2016 - A Few Thoughts

2016 has seen the fewest blog entries since I started blogging a few years ago, but at the same time, I took a record number of pictures in the same year, mostly with my Sony A7.

Looking back, I did not spend any money on digital camera bodies in 2016. For some reason, I didn't have the urge to upgrade the cameras like I did in previous years.  Perhaps I have come to the realization that my Sony A7, Nikon D810 and the Olympus EM5 are still great cameras. The Nikon 1V I got was given to me in exchange of some work I did for a friend, and I really do not like that camera at all, for manual focus lenses.  Nikon has castrated the very feature I need, mainly, auto exposure for manual focus lenses, and I can't see myself using manual exposure for every freaking frame I take.  It's just not happening.  That's the reason I have not even bought any adapters for it. Really don't know what to do with the camera.  A shame really, as it has so much potential for small format lenses like D-Mount, C-Mount, and half frame lenses.  As an AF camera, it's quite nice, dynamic range of the sensor not withstanding.

The best thing I did in 2016, was the purchase of the micro lathe.  It has been only a short time, and the lathe is not perfect, but I got a taste of what I can do with such a machine, and I am hooked.  I really look forward to adapting more lenses with it.  In fact, I have a plan which I will talk about in another post :)

Last year also saw me amassed a large number of non-standard lenses and (mostly dead) rangefinders. My goal was to buy enough of these things for me to practice on, to make myself a more skilled lathe operator. So far, I have done about a dozen conversions, mostly on slower rangefinder lenses or on lenses that are already manually converted but with less than satisfactory results. The only thing that slows me down is the lack of time I have available. I think for simple conversions, I can do a pretty good job now.

I fully realized that my blog has become more niche and covers mostly non-standard lenses.  This may turn off some readers who may expect me to cover conventional mount lenses, but I find it in my interest to discover and try out these gems.  Sorry if this is not your cup of tea.  There are so many of these lenses out there and as many people don't realize they can use them on digital cameras.  If I can provide enough information to make some of these lenses live a second life, my goal is accomplished.

Photographically, 2016 was not a bad year for me.  No, my pictures have not improved,  but I enjoy taking them nonetheless.  Hopefully 2017 will be even better!

Streetcar on Queen St. East. Vivitar 40mm f1.7 & Sony A7

Photokina 2014 - Some Random Thoughts

Photokina, the biggest photographic event that's held every two years, is fast approaching. Most major photo equipment makers usually reserve the best product announcements on this event. I don't have a crystal ball, or insider information, but that does not stop me from having fun and predict what might be announced at the show by manufacturers.

Sony: Currently my favourite camera maker. I have been shooting mostly with the A7 for the last little while, and a little bit with the Olympus E-M5, while the Canon equipment has been sitting on the shelf. I do not expect Sony to announce major cameras, as most of the models are pretty current. The only camera that we might see is the RX-1/RX-1R replacement, and perhaps a new model using a 1 inch curved sensor and a fixed 35mm f1.8 lens. But, we probably will see more lenses from Sony than any other time. This is good for lots of people, though I likely won't buy many auto focus lenses.

Olympus: Olympus is in the same boat as Sony; their main line has pretty recent models. I think it may announce an EP-L model (EP-L7?) and perhaps a warmed over E-M10 replacement. Fast lens freaks will probably be overjoyed as I think Olympus will have a f1.2 lens prototype at the show.

Fuji: Fuji is an interesting company who produced a nice line of high quality prime lenses for it's mirrorless camera system. They will likely introduce even more lenses.  I do wish they will have a full frame sensor using the Super-CCD technology.  That would be interesting.

Panasonic: Panasonic probably has more camera announcements than other mirrorless camera makers. The expected LX8, probably a camera to continue the GF series, and perhaps a scaled down version of the GH4, but I don't think there will be many new lenses.

Canon: It's going to be mostly APS-C cameras for Canon.  The long rumoured Canon 7D replacement will sport new sensors, but I won't be holding my breath for anything revolutionary. It's probably going to be based on the current dual-pixel design and thus cramping 40+ megapixels on such a small sensor is probably not going to be that great in both dynamic range and noise performance, unless Canon moves away from it's "ancient" fabrication technique that they have been using for the last decade. I do wish they will have something revolutionary, like a 3-layer sensor a la Foveon. I hope they do, because I still have a bunch of L lenses :)  As for mirrorless cameras, they will likely introduce a warmed over EOS-M2 as M3 with dual-pixel sensor and faster auto focus. Basically, I don't expect anything earth shattering from Canon.

Nikon: Well, I don't really follow Nikon so I won't say much. They might have yet another new edition of the Nikon One mirrorless camera. A J4/V4?  I am sure if Canon has the 7D II, Nikon will also announce a D300 replacement to counter Canon.

We will see what happens in a few weeks.

Megan - Sony A7 & Leica-R 90mm f2 Summicron at f2

Sony Customer Service - Last Update

Sony delivered.  I wrote about the issue with Sony getting the missing items when I bought an open box A7 from the Sony Store. It took 4 deliveries and some back and forth email exchange with Sony to get the correct items, but they did it.  I got my lens hood for the Sonnar 35mm f2.8 and the body cap for the A7. I am extremely happy how things turned out. Sony has earn another loyal customer.

Bokeh - Sony A7 & Minolta MC Rokkor-QF 200mm f3.5 @ f3.5

2011 - A Year in Review -- Part I

2011 has been an interesting and exciting year in terms of photography for me.  I have updated my most used camera bodies: Sony NEX-5N and Canon 1D Mark III and most of what I set out to achieve has been fulfilled, with the exception of the 5D Mark II.  Very little has changed to my lens collection.  A few manual focus lenses have been added, but the quantities is nowhere near where they were during the last few years.  I am happy to say that I managed to take pictures more often this year than any other year, which I am very happy about.

Camera Bodies: 

NEX -- The NEX-5 has been my most used camera this year until late September.  The NEX-5 was replaced by the little brother the NEX-5N.  In terms of image quality, the 5N is the best camera I have used for small cameras.  I am extremely happy with my upgrade to the 5N.  Many worthy upgrades from the original NEX-5: shutter lag, speed, image quality, sensor clean, battery life, etc.  Worth every penny.

Panasonic G1 -- Hardly used it any more.  I am spoiled by the NEX-5N.  I gave it to Dillon for him to use.  Still one of the best camera to use with manual focus lenses, especially c-mount cine lenses.  

Canon 1D Mark III -- This camera replaced my trusty 1D Mark IIn that I have had for a couple of years.  Awesome camera in terms of speed and image quality.  Very happy that I don't have focu issues like my first copy last year.  This is the camera I go to when I need to capture action shots, or when auto focus is required.

Infrared Modified Canon 20D -- I think my love with Infrared Photography has lost its luster.  I don't remember using this camera more a few times this year.  But I am keeping it just in case I am into it again.

Canon XS -- Got this for Dillon a few weeks ago only because I got it very cheap.  But it's a nice little camera that produce amazing results.  Its tiny little view finder and shallow buffer make it very annoying.  But, it's a good camera to learn photography with.  I loaned Dillon my Sigma 50/1.4 as I don't really want him to use my 50mm f1.2L.  Hopefully he will make good use of it.

Canon 5D Mark II -- Well, it hasn't happened as planned.  I haven't got it yet, but hey, there are still three weeks left in December, so who knows?

Tree Trunk -- Panasonic G1 & Kiron 28mm f2. Click for Larger.

What I Want in the Next NEX camera

I like my NEX-5. I have been using it almost exclusively since I bought it in December of 2010.  I probably shot over 10,000 frames since.  But, the current NEX cameras need some serious feature upgrades.

First and foremost, please, please add a built-in view finder, in the same class of the Panasonic G or GH series, or better.  I am in my 40s, and I can't see screen well at close range with out, er, bi-focals.  I have ordered a pair of progressive  lens, but still not done yet.  So I don't know how well it will work out.  Another benefits of a viewfinder is the accuracy of focusing.  Shooting DC style, it's difficult to get critical focus, especially at close range or very thin depth of field, because a slight movement will shift the focus.  Heck, I will even settle for an external EVF!

Second, I would like a few more physical buttons on the camera. As it is implemented currently, changing settings means going deep into the menus, and is a pain in the neck.  Even just a mode dial will make things much better.

Third, fix the %T^@#$ tripod mount!  I don't mind a slightly larger body, but make the tripod mount flush with the bottom of the camera.  The NEX-5 has the most unstable camera support of any camera I know.

Fourth, more lenses!  How about some nice, FAST autofocus prime lenses?  All other EVIL makers have better lens than NEX, if you count only the native mounts.

I am sure there are a few things I would like to have, but the above is my main concerns.

2010 - A Year in Review

2010 saw the most frequent gear change ever for me.  Practically all my camera bodies have been replaced, except the Panny G1 and the IR 20D.  Personally, this is not a good sign.  Frequent gear changes are like mid-life crisis -- not happy with things as they are, and a need to prove something that may never be there.

Three new camera bodies were purchased this year.  Canon T2i in February, 7D in June, and Sony NEX-5 in December and acquired a used 1D IIn and Panny GF-1.  In brief, bought T2i, 7d, NEX-5, 1D Mark IIn, GF-1; sold: 5D Mark I. Current holding: 1D IIn, Panny G1, IR 20D, NEX-5.

I admit I was fooled by the Canon propaganda machines regarding the high image quality and high ISO capabilities of the T2i/7D.  I love both of these cameras except the sensor.  If had the the image quality of the 5D sensor with some high ISO enhancements, I would be in heaven, especially for the 7D.  It's almost a perfect APS-C camera.  So I have learned that you can't really trust what a company says completely, and that the studio test shot in dpreview represent the best image quality under ideal lighting, that in normal use, would almost never achieve the same results.

Sad to say that I have only partially achieved my goal as I set out to accomplish in the beginning of the year: a high speed camera for action (1D IIn), a full frame bodies with high ISO capabilities (which was supposed to be the 5D II, but the pricing has not gone down significantly enough to justify buying one), and a body to play with manual focus lenses (G1/NEX-5).

I already wrote about why I got rid of the T2i and 7D -- the image quality is not what I expected.  The short lived ownership of the GF-1 did not excite me.  Just don't like shooting with it.  I felt like shooting with a small brick -- very uncomfortable to hold.

In terms of lenses, I added some manual focus lenses, but far less than previous years.  I think this is a good thing.  Either manual focus lenses don't interest me any more, or the ones I really want are out of my price range.  A good thing, I would say.  The only auto focus lens I bought this year was the Canon 100mm f2.8L IS (kit lenses don't count).  What a fabulous lens it is.  This lens was to replace both my 100mm f2 USM as well as the 180mm f3.5L, but so far both of them are still with me.  As I said before, it's hard to get rid of lenses.

However, I did sell part of my M42 collection, especially the Takumars.

Gone are the SMC 24mm f3.5 (this one would hit the mirror of the 5D/1D series), SMC 55mm f1.8, SMC 50mm f1.4, and a few others.  Planning to get rid of the rest: SMC 35/2, SMC 35/3.5, SMC 28/3.5, 300mm f5.6 Ultra-Achromat and possibly SMC 17mm f4 fisheye.  This last one is tough to let go.  I did sell it once, but bought the same lens back. The only Takumar lens I will likely keep is the SMC 85mm f1.8.  The sold lenses partially funded the purchase of the NEX-5.

The Panny 45-200mm f4-5.6 OIS lens was also sold.  I had high hopes for this lens but it never performed well.  The image quality was not there, and the IS was not very effective.  After a few uses, it was gone.  The only regret I had for this lens was that I bought it in the first place.

Next, my plan for 2011.

A picture to remember my 5D and the spring to look forward to in this frigid winter -- Canon 5D & Schneider Retina Tele-Xenar 135mm f4. Click for larger.

EVIL Cameras Are Coming!

It is rumored that Sony will introduce not one, but two Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens (EVIL) cameras. The hugely popular and successful Micro 4/3 cameras, such as the Panasonic G series, and Olympus Pen series, are hard for other manufacturers to ignore. Samsung is now selling the NX10 EVIL cameras, though the specs are nothing earth shaking, but their planned lens line up looks interesting.

Sony could make a very big impact in the EVIL camera market. This is the fastest growing segment of the market at the moment, and competition is less fierce than the SLR or P&S markets. If Sony plays the cards right, they could do a much better job than the SLR division and corner a larger market share. One of the key to success, in my opinion, is a line of fast and small prime lenses. This is what Olympus and Panasonic should have done. I am especially disappointed that Olympus, of all the manufacturers, did not make nice, sharp, small and exceptionally great primes like they did with the OM system. If Sony can leverage the Zeiss name and make some fantastic small and fast primes, I will jump on and buy one.

I see other manufacturers jumping on the EVIL market. Pentax will likely be next to introduce an EVIL camera, and I am really hoping that this will happen. Pentax will no doubt make some great pancakes. Sigma and Fujifilm will also be getting into this game. Sigma, especially, is already half way there with the large sensor DP1 and DP2. Both Sigma and Fujifilm will likely join the micro 4/3 crowd.

Somehow I can't see Canon and Nikon getting into this market, at least not until the EVIL market matures. More often than not, the smaller companies are more willing to venture into an unknown market than larger companies like Canon and Nikon. A shame really.

This will be an exciting time to be in digital photography. We have more choices than ever before. Exciting times, indeed.


The Beast -- Panasonic G1 & Kodak Anastigmat 50mm f1.6 c-Mount Lens. Embiggen.

Canon, what happened to your AF supremacy?

Since the introduction of the Canon 1N, and the super quiet and fast Ultra Sonic Motor (USM) driven long lenses, Canon has practically cornered sports photography market. This is especially after the superb EOS 3 in 1998 with a lightning fast and accurate 45-point auto focus system, and subsequent 1V. This combination of fast focusing lens and the 45-point auto focus system made sports shooters switch from Nikon to Canon in droves.

This 45-point auto focus system has reigned supreme for a decade, unmatched by any other manufacturer. Things only got worse for Nikon when we entered the digital age, with the introduction of the Canon 1D Mark II. Nikon had not made another camera that could compared to the 1D II after the D2H. In fact, the Canon 1D Mark IIn represented the pinnacle of the 45-point auto focus system.

Too bad for Canon, the sports photography market has never looked the same after the introduction of the 1D Mark III. Created with high hopes and expectations for the celebration of the 20 year anniversary of EOS, Canon revamped the 45-point auto focus system, and re-designed the 1D. Unfortunately, the Mark III fell flat on Canon's face with its auto focus inconsistency. To compound the pain for Canon, Nikon introduced the D3, a marvelous cameras that featured a new 51-point auto focus system that performed consistently and predictably. Sports shooters are moving back to Nikon in droves.

As an ex 1D Mark III owner, I loved everything about the camera, except the auto focus system (and to a small degree the LCD screen). I could not even get the level of auto focus accuracy as my 1D Mark II that it replaced. I fiddled with the configurations, but it was still a hit and miss game. Finally, I concluded I could not trust its auto focus system, and sold it. The used 1D Mark III has by far the worse re-sell value of any 1-series Canon.

Today, I read the Rob Galbraith's article titled "An analysis of EOS-1D Mark IV autofocus performance". I just had to shake my head. What has happened to the company that pioneered so many firsts in the SLR field? Electronic Lens Mount, Ultra Sonic Motors (USM), Image Stabilization, Diffractive Optics (DO), and the famous 45-point auto focus system? You would think that after the 1D Mark III fiasco, they would make the 1D Mark IV bullet proof. Again, like the 1D III, the mark IV is a nice and fantastic camera with so many features, but what good is a sports camera if you can't get consistent auto focus?

Of all the Canons I have shot with, I love the 1D, 1D II, and the 5D the best. The 5D's auto focus system is slow, but ACCURATE!!! I hardly get any out of focus pictures with the 5D. If it's blurry, it's because the shutter speed is too low, and not of focus errors.

I hope the Mark IV's auto focus system can be improved by firmware updates. It's a shame that a camera as nice as the Mark IV has to suffer due to it's auto focus sub system.


William -- 1D Mark III & EF 135mm f2.0 @ f2.2, ISO 1600, 1/200s.

An EVIL Canon Camera?

Street Musician, Ottawa -- Canon 5D & EF 35mm f1.4 @ f1.6, ISO 3200.

I think most people are surprised how well the micro 4/3 cameras are selling, possibly including the m4/3 manufacturers. This clearly shows how traditional DSLR manufacturers have been ignoring the market segment where people want small, yet interchangeable lens Digital SLRs. The Four Third format was a good attempt, but unfortunately not very successful, because 4/3 cameras are not much smaller, if at all, than traditional DSLRs, simply because of the optical reflex mirror, which limits how small the camera can get.

By removing the reflex mirror, a lot of restrictions are lifted and many benefits are immediately apparent. These include lower cost, as the reflex mirrors is one of the more expensive components of the body, shorter lens to sensor register (thus making the body thinner), smaller lenses, and best of all, less vibration due to mirror flap, so you can take pictures with slower shutter speeds.

I think the time for a full frame Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Camera (EVIL). The megapixel electronic view finder is now almost good enough as a replacement for an Optical View Finder. After using the Panasonic G1, I really prefer an Electronic View Finder for manual focus than an optical one.

Imagine a Canon 12MP 5D without a mirror box. This can be made much cheaper, but have ultra high usable ISO a la D3s. The full frame EVIL will be an entry level camera priced around $1500, will sell like hot cakes. Best yet, make a monochrome version of this camera without the Bayer array, for the B&W fanatics.

The reason I like to have an EVIL full frame, is to have much better compatibilities with manual focus lenses. Right now, so many lenses hit the mirror on my 5D, but if there is no mirror, all those lenses that could not be used because of mirror clearance can now be used. Manual Focus Lens nuts all over the world will rejoice!

Wishful thinking, I know, at least for the foreseeable future. I firmly believe future DSLRs will be mirrorless. We will wait and see.