I took delivery of the X-T1 this morning and wasted very little time fawning over it. I've already shot hundreds of frames with it and mashed it to three different Nikkor Ai/pre-Ai lenses. I even tried out my wife's Fujinon XF 35/1,4. The short of it is that the X-T1 is is a far better camera than I had hoped.
Read moreinstant ohmage: Sunwayfoto FB-44 ball head
Fresh though they are to the crowded photographic accessory menu, Sunwayfoto’s products are in no way undercooked or over spiced. Their heads and clamps and L brackets are built to quality standards that speak of experience, and most importantly, love. On the plate today is the FB-44 tripod head and DDC-50LR lever release clamp a well machined combination that is both strong and capable in a very tough marketplace.
Read moreporridge to the Sony a7r
If it weren't for Nikon, I'd probably still be stuck on cheap wine, Ikea cheese, and awkward, purple-lipped hangovers. But thanks to the wonders of the D800's ridiculous live view system and a jumpy exposure dial, I’ve been rammed into the wonderful world of the single malt scotch. I owe you one, Nikon.
Read moreThree Guys First Thoughts: Nikon Df
Three Guys With Cameras has a well thought-out essay about Nikon's soon to be released Df digital SLR. Each 'Guy' raises plaudits and concerns with the new camera. Plusses amount to the use of the D4 sensor. Essential caveats are that the Df sacrifices ergonomic functionality for both manual and automatic lens shooters. Each Guy notes that it is much larger and more complicated than the film cameras it attempts to emulate on the outside.
The Guys are polite in dishing out their conclusion, that the Df is a Frankenstein's monster attempt to hit all market points with one product.
“Nikon could have made a very nice retro-ish camera but I guess they lost focus somewhere and made a frankenstein-esque hybrid of a D600 and a FA. This is not the “Digital FM2″ that people are lusting after, but overall, I think it’s still a nice camera to use, with reasonably good looks to boot (I personally prefer the black version.) However, at this price point, I’d rather pay for a D800.”
I tend to agree, though with more vociferation. I had considered selling my D800 for the Df back when the only thing known about it was that it would be a digital FM. Instead, I purchased a Sony a7r and Novoflex adapter.
ohmage to the LTM (M39) Canon 35/2
Post purchase, most of my Canon P life was spent behind a Canon 50/1,4 LTM lens. I’m definitely not a street shooter. I like distance; I like my space. 50mm is a good insulator. It keeps me just far enough away from goddam people. But there’s this thing about lenses and cameras that attracts geeks like me. And with my purchase of the X-Pro 1, more than just the Canon P’s brilliant 1:1 viewfinder beckoned to be filled.
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