Photoclubalpha

If you look at the MTF curves of the lens, it is quite obvious that the extreme corners are poor at full aperture: SEL16 MTF.gif The shape of the curves is indicative of field curvature. (Zeiss has some interesting articles on MTF curves on their web site.) However, in the real world, it is not as b...

To anyone who grew up in the good old days of manual focus there is an easy answer: Adapter and Rangefinder lenses. The video peaking feature makes it easier to get sharp focus than many of the "aids" used in the old days. In fact, it beats most rangefinders hands down. I use the 28 f1.9 U...

Nothing to do with the amusing Q. (As in, I nearly choked when I saw the specification and the price), But I recently found a way to stabilize my NEX with longer lenses...set the neck strap to the right length and then move the camera away from you until the strap is taut. Works like a charm - just ...

I bought the two lens kit around the holidays and I found the 16mm lens to be better than many give it credit for. So a good one is worth finding. If one looks at many reviews of the fabulous Zeiss 24-70 it appears to have fairly poor corners at 24mm and F2.8. So for the $100 I paid the 16mm is fine...

SLR Gear has the following to say about the Sigma: "On the full-frame 5D, the true character of the lens is revealed. If you are looking for a lens that is corner-to-corner sharp when used wide open at ƒ/2.8, this is not the lens. True to what we noted in our tests with the 20D, central sharpne...

I have a 4490 and this is what works for me: I use the "advanced" mode of the software. Paper prints I scan at 600 dpi. there really is not much more even on the sharpest prints. I typically always use 16bit/48 bit. (BW/Color) For negatives or slides I scan at 4800 dpi and 16bit/48bit. Imp...

With two A-700 users in the household: 24 f2.8 28 f2.0 35 f2.0 50 f1.7 100 Macro 17-35 2.8-4 28-75 2.8 18-250 Tamron 35-200 Xi (Not quite as good as its reputation perhaps. It is awful at full aperture and needs to be stopped down to f8-11 to give excellent results) 70-210 3.5-4.5 (This is WAY BETTE...

I also have the 28-75 and can thoroughly recommend it. I have used it shooting in "Cabaret" type environments, very dark with spot-lit performers. In this case I rather like the 42-112 or so effective focal length. It allows me to zoom in on faces for head and shoulder shots. My example is...

Thanks, I currently have the 20mm 2.8 which is disappointing. With its 55mm filter size it is the only lens I have ever come across that will give rounded corners to the frame without a filter being attached. The area is masked in a slide mount, but is noticable when scanning the entire negative are...

Hi, Someone on the forum may be able to give me some guidance. I am looking to buy a 24mm lens for my MD mount cameras. Any comments on the performance of the late model MD lens with the 49mm filter thread compared to the early MD lens with the 55 mm thread? I have done some web searching but was no...

I work in the electronics industry, and we have the same issues. I.e. "lead free solder" etc. I spent some time doing research when the new rules went into effect a few years ago. (June 2006, note the date, it is significant) Some key points: -Practically ALL older lenses include lead bear...

I think it is safe to say that the Sony lens is reformulated compared to the Minolta lens. The A100 was introduced a few days after the European ban on lead in consumer products went into effect. Thus they would not have been able to get a waiver to continue selling a lens with leaded glass. This pr...

Some of the grips on older Minolta lenses can look horrible with some sort of white "stuff" exuding from the rubber. My 35-200 was like this when I got and it looked quite hideous. However a bit of washing up liquid on a almost dry rag followed by a wipe with a damp rag was all that was ne...

Have a look on KEH, as well as B&H and Adorama for a guide to US prices. Offhand, I would say not much more than $80-$120 (or local equivalent) I bought a mint, boxed Maxxum 7 for around $250 about a year ago, which gives an idea of where prices are for film Minoltas. With respect to the 60/70 s...

Ah yes, the good old days... I have a Russian 58 f2.0 Helios that makes a great portrait lens on the A700. This one is so high tech that it does not even have an autodiaphragm. Good old preset. The Zenit that it came on still works too, complete with uncoupled selenium light meter. I bought them bot...