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

[snerkler]

Pleased to report the B&W filter shows no signs of degrading the image

 

[woof woof]

IF this is true I hope it sets a precedent, a Sony 35-50mm f1.4 GM would be epic,…. assuming it wasn’t huge and heavy.

Surprise: New Viltrox(?) 35-50mm f/1.4 Full Frame zoom coming in 2026? | sonyalpharumors

A world's first, the 35-50mm f/1.4 FE: A new rumor circulating on Chinese social media platform Weibo hints at a groundbreaking full-frame zoom lens set to arrive in 2026: a 35–50mm f/1.4. Reportedly developed by a well-known Chinese manufacturer—possibly Viltrox—this would mark the first-ever...

www.sonyalpharumors.com

On another note Nikon appear to have come up trumps with their new 24-70mm f2.8. Only 675g and internal zoom, albeit at a cost of making it 2cm longer.

New zooms are pushing the envelope but we'll need to assess the bulk, weight and image quality and of course the costs too. Primes will probably still make a lot of sense even if losing out on flexibility as they could be smaller and lighter and cheaper.

 

[woof woof]

Dear Sony,

Please update your aging 28mm f2. Give it better image quality and up the build quality too. I'm not asking for a £1,200-£1,600 GM, just a reasonably priced 28mm f1.8 or f2 with better IQ and a better build, oh and with better focus too.

I used both my Sony 28mm f2 and an old Zuiko 28mm f2.8 today and I think that old Zuiko challenges the Sony in some areas.

 

[woof woof]

As it's quiet.

Going back as far as when I had a Canon 5D so that's the last 15 years I've often used old film era lenses and even more so since going mirrorless. In the last couple of years I've used them less partly because I bought some modern Voigtlanders in Sony mount and also because I got the Sony 40mm f2.5 which I think is excellent and that lens has also helped to pushed the film era lenses out.

As I'm not really using these old lenses I sold quite a few back in June 2024 on here and to a dealer but I also kept quite a few but I still haven't been using them so I've advertised some again and apart from some others I can't bring myself to part with what doesn't sell here will go to a dealer. I was thinking of selling my modern Voigtlanders too but I got them out the other day and shot with them all and I now don't think I can sell them as they're just such lovely things and if I only use them once a year then so what? This attitude has spread to the film era lenses too and I will keep some of the more interesting ones even if they only get used once in a blue moon.

I just wondered, is anyone else trying to thin their gear out, are you stable for now or are you all looking to buy more rather than stick or sell?

Again, as it's quiet I thought I'd look for Sony mount Voigtlander pictures I remembered taking and like so here's one from each. These aren't necessarily great pictures but I remember taking each of them and I like them all.

Voigtlander 35mm f1.4 at f1.4.



Voigtlander 35mm f1.2 at f11 and 13 seconds.



Voigtlander 40mm f1.2 at f1.2. I sold this lens and despite having 35 and 50mm f1.2 Voigtlanders I do wish I'd kept it



Voigtlander 50mm f1.2 at f1.2.



Voigtlander 50mm f2 at f2.

 

[the_accidental]

I just wondered, is anyone else trying to thin their gear out, are you stable for now or are you all looking to buy more rather than stick or sell?

I thinned out all my old kit when moving to Sony… though it’s now somewhat amassed again.

Mostly happy with what I have now, though occasionally think about swapping out some of it. E.g. my 35/2.8 Samyang for the 40mm Sony (or that new ttartisan, would love a modern AF lens with an aperture ring) but….. it’s so small and my copy is plenty sharp. Goes well on the 5100 too.

 

[woof woof]

I thinned out all my old kit when moving to Sony… though it’s now somewhat amassed again.

Mostly happy with what I have now, though occasionally think about swapping out some of it. E.g. my 35/2.8 Samyang for the 40mm Sony (or that new ttartisan, would love a modern AF lens with an aperture ring) but….. it’s so small and my copy is plenty sharp. Goes well on the 5100 too.

If I didn't have the Sony 40mm f2.5 I'd be temped by the TTa f2. The Sony will I expect be the better lens but the TTA is much cheaper and may well be good enough and it's f2 rather than f2.5 but I don't think it'll focus as close as the Sony and that is a shame if you like the odd close up picture.

 

[snerkler]

I just wondered, is anyone else trying to thin their gear out, are you stable for now or are you all looking to buy more rather than stick or sell?

Mine's about as thinned out as I'd like to go now. I don't intend on adding to it, although if funds would allow I'd probably upgrade my 16-35mm to the GM II, and the A1 to the A1 II.

 

[woof woof]

Mine's about as thinned out as I'd like to go now. I don't intend on adding to it, although if funds would allow I'd probably upgrade my 16-35mm to the GM II, and the A1 to the A1 II.

There are two things tempting or that could tempt me, well maybe three.

1. A Sony 28mm f2 MK2. No sign of one from Sony or anyone else. I wonder why?
2. The Voigtlander 28mm f1.5 but really I'd like AF.
3. As I'm too tight to get the RX1rIII an A7cII but the articulated screen puts me off.

Mrs WW has given her permission (twice) for me to change my Evoque for a newer one so maybe that'll satisfy my gas for a bit

 

[snerkler]

There are two things tempting or that could tempt me, well maybe three.

1. A Sony 28mm f2 MK2. No sign of one from Sony or anyone else. I wonder why?
2. The Voigtlander 28mm f1.5 but really I'd like AF.
3. As I'm too tight to get the RX1rIII an A7cII but the articulated screen puts me off.

Mrs WW has given her permission (twice) for me to change my Evoque for a newer one so maybe that'll satisfy my gas for a bit

I’ve been really enjoying going out with a fixed focal length, it’s taken me over 10 years to get here but better late than never

 

[woof woof]

I’ve been really enjoying going out with a fixed focal length, it’s taken me over 10 years to get here but better late than never

I find zooms just confuse and stress me. I had a standard range zoom on my Nikon SLR and I used a 12-24mm on my Canon DSLR's but these days I prefer a prime. I occasionally use a 45-150mm and 100-400mm zoom on MFT but only now and again.

 

[woof woof]

This is another lens I'm thinking of selling and in fact it is up for sale but I don't think I'll be upset if it doesn't sell and if it goes to a dealer I just know I'll regret it.

TTA 50mm f2. I like the low contrast look here.



Long exposure.





This last one got printed and framed.

 

[ancient_mariner]

I find it helpful to have a variety of different focal lengths available, rather than many replicates all about the same. I have 2 35mm lenses at opposite ends of the spectrum (f1.2 and f2.8) but otherwise no replication in native glass. Other lenses with different mounts fit a variety of different cameras.

 

[pmac]

When I moved from Nikon I thinned out main due to the loss I took selling.

I was using
D750
50/1.8
85/1.4g
Sigma 35 1.4
24-70
70-200 vr2

Ended up with
A7iii
28-75 tamron
85 1.8

Added a Samyang 18mm
Which I recently sold
The added
20/1.8g
Viltrox 50/2

I’m now wanting the 50/1.2 and may sell the 28-75.
Waiting on the next body also as I’ve an itch to switch the a7iii, even though it does everything I need and probably way more than I know/can do.

 

[pmac]

A great follow up to the last line of my post and likely a very stupid question.

So a7iii
I always thought that the exposure indicator at the bottom of the VF moved even aperture priority to show over/ under exposure.. using my camera yesterday I noticed it didn’t when it maxed shutter speed and over exposed( you do get an arrow at the very end, but id doesn’t say by how much- I closed the aperture until it bought the image to exposed to be sure)

Is this normal or have I changed something at some point

 

[LeeRatters]

As it's quiet.

.........

I just wondered, is anyone else trying to thin their gear out, are you stable for now or are you all looking to buy more rather than stick or sell?

I think I'm pretty happy.

My most shot with camera this year has been the X100f I would imagine.

Which sort of means I haven't really shot any big aperture stuff at all!! But, I don't think I could part with the GM primes even though the 24G & 40G could probably get me by with their 2.8/5 apertures......

So, I guess I'm pretty happy - because if I did get the small G primes (and maybe an A7Cii or R) I think that would be too close a set up to the X100f and I don't really want to stop using that because I do enjoy it for what I use it for.

I've got my 35mm film kit - Yashica FX3, ML28, ML35, ML50/1.9 & ML135 but I generally just use the 28mm or 35mm f/2.8's tbh

The Yashica Mat 124g - I just can't put into words how nice that is to use But it's £3 a shot!

Sony A7Riii (and A7)
24GM
35GM
FE85
Tamron 70-180/2.8
Voigtlander 40/1.2E

I'm not looking to buy anything - If I were to sell, CV 40/1.2E I think because as nice as it is, I just don't use it. And if I did sell that, I'd probably sell the X100f too & pick up an X100vi tbh

We're off to Wales in a few weeks for a little roadtrip(ish) holiday and my gear list (I think) is going to be.....

Yashica Mat 124g
X100f
A7Riii, 35GM, Tamron 70-180/2.8

I might pack the 24GM with the night sky kit.

I'm not taking the 35mm film kit either.

I don't want to be messing about with what to take out each day etc and I do want to use the Sony kit a lot tbh

 

[snerkler]

A great follow up to the last line of my post and likely a very stupid question.

So a7iii
I always thought that the exposure indicator at the bottom of the VF moved even aperture priority to show over/ under exposure.. using my camera yesterday I noticed it didn’t when it maxed shutter speed and over exposed( you do get an arrow at the very end, but id doesn’t say by how much- I closed the aperture until it bought the image to exposed to be sure)

Is this normal or have I changed something at some point

Obviously if you’re using a priority mode it will keep the exposure at 0 unless using exp comp, however I can’t recall what the metering shows if you max the parameters, I’ll experiment at some point and report back.

Off the top of my head I do think that the metering scale just flashes to indicate over/under exposure rather than show by how much with an arrow like you get in manual mode, but I can’t be 100% sure.

 

[woof woof]

As far as I remember.

In Aperture mode the needle stays in the centre and you get flashing values with either fixed or auto ISO.

In manual mode with auto ISO you get flashing values but with fixed ISO the needle will move away from the centre.

Whatever mode you're in if you move the exp. comp. dial the needle will move.

AFAIR.

 

[Mr Perceptive]

I think I'm pretty happy.

My most shot with camera this year has been the X100f I would imagine.

Which sort of means I haven't really shot any big aperture stuff at all!! But, I don't think I could part with the GM primes even though the 24G & 40G could probably get me by with their 2.8/5 apertures......

So, I guess I'm pretty happy - because if I did get the small G primes (and maybe an A7Cii or R) I think that would be too close a set up to the X100f and I don't really want to stop using that because I do enjoy it for what I use it for.

I've got my 35mm film kit - Yashica FX3, ML28, ML35, ML50/1.9 & ML135 but I generally just use the 28mm or 35mm f/2.8's tbh

The Yashica Mat 124g - I just can't put into words how nice that is to use But it's £3 a shot!

Sony A7Riii (and A7)
24GM
35GM
FE85
Tamron 70-180/2.8
Voigtlander 40/1.2E

I'm not looking to buy anything - If I were to sell, CV 40/1.2E I think because as nice as it is, I just don't use it. And if I did sell that, I'd probably sell the X100f too & pick up an X100vi tbh

We're off to Wales in a few weeks for a little roadtrip(ish) holiday and my gear list (I think) is going to be.....

Yashica Mat 124g
X100f
A7Riii, 35GM, Tamron 70-180/2.8

I might pack the 24GM with the night sky kit.

I'm not taking the 35mm film kit either.

I don't want to be messing about with what to take out each day etc and I do want to use the Sony kit a lot tbh

Stop shooting Portra 400 and shoot some Gold200, that will neatly half your film costs - you’ll be surprised how close it is to Portra in 120 format!!

 

[woof woof]

I find it helpful to have a variety of different focal lengths available, rather than many replicates all about the same. I have 2 35mm lenses at opposite ends of the spectrum (f1.2 and f2.8) but otherwise no replication in native glass. Other lenses with different mounts fit a variety of different cameras.

I have lenses of the same focal length but they're different lenses. For example the Voigtoander 35mm f1.4 is a very different lens to the Voigtlander 35mm f1.2. To me they're different enough to warrant having both and they can both have different uses. Ditto the Voigtlander 50mm f1.2 and f2 apo. Even the Sony 35mm f2.8 and f1.8 are IMO different enough to justify owning both.

The most similar lenses I've had are the film era 24, 28 and 35mm f2.8's. The f1.7. f1.8, f1.4, and f1.2 50mm's show more differences but the f2.8's are generally more similar because differences are often more apparent at wider apertures but they do still have differences in optical qualities and handling too and for a long time researching, finding and buying, testing and comparing these lenses was a part of the hobby for me especially when I was looking after my mam and couldn't get out much. For most people having similar lenses maybe isn't justifiable if the costs are significant but with film era lenses the costs are minimal and I think it becomes a lot more justifiable if you enjoy the differences or even just researching, finding and comparing them. Actually I think this also applies to cheap modern Chinese lenses too.

PS.
Remember that I'm the guy who had multiple 35 and 50mm lenses and also recently bought knocking on 30 watches. Not everyone is as obsessive over what others may think are minor differences

 

[LeeRatters]

Stop shooting Portra 400 and shoot some Gold200, that will neatly half your film costs - you’ll be surprised how close it is to Portra in 120 format!!

All my 120 film for the 124g I've actually bought on here

First lot was one Portra 400, 3 Gold & a Lomo 800

Second lot was 5 x Fuji 400h - I'm on the first roll of that lot.

I'm still paying £22 a pop for dev & scans though.

 

[stevelmx5]

All my 120 film for the 124g I've actually bought on here

First lot was one Portra 400, 3 Gold & a Lomo 800

Second lot was 5 x Fuji 400h - I'm on the first roll of that lot.

I'm still paying £22 a pop for dev & scans though.

£22 per roll for dev/scan is very expensive. I've been using FilmDev for the last 5-6 years and their results and turnaround time have always been excellent. 120 dev/scan is only £10 per roll (highest quality) and they can supply TIFF or JPEG scans with WeTransfer links for download.

Filmdev | Film Developing and Scanning

Film developing and scanning for colour and traditional Black & White film. Noritsu HS-1800 and Fuji Frontier commercial scanners for the highest quality scans.

filmdev.co.uk

 

[LeeRatters]

£22 per roll for dev/scan is very expensive. I've been using FilmDev for the last 5-6 years and their results and turnaround time have always been excellent. 120 dev/scan is only £10 per roll (highest quality) and they can supply TIFF or JPEG scans with WeTransfer links for download.

Filmdev | Film Developing and Scanning

Film developing and scanning for colour and traditional Black & White film. Noritsu HS-1800 and Fuji Frontier commercial scanners for the highest quality scans.

filmdev.co.uk

I know other places are cheaper This place is ½ a mile away so no postage cost and I usually get the scans back next day and sometimes the same day.

 

[stevelmx5]

I know other places are cheaper This place is ½ a mile away so no postage cost and I usually get the scans back next day and sometimes the same day.

No problem, I'm not sure I'd pay £22 per roll even if it was round the corner but good that you're happy with the results.

 

[woof woof]

Nice to see you in the thread Steve. I hope you and your business are doing ok?

 

[stevelmx5]

Nice to see you in the thread Steve. I hope you and your business are doing ok?

Thanks Alan, I’m keeping busy cheers (which reduces my free forum time!) but I still try to catch up when I can. I’m toying with switching out my A7ii for an A7C at the moment, but am not 100% convinced it’s really an upgrade.

 

[woof woof]

Thanks Alan, I’m keeping busy cheers (which reduces my free forum time!) but I still try to catch up when I can. I’m toying with switching out my A7ii for an A7C at the moment, but am not 100% convinced it’s really an upgrade.

I have the A7 and A7III and thinking about getting an A7cII (I want to two dials so the original is out for me) for the smaller form factor but I'm put off by the articulated screen. I'd much rather have a tilting one or the fully articulated and tilting one. It's really just gas though but the smaller body would be welcome when I go to Thailand later this year.

Glad to know you are doing ok. I sneak a look at your site now and again just for the gear porn and of course still have your little Chroma badge.

 

[Mr Perceptive]

All my 120 film for the 124g I've actually bought on here

First lot was one Portra 400, 3 Gold & a Lomo 800

Second lot was 5 x Fuji 400h - I'm on the first roll of that lot.

I'm still paying £22 a pop for dev & scans though.

Buy a scanner, I pay £5 a roll for C41 processing, and £6 for B&W, scan it myself, would save you £17 a roll, 15-20 rolls in and you'll have saved the cost of the decent scanner.

 

[ancient_mariner]

PS.
Remember that I'm the guy who had multiple 35 and 50mm lenses and also recently bought knocking on 30 watches. Not everyone is as obsessive over what others may think are minor differences

I know. It's funny that you'll have a dozen 35mm lenses , each with a slightly different look, but find zooms confusing.

 

[stevelmx5]

I have the A7 and A7III and thinking about getting an A7cII (I want to two dials so the original is out for me) for the smaller form factor but I'm put off by the articulated screen. I'd much rather have a tilting one or the fully articulated and tilting one. It's really just gas though but the smaller body would be welcome when I go to Thailand later this year.

Glad to know you are doing ok. I sneak a look at your site now and again just for the gear porn and of course still have your little Chroma badge.

That’s sort of where I am with the A7C too. I don’t want to give up the dial/button options of my A7ii, but the more compact body (and later sensor) is appealing. The A7Cii is probably a bit too rich for a bout of GAS at the moment though, which is steering me towards keeping the A7ii for now.

Glad you still like my gear mate, and for originally supporting my campaign in 2018! I’ve been playing around with building myself a Leica-style ‘brassed’ Six17 this week (6x17 medium format). Still need to spray the lens cone up but I quite like it.

Sorry to everyone for the non-Sony talk!

 

[LeeRatters]

No problem, I'm not sure I'd pay £22 per roll even if it was round the corner but good that you're happy with the results.

Well, it looks like £12 with return negatives, plus the risk of lost/damaged in the post, plus the actual cost of me posting (few quid for a jiffy I'd imagine), plus the 7 day or more turnaround time.

The tiff scans I get are good. And I've shot a film on a Saturday morning, dropped it off walking back home and got the scans through at 4pm!

I'm happy to use them, yes.

 

[LeeRatters]

Buy a scanner, I pay £5 a roll for C41 processing, and £6 for B&W, scan it myself, would save you £17 a roll, 15-20 rolls in and you'll have saved the cost of the decent scanner.

I've looked into scanners many times but something for 35mm and 120 that gives decent results burns my brain because all the reviews just go against each other...... And I just end up back at the beginning. I think it's £7/8 for dev only where I go, plus obviously a return to pick the negatives up.

 

[Mr Perceptive]

I've looked into scanners many times but something for 35mm and 120 that gives decent results burns my brain because all the reviews just go against each other...... And I just end up back at the beginning. I think it's £7/8 for dev only where I go, plus obviously a return to pick the negatives up.

I get that! You (almost) need different systems for each, since I only do MF its a bit easier

 

[snerkler]

I get that! You (almost) need different systems for each, since I only do MF its a bit easier

I've thought about getting a scanner for my old old family photos, all shot on point and shoot 35mm, do you have any recomendations please?

 

[Mr Perceptive]

I've thought about getting a scanner for my old old family photos, all shot on point and shoot 35mm, do you have any recomendations please?

I've had poor experineces with an Epson Flat Bed (V600) on 35mm, its fine for MF though (though I did buy a better negative holder), you're probably best of asking on the 'Big Scanner Thread'

Its quite a bit of work at first getting a workflow sorted (dust management, etc), but once you have a system in place it can be reasonably quick.

Don't dismiss the option of using your Sony with a macro lens, and suitable backlight/holder, you can probbaly buy in/sell on the Macro lens for little cost once the project is complete.

 

[GreenNinja67]

I have the Epson Perfection 4490 Photo flatbed scanner and it's scanned all my 35mm negatives and slides really well.

Also scanned my 6x6 slides with it.

Try looking for one 2nd hand. I picked mine up from here for £30 I think.

 

[snerkler]

Just posted my pics from the Silverstone festival here

https://www.talkphotography.co.uk/threads/silverstone-festival-2025-warning-pic-heavy.769678/

Pic for attention.

A1_00746 by Toby Gunnee, on Flickr

 

[woof woof]

A first world problem.

I had a free hour today so I thought I'd take my A7 and Sony 28mm f2 out but then I thought "Why am I taking this rather ordinary modern AF 28mm f2 when I could be taking a lovely Voigtlander? So I changed it for the Voigtlnder 50mm f2 APO. Than I thought "Why am I taking this very good modern lens when I could be taking something with more character?" So I changed to the Canon FD 50mm f1.8 breechlock.

 

[GreenNinja67]

Then what happened Alan?

This is riveting stuff.

 

[woof woof]

Then what happened Alan?

This is riveting stuff.

I just knew people would want to read all my thought processes on a Tuesday afternoon.

I took my A7 and Canon 50mm f1.8 breechlock out. I didn't get anything I want to post here, it was just for the fun of it and being out on a nice day while I had the time. I might have a keeper or three though, I'll have a longer look, a think and make my mind up.

The main point was that my indecisiveness and bouncing from IMO an average lens to a rather good one and then to one which by todays standards is technically quite poor surprised me a bit.

 

[snerkler]

A first world problem.

I had a free hour today so I thought I'd take my A7 and Sony 28mm f2 out but then I thought "Why am I taking this rather ordinary modern AF 28mm f2 when I could be taking a lovely Voigtlander? So I changed it for the Voigtlnder 50mm f2 APO. Than I thought "Why am I taking this very good modern lens when I could be taking something with more character?" So I changed to the Canon FD 50mm f1.8 breechlock.

It's all about 35mm for me so I don't have these issues