Anyone use/try Sony DSLTs like the a33/a55?

[hipsterdufus]

So, I was looking at these cameras as a potential option for some of my legacy M42 glass. I currently have a Pentax Ist DS, which is OK, but fails in some areas:

1) I really dislike the whole "focus while the lens is open, then stop down to the correct aperture to meter/take the picture" dance that you have to do while using legacy glass.
2) Focusing is still a bit difficult with manual focus lenses using the smaller (APS-sized) viewfinder.

It seems like the A33/A55 would correct these two issues, given the EVF. The EVF brightens to compensate as the aperture stops down, so that takes care of issue #1. For issue #2, you can increase the magnification in the EVF for manual focus assist.

Has anyone here actually tried these cameras? Any opinions? Yes, I know that the NEX cameras offer the same/similar sensors and you can use Leica lenses with them. However, none of them (currently) have an EVF (a necessity for me). And the NEX 7 is going to be out of my price range @ $1350/$1200. Just looking for opinions on the SLT cameras. Thanks.

 

[gavinlg]

They're quite nice, the EVF is strange but pretty decent. Not as good as a good OVF though. In use, they're speedy and pretty straight forward, the IQ is very good, and the body size is small. Make sure you can actually adapt m42 lenses to it before you do - some m42 lenses hit my 5d's mirror and I think the SLT cameras may have even less room inside.