic camera settings, i didnt change much at all, but i had to change the focus size/point, because the camera would not focus with what she had it set up for, an i blamed the close up lenses at 1st!!!

1st image was edited slightly (also ive circled the dust bunnies) because im going to send the owner that image showing dirty sensor! Other 2 images are SOOC. No cropping, just downsized to a smaller file for this forum. Please forgive the poor subject matter too!!! Cheers Paul.

My thumb plus dust bunnies, 60mm f/11 1/500 ISO 640 Exp. 0.



My hand (holding glasses). 60mm f/8 1/500 ISO 800 Exp. 0.



Found a small Spider! 60mm f/10 1/500 ISO 250 Exp. 0.

 

[todders]

Suprise View.. Peak District

Panansonic S5 + 20-60

Surpeise View by Adrian Jones, on Flickr

 

[Adam-G]

S5ii animal eye AF worked pretty damn well on a black dog. Genuinely thought this would be a nightmare shoot but it went quite well!

Tough assignment

I was asked to take a few shots for a neighbour yesterday. They are currently looking after their parent's dog while they are on holiday and because I've taken some photos of their own dog in the past that they've loved, they asked if I could do the same for their parents so they can surprise...

www.talkphotography.co.uk

 

[Clive K]

Quick question to the TP massif; is there any difference in the optical quality of the L Mount lenses from Sigma, Panasonic & Leica or are all the same except for the branding? TIA

 

[Adam-G]

Quick question to the TP massif; is there any difference in the optical quality of the L Mount lenses from Sigma, Panasonic & Leica or are all the same except for the branding? TIA

All the lenses are made by their respective manufacturers and the optical quality will vary.

The good news is even the standard Lumix primes are pretty damn good. If you want absolute optical perfection you can pay £1000's for the Leica APO Summicron lenses but I doubt many would see a difference unless they're shooting static charts and pixel peeping.

The Sigma Art range also has an excellent reputation and I can vouch for it as my 35mm 1.2 Sigma Art is one of my absolute favourites.

 

[Clive K]

I returned to photography a few months ago after an enforced lay off. Initially I went with Nikon APS-C, d7100 but have not really got on with it. So I decided to sell the Nikon gear and invest in a full frame mirrorless camera that I could use with my Zeiss vintage lenses.

I was torn between a Sony A7iii, Nikon Z6 and the two Panasonics S1 & S5. They are all roughly the same price s/h in France. After a fortnight of deliberation I picked up a S1 with 24-105 kit lens that was advertised on a freeads site. The camera has done less clicks than it cost in Euros. Looks like brand new. I put it to the test on the way home.

 

[Clive K]

I'm getting the hang of the S1 now. It reminds me of the Contax RTS III film camera I had before an eye injury stopped my photography for a few years. Well, 18 if we are counting. It is solid and simple to operate. Much easier than the Nikkn d7100 & d300 that I previously used.

The plan is to use it with my Zeiss lenses from the film era, three Contarex optics; 35mm Distagon, 50mm Planar and 135mm Sonnar and later lenses; 28-85 Vario-Sonnar and 50mm f1.7. While waiting for the adapters to arrive I've been using the Panasonic 24-105 f4 macro lens that I got with the camera.









I'm looking forward to seeing the images from the Contarex lenses once we get back off holiday.

 

[Steelo]

It's been another while since I've posted in this thread....still loving the S5 a couple of years on from buying it and working it hard. A recently processed image from Feb. '23 looking to Cul Mor from the summit of Stac Pollaidh... S5 and 20-60

Cul Mor from Stac Pollaidh by Martin Steele, on Flickr

 

[Clive K]

I have received the Contarex CRX mount and used it over the last couple of days on my S1. Attaching the lens to the mount is very difficult with all four lenses. And I discovered that the locking pin stands proud even when fully depressed. But, I also realised that I don't have to turn the lens fully on the adapter as there are no connections to line up. So I just turn it enough to be secure on the mount.

In use the focus indication, the blue artifacts, work fine and at fully wide open I get a very clear image through the viewfinder. The horizon level and histogram works with the old Zeiss optics too. I then count down the clicks to set the desired aperture on the lens before pressing the shutter button.

Yesterday I used a Planar 50mm f2.8 and today I tried a Distagon 35mm f2.8, both from the 1960's. The Planar........



And the Distagon......

1

I'm chuffed with the color rendition and sharpness. Hopefully Contax / Yashica mount will arrive this weekend and I'll have a few more old Zeiss lenses to try out on the Lumix.

 

[Testudo Man]

So, the butterfly season is all but over, i will probably just use old bridge cameras for macro now...I wont need a decent camera until March next year, theres no great rush to buy into a new body/camera/system. The 20-60mm will do to start, but ultimately i will be looking for the 100mm macro lens.
I still like the idea of going L mount FF with a Panasonic body, but which one do i choose that is right for me/my type of photography???...Ist choice is just the S5. 2nd choice would be the S5ii. 3rd choice could be the beast that is the S1R...i know its a huge weighty body, but the only 2 lenses that i plan on using are small in size/weight. 47 MP's is a lot to play around with from the S1R, but it is 5 year old tech now. Has anyone on here used the S1R in anger?...I guess the smart money would be to get the S5ii...any thoughts from the L mount users would be appreciated, cheers Paul.

 

[Clive K]

I don't have the S1R, but I can recommend the S1. It is beautifully designed so that you have everything that you need at your fingertips and nothing that you don't need. Very solidly built and it has a handy information screen on top of the camera that isn't on the S5. I find that useful for setting up the iso, aperture, etc. when I start rather than using the viewfinder or rear screen. The screen tilts in 2 axis that is very useful for macro shots.

I cannot praise it highly enough.

 

[Testudo Man]

I don't have the S1R, but I can recommend the S1. It is beautifully designed so that you have everything that you need at your fingertips and nothing that you don't need. Very solidly built and it has a handy information screen on top of the camera that isn't on the S5. I find that useful for setting up the iso, aperture, etc. when I start rather than using the viewfinder or rear screen. The screen tilts in 2 axis that is very useful for macro shots.

I cannot praise it highly enough.

Thanks for your input, its appreciated. I hadnt really thought about the S1 as such, the only reason i would think about the S1R, is because of its 47 MP sensor. I could forgive the S1R's size/weight, if i was getting those 47 MP's to play with, otherwise i think the S5/S5ii could be my 1st choices.
I have the info screen on the top of my Panny G9, but if i was honest, ive hardly ever used it!
Cheers Paul.

 

[Pdk42]

Not posted for a while, so a few from recent months...

Mix of S5 and S1R. Various lenses, but mostly 20-60, 24-105, 14-28 and 70-200 f4.


Trees, Reflected by Paul Kaye, on Flickr



Rydal Water in Autumn Colours by Paul Kaye, on Flickr



Lakeside Trees by Paul Kaye, on Flickr



Last Light on the Furrows by Paul Kaye, on Flickr



Norwegian Cottage by Paul Kaye, on Flickr



Quintessential Norway by Paul Kaye, on Flickr



Aurora Borealis over St Gregory's, Offchurch by Paul Kaye, on Flickr



Fallow Deer Stag by Paul Kaye, on Flickr

 

[CSB]

Lovely photos, for some reason I can only see them in the reply window when I quote your post.

 

[Pdk42]

Lovely photos, for some reason I can only see them in the reply window when I quote your post.

Thanks. I don't understand either. They are just Flickr links.

 

[Adamcski]

I can see them if I click on the Paul. Can't see them within the thread.

 

[Adamcski]

Hi folks, just wondered if anyone had tried or owns the sigma 28-105 F2.8?

I have the Panasonic 24-105 and it's typically my most used lens. I'm contemplating replacing it with the Sigma .

To be honest, I've considered just getting the Sigma 24-70 and 70-200 and keeping the 14-28, 50mm and 85mm to go along with them.

 

[Clive K]

Why do you want to replace the Lumix lens. What is the issue?

 

[Adamcski]

Nothing in particular but the sigma is faster, which I may find useful as I often go to places with the camera like national trusts, camping and such. Also, from what I have read the image quality is supposed to be fantastic (my experience with sigma lenses would support this).

 

[Clive K]

I hear this faster issue a lot. But I never shoot wide open and with digital cameras it is easy to compensate by increasing the iso. Same with image quality. You'd have to be competing with the top pro's for the image quality to be an issue, if indeed there is any significant difference. You could never establish that from user reviews. It could only be done by comparing optical tests.

 

[Adamcski]

I do often shoot wide open however and don't always want to increase ISO or take a tripod with me.

I'm not competing with anyone, I'm just a hobby tog

I do agree with you about the S1 though, in that it's beautifully built. I haven't used mine for a while since I got the S5ii and got rid of my S5.

 

[Adam-G]

Hi folks, just wondered if anyone had tried or owns the sigma 28-105 F2.8?

I have the Panasonic 24-105 and it's typically my most used lens. I'm contemplating replacing it with the Sigma .

To be honest, I've considered just getting the Sigma 24-70 and 70-200 and keeping the 14-28, 50mm and 85mm to go along with them.

That Sigma 70-200 gets so much use for me. Wonderful lens. Incredibly fast focusing and a pleasure to use.

 

[Adamcski]

Looking at my images it seems the 24-70 would cover the majority of images I take, so next time I'm in Birmingham I'll go and have a look at the 24-70 Sigma

 

[SlimShaney]

Hiya All,

I am contemplating the Sigma FP-L for exterior architectural photography (mostly but not always on a tripod).

How do people find this camera for that genre?

How good is the image quality from the LVF-11 and EVF-11 finders? (I wear glasses).

Cheers,
Shane.

 

[Testudo Man]

Incoming...............................................................................soon!

 

[Testudo Man]

So, last weekend, i took the plunge, an entered the L-Mount Alliance!
I had been looking for a few months, at some options, when i noticed a hardly used S5, with both 20-60mm, an 28-200mm lenses. The S5 shutter count was just below 1000...the guy had bought the package for just 1 project, then boxed it all back up for re-sale. I was only really interested in 2 lenses for my type of photography, the 100mm macro (still on my radar!) an the 28-200mm zoom (which i got in with the deal).
1st impressions are quite good, 2 sessions out in the field so far, only used the 28-200mm. On the 2nd session, i decided to add the Canon 500D close up filter into the mix, with some great results. Its early days yet (not many Butterflies on the wing!) but i look forward to using this set up for this season.

Comma Butterfly, perched high, basking in the late afternoon sun (shot yesterday).
f/11 1/400 ISO 400 EXP-0.3. Zoomed to 96mm (with 500D attached). Jpeg, handheld, basic editing.

Comma Butterfly. No cropping. by Tort Man, on Flickr

 

[Testudo Man]

The trials continue...

With Dingy and Grizzled Skipper Butterflies on the wing this last week, it was time to test my S5/28-200mm/Canon 500D close up lens setup, with much smaller butterflies!!
Skippers are tiny/moth like, an they fly real fast, difficult to track, unless you have field skills. The Dingy Skipper has a wingspan of just 27-34mm!
I set the lens to max 200mm for this shot, not forgetting that i also have the 500D close up lens/filter attached too!
f/22 1/250 ISO 1250 EXP-0.3. Handheld, Jpeg, natural light, basic editing. No cropping to this image. Cheers Paul.

Dingy Skipper Butterfly. No cropping. by Tort Man, on Flickr

 

[Testudo Man]

Minimalstic image of a Grizzled Skipper (male) perched on a unopened flower head...Wingspan 23-29mm.
S5/28-200mm lens/500D close up filter attached. Zoomed lens to 100mm.
f/7.1 1/320 ISO 500 EXP-0.3.
Handheld, Jpeg, natural light, basic editing. No cropping to this image. Cheers Paul.

Grizzled Skipper Butterfly (male). No cropping. by Tort Man, on Flickr

 

[Harlequin565]

Sort of joined the L mount alliance over the last week with the purchase of a Lumix S9 for stills.

Still experimenting with in-camera LUTs but my initial attempts at making my own, getting them on the camera, then shooting are so far promising. I also picked up a Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4 to complete my 28/35/40/50 set.

Not been out of the house with it yet, but I'm really enjoying using it. Just need to spend the time properly setting it up!

6x17, HP5 Emulation (work in progress!)


Kodak XX emulation... (even more of a work in progress)


And a size comparison next to my (film) MP. It's almost the same size and that TT Artisans adapter is very slim.

 

[Testudo Man]

Just keeping the thread alive.

Whilst i try not to crop images, every now an then i do crop 1 or 2.
The S5 seems to handle a crop no problems...Brown Argus Butterfly (male). Another one of our small (UK) Butterflies. Usual settings/lens used.
Cheers Paul.

Brown Argus Butterfly. by Tort Man, on Flickr

 

[CSB]

I've noted there are lots of compact and reasonably priced lenses cropping up for L mount now, probably in response to the S9 being released. 7Artisans have an 18mm f5.6 and a 35mm f5.6 for under £100 each. I've also been eyeing up the TTArtisan 75mm F2. Has anyone been using any of these?

 

[Testudo Man]

A freshly emerged female Common Blue, basking in the late afternoon sun. Image is not cropped, my usual S5/28-200mm/Canon 500D close up filter combo/settings.
Probably difficult to improve much on this image, i would think this is one of my best butterfly shots to date. I guess i should maybe think about the Panny 100mm macro lens now, to see if i could improve further. Cheers Paul.

Female Common Blue Butterfly. No cropping. by Tort Man, on Flickr

 

[Steelo]

It's been a while since I, or indeed anyone else has been in here by the looks of things. I've just bought an S1iiE body to compliment my original S5, and also just getting into a bit of bug photography, which was partly the reason to upgrade to something with much better AF...

A few recent images, the dragonfly, adder and shield bugs are all S5 and 70-300mm, the 4 spiders were the first shots with the S1iiE and 70-300mm....

 

[boliston]

It's been another while since I've posted in this thread....still loving the S5 a couple of years on from buying it and working it hard. A recently processed image from Feb. '23 looking to Cul Mor from the summit of Stac Pollaidh... S5 and 20-60

Cul Mor from Stac Pollaidh by Martin Steele, on Flickr

that looks pretty impressive with the lumix kit lens! i just got this lens bundled 'free' with the s9 so i'm hoping it will work well - some people are saying the 24-60/2.8 is worth getting as it would be nice to have constant f/2.8 so perhaps a future upgrade