Topics

1

Third Party Manufacturers / Film cameras, help!

« on: May 21, 2012, 12:25:26 AM »

Hello CR folks!
I'm looking for a high IQ quality film camera. I've been shooting with a Canon A-1 with my beloved 50mm f/1.4 for years. After looking around a bit, I discovered Hasselblad, Zeiss and Mamiya. With my 5D mk ll I use Zeiss glass because I'm addicted to build quality.

I'm looking for suggestions on a system to purchase. The format doesn't really matter as I'm only firm on the fact it has to be film. I've seen the Hassbelblad 203FE, Mamiya 7 ii and the Zeiss Ikon Rangefinder. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

2

EOS Bodies / Shooting w/1 or 2 bodies

« on: May 07, 2012, 04:26:58 PM »

Hello CR folks!

I've got a question I have yet to see discussed on CR (or I just have yet to find it).

I sold my 5D mk ll the week before the mk lll was released, ensuring ~$300 more in my pocket to go towards the mk lll.
While I waited, I purchased a refurbished 7D with a shutter count of 560. It was a great deal considering sealing is important to me. I primarily shoot indoor sports/concerts, and have always preferred FF, but for this short while the 1.6 crop has been decent.
I've never had two digital bodies at the same time. Considering the 5D mk lll is a beefed-up FF in 7D casing, will I find the mk lll more useful than the 7D, or (in your personal experience) is having a crop and FF sensor allowing for lens and focal length combinations useful?
I'm happy with the lens lineup I have thus far, so I'm mainly just weighing out my options. Should I sell the 7D, or keep it for now?
Thanks!
(sorry, just realized I posted in Rumors)

3

Lenses / Double camera, lens choices.

« on: April 10, 2012, 05:32:30 PM »

Hello CR!
I've shot with a T21, 40D, 60D, 7D and 5Dmkll. (plus the new 600EX Speedlite)

I have never had more than one digital camera in my possession at a time. However, I recently decided to purchase another copy of the 7D to befriend my 5Dmkll.
With a 1.6 crop and FF bodies at my disposal, I've come to enjoy the advantages of pairing bodies to lenses. I am currently working with a Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 and a Canon 135 L f/2
With this combination, I have the focal lengths of
50mm
80mm
135mm
216mm
 My question is, in the Canon lineup of lenses, what should be my wide angle addition? Yes, I would love to spend the money on a 5Dmklll, but I don't see that happening until the price drops a bit. I've been considering the 24 L f/1.4, which would add 24mm and 38mm to the set, but I wanted to get some opinions first. Any thought?
Thanks in advance!
P.S. I shoot indoor sports and parties where light is questionable at times.

4

Software & Accessories / Negative Printer for 35mm film

« on: March 18, 2012, 02:46:55 AM »

Hello CR!

I love shooting film, alot. I tend to grab my A-1 more than my 5D mk ll, to be honest. However, the only thing I have yet to do is actually scan my negatives into a digital format. I want to be able to share high quality images from my 35mm film to those online.
I've been looking through BH for negative scanners, and have found a few. However, I'm looking for recommendations. What exactly am I looking for in a scanner when my goal is to keep as much of the negative image in crisp clear condition as possible?
Thanks in advance!

5

Third Party Manufacturers / New to Rangefinders....

« on: March 15, 2012, 12:33:26 AM »

Hello folks!

I am currently looking to "test the waters" in the rangefinder field... My budget is currently ~ $2000, as I don't know if this will be something I enjoy as much as I do digital and Canon 35mm film, and can't rationalize a M9 at the moment.

What would a recommendation for a basic body and lens be? I've seen the Voigtlander Bessa-R4M, allowing for about the remain $1200 to go towards a solid lens.

Any suggestions?
Thanks!

6

Lenses / "Stepping up" for prime shooters

« on: March 11, 2012, 11:31:48 PM »

Hello CR folks!

For those of you who shoot primarily primes, or even 100% primes, what are your combinations? Brand is not a restriction here!
The "Holy Trinity" consisting of the 35 L, 85 L and 135 L is a popular one, but are there any other combinations you have found that give versatility? What needs do your selected lens choices fulfill, or have you purchased every quality standard prime to be safe?

I've found what works for me, but what works for all of you?

7

Software & Accessories / 5Dlll CF/SD

« on: March 04, 2012, 12:31:45 AM »

Hello CR!

As many others, I will be investing in the 5D mk lll.

The only question I have, and have not been able to find the answer of, is why exactly did Canon choose to use a combination of two different card formats for a single body? I think it's great we have a 5D with a dual slot, but is there an advantage to having both, or restrictions? Do we know yet?

Thanks in advance!

8

EOS Bodies / Selling 5D mk ll. Reasonable price?

« on: February 27, 2012, 12:58:53 AM »

Hello CR folks!

With all the news of the 5D mk lll, I am considering selling one of my two 5D mk ll's. I purchased both refurbished from Canon USA.

First off, I am looking to post on Craigslist.

Is my asking price of a 5D mk ll in IMMACULATE condition with all accessories (except original box, of course) with 4032 actuations at $1775 unreasonable?

I want to sell one copy to fund the purchase of the mk lll even though it won't hit shelves until the end of summer (if not later) but the main point is to sell before the retail price drop, thus lowering the street price.

Thoughts?

9

Canon General / Is it just me, or....

« on: February 01, 2012, 01:58:50 AM »

Is it just me, or are there a considerably larger amount of "first time" posters on CR than before?
I remember the fake links of spam people where posting on here awhile ago, and new members had to "prove" they were real by discussing photography, could this be in any way related?
Is there a way to tell?
Sorry if I sound crazy 

10

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Testing a used flash?

« on: February 01, 2012, 01:18:36 AM »

Hello there!

I am in the market for a used 580ex ll flash to join my first 580ex ll and 430 model.
I was able to find one on CL for $410 with the Canon cable included.
As I have never purchased a used flash, what all am I looking for? How should I be testing such an item?
Thanks in advance!

11

Lenses / All primes... But what zoom?

« on: January 29, 2012, 12:39:15 AM »

Hello CR!

I am a prime sort'a guy. I currently own the 35mm f/1.4 L, 50mm f/1.2 L and the 135mm f/2 L.
I am shooting with a Canon 5D mk ll.
I have always loved my primes, but am considering a good walk-around lens.
Any opinions out there on what to invest in? My main reason is for the versatility and to NOT have to carry my three primes all day.
Thanks in advance!

12

Lighting / Softbox vs Diffuser

« on: January 27, 2012, 12:09:07 AM »

Hello, all!
I have always loved natural lighting and preferred it over the use of flashes and strobes. However, I want to educate myself in proper lighting techniques, as well as what I need gear-wise.
I am currently using a 5D mk ll with a 580ex ll and an off camera hotshoe cable. I shoot indoors concerts (where I am on the stage) as well as outdoor portraits. With the concerts, the harsh lighting is sometimes welcomed. But with the outdoor portraits when I HAVE to use flash, it produces an incredibly awful look.
I have been looking into portable accessories to assist me. Option 1. is a Softbox. Option 2. is a diffuser. Do you guys have any input on either of these, or maybe an option 3?
Thanks in advance!

13

Lenses / Canon Refurbished resale value?

« on: January 22, 2012, 09:37:27 PM »

Hello all!
I am looking at purchasing some L glass from the Canon Refurbished store. I place priority on glass, and not the body, so ordering a refurb. 5D mkll was a must. I love it, and not even a scratch when it came into my hands.
What I am curious about however, is the resale value of refurbished L glass. Does anyone have experience with this? I would assume without the original box the value would not be equal with selling a "new" one, but sadly when trying to budget an 85mm f/1.2, some cuts must be made.
Thanks!

14

Lenses / MF Lenses Zeiss/Leica...?

« on: January 14, 2012, 12:46:29 AM »

Hello everyone!
I am a sucker for manual focus lenses, mainly due to the days of film. I love my 5D mk ll and the variety of L lenses I have, but am looking for something else to add to the collection...
Is there a manual focus lens that would be recommended? I love the classic 50mm focal length on FF. I never use AF, even though I already own the 50mm f/1.2 L. However, I am looking for something to just have fun with. I have been looking at the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 1,4 50mm with the Canon mount, as well as various Leica lenses. I have only ever shot with Canon, so 3rd party gear is new to me. The Zeiss is half the price of my current 50mm L, which is appealing, but are there limitations?
Thanks in advance!

15

Lenses / 35mm L vs. 135mm L. IQ?

« on: January 12, 2012, 10:40:59 PM »

I own both the Canon 35mm f/1.4 L and the 135mm f/2 L, and love them for certain situations. Both are tack sharp, which is great. But while speaking with a Nikon shooting friend of mine, he asked "which is sharper?"
I replied it depends on the situation, of course. But my question here is, has anyone ever done an IQ test comparing these two great pieces of glass? I could perform the test myself, but not having done a test of this nature before, I have no idea where to start. Sure this is just for fun as I will be keeping both, but does anyone know?