The Amazing Sony A1/A7/A9/APS-C & Anything else welcome Mega Thread!

I have a friend and colleague who has had a few TFs over several years and uses one as a daily driver. Head gasket stories are not exaggerated, and his have been in and out of the garage frequently, normally needing significant repairs every year. The last one before this wasn't getting sorted, hence replaced. They're probably fun, but potentially a money pit too.
I've had 2 new rovers as company cars, a 400 and a 75 and both had zero issues.
I did buy an older 25 a few years ago with 60k miles on it and the head gasket went on that....
 
Wouldn't use a supercar as a daily, I would get a Porsche for that balance of refinement, power and prestige. The Gull Wing door thing would come out on the weekend to drive to Coffee & Machine.
If I wanted a daily driver with a bit of go I wouldn't look far past the M3/M4, great everyday cars.
 
If I wanted a daily driver with a bit of go I wouldn't look far past the M3/M4, great everyday cars.

I'm finding similar with the S4 Avant as I was initially worried, especially as it's the supercharged one. So far it's been fine though and thanks to some facelift additions (s/c electromagnetic clutch, MPI etc) it's actually quite economical under normal driving, all things considered. Plus being an estate I can still carry loads and it is also AWD, so all in all a pretty versatile car.
 
If I wanted a daily driver with a bit of go I wouldn't look far past the M3/M4, great everyday cars.

Both nice cars with very good performance and practical body shape as you say but if you don't need the practical body shape they aren't anywhere near as exciting compared to what else you can get for the same money.

I'm finding similar with the S4 Avant as I was initially worried, especially as it's the supercharged one. So far it's been fine though and thanks to some facelift additions (s/c electromagnetic clutch, MPI etc) it's actually quite economical under normal driving, all things considered. Plus being an estate I can still carry loads and it is also AWD, so all in all a pretty versatile car.

Awesome car, my cousin had an RS6 Avant perfect blend of practicality and performance, mega car. If I could afford one and could only have one car at the door it would be an RS6.
 
Both nice cars with very good performance and practical body shape as you say but if you don't need the practical body shape they aren't anywhere near as exciting compared to what else you can get for the same money.
The best car I had for a bit of fun was actually the Impreza WRX STi. Not in the slightest luxurious but what a hoon. No mod cons to ruin the experience just 4 wheels and an addictive turbo surge, I've never had anything that revved so freely and rapidly. This will be contentious but I even preferred the drive to a GT-R. There's no disputing the power and performance of the GT-R but it doesn't (imo) feel as raw.

Talking of a raw driving experience I'd love to have the opportunity to drive the E30 M3 and Sierra Cosworth RS500.
 
The best car I had for a bit of fun was actually the Impreza WRX STi. Not in the slightest luxurious but what a hoon. No mod cons to ruin the experience just 4 wheels and an addictive turbo surge, I've never had anything that revved so freely and rapidly. This will be contentious but I even preferred the drive to a GT-R. There's no disputing the power and performance of the GT-R but it doesn't (imo) feel as raw.

Talking of a raw driving experience I'd love to have the opportunity to drive the E30 M3 and Sierra Cosworth RS500.

Not had a drive in a scooby but one of my cousins once had a heavily modified Mitsubishi Evo running at over 700bhp, wasn't road legal but had a blast around the track in it a few times. Scary car to drive I imagine that an Impreza would be a similar car to drive. Loads of noise, pure hooliganism. There family business is in the car industry so has had lots of nice stuff. He has a Twincam collection 5 and counting although he looks on them as money in the bank than anything else. My uncle his dad has a Rolls Royce collection he owns the second oldest known one to still exist and also owns a car that has a lot of historic value here although it is usually being shown in the museum. He has has a side line business working on them. They have worked on cars for the sultan of Brunei and for Nicholas Cage. You can't buy parts for cars of that age so they found a cool niche as they are able to manufacturer parts to the original oem spec if needed.

One of my other uncles has an E36 M3 but I have never drove it. His son, my cousin has an E90 M3, to be honest it never really excited me that much, he has a skyline as well.

I have only drove a GT-R once and I thought it was epic, definitely raw enough for me. :ROFLMAO:

I have only ever seen one RS500 in the flesh one of my neighbours sons had one.
 
Think we need a new thread. A7 + Cars.

Has their been any more news about the 24-70 GM II
Not that I know of, there's several lenses that are strongly rumoured that I think will be 'interesting', the 24-70mm G2, the 70-200mm f2.8 G2 and the Sigma 70-200mm.
 
As a bit of time has passed since I remember a gear check and some people have been buying and selling and chopping and changing and as not everyone has a gear list in their posts.... Here's mine.

Creaking old A7.

Hardly used, I probably can't remember the last time I used it... Sony 55mm f1.8, 85mm f1.8.
Hardly used but I do remember using it, Sony 20mm f1.8, 28mm f2.
Used it quite a bit, Sony 35mm f1.8.
Used it a lot, Sony 35mm f2.8.

Used it quite a bit, Voigtlander 40mm f1.2, 50mm f2.
Used it a lot, Voigtlander 35mm f1.4.

My most used lenses are 35mm's, Sony f2.8 and f1.8 and Voigtlander f1.4. The Sony f2.8 being the most used with the Voigtlander f1.4 possibly being the second most used and sometimes used with a No.4 close up filter.

And of course I have a few film era lenses which I tend to use almost in rotation.

I'm not really looking at anything new at the moment.

What's yours?
 
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As a bit of time has passed since I remember a gear check and some people have been buying and selling and chopping and changing and as not everyone has a gear list in their posts.... Here's mine.

Creaking old A7.

Hardly used, I probably can't remember the last time I used it... Sony 55mm f1.8, 85mm f1.8.
Hardly used but I do remember using it, Sony 28mm f2.
Used it quite a bit, Sony 35mm f1.8.
Used it a lot, Sony 35mm f2.8.

Used it quite a bit, Voigtlander 40mm f1.2, 50mm f2.
Used it a lot, Voigtlander 35mm f1.4.

My most used lenses are 35mm's, Sony f2.8 and f1.8 and Voigtlander f1.4. The Sony f2.8 being the most used with the Voigtlander f1.4 possibly being the second most used and sometimes used with a No.4 close up filter.

And of course I have a few film era lenses which I tend to use almost in rotation.

I'm not really looking at anything new at the moment.

What's yours?
A9-II
Sony 16-35mm f4
Sony 24-70mm f4 (probably going to sell)
Sony 24-105mm f4
Sigma 85mm f1.4 DG DN
Tamron 70-180mm f2.8
Sony 100-400mm GM

Olympus EM10 Mark II
Panasonic 12-32mm
Olympus 40-150mm f4-5.6 R

Several SLRs and lenses, couple of box brownies and a bellows film camera.
 
I forgot my Sony 20mm f1.8 so I've just edited it in.

My MFT stuff.
Panasonic GX9 and GX80. The GX80 gets used more.

Hardly ever used, Olympus 9-17mm, Panasonic 12-35mm f2.8, 100-400mm, Olympus 25mm f1.8, 45mm f1.8.
Used it quite a bit, Panasonic 14-42mm, 45-150mm, Olympus 17mm f1.8.
 
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As a bit of time has passed since I remember a gear check and some people have been buying and selling and chopping and changing and as not everyone has a gear list in their posts.... Here's mine.

Creaking old A7.

Hardly used, I probably can't remember the last time I used it... Sony 55mm f1.8, 85mm f1.8.
Hardly used but I do remember using it, Sony 28mm f2.
Used it quite a bit, Sony 35mm f1.8.
Used it a lot, Sony 35mm f2.8.

Used it quite a bit, Voigtlander 40mm f1.2, 50mm f2.
Used it a lot, Voigtlander 35mm f1.4.

My most used lenses are 35mm's, Sony f2.8 and f1.8 and Voigtlander f1.4. The Sony f2.8 being the most used with the Voigtlander f1.4 possibly being the second most used and sometimes used with a No.4 close up filter.

And of course I have a few film era lenses which I tend to use almost in rotation.

I'm not really looking at anything new at the moment.

What's yours?
A7III,
35,55,85 f1.8's
Tamron 17-28, 28-200

Still quite fancy trying an A7c to replace my Fuji X100V
 
Sony A9
Sony 24-105mm F4 used a lot
Sony 85mm f1.8 used now and again
Sony 200-600mm used a lot

Olympus EM10 mkII
Panasonic 12-32mm

Several film cameras and lenses including Minolta 9000af with 35-70mm and 70-210mm beercan lens.
Also have a couple of Olympus film cameras and a few box brownies and other oldies....
 
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There you go. Just what you always wanted. Not a mink from Paris or a ring from Rome but a 60mm anamorphic lens from China.


Who's in?
 
Current list. Can’t see it changing anytime soon.

A9II x 1
A9 x 2
A7RIVA x 1
A7III x 3

14GM
24GM
35GM
50GM
55
85GM
135GM
90 Macro
Tamron 17-28
Tamron 28-75

Godox AD600 x 2
Godox AD200 x 2
Godox AD100 x 2
Godox V1 x 2
Godox v350 x 4
 
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As a bit of time has passed since I remember a gear check and some people have been buying and selling and chopping and changing and as not everyone has a gear list in their posts.... Here's mine.

Creaking old A7.

Hardly used, I probably can't remember the last time I used it... Sony 55mm f1.8, 85mm f1.8.
Hardly used but I do remember using it, Sony 20mm f1.8, 28mm f2.
Used it quite a bit, Sony 35mm f1.8.
Used it a lot, Sony 35mm f2.8.

Used it quite a bit, Voigtlander 40mm f1.2, 50mm f2.
Used it a lot, Voigtlander 35mm f1.4.

My most used lenses are 35mm's, Sony f2.8 and f1.8 and Voigtlander f1.4. The Sony f2.8 being the most used with the Voigtlander f1.4 possibly being the second most used and sometimes used with a No.4 close up filter.

And of course I have a few film era lenses which I tend to use almost in rotation.

I'm not really looking at anything new at the moment.

What's yours?

I'm glad you didn't list the film lenses. Tea is nearly ready.... ;) :)

Creaking old A7 :ROFLMAO:

35GM - Used regular
FE85 - Used regular
20G - Occasional use - mainly wide night skies
Contax Carl Zeiss 80-200/4 - Occasional use, normally only woodland, open landscapes.
Voigtlander CV40/1.2E - I did use this last weekend in the woodland - still undecided here....
CV21/3.5 - Boxed not sold yet.
CV40/1.4M Classic - I think that's boxed too.....

Yashica FX3 Super 2000, ML28/2.8 & ML50/1.9 actually has a film in it & I have been suing it lately - Last few shots have been 30 minutes or so of star trails.....

SO really I'm packing the A7, 35GM & FE85 in all honesty.

I could be tempted with an A7iii in the near future mainly because I've got some decent AF lenses now......
 
From our recent trip down south. Park Life.

Creaking old A7 and Sony 35mm f2.8.

y7LCTjc.jpg
 
My current inventory - needs culling:

Sony a9ii
FE200/600
Tamron 28/200
Tamron 24 f2.8
Samyang 35 f2.8. All the above will shortly be for sale.

Panasonic G9
Pan Leica 12-60
Pan 35/100
Pan Leica 100/400

Pentax K5iiS
Pentax DA 21 f3.2 HD Ltd
Pentax 35 f2 AL
Pentax FA 50mm f1.7
Pentax DA* 50/135 f2.8
Pentax F28 f2.8
Pentax F100 f2.8 macro
Pentax M50 f1.7
Sigma 300 f2.8 EX APO DG

I’ve also got a few mint, collector condition M42 SMC Takumar 50, 85 & 105, Zeiss Flektagon 35
 
I've noticed but due to the fact my X100V lingered there without selling I've not got the spare funds :(
would have considered a trade for the entire kit but probably would look for a little money my way since I'd have to sell the TCs.
 
Current setup:
a7iii x2
Samyang 12mm fish eye
Sigma 35 1.4 (old one)
Sony 24 1.4 GM
Sigma 85mm 1.4 DG DN
Tamron 28-75 2.8

The biggest lens collection that I’ve had in a while.
 
Current gear
A7Riii
A7C
Sigma 24-70mm 2.8
Sigma 35mm 1.4
Sigma 24mm f2
Samyang 18mm 2.8
Sony 50mm 1.2 GM
 
A7R2 - I have the option of new camera for my birthday, I just have absolutely no idea which one to get yet.
Sony 55mm F1.8 - came with my A7R2
24-105 - only used on holidays as my wife hates manual lenses
16-35 F4
too many old era film lenses to count, mainly PK/M42 mount, probably about 40 :) Absolutely crazy as there must be at least 10 I haven't used since I sold my Pentax

Im seriously thinking about reducing the number of old lenses down and building an AF lens kit based on the 67mm filter size - I fully expect the Batis lenses to feature strongly in that.

On a slightly separate note does anyone know a good place to buy tripod spares. I have managed to crack the plastic bit which sits inside one of the leg locking mechanisms and I need to replace it. I had a look on the Sirui site but I can't see anything, and it is too good a tripod to not bother repairing. Or even a place that would repair it for me if you can't buy that sort of stuff?
 
A9
Sony 200-600mm
samyang 18mm f/2.8

Nikon D700 (had since 2010 ish, was my second d700)
Cosina 19-35mm
Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 HSM
Sigma 1.4tc
owned all of those about the same amount of time as the d700
Samyang 85mm f/1.4 (one of the first in the Uk to own one of these! 2010 ish I think it came out, maybe a bit earlier. Still use it on the Sony!)


I guess I still kinda have my Fuji gear, Xt3, 100-400, samyang 12mm. My wife bought it from me, but I can still use it.
 
A7R2 - I have the option of new camera for my birthday, I just have absolutely no idea which one to get yet.
Sony 55mm F1.8 - came with my A7R2
24-105 - only used on holidays as my wife hates manual lenses
16-35 F4
too many old era film lenses to count, mainly PK/M42 mount, probably about 40 :) Absolutely crazy as there must be at least 10 I haven't used since I sold my Pentax

Im seriously thinking about reducing the number of old lenses down and building an AF lens kit based on the 67mm filter size - I fully expect the Batis lenses to feature strongly in that.

On a slightly separate note does anyone know a good place to buy tripod spares. I have managed to crack the plastic bit which sits inside one of the leg locking mechanisms and I need to replace it. I had a look on the Sirui site but I can't see anything, and it is too good a tripod to not bother repairing. Or even a place that would repair it for me if you can't buy that sort of stuff?

20G, 35GM, FE85 ;)
 
Im seriously thinking about reducing the number of old lenses down and building an AF lens kit based on the 67mm filter size - I fully expect the Batis lenses to feature strongly in that.
20G, 35GM, FE85 ;)
+ tamron 28-200mm
also tamron 17-28mm/2.8 if you want UWA zoom instead of prime.
 
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The 20G is an option, Batis 40 and 85 probably more likely first...
Anyone any ideas on fixing tripods?
 
The 20G is an option, Batis 40 and 85 probably more likely first...
Anyone any ideas on fixing tripods?
Batis 40 comes with its share of AF issues and batis 85 is no better than FE85.
Save yourself some money and skip the batis range.
 
The 20G is an option, Batis 40 and 85 probably more likely first...
Anyone any ideas on fixing tripods?

Batis 40 comes with its share of AF issues and batis 85 is no better than FE85.
Save yourself some money and skip the batis range.

I will say, I prefer the FE85 over the Batis.
 
A7R2 - I have the option of new camera for my birthday, I just have absolutely no idea which one to get yet.
Sony 55mm F1.8 - came with my A7R2
24-105 - only used on holidays as my wife hates manual lenses
16-35 F4
too many old era film lenses to count, mainly PK/M42 mount, probably about 40 :) Absolutely crazy as there must be at least 10 I haven't used since I sold my Pentax

Im seriously thinking about reducing the number of old lenses down and building an AF lens kit based on the 67mm filter size - I fully expect the Batis lenses to feature strongly in that.

On a slightly separate note does anyone know a good place to buy tripod spares. I have managed to crack the plastic bit which sits inside one of the leg locking mechanisms and I need to replace it. I had a look on the Sirui site but I can't see anything, and it is too good a tripod to not bother repairing. Or even a place that would repair it for me if you can't buy that sort of stuff?
Can't help you on the tripod front but what's your options regarding new camera?
 
gear list

A7Riv
35 and 50 GM
Tamron 17-28
Tamron 28-75

Olympus OM-D EM-1 mk3
40-150 f2.8 Pro
ED 100-400
MC 14 teleconverter

Fuji X100v with WCL wide angle converter

Fuji X100 original in black with WCL wide angle converter and TCL tele converter

The Fuji's get very little use, not sure why I keep the X100v
Olympus is mainly used to shoot garden bird and butterflies, could easily live without it.

Sony is my go to, zooms have an easy life, in fact I've not mounted the 17-28 since I bought it. Love both the primes with each used in fairly equal measure .
Keep eyeing up Fuji Medium Format again
 
The Fuji's get very little use, not sure why I keep the X100v
Olympus is mainly used to shoot garden bird and butterflies, could easily live without it.

I keep a MFT camera with a long lens handy for garden visitors and anything interesting in the sky but I've also started to carry one with a 45-150mm lens to accompany my A7 and prime.
 
Can't help you on the tripod front but what's your options regarding new camera?
Anything I want I guess. Problem is that the a7r2 is such a great camera, a73 isnt that much of an upgrade, pretty much the same sensor and the A74r is probably overkill I don't want to drop down to 24mp so I guess I'm at the wait and see stage
 
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