I'm in LA so plenty of thrift store deals abound.
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NeoGAF Camera Equipment Thread | MK II
- Thread starter MRORANGE
- Start date
I'm in LA so plenty of thrift store deals abound.
Dr.Horrible
Member
So if I'm able to jump on the A6000 soon, what's a decent lens to pair it with? The kit lens seemed ideal for amateur photography, but I'm hearing horror stories now
I just bought this bundle from Amazon. It came with two lenses which have worked great for me so far.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01097XD0W/?tag=neogaf0e-20
I'm absolutely loving it so far.
jongkookie
Member
I see.
I actually really wanted a FM or those similar looking bodies but they're just too damn expensive and I don't even know if I'm gonna enjoy shooting in film so I went for an N8008 due to cheapness and just to see if I actually will enjoy film. If I really enjoy it though, I'll probably grab an F3 and go with that lol.
Anyway, I need to buy some film... anybody have recommendations for what brand to get?
A good trick is just to set your kit lens to typical prime focal lengths and leave it there for a while. Tape it down if you can't resist adjusting it
Gives you an idea of using that focal length plus having to 'zoom with your feet'
It depends on how much you wanna spend. I assume you're looking at regular color print film (C41).
There are some cheap brands like Kodak Gold, Fuji Superia and Agfa Vista. If you can find it Fuji Superia has a 1600 speed option for indoor use which is the fastest color film out there. I'm really not sure which one is the best, but maybe Fuji? I've never shot Agfa Vista so I can't say anything about it.
When it comes to fancier films Kodak has Ektar and Portra. Ektar is the highly saturated film and only comes in ISO 100. The other Kodak brand is Portra which as the name implies is designed for portraits because it has a more neutral color saturation. It comes in ISO 160, 400 and 800.
Fuji has some fancy film as well, but I don't know much about them.
I'd probably get some cheap film when starting out so you could waste some film without feeling bad about it.
QualityPixel
Banned
Start with cheap film, slow down when snapping. Stuff like Kodak Ultramax and AGFA Vista Plus have nice grain, accurate colors and warmth. Fujicolor 200 is also just as good as the aforementioned, but a little cooler in color. And I would suggest not buying expired film. You can also google image search (or search on Flickr) any film type you're interested in and see how other peoples images are turning out.
If you catch the film bug then you can can try more fancy/specialized films like the Portra, Ektar, Provia, Velvia, TMaxx, or my favorite Fuji Pro 400H. Some of these films get expensive, so screwing up feels all that much worse.
What's the difference between Fuji Pro 400H and 160NS? NS sounds like neutral saturation, but the Fuji site wasn't very clear on the difference.
Fake edit: Just read that 160NS for 35mm was discontinued last summer :/
TerryLee81
Member
Got some new stuff today, I can finally start to learn how to use a flash.
QualityPixel
Banned
Fuji Pro 400H and Kodak Portra films should be very similar from what I've read. If you can find 160NC then it's good for weddings and 160VC is good for everything else, but like you said it looks like the NC/VC varieties have been discontinued anyway.
I like the 400H for it's natural colors, delicious 400-speed grain, and seems to be a bit forgiving when it comes to exposure or color accuracy. And it takes to scanning in my Epson V500 pretty well. Works well with Photoshops "open in camera raw" mode.
Edit: I should note that I've only used 400H in medium format so film grain look is going to quite different b/t 35mm and 120. On 120 grain is surprisingly fine but on 35mm I would expect it to look nicer than cheap 35mm 400ISO film but have that grainy look.
Here is a scan of one at SUPER HIGH REZ
ElectricKaibutsu
Member
I just took my new a6000 out for the first time today. I'm really liking it. It's so quick to focus! I got the fotodix adapter and I have three FD lenses which I haven't used in years. I'm looking forward to getting some use out of them again.
itwasTuesday
He wasn't alone.
Got some new stuff today, I can finally start to learn how to use a flash.
Nice, get some cheap radio triggers and get that flash off the camera. Happy playing.
jongkookie
Member
Thanks for the suggestions!
I'll take a look at Amazon and see what they got. My local camera store only stocks B&W rolls of some type of Ilford's so I didn't buy one yet.
theepicoftyler
Member
When wanting for cheap film there is always a Walgreens or Walmart within a square mile that has Fuji Superia.
Anyone have a recommendation for a backpack that works well with a mirrorless setup? Most camera bags I've seen are huge because they need to fit a DSLR + lenses but I'm looking for something more minimal that still offers room for a Macbook and some other stuff for my commute.
I'm leaning towards this one from Thinktank but was kinda bummed that it doesn't have bottle pockets:
https://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/perception-15-backpack
I'm using a regular backpack right now with a Domke wrap for my A6000 but I've had a few close calls so prefer something with more protection.
I'm leaning towards this one from Thinktank but was kinda bummed that it doesn't have bottle pockets:
https://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/perception-15-backpack
I'm using a regular backpack right now with a Domke wrap for my A6000 but I've had a few close calls so prefer something with more protection.
you can't really go wrong with Think Tank. But maybe give the F-Stop bags a look.
any negatives?
reggieandTFE
Member
Olympus's flash system is wireless. No need for extra triggers.
Dr.Horrible
Member
None that I've experienced so far. The camera and lenses looked great, no dings or scratches, and it also came with a nice camera bag and a memory card. Lots of great feedback on the Amazon page too.
Edit- I suppose the only negatives would be a shortened warranty period vs buying new and you have to download the manual.
I'm looking to take some photos in my basement. It's not uber well lit (no big windows), but it does have white walls and decent lights everywhere. I am looking to take self portraits, but I'm afraid lighting will be insufficient. What can I do with a desk lamp to produce more light?
Astral/H3X
Member
That's a great idea. I'd reflect it off of the walls if possible.Desk lamp? Go buy a $20 bright ass "daylight" LED bulb, and you'll have light.
You can also check the CRI index (sometimes just called CR) on those bulbs. Higher just means more accurate colors. 80 is typical for cheap bulbs and the scale maxes out at 100.
Thug Waffle
Member
Me too, actually. Any suggestions on where to find good gear deals? I'm new here and don't know the hot thrift shops.
itwasTuesday
He wasn't alone.
Well that's handy. Why didn't I know that.
VisceralBowl
Member
Borrowed my friend's AE1 and shot with it today. I'm not a fan of its light meter.
They're everywhere really. Where are you located? It's also luck of the draw and persistence.
TerryLee81
Member
That's the "RC" mode, right? I need to watch some of the tutorials someone posted a few pages back.
TerryLee81
Member
Did you own one of the predecessors of the RX100?
I have the MK1, and while iq is great (especially for its size), I just don't like the handling. Don't like the buttons, don't like the zoom. But that's just me. If you never owned one, try one out before you buy it.
I would go for the Fuji, without hesitation. Except for video, of course.
Skel1ingt0n
I can't *believe* these lazy developers keep making file sizes so damn large. Btw, how does technology work?
Friend told me a buddy of his had the X-Pro 2 to mess around with. I told him he was an idiot, that they thing isn't even out, yet and only a few early folks got their hands on a pre-release.
Welp, I owe him lunch because sure enough, the dude had an X-Pro 2 preview unit.
Only messed with it for a couple minutes, but early impressions was that it felt fantastic in the hand - somehow even *more* solid than the 1. The joystick/AF points were phenomenal - seriously, the joystick just makes so much sense. AF seemed comparable to my X-T1 - quick, but not lightning fast. AF-C wasn't working how I expected, so I gave up on that. The OVF/EVF definitely feels like a step down from the X-T1's, which granted, is one of the latter's best features.
Shooting a rangefinder is weird. I've used a Leica M9 before, but only over a single weekend. Build quality wise, this Fuji felt not quite as hefty/solid (as it should, considering the price); but "feel" wise, the Fuji felt really fantastic.
Really great first impressions, but I didn't have near enough time with it to offer any semblance of technical input or performance metrics.
Welp, I owe him lunch because sure enough, the dude had an X-Pro 2 preview unit.
Only messed with it for a couple minutes, but early impressions was that it felt fantastic in the hand - somehow even *more* solid than the 1. The joystick/AF points were phenomenal - seriously, the joystick just makes so much sense. AF seemed comparable to my X-T1 - quick, but not lightning fast. AF-C wasn't working how I expected, so I gave up on that. The OVF/EVF definitely feels like a step down from the X-T1's, which granted, is one of the latter's best features.
Shooting a rangefinder is weird. I've used a Leica M9 before, but only over a single weekend. Build quality wise, this Fuji felt not quite as hefty/solid (as it should, considering the price); but "feel" wise, the Fuji felt really fantastic.
Really great first impressions, but I didn't have near enough time with it to offer any semblance of technical input or performance metrics.
or return the flash, and use the money to buy a couple of Yongui wireless flashes and a transceiver
Krauser Kat
Member
Buying a SLR/DSLR for video this year is hard.
GH4 is super cheap used and reliable and has amazing imag quality in video
A6300 Looks amazing but i wait for reviews and will probably be better for stills.
G7 is small and does the job and cheaper than the 6300 will have to compare video.
GH5 will come out sometime this year too and might not be that out of my budget.
Now i just have to wait.
GH4 is super cheap used and reliable and has amazing imag quality in video
A6300 Looks amazing but i wait for reviews and will probably be better for stills.
G7 is small and does the job and cheaper than the 6300 will have to compare video.
GH5 will come out sometime this year too and might not be that out of my budget.
Now i just have to wait.
jongkookie
Member
Got this thing in the mail just now:
I'm currently reading the manual since I obviously can't just play around with film lol.
I'm currently reading the manual since I obviously can't just play around with film lol.
Fuji. Better sensor, better handling. Unless you want to shoot video.
Honestly I wish I could buy a cheap Pro 1 just for the lolz. Rangefinder always interested me but I can't pay for a pro 2 and my X-T1 will have to do for the next years.
andythinkpad
Member
They are very different cameras. If you are cross shopping 2 very different cameras, the chance is you are better off with the easier one.
JadedWriter
Member
What is a good intro mirrorless? I've been looking at the NEX 6 and 7, A6000 and others. It's not for me, I don't want to spend more than like 350 400 tops. It will be bought around November so factor in depreciation if possible. It would be for my girlfriend whom is pretty much an evf/lcd user which I noticed when I went picture shooting with her. My original goal was to get her a d3200 or 5200, but that wouldn't work with her shoot style at all. Why the heck is it so hard to find a cheap em10 on ebay?
Idunno but i cant seem to give away my Olympus OMD. Im surprised i still have it. that and the 75mm. I had an easier time selling my olympus 300mm f2.8 which the market for super telephotos is small enough, but a super telephoto for 4/3rds?
JadedWriter
Member
How much are you charging for it? Wait isn't your camera pretty beat up?
no that was my EP2 which was beat to hell, i but i sold that one.
currently have it listed on craigslist for $295, amazon and ebay say thats about in line. Plus i always start high because people want to lowball.
JadedWriter
Member
295 actually isn't that bad, but now isn't the right time sadly... for once I hope depreciation kicks in a lot.
TerryLee81
Member
My gf wants the PEN-F, even tough she knows not much about photography. Well yeah l'm not getting her that one. An E-M10 seems to be the best value really.
JadedWriter
Member
Why does the Olympus stuff cost so damn much? I know it's not Leica bad but still. Is the EM-10 due for a price drop soon?
They aren't that expensive given the feature set. You can't really get a camera with wifi, touchscreen/tilt screen, IBIS for the same price other than maybe one of the Pentax cameras like the K-S2. There are two versions of the EM-10, it was updated with a Mk II version last year so you should be able to find the original version fairly cheap I would think.
JadedWriter
Member
In all honesty it'll depend on how much she uses the camera she currently has. If she uses it a lot then fine I'll figure something out, if not I'm looking for a cheap NEX 6. Is the Alpha series really that damn bad? Keep in mind I can't see my GF buying lenses.
jongkookie
Member
Film is hard lol.
It at least doubles the amount of time I take in setting up for a shot. With digital even on MF and all that stuff, it might take me a few seconds to set up and shoot. On film, it's like a minute to set up lol.
Also the lack of instant gratification of knowing if the shot was good or not is a little annoying for now. I think it's gonna be awhile until I get over that lol.
But, I do find shooting in film more enjoyable and maybe even more cathartic than digital.
The only thing that really sucks is that there isn't a lot of places around DFW that develops film anymore. Both the good spots are basically 30 miles away from my home and work, and since they don't offer a same day or 1 hour service, I'm finding it a little difficult to use their services.
Has anybody used TheDarkRoom.com to develop their stuff? I'm probably gonna end up using them once I've finished up another roll or two in the next 2 weeks.
It at least doubles the amount of time I take in setting up for a shot. With digital even on MF and all that stuff, it might take me a few seconds to set up and shoot. On film, it's like a minute to set up lol.
Also the lack of instant gratification of knowing if the shot was good or not is a little annoying for now. I think it's gonna be awhile until I get over that lol.
But, I do find shooting in film more enjoyable and maybe even more cathartic than digital.
The only thing that really sucks is that there isn't a lot of places around DFW that develops film anymore. Both the good spots are basically 30 miles away from my home and work, and since they don't offer a same day or 1 hour service, I'm finding it a little difficult to use their services.
Has anybody used TheDarkRoom.com to develop their stuff? I'm probably gonna end up using them once I've finished up another roll or two in the next 2 weeks.
NickatNite
Member
Recommendations for a film 35mm Camera?
I'm enrolled in a beginning Photography class for the upcoming spring semester.
Currently I have a Nikon D3300 with kit lens and Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 35mm f1.8G G Lens, but I found out today that its a 35mm film class.
Also will the Nikkor Lens work with a Nikon SLR camera?
I'm enrolled in a beginning Photography class for the upcoming spring semester.
Currently I have a Nikon D3300 with kit lens and Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 35mm f1.8G G Lens, but I found out today that its a 35mm film class.
Also will the Nikkor Lens work with a Nikon SLR camera?
The 35mm DX lens kinda works on 35mm/FF, but most DX lenses don't work well. All FX lenses technically work, but with technical caveats.
When it comes to modern Nikon lenses in general there are two issues. The first is AF where most modern lenses are AF-S (motor inside lens) which older AF cameras don't support, but you can always manually focus them. I think the oldest body to support AF-S is the Nikon F90/N90.
The second issue is 'G' which means no aperture ring. Older, manual Nikon's can only use the smallest f-stop with those lenses, but a lot of quite recent Nikons (like the N70 which in production until ~2003) can use them with all apertures, but only in modes with automatic aperture control because Nikon originally wanted you to turn the aperture ring to change it. Any Nikon that can control the aperture automatically (shutter or program mode) are able to do this, but for full control you'll need the most recent film bodies like the F55, F65, F75, F80, F100, F5 or F6.
Nikon D lenses all have aperture rings and are made for the old AF system. The downside is they don't autofocus on newer entry level Nikons like the D3X00 and D5X00.
If you're going the manual focus route I'd consider looking at MF lenses as well. AF lenses work, but MF lenses are more precise with less slack and a longer throw.