Almost interested in this digital stuff...

[craygc]

After a day out shooting with Kristian Dowling, using a Nex 5n last week, I can begin to say that Im getting tempted to park 35mm film... These are using the Leica 21mm Asph Elmarit only.

I used the EVF, which is a godsend for someone who needs glasses to read - I just turn the screen off. Its certainly not as fast to use as a Leica M but having seriously considered an M9 over the last month, personally, I don't see how to justify the price for function. Now all I need is a full-frame version of this type of camera...

 

[Steve M.]

The problem here is, and it's just a digital trait, the lack of tonal range. No real whites or black, but a lot of gray. If you can live w/ that, or if you primarily shoot color, then you're good to go. I also found that my printed B&W digital files ended up looking even flatter (in tonal range) than they did on my monitor.

 

[tojeem]

Nice photos! Love the fifth one.

I would should digital indefinitely, if it weren't for the fact that within 3-5 years the camera will be practically obsolete. I'd say splash out on the Leica, if you can afford it. At least then you can get a decent 10+ years out of it.

Stephen

 

[craygc]

The problem here is, and it's just a digital trait, the lack of tonal range. No real whites or black, but a lot of gray. If you can live w/ that, or if you primarily shoot color, then you're good to go. I also found that my printed B&W digital files ended up looking even flatter (in tonal range) than they did on my monitor.

Thanx Steve, thats what I needed; a good slap of objective reality... 😀

 

[claacct]

The problem here is, and it's just a digital trait, the lack of tonal range. No real whites or black, but a lot of gray. If you can live w/ that, or if you primarily shoot color, then you're good to go. I also found that my printed B&W digital files ended up looking even flatter (in tonal range) than they did on my monitor.

Watch some photoshop tutorial videos on youtube...

 

[aad]

The problem here is, and it's just a digital trait, the lack of tonal range. No real whites or black, but a lot of gray. If you can live w/ that, or if you primarily shoot color, then you're good to go. I also found that my printed B&W digital files ended up looking even flatter (in tonal range) than they did on my monitor.

Interesting-I sort of started going digital when I realized I had tried to make my film B&W files look a certain way, and the digital results looked the same.

Love those shots. Nice not to have to develop and scan.

 

[tbarker13]

The problem here is, and it's just a digital trait, the lack of tonal range. No real whites or black, but a lot of gray.

I do not find this to be true.
But if you are going the digital route, you need to be committed to learning a little about Photoshop and other programs (silverEfex pro, for example).
It's similar to the old days of working in the darkroom, where you'd use different combinations of paper, film and chemicals to achieve your desired results. With digital photography, the darkroom is simply replaced by Photoshop.

 

[newspaperguy]

Sober note: Some of us are still happily using 10-year-old digital cameras.

I guess it depends on what you have to have to keep you happy.

My antique Olly E-1 is still capable of producing better images than I can.

.

 

[Jamie Pillers]

These are GREAT photographs, no matter what the gear! 🙂 Thanks for posting them.

Regarding digital vs. film, I say "use whatever works". Clearly this camera/lens kit works REALLY WELL for you. Forget waiting around for full-frame version... GIVE US MORE NOW!! 🙂

 

[FPjohn]

Function

Function

I agree with newspaperguy.

Digital B&W strongly resembles C41 B&W to me: an aesthetic choice.

"Obsolete" does not effect function: I've a 1913 150mm f3.5 Tessar which forms images as well as many generations of newer descendants.

yours
FPJ

 

[Teuthida]

Digital B&W strongly resembles C41 B&W to me:

yours
FPJ

Agreed.

And if you want the look of silver halide, buy Silver Efex.

The 5n is an amazing camera.

 

[segedi]

Nice photos! I really like #1, crop the couple out on the side and I like it even more.

The 5n is an amazing camera. But for a digital rangefinder experience, I actually prefer the Ricoh GXR with M mount. The body fits better into my hand and the customization of the buttons allows for quicker work. I also like the level and the way focus assist magnification works on the Ricoh. And the better details in the corners with wide angle lenses.

Not to knock the 5n, I've got that too! Wides on the Ricoh and a 50mm on the Sony are a great two body setup. And the hawk's helicoid M adapter make for some nice close focus work.

Oh and I love the size of these small digitals. I have a small sling bag and it holds the 5n and GXR, both viewfinders, a Leica M7, 5 lenses and film.

 

[douglasf13]

Segedi, it sounds like you need a Ciesta half case for your 5N. It makes the 5N closer in size to the GXR, protects the camera, and looks great. It makes a big difference for the grip.

 

[hxpham]

Segedi, it sounds like you need a Ciesta half case for your 5N. It makes the 5N closer in size to the GXR, protects the camera, and looks great. It makes a big difference for the grip.

Those little rubbery pieces you glued on your EVF makes me think of Nikon F and F2!

 

[douglasf13]

Howdy. You might want to check out this thread for a little more info on my "pimped" EVF. 🙂

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=112605

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

Really nice photos! That last one is terrific.

Agreed, sixty seconds in Lightroom gets you all the tonal range you want. Low-contrast files are a good thing in the digital era--you've got more to work with.

I'd like an EVF for my 5n but haven't been able to find one...they are always out of stock!

 

[segedi]

Douglas - do you have a link to where you got your case? And I've been admiring your EVF for weeks now... If you had a template for cutting, I'd but it!

 

[douglasf13]

Douglas - do you have a link to where you got your case? And I've been admiring your EVF for weeks now... If you had a template for cutting, I'd but it!

I just bought my case on ebay. Search Ciesta nex cases.

My case was for my NEX-5, originally. It still fits on the NEX-5N fine, although there is a very slight bit of gap around the base that you'd likely not notice without me mentioning it. I've heard that Ciesta might come out with NEX-5N specific cases, but I'm not sure if that's true.

 

[peterm1]

The Sony NEX system is a great way to get more use out of legacy lenses. I have an M8 but am having great fun using M lenses on my Sony. Likewise my Nikon, Pentax and Canon lenses with suitable adapters.

Shot with Canon 58mm f1.2 on Sony NEX 5.

PS you can get good monochrome tones out of digital but you must be prepared to learn how to post process. The benchmark for high quality conversion to monochrome is Nik Silver Efex. But its not a standalone product and you will need Photoshop or suitable Photoshop compliant software that can run the Nik plugin. I use Corel Paintshop X4. It has its own blackc and white converison which is excellent. It is also much cheaper and easier to use that Photoshop.


DSC00938a by yoyomaoz, on Flickr

Some Bokeh "games"


DSC01321a1 by yoyomaoz, on Flickr


DSC01317 by yoyomaoz, on Flickr

 

[Steve M.]

Always glad to help craygc.

It's just my take on things. Digital is extremely seductive. Free film, so to speak. No labs to deal with, no developing, etc. Yet it comes w/ a price (what doesn't). For some the trade offs are worth it, for some they aren't.

A lot just depends on what your photographic goals are. I love black and white, and for me the gold standard is what once was, not what now is. Film gives me the black and white look that I like, although at this stage of my life I realize it's really about the shot, not the medium. My perspective isn't that of a purist. Different tools for different needs. It's like comparing a photograveure print to a mezzotint.

http://julieniskanen.com/mezzotint.html

The mezzotint is a real PITA to make. Endless rocking of the plate w/ a rocker tool, lots of time spent fixing mistakes, doing proofs, sore wrists, etc. But you get blacks that are incredible. You can't get them any other way, so the trouble is worth it.