What camera do I buy? / general gear talk

If you’re leaning Fuji and can go a little bigger the XE4 might be an option.

Is dust on the lens as much of an issue as people make out?

The larger the depth of field, the more of an issue it could be - so small apertures and sensors would pronounce it. I've yet to see in on my M43 camera though.

Only on the inside element. Exterior element? See example below:

https://petapixel.com/2011/06/16/how-dust-and-damage-on-lenses-affect-image-quality/

A you're right, I have spots, they must be somewhere inside. They never bothered me, but then I don't do anything more than the occasional small print for friends and family
And the camera I have is old.

Would a Ricoh gr3/x be much of a jump in quality from a Sony a6000 + Sigma 30mm f1.4 or is it mostly a change in compactness?

I got the a6000 body a few years ago as my first digital, as I wanted a cheap way to use several old prime lenses. I eventually got the sigma as my first af lens which I enjoyed at first, but haven't used it much as I find it a bit bulky to both use and carry around. I take pictures mostly when I'm traveling.

I'm going to Asia next month and was wondering about the Ricoh gr3/ gr3x as a more compact option. I'm lazy and get all my camera info from YouTube so was under the impression the Ricoh was unbeatable for snapshots, but reading this thread I learn than it's no better than an iPhone?

I think Amey is the main anti camera voice around here : )
The thing that the A6000 would have over the Ricoh would be auto focus (even as old as it is) and of course the ability to switch lenses at will.
The Ricoh is a better camera in most other ways, and will be quite a bit smaller especially when powered down.

The Ricohs won’t give you an increase in picture quality. The sensor is about the same size and resolution. You’d be swapping a large f1.4 lens for a very small f2.8 lens (although one that that will handle macro better than the sigma).

The image quality is undoubtedly better than any iPhone, but it’s true that most people won’t notice in most situations, especially just for casual snapshooting. As soon as you start trying to shoot like a photographer, though, the flaws in the iPhone’s computational photography soon become apparent - IMHO at least.

The Ricoh will give you a pocketable camera with all the dials resting under your right thumb and forefinger. Changing settings on the fly is quick, easy and one-handed, which is great for quick snaps and candid/street photography. The snap focus function (basically systematic zone focusing) is very handy for those kinds of situations. There’s a touch screen so it’s just as easy to move the focus point as it is on a phone.

Maybe you’re a dab hand at taking iPhone photos one-handed and the ergonomics won’t matter so much to you, but I personally can’t stand taking photos with a slab of glass so will generally opt for a proper camera.

Thanks both.

I was under the impression that the Ricoh sensor was particularly good, in particular that it has very good dynamic range? Are 24MP APS-C sensors much of a muchness to an amateur?

I guess what also draws of a lot of GR users are the effect filters, particularly positive film.

I think if I were buying anew I would go for the Ricoh, as I like the idea of a simple fun black box but selling the a6000 + sigma does feel like a sideways move, even though it's a lot cheaper.

I mean, it’s supposed to be very good, but I’m not sure the difference with the Sony would be obvious. Once you’re up to around 24-26 MP you’ve more than enough pixels for amateur (or even pro) use, and Sony make good sensors too.

This is helpful:
https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/ricoh-gr-iii/5

Personally, I’d just go with whichever option I think would get me taking more photos and enjoying the process.

The GR is fun with the optical viewfinder on the shoe.

For me they were a bit too fragile/expensive to really be a carry-everywhere camera … like the film versions. If you chuck them in a bag or pockets they’ll eventually hoover up dust. More careful owners may have more luck.

I've got a Sony RX100 mk vii I'm selling if interested, has a half cage too

Personally, I’d just go with whichever option I think would get me taking more photos and enjoying the process.

Good advice!

I have a Zeiss Ikon Nettar - it's been very interesting and enjoyable to shoot with but I know there was tonnes of iterations before and after it. Mine has the Novar Anastigmat 75mm F6.3.

That being said - I wouldn't mind upgrading, what do people reckon is the gold standard or the best of the medium format folders? Lens, viewfinder and general usability.

Super Ikonta III, with the f3.5 tessar. You are buying it for the coupled rangefinder, so no more zone focusing. A good one is pricey, but it’s still under the radar of the hipster crowd. It’s a camera collector’s camera. Obvs make sure the coupled rangefinder is working properly, and accurately. Also check the shutter, especially at low speeds, and the bellows for holes - black shoe polish is a common bodge by sellers to hide holes, but they will still be there and screw your film.

https://camerapedia.fandom.com/wiki/Zeiss_Ikon_Ikonta

Boom, thank you!

Also one to look out for is the Mamiya Six folder, I picked one after using a Zeiss like yours and it had all the features I felt the Zeiss was missing. The focusing mechanism is also very interesting/ enjoyable to use.

Nice. A good looking body in the later models. Mr Cad might have one, but not on their website.

Can confirm that the Outer Shell Drawcord bag is great for on-bike photography! Picked one up in Tokyobike in Shoreditch last week and got a lot of use out of it this weekend. You will need some padding to protect your camera getting bashed around though. I used a hand towel and some spare gloves, but some stiff foam would probably be more suitable.

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Outer Shell Drawcord bag is great for on-bike photography!

How are you storing the camera in there?

I do like the bag, can use it with one hand while moving but think it could do with internal velcro compartments like the Cedaero Viewfinder camera pack.

Bastardised the padding they sell, like some sort of budget Blue Peter project, but would like somthing sturdier.

I have a small Olympus body with a pancake lense*, so it fits pretty easily with lens facing forward (UV filter as lens cap). It might actually be better to put it in lens facing down though, need to try that out. The biggest issue is flicking the little power switch while wearing gloves, it's awkwardly positioned and very stiff.

*OM-D EM10 and Pansonic 20mm f/1.7 both secondhand.

Who are your trusted gear review websites please? Specifically for Fuji glass if that makes a difference.

Photography or Video?

Photography. I quite like https://www.fujivsfuji.com/ and obvs DPreview but I’m definitely down a rabbit hole and struggling to make a decision.
Maybe I just need to get my shit together and find a local rental place which is easier than it sounds in the sticks.

I discovered one can haggle with an online store, so now I have a Sony SEL50F12GM on the way for about 30% off the RRP.