Which Small Digital Body for M-mount Lenses?

[karnage]

Hi all!

I seldom frequent the RF subforum here, even though I have been shooting with a Bessa R3M for close to a year now.

Abit of background...

Why do I shoot rangefinders? It's a different experience for me, coming from an SLR background. On top of that, rangefinders have cute tiny lenses! This helps to make the whole setup very compact, which is one of the criteria I look for. For example, my rangefinder + 3 lens setup (15mm, 40mm, 75mm) can be kept in a cargo berms pockets, but the lenses will be knocking against each other and my leg. But an SLR with 3 lenses will at least require a small bag.

The main question now. I like shooting film and digital. They both have different purposes. Without the money to splurge on an M8 or M9, what are the more affordable alternatives (read: less than $1000) in the digital realm that can fit my lenses? I'm all for used equipment. I'm concerned about crop factor, and would preferably like to have as low a ratio as possible. I read that the Sony NEX-5 has a crop factor of 1.5x, which is the same as me using my older Nikon lenses on film and digital, so I'm alright with that. I'm also concerned about image quality. Could they be at least the same as my D300?

Thanks in advance for your replies!

 

[NazgulKing]

The only answer to this question is the NEX-3 which is less than a thousand. Image quality is decent enough. Sensor is similar to the one on the Nikon D7000.

 

[karnage]

2nd hand prices for NEX-5 are below a thousand too right? Actually, I thought 2nd hand prices for say, the Olympus Pen and the other M4/3 cameras are below $1k too...

 

[NazgulKing]

2nd hand prices for NEX-5 are below a thousand too right? Actually, I thought 2nd hand prices for say, the Olympus Pen and the other M4/3 cameras are below $1k too...

Well yes. You could get a 2nd hand Nex 5 for less than a thousand. I thought you were talking about new copies. In any case, the M4/3 cameras have 2x crop which was why I didn't mention those.

 

[newghost]

i hated the 2x crop on m43... :angry:

 

[artspraken]

later this year, Ricoh GXR should have an M Mount module.

Ricoh GXR cost less than $1000, but the M Mount module is likely to push the total cost over $1000 by abit.

 

[karnage]

Well yes. You could get a 2nd hand Nex 5 for less than a thousand. I thought you were talking about new copies. In any case, the M4/3 cameras have 2x crop which was why I didn't mention those.

i hated the 2x crop on m43... :angry:

No worries. Yep, I'm very fine with 2nd hand... In fact, I might only look at 2nd hand. Do all m4/3 cameras have a 2x crop factor? That'd be a shame.

later this year, Ricoh GXR should have an M Mount module.

Ricoh GXR cost less than $1000, but the M Mount module is likely to push the total cost over $1000 by abit.

Hmm... if new price is abit over $1k, I guess I can look forward to a sub-$1k used body. But that'd have to wait till the later part of the year. Would you know what would the crop factor be on that?

Looks like the NEX-series would be the most immediate viable ones. Or I can just stick with film for now.

 

[alantcs2010]

The NEX3 OR 5 is less then 1k used. The quality of the sensor is as good as d300. See my flickr and you will know http://www.flickr.com/photos/alantcs . Many pictures taken with NEX5 plus leica or zeiss lenses.

 

[paisatge]

For me, part of the RF experience is the view finder. So, the Sony NEXes won't give you that. The better option is to look at Olympus m43 bodies with the VF2 EVF or the Lumix G series. But then these would probably exceed the budget and the crop factor is 2x. The closest viewfinder experience you can get is probably the Fuji X100 but yeah, not only it costs more than $1k, it also is difficult to get one.

But that's just me. I think it's best you go down to a shop and try the Sony NEX to see if you like manual focusing using the LCD screen.

 

[alantcs2010]

I agree. For NEX5, you need to adapt to the camera. For me, I can adapt to different camera very quickly so no problem. Some people may not like the functions of SONY NEX as it is not very conventional.

 

[artspraken]

I dun like the NEX menu.

 

[sharps]

im pairing my m mount lens with the NEX 5 as well
so far so good, the LCD works fine although i was skeptic at 1st

 

[NazgulKing]

I'm really waiting for the NEX 7 because it might be Sony's response to the GH2. EVF and 1.5x crop, and a decent user interface, I'll leap into it immediately, unless Ricoh does a good job with the jpegs.

 

[zixaw]

I think the NEX is the best match for M lenses IF they had an option for a viewfinder.

The LCD is usable and manual focus assist zoom works well but sometimes I just want to look through a viewfinder.

M43 is another option but the 2X crop factor is a bigger turn off than the lack of a viewfinder for me.

Future options, NEX-7 and Ricoh GXR M Module.

 

[justinlht]

i used to have a m43, but like others i cannot stand the crop factor.

now i have a nex 3 and i vouch for the image quality and iso performance unless you're the kind to pixel peep.
however the nex 3 user interface is notoriously annoying at times. i've gone back to the kit lens for daily snaps.

my caveat is that you should aim for a body you know will give you a good shooting experience. imho, i think having a viewfinder to help focus your manual lens is essential. there are reports on the web - and i fully agree with them - that manually focusing your camera extended away from you and looking at some lcd screen is just plain awkward.

looking to see what ricoh has to offer!

 

[karnage]

Hmm... seems like there's something about using LCD to MF. I didn't consider that might be a problem, but perhaps I do need to try. And also the issue of the user interface. I should go to the shops to play with it.

As with some of you, I think the 2x crop is more of a turn-off than the lack of a VF. But my reasons for wanting a digital body for my RF lenses was to get the smallest possible compact package, with quality lenses and imaging. Without having tried RF lenses on a digital body without VF, I'd say that if I wanted the original RF experience, film is the way to go! =)

Now I wonder when the NEX-7 and the Ricoh one will be announced, and then, how much? Heh heh heh... =)

 

[sharps]

one thing good abt the LCD, waist level shooting
kakakakka like rollei like tat

 

[Agetan]

I do find NEX 5 works really well.

I shoot everything in manual so it is always just turning the wheel at the back for shutter and use the lens aperture. It is really simple to use.

Once you get used to the menu, it is really simple... Well u can keep it simple really.

Yes, VF on NEX will be a welcome feature. Focussing with LCD although it is easier, because it is so close, after some extended use, you do find yourself "****-eye".

Just my experience.

Regards,

Hart

 

[justinlht]

Yes, VF on NEX will be a welcome feature. Focussing with LCD although it is easier, because it is so close, after some extended use, you do find yourself "****-eye".

totally agree!
sharps mentioned waist level shooting also, i guess that's an interesting way to shoot but after trying that for a few shots i got quite sick of it. the whole 'motion of shooting' just doesn't seem right to me.

imo, i'd say your best bet now lies with the nex systems. i should warn you that if you're used to quiet shutters you'll find the nex shutter really loud and annoying!

maybe i'm biased because i've given up on finding a cheap small body for rf lens. focusing more on film now!
but will definitely be anxious to see what sony and ricoh can offer next

gd luck w your search!

 

[sharps]

shutter really irritating

waist level wen do street shooting not so obvious, kekekek
but dem hard to focus also...