A few more from ZM 25 + NEX combo. Still better viewed with IE browser (or save and view them with your trustworthy browser). As a post-processing newbie, I really have hard time getting "stable" JPG files. Different browser, different results.
Great pictures.. made me think about the possibility that the next FF EV cameras could be based on APS-C sensor.
With most APS-C sensors, the existing retrofocus design lenses perform with no or minor issues whereas with the introduction of NEX cameras we began to notice the shortcomings of some readily available conventional design (rangefinder) wide angle lenses, the adaptation did not function as well as it was with M8 or M9 Leicas. The first issue IMHO is whether it would be feasible for any manufacturer to offer a FF-size sensor EV camera with microlenses to take care of the oblique angles of the image circle of available rangefinder lenses and still keep the cost below, let's say $2K for the sake of our dreams. The second issue is the relatively higher costs of some stellar lenses designed for rangefinders; bringing the total cost easily to over $3k with one lens, with Leica lenses further up and still be a mainly manual-focus camera. The third issue is how many customers would opt for such a camera to encourage a manufacturer to initiate a production aiming the use of some existing lenses of someone else's manufacture?
I tend to believe that introduction of custom design APS-C size lenses, especially wide angles, with AF and proprietary software to take care of vignetting and distortion issues (like the 20/1.7 Panasonic, for example) could be more realistic solution to satisfy our expectations. As far as the MP size is concerned, APS-C is close to match Leica M9 and to match high ISO capability of the M9 is a joke, to eliminate the AA-filter is up to the sensor manufacturer.
Let's also consider the advantages of APS-C size lenses over the FF ones; higher resolution due to smaller circle of illumination, larger apertures compared to FF with less weight even with the AF and IS circuitry and possibly smaller size too. Also, we should not overlook the need of zooms for which APS-C size offers much better design convenience compared to FF. And who knows, a time may come and with the range of available APS-C size lenses we began to treat the existing Leicas being rather large, heavy and cumbersome as we do today for most of the DSLRs.
bdickers wrote:
These images are outstanding! Who cares about which size sensor produces the images when they look this good.
the problem becomes visible when you want to get a normal lens with f1.4 or even f2. To achieve that you need to get as a minimum the expensive 35/1.4. And if you like 35mm perspective with a fast aperture then you are stuck
Good for landscapes and long lenses though!
Bob YILDIRAN wrote:
I tend to believe that introduction of custom design APS-C size lenses, especially wide angles, with AF and proprietary software to take care of vignetting and distortion issues (like the 20/1.7 Panasonic, for example) could be more realistic solution to satisfy our expectations.
For me the need for such a universal FF camera is more to do with its ability to use the old glass. If I had such a camera, I could have a few old time camera systems and would be able to use their glass on my digital depending on my mood. the historical value is important to me. I do not like the new plastic lenses, which more increasingly are built with profit not quality in mind.
The camera you describe is more realistic and would have its uses, but I wish they also built one for the old glass.
Edgars Kalnins wrote:
the problem becomes visible when you want to get a normal lens with f1.4 or even f2. To achieve that you need to get as a minimum the expensive 35/1.4. And if you like 35mm perspective with a fast aperture then you are stuck
Good for landscapes and long lenses though!
very true, i have high hopes that the new voigtlander 25mm f/.95 will either come out in NEX mount as well or at least have a big enough image circle to be worth converting. with regard to the normal focal length, the voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 is quite economical (for a 35mm f/1.4).
Edgars Kalnins wrote:
For me the need for such a universal FF camera is more to do with its ability to use the old glass. If I had such a camera, I could have a few old time camera systems and would be able to use their glass on my digital depending on my mood. the historical value is important to me. I do not like the new plastic lenses, which more increasingly are built with profit not quality in mind.
The camera you describe is more realistic and would have its uses, but I wish they also built one for the old glass. ...Show more →
i agree, i much prefer manual focus which is terrible on modern plastic lenses. i want old style metal lenses with well damped focus rings.
Thanks a lot for the comments and encouragements again. And sorry for a bit late response, but right now I am at the other remote corner of the earth, with slow internet.
I guess 35mm (or equivalent) just provides the right viewing angle for me -- Be bold and step forward to get close up people shots, back to get scenes and landscapes. I did consider a 25/1.4 lens (there are such fast or ever faster cine lenses), but then I tend to add some background to my shots and 2.8 is enough for neccessary blurs. All in all, ZM 25 is almost the perfect choice for me (and it is already on my shelf), leaving only autofucus to be desired.
I think the APS-C or full frame sensor these days are more than adequate, at least for my type of photography, i.e. street and people. Therefore, the choice of gears all comes down to the portability and usability of the camera (this is a matter of personal taste), and more importantly, the lens support. I am OK with the way a NEX operates, and I have some M mount lenses, and that is why I finally picked the NEX-5C. Again, YMMV.
Side notes about NEX:
1) The LCD screen is really as good as it gets. Only in bright sunlights do I need to magnify 7x to check focus. However, in different ambient light, it might be hard to judge the exposure. I used to shoot under "M" modes, but slowly I switched to "Av" modes: let the camera decide the initial exposure and then use compensation to create the "correct" exposure (sometimes purposely under/over expose to create some certain effect or atmosphere). In overcoming the exposure problem, this practice actually helps me shoot more creatively.
2) The criticism on NEX's controls is exaggerated, at least for people using MF lenses. The only trouble is to change the ISO, which we really don't change that often.
3) I have to use small aperture and try to use the focus scale on the lens to get the snapshots in quick action, but then after I check the photos, I sometimes desire more separation/background blurs. Sometimes the focus is just off. That is why I think a viewfinder or AF lens is needed. Considering that Zeiss made great tiny AF Contax G lenses before, and Panasonic make a good 20/1.7 lens now, a good AF zeiss lens for NEX is all possible.
4) Again the sensor quality is as good as any other APS-C sensors. Try the camera's operation to see if it is your type.
Wyan, keep in mind that the distance scale with M lenses on NEX tends to be off (due to adapter tolerances?) For example, if I'm shooting a subject at 10 feet, I need to dial in focus on the lens a couple of millimeters "left" of 10 feet on the lens distance scale. Essentially, I line up the 10ft mark with the F2.8 line that is right of center on the lens barrel. I figured this out by using a tape measure to nail down distances.
joanlvh wrote:
in order to used a Zeiss ZM lens on a NEX, what adaptor do you need to use?
thanks joanlvh
you need an m-mount to sony NEX adapter. there are a number of different m-mount to NEX adapters at various prices that can be found on ebay (as low as $40). voigtlander (cosina) also makes a m-mount to NEX adapter that can be bought here for $179: http://cameraquest.com/voigt_adpt_sonye.htm
douglasf13 wrote:
Wyan, keep in mind that the distance scale with M lenses on NEX tends to be off (due to adapter tolerances?) For example, if I'm shooting a subject at 10 feet, I need to dial in focus on the lens a couple of millimeters "left" of 10 feet on the lens distance scale. Essentially, I line up the 10ft mark with the F2.8 line that is right of center on the lens barrel. I figured this out by using a tape measure to nail down distances.
Doug, thanks a lot for the tips. I might be able to find an adapter with accurate distance scale (and thus infinity focus wide open). I will report back.
