Film What FILM (!) photography related item did you buy this week?

If I score this camera I don't which lens to get first as I'm not Minolta savvy. Thinking a 28,50, 100 maybe. I'll have to see how he 35-70 performs first I guess.

Mine came with a stock zoom, which is too long for my taste. I am weird, I don't like big, bulky lenses as my camera has to fit into a woman's purse. So I got a 50/1.7, compact, light and well regarded I am told, but the better 50mm is the 1.4, which I am looking to get my hands on.
 
If I score this camera I don't which lens to get first as I'm not Minolta savvy. Thinking a 28,50, 100 maybe. I'll have to see how he 35-70 performs first I guess.

BTW, I meant to say in the other post above, I have three of the same zoom Minolta lenses (have no idea how I got three of the same). I am happy to send you one of them for the cost of shipping. All in great condition for stock zooms, I don't need three.
 
I'm a bit wary about posting this in the film forum, but I've actually acquired a digital companion to my M mount system. After researching the matter extensively (and repeatedly) over the last couple of months, I came to the conclusion that while I may not get the ultimate in optical image quality out of the lenses without a digital Leica M series body, those are just too expensive and somewhat underwhelming when it comes to technical aspects; furthermore, if I want a pure rangefinder experience, nothing beats the film bodies anyway.

So I finally picked the most inexpensive Sony that has I.B.I.S. - the Sony A7 II - after prices dropped considerably. I know that the next version is around the corner, but I'm not bothered about technical prowess and AF speed or whatever anyway, I just want a camera with a nice full frame sensor that I can adapt my maual lenses to and get a nice user experience, and there's loads of evidence online that this should work out fine. I also invested in a special adapter: the Voigtländer M to E mount close up adapter is coming my way.

The *only* AF lens I'm planning on acquiring (I'm fully equipped on that front anyway, through my Nikon system) is the tiny, yet quite enjoyable Samyang 35mm f/2.8 - it gets very nice reviews and makes for a very compact package in a pinch. It also reminds me of an old favourite: the Voigtländer 40mm f/2 SL II pancake I shoot on my Nikon FE/FM film bodies (it's still my favourite manual lens for F mount - in spite of all competition).

Does this mean I'll use my rangefinders less? I don't think so (even though it would be a bit of a relief, thinking of all the film that awaits development in the fridge) - my absolute favourite cameras are my two Leica RF bodies, closely followed (and superceded when it comes to convenience) by my Zeiss Ikon ZM. In fact, the lowly M4-P owns the top spot in my heart - it's sturdy, no-frills, heavy-duty and liberatingly simple; Sunny 16 and an old, but fully operational CdS meter from the sixties are all it takes to make photography fun. Plus, of course, the range of wonderful lenses!

But what *will* change is that I'll be able to use my lenses for time-critical stuff with quick turnaround as well. So, the Sony will probably find its own niche, but mostly, accompany the RF camera on duty as a second body that allows for the occasional quick post or documentary. So, even though it's digital, it's a strictly film related purchase. In a very satisfying way, I find this remarkable ...

M.
 
Just got the XA2 I ordered a few days ago...love it! Could be the perfect carry around film camera. I went and shot half a roll in no time around the village.
IMG_0249.JPG


I've also ordered an Agfa Isolette II and a load of Lomography film to go with it. I really want to try out MF again - the Lubitel I tried a few months ago was just too quirky for me (and bulky). The Agfa should be a bit easier to handle.
 
Just got the XA2 I ordered a few days ago...love it! Could be the perfect carry around film camera. I went and shot half a roll in no time around the village.
View attachment 2433

I've also ordered an Agfa Isolette II and a load of Lomography film to go with it. I really want to try out MF again - the Lubitel I tried a few months ago was just too quirky for me (and bulky). The Agfa should be a bit easier to handle.
Nice - small, simple, enjoyable! A word or two on the Isolette, though: Just make sure the bellows are light tight - the Isolette's leatherette bellows have a history of breaking in the folds causing pinpoint stray lights all over the place. It's not too difficult to check (torch in a dark room, shine light into the bellows from the rear). The Isolette II is a good camera otherwise - especially with new bellows. If you bought from Certo6 or another reliable source, they'll be all CLA'd and have new bellows anyway ...

M.
 
I'm a bit wary about posting this in the film forum, but I've actually acquired a digital companion to my M mount system. After researching the matter extensively (and repeatedly) over the last couple of months, I came to the conclusion that while I may not get the ultimate in optical image quality out of the lenses without a digital Leica M series body, those are just too expensive and somewhat underwhelming when it comes to technical aspects; furthermore, if I want a pure rangefinder experience, nothing beats the film bodies anyway.

So I finally picked the most inexpensive Sony that has I.B.I.S. - the Sony A7 II - after prices dropped considerably. I know that the next version is around the corner, but I'm not bothered about technical prowess and AF speed or whatever anyway, I just want a camera with a nice full frame sensor that I can adapt my maual lenses to and get a nice user experience, and there's loads of evidence online that this should work out fine. I also invested in a special adapter: the Voigtländer M to E mount close up adapter is coming my way.

The *only* AF lens I'm planning on acquiring (I'm fully equipped on that front anyway, through my Nikon system) is the tiny, yet quite enjoyable Samyang 35mm f/2.8 - it gets very nice reviews and makes for a very compact package in a pinch. It also reminds me of an old favourite: the Voigtländer 40mm f/2 SL II pancake I shoot on my Nikon FE/FM film bodies (it's still my favourite manual lens for F mount - in spite of all competition).

Does this mean I'll use my rangefinders less? I don't think so (even though it would be a bit of a relief, thinking of all the film that awaits development in the fridge) - my absolute favourite cameras are my two Leica RF bodies, closely followed (and superceded when it comes to convenience) by my Zeiss Ikon ZM. In fact, the lowly M4-P owns the top spot in my heart - it's sturdy, no-frills, heavy-duty and liberatingly simple; Sunny 16 and an old, but fully operational CdS meter from the sixties are all it takes to make photography fun. Plus, of course, the range of wonderful lenses!

But what *will* change is that I'll be able to use my lenses for time-critical stuff with quick turnaround as well. So, the Sony will probably find its own niche, but mostly, accompany the RF camera on duty as a second body that allows for the occasional quick post or documentary. So, even though it's digital, it's a strictly film related purchase. In a very satisfying way, I find this remarkable ...

M.

Congrats Matt! I have only heard good things about the A7II, I look forward to your experience with it.
 
Wow, I've been away for a few days and everybody has gone on a shopping streak! :)
Well, myself included. I am to blame for a Nikon FA (black) and a couple of Agfa Optima Sensors (huuugggeeee viewfinder, what a pleasure to use).
 
Well the Maxxum 7 is going to be a reality. A little money had to change hands but south of 50 bucks will be a good buy here I believe. If I'm not mistaken The 7 will shoot every lens in the Sony lineup along with some super quality G glass from Minolta so some possibilities may open up here. A little excited now. First lens to get will either be the 50 1.4 or 1.7 ( I'm a fifty guy ) . Shake down time, find out what I've got.

Edit: Think I'm wrong on the Sony lens lineup. It will take all Sony A mount lens, Not E's.
 
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Well I just got the Maxxum 7, It looks almost new inside and out, and digital. Picked up some batteries, slapped on my 35-70, set the time and date:D, adjusted the diopter and checked out the auto focus. Instant, is the word. Picked up a cross X 50 1.7, should be here Wednesday, for a shake down run. I've heard and read great things about this camera. It feels almost like my XT1 with grip. Excuse my dusty pics, still excited.:yahoo:
 
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They are fairly reasonable. This one I got for a song but I have seen them at 125.00 US in great shape. Lenses are a different thing for me. I have watched side by side comparisons of the 50's and for me I can get by with the 1.7. I bought the Cross X version on advice from a friend who said they were sharper. I will soon find out. After that the 24 or 28 will be good enough either way but the 100 2.8 macro is supposed to be amazing.The 28-105 seems ok as the 28-135 (Secret Handshake) lens. The( Beer Can) 70-210 f4 is said go be great, Love these Nicknames) and this is before you even step up into the G lens. $$$. I have been doing a lot of reading and hope to take this thing out tomorrow for some actual action. By the way The Dials and switches for every function, plus the rear LCD displays everything that's going on with the camera. Amazing. I know I've said that to much but so far it's what it is. And there are still a lot of custom features I haven't touched. I will say this, Minolta paid a lot of attention to detail.
 
This is a top view. The dial on the left is for exposure compensation in 1/3 stops on one side and 1/2 stops on the other, also underneath that dial is another dial for flash compensation. This little LCD screen far right is customizable. Mine is set to show Aperture and shutter speed at the moment which you can change while looking at it with the command dial. Marvelous. Could not have thought this camera out any better. I'm going to go broke buying things for it.
Minolta%20Top-XL.jpg
 
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