What camera do I buy? / general gear talk

Wex Photo Video thankyouverymuch

They've just merged with Calumet so they'll have a 'highstreet' presence soon.

But yes, in answer to @Jezston - I can't see why I'd bother with the faff of a refund, waiting for it to process and then buying the same elsewhere instead of just getting JL to sort it which, based on that, they will.

I still struggle not to call it warehouse express.

Looking for a new 4x5 lens if anyone is selling anything, standard size 135/150/180mm

Went into John Lewis today and was really disappointed by the experience I received. After waiting almost 30 minutes in their chaotic technical support area with no idea if I was ever going to get served, I've decided I'm just going to return everything and buy from WEX. There's a Calumet store pretty much opposite my work, so kind of feel like I should have just gone there to start with.

Going to write an email to JL as I feel their standards have really fallen, and am not sure now whether I want to buy anything from them again.

Only issue now is that apparently to get a refund, I have to do it through their technical support office. I'll take the stuff back there tomorrow and if it's chaos like before I think I'll just have to start stamping my feet like a proper wanker.

Any recommendations for lens hire?

Stills or video?

Budget?

We use ProMotion generally who have an OK range but largely because we're hiring video/lighting kit at the same time so just easier to collect all at once.
http://www.promotionhire.com/hire/lenses

Calumet have been good in the past but I live in Brighton now and ProMotion have a depot down here.
http://calumetrental.co.uk/

Hireacamera are reckoned to be decent and have a broad range of stills options: https://www.hireacamera.com/en-gb/stills/lenses/

Most places will need you to set up an account, provide insurance or a deposit etc.

+1 for Calumet

If you are east, The Pro Centre is good. If you don’t have an account the deposit is hefty though.

Thanks both ^^

I'm after a telephoto Fuji lens so Calumet and Hireacamera are both looking promising.

Or me if you shoot nikon.

And now wex forgot to send me my order which I have been waiting in all morning for.

It appears destiny does not wish for me to get a camera and become even more of a hipster cliché.

Looking to 'upgrade' from my 2010 Canon 550D to perhaps a used 2008 5D Mk11.

I could then keep using my 35mm/f2 lens which feels too long with the crop sensor.

Is this nuts? Is there a better way to get into full frame Canon photography?

I'd like to be able to submit images to Getty and I believe the 5D is on their list of accepted devices. - again, tell me if this sounds crazy…

Pretty sound plan. Those bodies are fairly affordable now and are still as great as they ever were.

So this leads on to the next question- where’s best for used canon bodies - and how important is shutter release count when buying?

Was going to suggest avoiding resale sites and going private but actually MPB have been decent in the past with me and there's a ("well used") 5D2 on there now for 399...

https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/used-equipment/used-photo-and-video/used-digital-slr-cameras/used-canon-digital-slr-cameras/canon-eos-5d-ii/

Regarding shutter actuations, unless it's a stupidly high number you should be fine.

Free delivery when you pop in FREEDELIVERY in the discount code form.

That's enormously helpful, big up youself

Any recommendation for a mirrorless camera for around £250 - happy to buy secondhand, so what's the best I'm likely to get for my money?

Olympus XA and a 10-pack of Portra 400

Want an electronic view finder, or happy with just a screen ?

Probably at that price range a second hand micro 4/3 camera from Panasonic or Olympus with a kit lens.
Maybe an older Sony such as a NEX-5N, although Sony glass going forwards is a tad more expensive

Just a screen is fine - I have a film camera for nicely composed shots, I just want something versatile and that can shoot a bit of video.
Any suggestions of models to look out for?

I need to buy a cheapish camera to photograph mostly bikes, what should I be looking at?

Anyone bought something like this? Go pro rip off for a 7yo.
Or a more traditional camera with WiFi that would also be good for movies.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B073WWSYJK/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1512038849&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=action+cam&dpPl=1&dpID=51gdmpOdqFL&ref=plSrch

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An entry level dslr. They have half frame sensors, so with a 50mm f1.8 lens you get effectively a portrait-suitable lens length. Nikon or canon.

The SJCam ones seem to be the best reviewed knock-off GoPros (although there are knock-offs of those too so you have to be careful). There's an action cam thread on here somewhere.