Worth it to get a Nex ONLY for adapted manual lenses?

[flip]

I've been reading a bit about the Nex. I'm primarily interested as a stopgap until an M9 comes into reach. I have M and Pen lenses and a Canon 20D that sits idle because it's too big. I don't plan to buy Nex system lenses. Is it worthwhile or more trouble than it's worth?

 

[FPjohn]

Universal back

Universal back

Hello:

I consider my NEX 3 to be my universal digital back. The kit zoom is a bonus.

yours
FPJ

 

[dexdog]

Using LTM and Contax RF mount lenses is the reason that I bought my NEX 5. I got a good deal on the 18-55 kit lens, but never use. Previous poster said it well- universal digital back

 

[jsrockit]

Are you immune to ergonomics? Then buy one. If not, try before you buy.

 

[Nokton48]

I bought a Nex-3 specifically to use with my RF and SLR 35mm lenses. I have no use for the Sony lenses. It's been a good move for me. I tried the body out at Best Buy before going for one (body only) on Ebay. Love it.

 

[flip]

At $250 locally, I am comfortable with the gamble.

Does the sensor expose the limits of pen lenses, for example? I have never shot these lenses on any medium other than film, so I wonder what to expect.

 

[douglasf13]

Pen F lenses from 38mm and up work great on NEX, but I'm not sure about wider. Most rangefinder lenses wider than 35mm have corner issues, like color shift or softness, on NEX, so I would get a NEX with the 16mm prime, which is ok stopped down to around f5+. I use 35mm, 50mm and 90mm rangefinder lenses on NEX, and I use the NEX 16mm and NEX .75x converter for anything wider.

 

[segedi]

Flip, where can you find for $250?

 

[ampguy]

Since you mentioned size is a factor, keep in mind that most non kit lens adapters push the lens out. For ltm/M lens, and probably Pen lens, the distance isn't much, less than 1/2" or so, but with SLR lens, the adapters get quite deep, probably over an inch.

I think Pen lenses are probably ideal, since they were designed for about the same size image circle and like ltm/m lens, the adapters can be relatively short. But watch out for yellowing/browning in some of them, can probably be cleaned, but not sure.

Virtually all SLR lenses can be adapted, but it makes the kit a lot bigger with the needed adapter.

I'd recommend to try a NEX first, it does take getting used to not having a low eyepoint VF and while I've adjusted, I can certainly understand how many folks can't or haven't adjusted.

The IQ is great, better than my D40x and M8 (except for IR), and with the latest firmware, the menus are fine. It's the lack of VF that is a like/hate type of situation with many folks.

 

[Nokton48]

At $250 locally

Where can you find for $250? Do they have a website?

 

[douglasf13]

Here is my simple solution for an eye level viewfinder, and it works well enough that I'm not that interested in an evf anymore. It folds relatively flat, and I've been thrilled with it:

http://sonyalphanex.blogspot.com/2011/04/sony-nex-viewfinder-with-magnifier.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sonyalphanex+%28Sony+Alpha+NEX+Cameras+and+E+Mount+Lenses%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

 

[zhengpeng]

Here is my simple solution for an eye level viewfinder, and it works well enough that I'm not that interested in an evf anymore. It folds relatively flat, and I've been thrilled with it:

http://sonyalphanex.blogspot.com/20...and+E+Mount+Lenses)&utm_content=Google+Reader

Two thumbs up!

 

[kxl]

Two thumbs up!

Make that 3... 😀

I've been using the clearviewer by itself, but after seeing this, I ordered the LCD hood (currently in transit).

 

[luuca]

I only use my nex5 with adapted lens.

never used the 18-55, used the 16mm 'till the M-mount ring arrived 😀

nex5 with elmarit 28 (I love the combo):

 

[Mesti3K]

I only use my nex5 with adapted lens.

never used the 18-55, used the 16mm 'till the M-mount ring arrived 😀

nex5 with elmarit 28 (I love the combo):

Lovely Color...

 

[flip]

In response to the price questions- I live in Japan. People go through cameras more quickly here, so prices can be better for digital compacts.

I'm kind of chicken and egg regarding testing. I'm mostly concerned about pen lens performance, and buying an adapter to test a camera is a bit cart before the horse. (please add your own cliche here.) Incidentally, are any ebay adapters for Pen and M better than others?

 

[douglasf13]

Make that 3... 😀

I've been using the clearviewer by itself, but after seeing this, I ordered the LCD hood (currently in transit).

Cool. Let me know how it works for you. I will say that the sides of the LCD hood are a little flimsy, so be a bit careful when opening and closing it, but I've not had any problems. Also, be sure to line up the Clearviewer correctly, because the center of the NEX screen is off center, due to the 16:9 ratio of the screen. Turn on spot metering for a nice center of screen indicator.

I hope you like this little mod. It has entirely changed the camera for me. I often shoot with the camera chest level, with the screen at a 45 degree angle, and it works great with this setup.

 

[douglasf13]

In response to the price questions- I live in Japan. People go through cameras more quickly here, so prices can be better for digital compacts.

I'm kind of chicken and egg regarding testing. I'm mostly concerned about pen lens performance, and buying an adapter to test a camera is a bit cart before the horse. (please add your own cliche here.) Incidentally, are any ebay adapters for Pen and M better than others?

I have three M adapters. One cheapie M for $20 is wobbly and not great. The Metabones is built well, but it has a pretty large release tab that gets in the way of my grip-hand fingers. The Voigtlander M adapter has a streamlined release button that is a great design, and it doesn't get in the way. It is worth the money, IMO, and I bought 2 of them. All 3 adapters focus slightly past infinity.

 

[kxl]

Cool. Let me know how it works for you. I will say that the sides of the LCD hood are a little flimsy, so be a bit careful when opening and closing it, but I've not had any problems. Also, be sure to line up the Clearviewer correctly, because the center of the NEX screen is off center, due to the 16:9 ratio of the screen. Turn on spot metering for a nice center of screen indicator.

I hope you like this little mod. It has entirely changed the camera for me. I often shoot with the camera chest level, with the screen at a 45 degree angle, and it works great with this setup.

Thanks - looking forward to it. Good to know about the side of the LCD hood, and thanks for the tip about lining up the clearviewer.

 

[douglasf13]

Here is some more info to read before you start. You'll have to sand the hinge slightly, or you can buy one from Clearviewer already built for this purpose.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1042&thread=38124924