What camera do I buy? / general gear talk

If it resets then when you press the shutter or turn it off/on it'll do a big wind on without firing the shutter as if it were trying to pick up the leader at the start of the film so you'd lose a couple frames but then it would work as normal. Supposedly it also won't automatically rewind when you get to the end of the film as it thinks it's only half way through one so you have to hit the button to make it rewind.

In other words, without any remedy or improvement it is slightly annoying but not the end of the world and I seem to have improved it already anyway.

I use Sony at work (assistant for commercial stuff), I kinda like the idea of having the extra soft out-of-focus from full frame, and probably the extra resolution

Objectively better in all measurable aspects but sensor size won’t change your photography or style, so if the increase in lens size/weight/cost is worth it (as well as storage for giant RAW files) then it’s a good move.

FWIW, I constantly wonder if I should splash out on an a7r but end up being completely happy with my X-T2 and X100. Have also printed 2x3 meter images from the X-T2 with no issues.

I have wondered about the various Sony cameras because of the full frame sensor, particularly the small A7CR. I think what you get is a stop or so more sensitivity and best-in-class autofocus locked up in a pretty automated system where you’re expected to shoot either aperture or shutter priority and leave the rest to the camera, or else face diving into the impenetrable menus. If you want to tweak the exposure triangle yourself then the Fuji makes that a lot quicker and easier.

Then there’s the fact that the smallest Sony glass is a bit slow (mostly negating the sensitivity benefit), and the fast glass is huge.

If you’re used to using Sony and you don’t mind the size jump for the fast glass, I think you’d probably appreciate the increase in sensitivity and resolution. I decided it wasn’t worth it for me personally.

I use Sony A7r 3 and 4 but mostly tethered to a computer on a tripod for work but on the rare occasion I use it handheld the AF is impressive particularly the eye/face tracking.
The menu system does take some getting used to though and was a bit of a learning curve coming from Canon.
You can’t fault the sensor performance though which is the best out there imho.

I’m considering a Fuji GFX to accompany the Sony’s mainly so I don’t have to shift/stich to get a huge file to cover a background for still life. (I use the camera like a digital back on a camera with bellows/movements)
Though if you do not require the fancy AF or 65mp then probably not much point in swapping

Thanks for the advice everyone. I will borrow some Sony kit from work for a few days and take it for a spin using it in the same way I use my current Fuji. I do find myself shooting a little bit of sports stuff so I would appreciate the AF, and the handful of clients I do commercial work for would possibly be impressed with the resolution of the files.

Has anyone ever used Cotswold Photography?
What was your experience?

And has anyone ever used a "grey import" shop before?
I'm completely new to photography so need some reputable shops.
Uk Camera Store looks legitimate and has good reviews but not sure why their prices are so much cheaper

Cotswold are fine. Never had a grey import, but many people use them with no issues it seems. Panamoz sounds decent based on what I've read on photography forums
Tbh, I've even bought really good camera equipment second hand from CEX with no issues.

New or used gear? My go to’s are generally London Camera Exchange (new and used, online and in person), and MPB (used, online). Have also occasionally used Park Cameras (online and in person) for new gear as well. Good experiences from all of them

Picking up a digital camera again after 10 years without (but shooting in between with film). I’d like a viewfinder (not necessarily optical) and don’t need huge files. Fuji? XE vs XT?

I think I would miss having access to a semblance of functional controls with something like, say, a sony. Or is that daft retrogrouch bullshit?

I really like the idea of a Ricoh, but no vf.

Am lost.

I've ripped the eye cup off my X-T3, turns out there's quite a choice of replacements. Is there something a bit less flimsy than the stock one?

Has anyone used a black mist filter before? They look like a nice way of softening the highlights

Whilst I'm firing rhetorical questions into the ether... Anyone care to offer personal insight on video gimbals? Ideally for my mirrorless camera unless you can convince me there's a mobile phone one that isn't shite.
I have done some cursory googling on the matter but they all look the same.

Dji, choose the one that fits your camera/weight requirements. They just work, and the mobile version (osmo) gives really nice footage (used with an iPhone 14 pro max so chunky boi). Can often pick up a ronin second hand, seen them in London Camera Exchange and MPB before

Cheers, ordered the Osmo mobile 6 for some gonzo mobile phone portrait style b-roll. Watch out TikTok**.

** I really don't get TikTok but being forced to film bits for it.

Fuji is great if you like old school control surfaces. The XEs are hard to come by for reasonable money because of the instagram frenzy. The XT-x and XT-xx lines are great. A lot is going to depend on the form factor you prefer.

You can get external optical viewfinders for the Ricohs. Obviously it’s not the same as an EVF. But it works well in bright light. The controls are a bit fiddly but mostly you set things how you want them to work and leave things alone. But again they’re quite hard to come by

This is useful. Hadn’t quite realised that they are somewhat hard to find (especially the xe, obviously missed the hype!).

Head says Fuji (xt for weather sealing), but heart says Ricoh. Found my old rx100 mk1 in a cupboard which I thought was broken (it’s not) so going to play around with that before committing to anything.

I spent a while convinced I was going to sell my Ricohs but they’re perfect for taking photos when I’m out with other people - my wife gets justifiably impatient with me if I keep stopping to compose a picture properly with my X Pro 3, so I only really use that now if I’m out on my own - the Ricohs I have set up for zone focusing with the snap distance setting and I mostly just shoot from the hip - my hit rate isn’t high but because it’s so unobtrusive and I can just snap away without holding up proceedings I still end up with a lot more decent photos. If I want to do anything very considered, though, the Fuji is perfect because all the control surfaces are just there where you expect them without having to delve into menus.

The more I think about it the more I think a Ricoh makes most sense. I don't have time to take photos as a sole activity anymore; but I miss it. So, I'm resolved to making the most of taking photos on the way to or while doing other stuff!

I’m fortunate to have both and they’re very different beasts. The GRiii lives in my work bag or like @h2o, comes along if the family are in tow. But… if there were only one, I prefer the depth of function on my XT3. The Ricoh does one thing very well but can get a bit repetitive.

XT3 for me too. Set it to all auto if you want and just use the dial to adjust exposure compensation, or you have complete control over everything with physical dials (with the right lens…). It’s not trouser pocket sized, but fits in a winter jacket pocket ok or absolutely perfect for a rucksack or over the shoulder.

I used this along with the 27mm Fuji pancake lens for travel and it was great. MPB have a few available at the moment I’ve seen (I was looking for an XE4 but pricy!)

The XT3 for me has replaced a canon dslr, due to its size I’m far more likely to take it with me as I don’t need to think about where it’s going to go in my bag or if it’ll fit.

Yes and no on Fuji old school controls btw.

I have them in my cameras but never use them. They are all set to a setting where I can use the ergonomically placed modern dial controls instead. This is on all their cameras and you can customise all the buttons to do what you want.

Appreciate all the comments - they have made the decision much more difficult. This is no bad thing as I'm too impulsive anyway. Will continue to think on it.

In the meantime, I have re-downloaded Lightroom classic, signed into my old Flickr account and am very much enjoying playing about again. tbh the rx100 is probably all I really need, just wish it started up a bit quicker and would prefer a prime lens.

Yeah, I use them quite regularly. It helps getting a bit more of an analog feel in some conditions (ie; if it’s sunny or lots of points of light)
Need to use them carefully as it’s obviously baked in and can’t be undone. If the conditions aren’t right, they just lower contrast. They also introduce reflections so you need to be careful where you point it.

Try one of the cheaper ones - the Tiffen ones are great but pricey.

I've got a Fuji 33mm 1.4 prime I never use I really need to sell, make me an offer.