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

Lovely work there Toby, really. And well deserved, as Trevor said.
 
Well done Toby :D Lovely pictures :D

Who was it that said something about hating it when they took a really good photo as all they'd taken before suddenly looked a bit rubbish :D
 
Well done Toby :D Lovely pictures :D

Who was it that said something about hating it when they took a really good photo as all they'd taken before suddenly looked a bit rubbish :D
Thanks Alan :)

Did I say that? I don't remember saying it :thinking: :LOL:
 
I'd be surprised if anyone reading this agreed but I think the Panasonic GX80 with Panasonic 14mm f2.5 is in some ways and overall better than the X100f and that little Panasonic camera is my mini modern AF Leica :D
 
Sony's HX90, with its tiny dimensions, 30X zoom, pop up eyelevel finder and tilting screen is a whole Leica outfit in my pocket, so far as I'm concerned...

Crows on chimney Clyst St Mary HX90 DSC00026.JPG

Motor cycle trainer Clyst St Mary HX90 DSC00203.JPG
 
I'd be surprised if anyone reading this agreed but I think the Panasonic GX80 with Panasonic 14mm f2.5 is in some ways and overall better than the X100f and that little Panasonic camera is my mini modern AF Leica :D
I don't think it's that controversial a view and while the Fuji has advantages there's certainly some for the Panasonic as well, particularly price wise. I've been going down the compact camera rabbit hole at the moment and got pretty lost however I was surprised to find Panasonic no longer sell any compact micro 4/3 models any more, I still have the 14mm pancake lens so thought a small Panasonic body would be ideal for it. I ended up with a Fuji XF10 which at the moment I'm feeling was a mistake but it's difficult to tell until you actually put something to practice.
 
Fire up The Escort :banana: (in the voice of Gene Hunt!)

It's tucked up for dry, sunny days only..... ;)

Plus, what with buying the other Focus (that I wasn't expecting to do) and spending over 1k on vet bills* in the past month (which I also wasn't expecting to do....) and getting married in April.....

Millie is okay though btw. She had an abscess develop in her jaw, several tablets, went, came back again, another visit and tablets, then booked in for dental operation. With her age (16) and a dodgy heart there was a chance she wouldn't survive the anaesthetic. It wasn't a nice day of waiting for a phone call! She's got her last check up tomorrow.
 
I'd be surprised if anyone reading this agreed but I think the Panasonic GX80 with Panasonic 14mm f2.5 is in some ways and overall better than the X100f and that little Panasonic camera is my mini modern AF Leica :D

Just Googled those. Doesn't look bad tbh :)

But I think the OVF and controls of the X100 range is enough to win it for me.
 
I'd be surprised if anyone reading this agreed but I think the Panasonic GX80 with Panasonic 14mm f2.5 is in some ways and overall better than the X100f and that little Panasonic camera is my mini modern AF Leica :D
Yeah, certainly debateable, m4/3 vs APS-C sensor, 28mm eq vs 35mm eq, but certainly a viable alternative.
Sony's HX90, with its tiny dimensions, 30X zoom, pop up eyelevel finder and tilting screen is a whole Leica outfit in my pocket, so far as I'm concerned...

View attachment 441467

View attachment 441468
Leica quality that is not ;)
It's tucked up for dry, sunny days only..... ;)

Plus, what with buying the other Focus (that I wasn't expecting to do) and spending over 1k on vet bills* in the past month (which I also wasn't expecting to do....) and getting married in April.....

Millie is okay though btw. She had an abscess develop in her jaw, several tablets, went, came back again, another visit and tablets, then booked in for dental operation. With her age (16) and a dodgy heart there was a chance she wouldn't survive the anaesthetic. It wasn't a nice day of waiting for a phone call! She's got her last check up tomorrow.
Glad to hear Millie is OK :love:
 
Leica quality that is not ;)
I never found a 24mm for my iiiC, nor a 720mm for my M2.

HP4 or HP5 images from my M3 were, in practice, no sharper than from the little Sony. Moreover, none of them had a fold out waist level finder, nor would any of them go into my trouser pocket with a lens fitted.

Apart from that, you could be right... :D
 
Hi all,

I am new to using filters, I know I should be looking for a circular polariser and possibly some form of ND Grad. My filter threads are 55mm, 77mm & 82mm, so would presume if I got step up rings I could just purchase 82mm filters. I know you get what you pay for, so too that end I would be looking middle of the road price wise. However there are a multitude of manufacturers. I would be grateful if those with experience and expertise could guide me. Thanks.
 
Hi all,

I am new to using filters, I know I should be looking for a circular polariser and possibly some form of ND Grad. My filter threads are 55mm, 77mm & 82mm, so would presume if I got step up rings I could just purchase 82mm filters. I know you get what you pay for, so too that end I would be looking middle of the road price wise. However there are a multitude of manufacturers. I would be grateful if those with experience and expertise could guide me. Thanks.

I would question the need for an ND grad, the functionality can be achieved in post production, assuming you have enough Dynamic Range in the image (otherwise bracketed shots first will help)

Circular Polariser and Full ND filters yes to those
 
I don't think it's that controversial a view and while the Fuji has advantages there's certainly some for the Panasonic as well, particularly price wise. I've been going down the compact camera rabbit hole at the moment and got pretty lost however I was surprised to find Panasonic no longer sell any compact micro 4/3 models any more, I still have the 14mm pancake lens so thought a small Panasonic body would be ideal for it. I ended up with a Fuji XF10 which at the moment I'm feeling was a mistake but it's difficult to tell until you actually put something to practice.

For me and IMO the advantages for the Panasonic include much better AF and the ability to mount a much better lens with a much better manual focus experience. The Fuji has a slightly bigger sensor but I personally saw no real advantage in IQ. In the Fuji's favour are the more retro styling, the brand image and the preset modes and I can see the appeal.

I think it's a shame that the choice of RF style cameras has diminished. I sold my GM5 but I've hung onto my GX80 and GX9.
 
Just Googled those. Doesn't look bad tbh :)

But I think the OVF and controls of the X100 range is enough to win it for me.

I only used the EVF. I found the way it focused when using the OVF off putting. Control wise, I had/have no real problems with either.
 
I think it's just a green square EVF & OVF isn't it?

I remember the focus square moving when taking pictures with the OVF and not just at very close distance, I assume this is to correct parallax. I found this waaay beyond annoying. I can see the appeal of the OVF but you lose the extra features of the EVF and the X100's do IMO have nice EVF's.

I know you're very happy with it but I just never gelled with the X100 as there were for me just too many niggles and issues. I have toyed with the idea of getting another as they are attractive things and the whole no modes just controls aspect does appeal to me a lot but it's pointless as I have the A7+III and when I want smaller the MFT RF style cameras seem to suit me much better than the Fuji.

A future Sony RF style camera with Fuji like control might interest me but they'd probably do it similar to the A7c class and hobble it in some way and blow it off my radar.
 
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I would question the need for an ND grad, the functionality can be achieved in post production, assuming you have enough Dynamic Range in the image (otherwise bracketed shots first will help)

And on top of that, a screw mount graduated filter is going to severely limit composition. I agree wholeheartedly about post work instead.
 
I never found a 24mm for my iiiC, nor a 720mm for my M2.

HP4 or HP5 images from my M3 were, in practice, no sharper than from the little Sony. Moreover, none of them had a fold out waist level finder, nor would any of them go into my trouser pocket with a lens fitted.

Apart from that, you could be right... :D
Sharpness is not the be all and end all of image quality ;)
Hi all,

I am new to using filters, I know I should be looking for a circular polariser and possibly some form of ND Grad. My filter threads are 55mm, 77mm & 82mm, so would presume if I got step up rings I could just purchase 82mm filters. I know you get what you pay for, so too that end I would be looking middle of the road price wise. However there are a multitude of manufacturers. I would be grateful if those with experience and expertise could guide me. Thanks.
Earlier this year 'we' had a lengthy discussion about using grad filters as I've always used them but found them a pain when shooting against the sun as not matter how good the filter is you end up with some kind of flare or artefacts off the filter from the sunlight. I've been converted and now will bracket and make good in post.

For ND's and polarisers and used numerous different makes including Hoya Pro, Firecrest, B&W, as well as K&F's K series and X-series and in all honesty I can't tell much difference between them.
 
I remember the focus square moving when taking pictures with the OVF and not just at very close distance, I assume this is to correct parallax. I found this waaay beyond annoying. I can see the appeal of the OVF but you lose the extra features of the EVF and the X100's do IMO have nice EVF's.

I know you're very happy with it but I just never gelled with the X100 as there were for me just too many niggles and issues. I have toyed with the idea of getting another as they are attractive things and the whole no modes just controls aspect does appeal to me a lot but it's pointless as I have the A7+III and when I want smaller the MFT RF style cameras seem to suit me much better than the Fuji.

A future Sony RF style camera with Fuji like control might interest me but they'd probably do it similar to the A7c class and hobble it in some way and blow it off my radar.

Alan :) We shall have to agree to disagree on both those points.

I've just checked on the F and the focus box in OVF, it does jump ever so slightly. Obviously that is a non issue for me because I had to check that it even done it :ROFLMAO: And I don't think the EVF is very good tbh - It's different to the rear screen in both brightness & colour and just looks.... weird. Which again, doesn't bother me too much because I prefer OVF anyway.
 
Alan :) We shall have to agree to disagree on both those points.

I've just checked on the F and the focus box in OVF, it does jump ever so slightly. Obviously that is a non issue for me because I had to check that it even done it :ROFLMAO: And I don't think the EVF is very good tbh - It's different to the rear screen in both brightness & colour and just looks.... weird. Which again, doesn't bother me too much because I prefer OVF anyway.
It jumps as @woof woof days due to parallel as the OVF is offset from the lens, so it jumps more for close focussed subjects - a non-issue and a function of an OVF!!!
 
It's an issue if only for the psychological effect and the distraction, at least for me. Seeing the focus point suddenly jump to a different point as I focus just isn't for me especially as that means moving away from what was the intended focus point. Will what I wanted to be my focus point still be sharp? That's a question I really shouldn't be asking myself with a modern AF camera. IMO. I don't know if this contributed to my frustration with X100s/f focusing as I very quickly gave up and switched exclusively to the EVF but there were/are focusing issues and these are highlighted in some reviews, see Manny's and even DPR make a passing reference. The miss rate isn't exactly awful, just greater than I'd expect being spoilt by better performing cameras since MFT came out and I started moving away from Canon DSLR's.

I do see the appeal of the OVF and this subject has I suppose been done to death. I personally prefer the EVF even without parallax issues. I also seem to remember frame inaccuracies with the OVF but I can't remember for certain so I haven't mentioned it until now. I do think that the X100's I had had wonderful EVF's which were much better than anything I had with a Panasonic camera except maybe the G100 which also had a wonderful EVF but sadly only one near top of camera control wheel which ruined the handling for me, so it went.

Back on Sony.
I keep looking at that Voigtlander 28mm f1.5 in Sony mount. I think I do prefer the build styling of the original Sony mount lenses and the SE build style too to this new style but you can't have everything.

Interestingly I read that the 35mm f1.4 is selling well and I have taken a lot of pictures with that lens but it does seem a bit Marmite.

Other stuff.
I'm obsessed with this thing which was featured in another thread...

Both taken with that Voigtlander 35mm f1.4.

1-a-Untitled-4.jpg

1-Untitled-3.jpg

If anyone wants to give it a try...


But it seems a bit obsessed with age and social class. Mrs WW is anything from 10 to middle aged :D
 
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It's an issue if only for the psychological effect and the distraction, at least for me. Seeing the focus point suddenly jump to a different point as I focus just isn't for me especially as that means moving away from what was the intended focus point. Will what I wanted to be my focus point still be sharp? That's a question I really shouldn't be asking myself with a modern AF camera. IMO. I don't know if this contributed to my frustration with X100s/f focusing as I very quickly gave up and switched exclusively to the EVF but there were/are focusing issues and these are highlighted in some reviews, see Manny's and even DPR make a passing reference. The miss rate isn't exactly awful, just greater than I'd expect being spoilt by better performing cameras since MFT came out and I started moving away from Canon DSLR's.

I do see the appeal of the OVF and this subject has I suppose been done to death. I personally prefer the EVF even without parallax issues. I also seem to remember frame inaccuracies with the OVF but I can't remember for certain so I haven't mentioned it until now. I do think that the X100's I had had wonderful EVF's which were much better than anything I had with a Panasonic camera except maybe the G100 which also had a wonderful EVF but sadly only one near top of camera control wheel which ruined the handling for me, so it went.

Back on Sony.
I keep looking at that Voigtlander 28mm f1.5 in Sony mount. I think I do prefer the build styling of the original Sony mount lenses and the SE build style too to this new style but you can't have everything.

Interestingly I read that the 35mm f1.4 is selling well and I have taken a lot of pictures with that lens but it does seem a bit Marmite.

Other stuff.
I'm obsessed with this thing which was featured in another thread...

Both taken with that Voigtlander 35mm f1.4.

View attachment 441519

View attachment 441520

If anyone wants to give it a try...


But it seems a bit obsessed with age and social class. Mrs WW is anything from 10 to middle aged :D
Fascinating website - thanks. A bit scary though - I ran quite a few through, and it recognised logos on work tops and correctly identified the employer!

However, it's not perfect, as although correctly identifying the time of day (EXIF data I assume) it then said it was sunset!
 

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Fascinating website - thanks. A bit scary though - I ran quite a few through, and it recognised logos on work tops and correctly identified the employer!

However, it's not perfect, as although correctly identifying the time of day (EXIF data I assume) it then said it was sunset!

Some of mine were interesting. It said that the shadows angles in one indicated image manipulation but I'd done nothing of the sort. It thought another taken with my A7 was taken using an action cam. Interesting though. I did a load for Mrs WW to read :D
 
Some from this mornings early jaunt. All A7III and Sony 40mm f2.5. All are long exposures of various lengths except the last which is hand held and high ISO.

The pier.

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The general scene.

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Getting light now.

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Resting dog walker and barking dog.

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I had to limit the longer exposures as the 10 second plus or so exposures came out a bit blurry due to the wind. The longest exposure here is that first one at 8 seconds. As it started to get light some people ventured out onto the pier, I think they were going to do some fishing. I was going to go down and snap them but by that time I was freezing and I'd had no breakfast so I went home :D
 
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You had much nicer skies than I had Alan :)

I chose today because tomorrow is supposed to be full 100% cloud - I usually do a traditional Christmas Eve sunrise hike/trip virtually every year.

There was a lovely sunrise about 15 minutes after I got home. I should have waited longer.
 
I had to go out again so I took my A7III and 40mm f2.5 again.

I was going for front to back sharp and trying to keep the pier and the grass detail good.

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I liked the shiny sand and the line of the incoming tide.

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I thought I might capture this little scene through the pier.

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Just the waves as seen from the end of the pier. No fishermen by this time.

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BTW. For one picture I stuck my head and arms and camera through the railings and there was a moment when I thought I was stuck :D

Looking back. Shame about the drab conditions.

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Miserable weather for taking pictures. I saw a guy with a camera and a massive white lens. I don't know what he was taking pictures of though as I didn't see him raise it to his eye.

I could have maybe done with that long lens to capture the doggie running in picture three above. Here's a 100% crop of him/her...

1-DSC00763-c.jpg

I once captured a galloping horse and rider and the horse had all four hoofs off the ground but sadly the doggie has one paw on the ground. Do dogs take all 4 paws off the ground? I'll have to google it. Just googled and... Yes. Just like horses dogs do.
 
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Some of mine were interesting. It said that the shadows angles in one indicated image manipulation but I'd done nothing of the sort. It thought another taken with my A7 was taken using an action cam. Interesting though. I did a load for Mrs WW to read :D
One of my colleagues got progressively younger over a set of four photos!
 
One of my colleagues got progressively younger over a set of four photos!

This is what prompted me to do some and show Mrs WW. She aged from 10-14 to 20's or 30's and up to 40's and middle aged. One odd thing was that it couldn't tell my ethnicity which I found odd as with my pale blue completion I could only be northern English or possible Scottish. Maybe it had just never seen anything quite like ME :D

While I'm here. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have the seaside at the end of your road?

1-DSC00751.jpg
 
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