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Archive 2015Sony A7RII with leica standard M lenses?

  
 
tchirath
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p.2 #1Sony A7RII with leica standard M lenses?
I also have GAS and have owned M9, M240, A7S, A7ii, A7Rii. However I control my limit with the size of my dry cabinet so if I want to play with new toy I have to sell the old ones. I never owned 2 cameras at the same time. I have also owned many lenses from Leica M, Zeiss ZM, Sony FE, vintage -- but also control the limit number of them.

As of today, the camera that best suits my needs today is A7Rii. I compared to M240 and I prefer Sony versatility and technology, so I sold the Leica. In terms of IQ they are extremely close, even compared M lenses on M240 vs M lenses on A7Rii.

I also have compared many lenses on from M to vintage to FE on A7Rii and this is my personal opinion:

UWA: I have only tried WATE, Leica 21mm super elmar f3.4, 16-35FE, Zeiss 25 2.8 ZM, Batis 25 -- Batis 25 beats them all.

For 35 1.4 lenses -- Nothing beats 35 1.4 Zeiss FE on A7Rii, not even Leica 35 Summilux FLE. However I prefer the FLE due to size.

For 35 2 -- 35 Summicron ASPH cannot beat Loxia 35/2 on A7Rii for color. However for B&W I do prefer the 1st version of 35 summicron (8 element)

Because camera works best with its native lenses, generally it takes more effort even for Leica to match the IQ of Zeiss FE on Sony camera. For example I see better IQ from 55 1.8 Zeiss FE and 50/2 Loxia on A7Rii than Leica 50 Summicron. However it will take up to 50 Summicron APO or even Noctilux to surpass the IQ of sony native lenses.

Sep 02, 2015 at 06:57 PM
Zony_user
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p.2 #2Sony A7RII with leica standard M lenses?
Yeah it's hard to beat the Batis 25 and FE 55 on a A7x. And that's from any camera/lens combo.
Sep 02, 2015 at 07:12 PM
torakun
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p.2 #3Sony A7RII with leica standard M lenses?
tchirath wrote:
I also have GAS and have owned M9, M240, A7S, A7ii, A7Rii. However I control my limit with the size of my dry cabinet so if I want to play with new toy I have to sell the old ones. I never owned 2 cameras at the same time. I have also owned many lenses from Leica M, Zeiss ZM, Sony FE, vintage -- but also control the limit number of them.

As of today, the camera that best suits my needs today is A7Rii. I compared to M240 and I prefer Sony versatility and technology, so I sold the
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Thank you for sharing you rpersonal experience. It's valuable to me.

I think I will take your word for it. My next lens to purchase is going to be batis 25.. However I have decided to get Sony Zeiss 35, so if I get Batis, I will have only wide and extra wide.. hmm.. Maybe I should get Sony 55 instead of 35 f/1.4.. damn.. haha


Sep 02, 2015 at 09:33 PM
Arai
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p.2 #4Sony A7RII with leica standard M lenses?
I suffered from GAS too, coming from Canon 5DM2, I now own A7II and MP240. For image quality I prefer MP240 with its native lens like 35 FLE, 50lux or even 21 SEM. It easily beat the Sony A7II with its own native lens too like 35 loxia or FE 55.

I don't own A7RII yet, but its coming in mid Sept, I'm so curious to compare it with my MP240 as there is no AA filter in both cameras. However if maybe and most probably A7RII' IQ better than MP240, I'll still using the MP240 the most because it's better built, RF experience and the beauty of the MP240 has make me want to carry around and take pictures.

For TS : are you from SE Asia? Because I preorder one with bunch of same stuff like ONA bags, FE24-70, straps and Canon Nikon adapter for almost the same price as our fellow US. How lucky we are
Sep 02, 2015 at 10:45 PM
torakun
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p.2 #5Sony A7RII with leica standard M lenses?
Arai wrote:
I suffered from GAS too, coming from Canon 5DM2, I now own A7II and MP240. For image quality I prefer MP240 with its native lens like 35 FLE, 50lux or even 21 SEM. It easily beat the Sony A7II with its own native lens too like 35 loxia or FE 55.

I don't own A7RII yet, but its coming in mid Sept, I'm so curious to compare it with my MP240 as there is no AA filter in both cameras. However if maybe and most probably A7RII' IQ better than MP240, I'll still using the MP240 the most because it's
...Show more →

Hi there!

Wow, you're so lucky (G.A.S talk.. hehe)

The thing with M240 (your's is even more expensive because its P) is the price for me. I adore Leica as this post can show my struggle against the slight possibility of owning one. However, for me, currently only Leica M9 is justifiable for me due to it's second hand price @2900 ish. That's just $300 shy for brand NEW A7RII. 2009 technology vs 2015, for me its no contest. M240 is another matter though. For me, Leica M240 is a great and most "modern" Leica yet, however, I just can't deal with paying $4500 for second hand one knowing that I can just spend much less for A7RII. I get the philosophy of shooting with Leica and how technology doesn't matter because of it, and that's actually why it appeals to me! However, if we can have a nicer screen, wifi, etc to make our life easier in this day and age, why not??

Leica lenses though, on the other hand... I don't mind paying $2000 for 50mm Summicron because they are just amazing in size and performance! Leica lenses are just sublime. Ideally, M240 @$3000+$2000 summicron 50 is what I'd call amazing deal! Sadly, for that to happen, I might need to wait for 1/2 more years perhaps.. haha..

YES! I've calculated, and turns out the price for the body alone in my country equates for only around $2780! So those extra stuff is really worth it. extra SD card is never a bad thing, bag is a great one as well, not cheapo kind. We are very lucky, yes.

Cheers!
Sep 03, 2015 at 01:25 AM
Arai
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p.2 #6Sony A7RII with leica standard M lenses?
Lol I forgot there is origin information in our profile.

My journey with Leica didn't come in a night or a day. I begin to adore Leica in 2009 when they announced the M9. I kept dreaming to own one but because its price and many factors I didn't buy it.

Leica is Leica, when you have an affair with Leica is either love or hate, in my case I love it all about Leica. IMO, they have created the best optics in the world.

My first Leica actually is 50 lux, I bought it in 2011 at JPC Kemang, collect 35 FLE a year later from Steve Huff, but no I didn't mount it on M9 nor M240, I mounted it on NEX7 . After picked up 21 SEM few months back, I decided to take a step and go for the MP240. Couldn't be happier ever since It's indeed a beautiful camera.

I hope you'll find your satisfaction on your finding. Can't wait to test it out A7RII with my MP240
Sep 03, 2015 at 04:07 AM
Zony_user
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p.2 #7Sony A7RII with leica standard M lenses?
Arai wrote:
For image quality I prefer MP240 with its native lens like 35 FLE, 50lux or even 21 SEM. It easily beat the Sony A7II with its own native lens too like 35 loxia or FE 55


Hmm... not sure about that.
Sep 03, 2015 at 07:56 AM
tchirath
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p.2 #8Sony A7RII with leica standard M lenses?
Zony_user wrote:
Arai wroteFor image quality I prefer MP240 with its native lens like 35 FLE, 50lux or even 21 SEM. It easily beat the Sony A7II with its own native lens too like 35 loxia or FE 55
Hmm... not sure about that.


In my opinion from my experience,

MP240 + 35 fle/50 lux > A7ii + loxia/fe/35 fle/50 lux
MP240 + 35 cron/50 cron = A7ii + loxia/fe

A7Rii + batis/loxia/fe >= MP240 + 35 cron/50 cron/35 fle/50 lux/21 SEM
A7Rii + 35 fle/50 lux <= MP240 + 35 fle/50 lux

And

A7Rii + batis/loxia/fe > A7Rii + 35 fle/50 lux/21 SEM

Sep 03, 2015 at 08:47 AM
LightShow
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p.2 #9Sony A7RII with leica standard M lenses?
Honestly, unless you're a serious pixel peeper, I think you'll be fine with with most lenses.
I'm currently rocking the CV15III, a modified G45, and an M 90AA on my A7r, I'm looking forward to trying out my M 24 Elmarit Asph on the A7rII.
Sep 05, 2015 at 02:52 PM
torakun
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p.2 #10Sony A7RII with leica standard M lenses?
Thanks for the replies!

I think I am just mostly concern about the colour shifting. I am not a pixel peeper and I don't think anything could bother me, except if there's a weird colour defect.

Luckily, as for 35 and 50 focal lenght, can be covered with loxias, so I don't feel compelled to get summicron for those two.

CV15 vIII works fine on the a7rii? If it is, I don't need to buy 16-35 then.. thanks!
Sep 06, 2015 at 08:43 PM
uhoh7
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p.2 #11Sony A7RII with leica standard M lenses?
torakun wrote:
Thanks for the replies!

I think I am just mostly concern about the colour shifting. I am not a pixel peeper and I don't think anything could bother me, except if there's a weird colour defect.

Luckily, as for 35 and 50 focal lenght, can be covered with loxias, so I don't feel compelled to get summicron for those two.

CV15 vIII works fine on the a7rii? If it is, I don't need to buy 16-35 then.. thanks!


Easy to find m240 now for about 3900 and M9 for 2500USD. If you enjoy the Leica lenses, I think that is the way to go.

There is a very great confusion in the past and today as to how the various M lenses perform on the Sony bodies. Long landscape shots are the true test because that's where the Sony sensor struggles. Many "test images" show close objects in the central frame. This might be fine for a single shot. It's no way to judge lens performance. The Sonys have been fine in the central frame from the start.

If money is a concern and you want to shoot some M glass close to true potential, I would buy a used A7 (not r) for 700 USD and have the sensor cover glass replaced by Kolari for 400USD. Then you have something much closer to the M240 for 1100USD, than an unmodifed A7r2 ever will be.

To get the most out of that camera you need the native glass. Of course there are many fine images made with all these Sony bodies and various M lenses, and for many shots, edge sharpness is not such a huge issue anyway. But to gloss over the real issues of a thick glass over the sensor is to tell the lens designer that their hard work is really no big deal.
Sep 06, 2015 at 10:06 PM
aly324
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p.2 #12Sony A7RII with leica standard M lenses?
I'd second UhOh in considering an M body for M lenses. This is coming from someone who's used all the A7x bodies (unmodified) except the A7R2 and who is not a fan of RF focusing.

I say this because I recently rented an M-E to use with my M mount lenses and noticed that the files came out much better looking. There's a crispness and tonal richness that I don't see in the Sony files, which by contrast look like they have a thin gauze over them. And it's not just about the edges and corners.

Of course the M-E is not as good in low light.

Here're a few from A7S/A7ii vs M-E with the same lens (the ZM 35/1.4). I think even in these sizes you can see the difference:

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1318450/33#13153704

Same thing with the Summilux-M 35 pre-FLE. Maybe the Kolari mod changes this, and maybe the A7Rii has much better processing. I hope so, because overall I still lean towards the Sony's.

Sep 06, 2015 at 10:14 PM
uhoh7
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p.2 #13Sony A7RII with leica standard M lenses?
One other factor about the money. The Sony "new" tax is huge. I'd bet by spring a perfect used A7r2 will be easy to find for just over 2k. They do not hold value like Canikon, let alone Leica.

This is both bad and good. Great if you want to come in a bit late and grab one

I had to wait a long time to bite the M9 bullet. But luckily most of that time I didn't think I wanted one

And of course I still need a A7 so I can post in the threads were so many of my friends do But it has the Kolari mod.


Sans Bridle by unoh7, A7.mod Leica 90/2.5

Riding that horse is like shooting the M9. Very fundamental.


Edited on Sep 06, 2015 at 10:28 PM · View previous versions
Sep 06, 2015 at 10:20 PM
Sam_W
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p.2 #14Sony A7RII with leica standard M lenses?
Speaking of ultra wides on an A7r2, what's the general consensus on a Zeiss ~15mm?

ZF.2 Distagon 2,8/15?
ZM Distagon 2,8/15?
Contax G Hologon 16/8?
Sep 06, 2015 at 10:22 PM
uhoh7
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p.2 #15Sony A7RII with leica standard M lenses?
we can't afford one

the M, that is.

But the new CV15 v3 is good. And under 1k. However the 1635 is right there.
Sep 06, 2015 at 10:24 PM
torakun
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p.2 #16Sony A7RII with leica standard M lenses?
Thank you for the inputs!

I think I made a mistake pre ordering the A7RII, the problem is that, I was super excited and so looking forward on owning one. However, now that I've been left waiting until I don't know when (supposedly it will be delivered this month for my pre order), my mistake was reading on many reviews. That coupled with the long waiting time is making me very unsure about this move. For example, I could just get Fuji XPRO1 (I don't like the newer Xtrans sensor)+23mm f1.4+16mm f1.4+56mm f1.2, all for only $2100. I'm just a hobbyist as well making it harder for me to justify it.

Unfortunately, I'm not too ready on spending that much on Leica M either. M9 is too old for me that's so used to the latest techs. The screen res alone is a deal breaker, not to mention the amazing but need-to-be-replaced-eventually-CCD-sensor. So, that leave me with M240, and sadly my budget isn't there for M240 and a lens. In my country, 2nd hand M240 cost around $4000 and cheapest 50 summicron is at $1400. So it means $5400 for the simple 1 lens combo. I am not even convinced that the 50 summicron is what I want, summilux is out of the range.

So in essence, I'm stuck with it now. I could maybe sell the A7RII once I get it though.. Cash it in and get something else, or use it and risk the rapid depreciation price of every sony a7 series.

Unrelated Leica question. How hard is it to focus using a RF, and will it make any different if my eyes is minus/need glasses?

Thanks again for the replies!
Sep 06, 2015 at 10:35 PM
pinholecam
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p.2 #17Sony A7RII with leica standard M lenses?
torakun wrote:
Thank you for the inputs!

I think I made a mistake pre ordering the A7RII, the problem is that, I was super excited and so looking forward on owning one. However, now that I've been left waiting until I don't know when (supposedly it will be delivered this month for my pre order), my mistake was reading on many reviews. That coupled with the long waiting time is making me very unsure about this move. For example, I could just get Fuji XPRO1 (I don't like the newer Xtrans sensor)+23mm f1.4+16mm f1.4+56mm f1.2, all for only $2100. I'm just a hobbyist
...Show more →

In that case, I suggest CV15viii as the UWA.
I have tried it on the A7 and its not problematic on the A7.

As for the other lens options, I suggest the FE28, FE35 and FE55.
Less to worry about in IQ, has AF and less costly than considering Leica and its potential pitfalls with the A7 filter stack.
Sep 06, 2015 at 11:45 PM
philber
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p.2 #18Sony A7RII with leica standard M lenses?
There will be another option, to be announced this week.
Sep 07, 2015 at 12:20 AM
torakun
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p.2 #19Sony A7RII with leica standard M lenses?
philber wrote:
There will be another option, to be announced this week.


Which is? Don't tell me A7SII.. if it is then I'll be damned..

Sep 07, 2015 at 12:29 AM
philber
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p.2 #20Sony A7RII with leica standard M lenses?
Nope. A WA lens.
Sep 07, 2015 at 12:35 AM
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