Thinking about a getting a digital camera...

[NedL]

Thanks all for good information!

 

[James Bleifus]

Capture One and Fujifilm partnered up, so Capture One has inside information on Fujifilm's X-Trans sensors.

I haven’t used Capture One in six months or so and that was with a Sony. Now I’m running around with an X-T2. What inside info does Capture One have?

Cheers, James

 

[Deleted member 88956]

I haven’t used Capture One in six months or so and that was with a Sony. Now I’m running around with an X-T2. What inside info does Capture One have?

Cheers, James

Fuji and Capture One people reportedly work together on Fuji raw file processing algorithms. Got to know something they MAY escape those not so directly involved.

 

[MurrayMinchin]

I haven’t used Capture One in six months or so and that was with a Sony. Now I’m running around with an X-T2. What inside info does Capture One have?

Cheers, James

Don't know for sure...just a hunch...one would think if they signed a partnership agreement, Fujifilm would have given proprietary information on their X-Trans sensors. I used to have 'wormy' issues with LR and CaptureOne doesn't have the same problem.

 

[James Bleifus]

Don't know for sure...just a hunch...one would think if they signed a partnership agreement, Fujifilm would have given proprietary information on their X-Trans sensors. I used to have 'wormy' issues with LR and CaptureOne doesn't have the same problem.

Ah, good to know since I’ve settled on Fuji. I like LR because of the iOS app (so I can mask with my Apple Pencil) and its cloud feature, which I think is brilliant. But I do feel that C1 is more intuitive and a touch better overall. And the person who does their video tutorials is quite good.

Cheers, James

 

[mooseontheloose]

Rachelle, I hope you will come back to this thread and tell us how you feel one you've used your Zfc for a little while.

I see that they make an adapter so that it can use F mount lenses... that's a plus. I would like to be able to use my 55 micro nikkor for copy work... but worried about whether the lens will really work well with APS-C... I wonder if it has a focus indicator like some of their earlier digital cameras had for using manual focus lenses... and options for white balance...

Hi Ned - sorry, I haven't been around the site for a while, I've been quite busy with work which means that I've done very little photographically-speaking, in the last few months. However, I have been able to take the Zfc out with me on a couple of trips, and I have to admit that I really like the handling of it, although it's far from second nature since I'm still getting used to it. Once classes are done for the year in a couple of weeks (!) I hope to go out and do some proper shooting with it. I know for my upcoming travels (!) I'll want a tele/zoom lens for the camera, but will wait before I bite the bullet on that. I didn't know there was an adapter for F-mount lenses, I'll definitely look into that.

 

[Russ - SVP]

 

[Arthurwg]

I've also settled on the Fuji, the 100V. Only trouble is I'd have to go back to Square One to learn how to use it. Looks like a rather steep learning curve.

 

[NedL]

So, I ended up getting a Z5. ( hopefully won't be banned from APUG ahem Photrio for admitting this ). I also got an F to Z converter ( not the nikon one, I don't need the AF or chip controls, most of my lenses are AI or AIS ).. we'll see how that works when it arrives. I have a feeling that with the ability to zoom in and use focus peaking, my manual focus lenses might even be easier to use than with the "split prism" on an SLR finder. But we'll see. The real test will be whether they still have the same "character", I'm not too worried about focusing them.

 

[bdial]

The focus peaking can be a little tricky, I am finding there are a lot of situations where it gets fooled and it shows elements as in focus that really aren't. Usually it's stuff that's off in the distance while you are focused close.
But double-checking with the zoom view works pretty well.
I am a bit disappointed with some of my rangefinder lenses on my Z, but I've also got some standouts that make up for it.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Hi Ned - sorry, I haven't been around the site for a while, I've been quite busy with work which means that I've done very little photographically-speaking, in the last few months. However, I have been able to take the Zfc out with me on a couple of trips, and I have to admit that I really like the handling of it, although it's far from second nature since I'm still getting used to it. Once classes are done for the year in a couple of weeks (!) I hope to go out and do some proper shooting with it. I know for my upcoming travels (!) I'll want a tele/zoom lens for the camera, but will wait before I bite the bullet on that. I didn't know there was an adapter for F-mount lenses, I'll definitely look into that.

I hope you can make it down to Kyushu and it's coal mines!

 

[mooseontheloose]

I hope you can make it down to Kyushu and it's coal mines!

I'm currently planning a 2-week trip around the island in March, just working out the logistics of everything, specifically the route (at the moment thinking I will start in Fukuoka and end in Nagasaki). Will visit every prefecture on the island (once I get to Oita and Miyazaki I will be 47/47 prefectures visited), but about half the trip will be in Kumamoto and Nagasaki. The mines are definitely on the list, as is Yanagawa, another place I've wanted to visit after seeing one of your photos from there. I finally want to get around to visiting Gunkanjima (I've always been unlucky in past visits to Nagasaki, with tours sold out on the dates I want to go), and I'm going to try to visit the not-so-famous but more accessible abandoned island of Ikeshima, assuming the ferry is running the day I want to go. Of course, most of the trip will be shot on film, but I'm definitely bringing the Zfc to get more comfortable shooting with it - if I can find some spare cash (!) I'd like to find a good tele-zoom lens for it as well.

Here's the video that made me want to visit Ikeshima (Huis Ten Bosch at the beginning, Ikeshima from 5:24):

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

I'm currently planning a 2-week trip around the island in March, just working out the logistics of everything, specifically the route (at the moment thinking I will start in Fukuoka and end in Nagasaki). Will visit every prefecture on the island (once I get to Oita and Miyazaki I will be 47/47 prefectures visited), but about half the trip will be in Kumamoto and Nagasaki. The mines are definitely on the list, as is Yanagawa, another place I've wanted to visit after seeing one of your photos from there. I finally want to get around to visiting Gunkanjima (I've always been unlucky in past visits to Nagasaki, with tours sold out on the dates I want to go), and I'm going to try to visit the not-so-famous but more accessible abandoned island of Ikeshima, assuming the ferry is running the day I want to go. Of course, most of the trip will be shot on film, but I'm definitely bringing the Zfc to get more comfortable shooting with it - if I can find some spare cash (!) I'd like to find a good tele-zoom lens for it as well.

Here's the video that made me want to visit Ikeshima (Huis Ten Bosch at the beginning, Ikeshima from 5:24):

I was on Ikeshima way before it became popular. Lots of photography potential. I will go there again next time I'm over there. Yes, Yanagawa for sure. Hop on a gondola! Man, I'm dying to get back there!

 

[mooseontheloose]

I was on Ikeshima way before it became popular. Lots of photography potential. I will go there again next time I'm over there. Yes, Yanagawa for sure. Hop on a gondola! Man, I'm dying to get back there!

I didn't realize Ikeshima was popular - this was the first time I ever heard of it. Good to know that you've been there before - is it easy to walk around, or would you recommend having a car (debating whether or not to take my car on the ferry to the island or not).

Hopefully when you make it back to Japan we can finally meet IRL!

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

I didn't realize Ikeshima was popular - this was the first time I ever heard of it. Good to know that you've been there before - is it easy to walk around, or would you recommend having a car (debating whether or not to take my car on the ferry to the island or not).

Hopefully when you make it back to Japan we can finally meet IRL!

Took the car over. Had my family with me. Did a lot of walking. Perhaps popular was a bit strong. It's more known today than when I was there. You will still feel alone there, I'm sure.
I'd love to meet up!

 

[Russ - SVP]

I've been shooting film since forever and will continue to do so for as long as it is available. However, as a lot of my photography is travel-based, I've been forced to reconcile with the idea that it might not be possible to travel with film to certain destinations because of the odds that the new airport scanners will ruin it. In addition, the reality is sometimes I just need something that can handle low light and still produce really nice results without using a tripod. After Provia 400x was discontinued I bought a Fujifilm 100x camera specifically because it was small, didn't require any extra lenses, and had good low-light capabilities. I still like it for all those reasons, but the fixed lens is a real limitation, and I rarely use it since my phone is always at hand.

But...once travel opens up again I have plans to travel to both the Arctic and Antarctica, as well as various places across Africa and the Middle East. I want a camera that is capable of producing excellent results in those locations, has a good wide-angle and zoom options, but is smaller and more lightweight than a DSLR system (since I will probably still have at least one film camera with me, despite the odds). At the moment, I shoot with old Nikon cameras and lenses, but nothing I have now will force me to stay with Nikon, as I would need to upgrade my lenses, so I'm open to any camera manufacturer. I've been looking at bridge cameras as a possible option - like the Nikon P950 or Sony RX10 IV and wonder if anyone has had any experiences shooting with these (or similar) cameras. Or anything really. I feel like a real noob when it comes to digital cameras and since I haven't been keeping up-to-date with them over the years, it's a bit overwhelming knowing where to start.

Other things to consider for a new camera (but not essential) - good video capabilities, and the possibility of using it to scan negatives and prints (to avoid having to buy a new scanner, which is also needed).

I know there are a lot of articles and info on the internet, but I'm looking at this more as a film user using digital to supplement her current system, rather than to replace it entirely.

I’m really liking my D780.

 

[NedL]

So far so good with AI and AIS lenses on the Z5. I haven't tried focus peaking yet, but zooming in makes it easy to focus - easier than a split-prism. Some advantages: no need for DOF button since you focus at the intended f-stop and just can see the DOF; in-camera image stabilization seems to work very well, which extends the range of hand-held shutter speeds. My first impressions are that the lens character is retained, but I need experience with more situations before I'm 100% sure about that. If anything, it seems to be easier to use these lenses on this camera than on an SLR. I am definitely pleased so far.

 

[bdial]

So far so good with AI and AIS lenses on the Z5. I haven't tried focus peaking yet, but zooming in makes it easy to focus - easier than a split-prism. Some advantages: no need for DOF button since you focus at the intended f-stop and just can see the DOF; in-camera image stabilization seems to work very well, which extends the range of hand-held shutter speeds. My first impressions are that the lens character is retained, but I need experience with more situations before I'm 100% sure about that. If anything, it seems to be easier to use these lenses on this camera than on an SLR. I am definitely pleased so far.

I assigned one of the front buttons to the zoom/magnify function, it’s a lot easier than hunting for the button on the back panel.

 

[NedL]

I assigned one of the front buttons to the zoom/magnify function, it’s a lot easier than hunting for the button on the back panel.

I was thinking the same thing! Or maybe the OK or movie button. The worst part about trying to zoom in with those little buttons for me was that it stays zoomed in and then I need to find the "zoom out" button with my thumb... and most of the time I had to take my eye away from the viewfinder to do that. Need to be able to do it easily without having to think. I'm going to learn how to re-assign the button functions next.

 

[bdial]

@NedL, This is how I have mine set up. The button toggles the magnified view, much easier than two buttons. Also, I've found that the function button is easy to reach with my left hand if needed.

 

[NedL]

@NedL, This is how I have mine set up.

Thanks! I set the "movie" button to be zoom on/off and it's great! I set one of the function buttons to turn focus peaking on/off but somehow I doubt I'll use it... the zoom function is excellent. Already seems natural to use it.

I spent a little time yesterday really looking through my 55 AIS at a park in lots of different situations. It seems to me that it still has all its character ( I really like that lens, more than my 50 F/2 ). I think I read somewhere that rangefinder lenses have more problems on digital because the light hits the sensor at more of an angle.

Just finished making the first print from a photo from this camera Now I'm really happy.

 

[KerrKid]

I'm a bit late to this thread, but if you haven't yet: consider a Ricoh GR. I had one (I think it was the GR or GRII; they're up to GR III now IIRC) and really liked it. It has a fixed prime lens, and very good image quality. I shot it almost exclusively in square format and in black and white (the RAW files will have color, of course, but I often found the in-camera JPEGs to be quite good.

Here are a few samples.

EDIT: here's a handheld low light shot:

I just bought a GR II with the fixed 28mm lens on ebay. I've heard good things about it and your pix are proof of that. I had plans to do mostly black and white so I'm glad you posted these pix. The only dings against the camera that I've read are that it gets noisy after ISO 400 and that RAW files take "long" to write to the card if 4 seconds is long to anyone. Otherwise, glowing reports. Yes, I would have jumped for the latest model, but not for 10X what I paid for mine.

 

[Russ - SVP]

I'm shooting a Z6, going for a Z7ii next.

I have been Nikon for a long time, shoot Nikon 135 because I have lenses. The Z series are smaller and ridiculously capable, but with older lenses (Anything that uses the screw drive) they don't autofocus. Never bothered me as I use it for things that I prefer to manual focus, so old favorite lenses work really well for me. And the Z glass with the mirrorless cameras is phenomenal. It's too easy to take ridiculously good photographs. WAY too easy.

I had just taken a shot on velvia of the passenger train, saw the freght train coming (it was not scheduled, so I didn't expect it) and was able to stand out in the water to get this shot. The slides are better, but not by much. (this is a little overprocessed, I was trying to make it look like the Provia slide I took the same day, but out of the camera it is still fantastic).

I almost never use it locally. Always carrying a film camera. But when I travel I use a 24mm or the 24-70 zoom and this Z6. it is really a great combo. Even with the kit lens it si tack sharp and easy to handle. Everything you want walking around for travel at a light weight.

The Z6 is also really good with video.

If you prefer SLR the D780 uses the same sensor and works well with older lenses. The D850 (a friend has one) is about the most amazing camera ever and will focus with any Nikon lens you have. They're both a little larger though.

Now, that testimonial aside, the Canons are as good. Maybe even better in many ways. The Sonys are as good, better in some ways as well. Sonys have more native lenses and do things like pixel shift which might be fun for scanning negatives. In fact, you cannot go wrong with ANY of the newest digital cameras, they're all that good.

I am really loving my D780. And I have yet to explore it's mirror-less capabilities. :-/

 

[KerrKid]

I just bought a GR II with the fixed 28mm lens on ebay. I've heard good things about it and your pix are proof of that. I had plans to do mostly black and white so I'm glad you posted these pix. The only dings against the camera that I've read are that it gets noisy after ISO 400 and that RAW files take "long" to write to the card if 4 seconds is long to anyone. Otherwise, glowing reports. Yes, I would have jumped for the latest model, but not for 10X what I paid for mine.

Following up on my own post.

My GR DIGITAL II, not GR II, was DOA. Major hassle sending it back to Japan. I've heard that the GR series have reliability problems. Just hearsay on my part. All I know is mine was dead and I probably will go another route if I get another similar digital camera.

 

[Paul Howell]

For travel I use 2 Pentax bodies, A K2000 and 1st, the Samsung version, and 3 Kmount lens, last time I added a SF1 film body and bought film in Paris which I mailed home. Although long in the tooth and not all that good in low light, I have one set up for monochrome, (yes I know it is not a true monochrome sensor) the other for color. Both use AA batteries, no need deal with chargers and adaptors, and if lost or stolen I'm out maybe $400. I've printed up to 11X14.