Official Sony A7 or A7r discussion thread (Season II)

[silgt]

OK...this is not new but I just have to vent, so please bear with me.

Bought my A7R some two months ago, and while in general I have enjoyed this camera tremendously, maybe more than my other cameras (barring my RX1 and RX100) in the past. Build wise, it is also pretty acceptable, although for a premium camera, the Made in Thailand badge don't always give confidence as it is an obvious cost cutting exercise rather than any logistics or strategic consideration. But in general I'm quite satisfied with what I've got, as I can accept the products to be assembled in Thailand so long as proper QC are in place and material quality are up to scratch.

However...

What I cannot accept is the appalling & sh*tty quality of the paintwork on this camera. The anodisation is third rated and no where thick or hard enough to withstand careful daily usage (even for just a couple of months). FFS Sony, anodisation is not an exact rocket science, and I've seen cheaper China-made products with better anodise quality even on a cheaply made flashlights. I would expect nothing less than a Type III standard for a camera that cost just south of 3 grand, with perhaps a hard coating over it to resist minor wear or light scratches. My 2 months old camera (whom I've taken out of home less than a dozen time) is now looking like an abused Kunta Kinte, and trust me, I baby my equipments.

Nothing more to say about this, but I am seriously disappointed with Sony on this quality issue. Based on the crap anodised paintwork, I would give the build quality a generous 6/10. From someone who owns 7 Sony out of the last 9 camera that I owned, I'll give a finger up and two thumbs down to these moron! :thumbsd: I'm seriously reconsidering buying another Sony in the future, and I can say for certainty that I will not be a first adopter going forward.

Really pissed...OK rant over. Thanks for bearing with me guys and gals...paiseh!

 

[ZoomZ]

Yes, the paint quality of A7/R is indeed the weakest part of this camera. Nex 7 was Made in Thailand too, but has much better paint work.

My RX1-R has been with me for quite a while, and it still looks like brand new. My A7R, on the other hand, already has very faint fine lines at specific spot (checked 3 sets and all have the same lines) when I bought the camera at the shop, probably due to the manufacturing/painting process.

Guess will have to take better care of the camera by keeping it in pouch with thick cushion when not in use, so that will not scratch it accidentally.

Which areas did you get paint scratches/drops so far?

OK...this is not new but I just have to vent, so please bear with me.

Bought my A7R some two months ago, and while in general I have enjoyed this camera tremendously, maybe more than my other cameras (barring my RX1 and RX100) in the past. Build wise, it is also pretty acceptable, although for a premium camera, the Made in Thailand badge don't always give confidence as it is an obvious cost cutting exercise rather than any logistics or strategic consideration. But in general I'm quite satisfied with what I've got, as I can accept the products to be assembled in Thailand so long as proper QC are in place and material quality are up to scratch.

However...

What I cannot accept is the appalling & sh*tty quality of the paintwork on this camera. The anodisation is third rated and no where thick or hard enough to withstand careful daily usage (even for just a couple of months). FFS Sony, anodisation is not an exact rocket science, and I've seen cheaper China-made products with better anodise quality even on a cheaply made flashlights. I would expect nothing less than a Type III standard for a camera that cost just south of 3 grand, with perhaps a hard coating over it to resist minor wear or light scratches. My 2 months old camera (whom I've taken out of home less than a dozen time) is now looking like an abused Kunta Kinte, and trust me, I baby my equipments.

Nothing more to say about this, but I am seriously disappointed with Sony on this quality issue. Based on the crap anodised paintwork, I would give the build quality a generous 6/10. From someone who owns 7 Sony out of the last 9 camera that I owned, I'll give a finger up and two thumbs down to these moron! :thumbsd: I'm seriously reconsidering buying another Sony in the future, and I can say for certainty that I will not be a first adopter going forward.

Really pissed...OK rant over. Thanks for bearing with me guys and gals...paiseh!

 

[silgt]

Which areas did you get paint scratches/drops so far?

very badly around the strap lug, and the usual front edges. I took cared of my equipments so I never really paid notice until bro Errz point that out to me. Just got my RRS L-Plate in today so was taking a closer look at the camera and I was shocked beyond believe at how poorly made this camera is. Dang my RX1 and RX100 still looked pretty new and they are more than a couple years old now...but then again those are Made in Japan. Guessed in order to rush out the production, the chemical bath process was shorten so the anodisation quality was compromised. Can't fathom how poor the quality of the anodisation on this camera...totally unexpected hence I was so pissed

 

[Thoth]

Are you on Canon dslr too?

Lucky I'm not. Haha

 

[ZoomZ]

I guess it is too late to recommend you protection to the area around the strap lug. Leica has better design around the strap lug area, as the possible area of friction between the paint and the lugs are covered by black plastic.

To protect other cameras learning from my Leica M9P, you could either buy a camera strap with leather lug protection (cover in between the lug and the camera surface), or diy cover for the lugs to prevent friction.

Using a leather half case helps with protecting the bottom and part of side edges. Can't help much with the front edges though, especially the top front edge. Some hiadees are using black tapes to protect it.

I reckon that the scratches to the edges are unlikely to happen when you are shooting, but likely when you are hanging the camera with straps on your shoulder or neck while moving around. Thus, good to get either a full case or pouch to store it. That's probably why Sony created the full leather case with top protection for A7/R. Only problem is that it fits the kit lens more and any lens longer or shorter may not be suitable.

No choice, just enjoy the camera while it starts to show its great usage!

very badly around the strap lug, and the usual front edges. I took cared of my equipments so I never really paid notice until bro Errz point that out to me. Just got my RRS L-Plate in today so was taking a closer look at the camera and I was shocked beyond believe at how poorly made this camera is. Dang my RX1 and RX100 still looked pretty new and they are more than a couple years old now...but then again those are Made in Japan. Guessed in order to rush out the production, the chemical bath process was shorten so the anodisation quality was compromised. Can't fathom how poor the quality of the anodisation on this camera...totally unexpected hence I was so pissed

 

[Halfmoon]

Lucky I'm not. Haha

Only using a7?

 

[Thoth]

Only using a7?

Fuji X-E1 and A7. I've never owned a dslr before. Pls rem I'm a noob. Tks.

 

[guseliz]

Guys, just want to hear some feedback from you

i only have ZM 50mm f/2 planar for 50mm range lens. so far i quite enjoy using this lens.. very sharp, contrasty, small and light.. very easy to use with MF.. no complaint at all.
however i lust after the faster 50mm range lens but i don't want to keep more than 1 lens for this range..
hence i'm thinking should i replace my planar f2 with sonnar f1.5 or FE 55mm f/1.8 or MC rokkor 58mm f/1.2?
so far those are what i shortlisted.. i'm open to other options though but not leica range price

if you were me, which one would you choose?
for convenience sake i know it's FE 55mm but i can live with MF since i prefer 35mm for convenience (i already have FE35)
anyway, i would prefer this features on my 50mm range: small, good build quality, sharp, good bokeh, 3D pop characters.

thanks..

 

[ManWearPants]

EF mount on Canon FF mirror-less??? I can imagine it will be damn ugly.

EF lenses need a minimum distance to the sensor. it will be like a permanent humongous adapter on the body.

I hope you realise the main idea for different mount adapters is not just mate it to camera body but also to keep the appropriate distance between the lens and sensor.

That's why RF lenses will never work on DSLRs. The flange distance is too much because of the mirror...

That's why Canon need to go one up against Sony with a new way to interchange lenses between DSLR and MILC that will defy physics.

Sony is already spinning rumour about hybrid system with A and E mounts. Anything is possible.

 

[Thoth]

Guys, just want to hear some feedback from you

i only have ZM 50mm f/2 planar for 50mm range lens. so far i quite enjoy using this lens.. very sharp, contrasty, small and light.. very easy to use with MF.. no complaint at all.
however i lust after the faster 50mm range lens but i don't want to keep more than 1 lens for this range..
hence i'm thinking should i replace my planar f2 with sonnar f1.5 or FE 55mm f/1.8 or MC rokkor 58mm f/1.2?
so far those are what i shortlisted.. i'm open to other options though but not leica range price

if you were me, which one would you choose?
for convenience sake i know it's FE 55mm but i can live with MF since i prefer 35mm for convenience (i already have FE35)
anyway, i would prefer this features on my 50mm range: small, good build quality, sharp, good bokeh, 3D pop characters.

thanks..

I think FE 55 makes sense... AF, Sharp as hell, smooth Bokeh, contrasty rendering, Zeiss signature pop, not very big and well built... BBB

 

[ricleo]

I guess it is too late to recommend you protection to the area around the strap lug. Leica has better design around the strap lug area, as the possible area of friction between the paint and the lugs are covered by black plastic.

To protect other cameras learning from my Leica M9P, you could either buy a camera strap with leather lug protection (cover in between the lug and the camera surface), or diy cover for the lugs to prevent friction.

No choice, just enjoy the camera while it starts to show its great usage!

have to warn you on diy cover protection that is too sticky.

the a7r paint job seems to be on the same poor level as my previous OMD, where paint peeled off when I pulled out gaffer tape to replace the protection, especially around the sharp edges.

recommend to use protection that is less sticky and more easily removed.

 

[Halfmoon]

Fuji X-E1 and A7. I've never owned a dslr before. Pls rem I'm a noob. Tks.

Noob who?

You are the Thoth.... the venomous, poisonous one... lol....

 

[Halfmoon]

have to warn you on diy cover protection that is too sticky.

the a7r paint job seems to be on the same poor level as my previous OMD, where paint peeled off when I pulled out gaffer tape to replace the protection, especially around the sharp edges.

recommend to use protection that is less sticky and more easily removed.

Quite disappointing to hear this....

Is the fuji better made? MIJ?

 

[Errz]

Quite disappointing to hear this....

Is the fuji better made? MIJ?

Sony should made it like RX1/R . really soild piece.

 

[Thoth]

Noob who?

You are the Thoth.... the venomous, poisonous one... lol....

Nahz... I am Thoth... the noob one... :bsmilie:

 

[Thoth]

Quite disappointing to hear this....

Is the fuji better made? MIJ?

Yes... My X-E1 still looks mint after more than a year... Nice...

 

[Thoth]

Sony should made it like RX1/R . really soild piece.

Time for U to sell off your A7R and FE 35 and FE 55, go back to RX1R lo...

I can take your A7R and the 2 FE lenses at SGD $1K... Best Buddy price!!!

 

[ZoomZ]

I am aware. Never a keen DIY person and not comfortable in pasting anything on my camera body.

The DIY I meant was to cover the ring so that it will not rub against the paint. Quite easy to do.

As for other areas like top plate, will be difficult and just have to be careful.

have to warn you on diy cover protection that is too sticky.

the a7r paint job seems to be on the same poor level as my previous OMD, where paint peeled off when I pulled out gaffer tape to replace the protection, especially around the sharp edges.

recommend to use protection that is less sticky and more easily removed.

 

[ZoomZ]

Fuji ones have better paint work definitely.

Their higher end versions are Made in Japan, and the smaller and cheaper ones (X-M) are Made in Thailand or China (got mixed up as Panasonic one is similar).

Quite disappointing to hear this....

Is the fuji better made? MIJ?

 

[ZoomZ]

Your posting does not seems that you are a noob at all, buddy.

Nahz... I am Thoth... the noob one... :bsmilie: