New NEX-5 User - care to share some favorite settings?

[JCT]

Hi All,

Well the ability to use my dad's old Summaron 35 and DR 50 was just too enticing, so I fell right off the NEX fence. I have the 18-55 kit lens for when I hand the camera off to my better half, but I am really looking forward to using it with my current collection of legacy glass: the two M's above, an OM Zuiko 50mm f1.4 and 100 f2.8 and my little Pen F 38mm f1.8 .

I've loaded up ver 4 firmware and while I haven't figured out which Leica M adapter to buy yet, I did grab a nikon adapter from RainbowImaging and will practice with my old 55mm Micro-Nikkor-P.

As my eyes aren't what they used to be, I'm looking forward to using focus peaking at least some of the time.

Are there any particular settings I should try first or that you have found particularly useful? Suggestions for configuring the soft buttons?

I don't mind fiddling, but as I am new to the Sony, it would be nice to shorten my learning curve a bit.

Thanks in advance,

JT

 

[AFenvy]

I configured the soft button to be the 7x/14x focus assist zoom. Aside from that, I always shoot RAW files, and let the camera's Auto White Balance do its thing (it can always be changed afterwards). All I do is set the ISO for the conditions and shoot!

 

[Bugleone]

I have only been using my new NEX 3 for two weeks so I'm hardly an expert, however, it has earned my respect already and is an exciting camera provided you ignore as many of it's gimmicks as possible and try to keep things simple. I have already had some nice 'keepers' and the camera is very discrete and adaptable to different kinds of work.

I only use RAW,...so no white balance or 'colour' issues to worry about. I only use f8 in aperture priority because there is no depth of field indication (an oversight on the part of the designers)

I have the central button prog'd for iso, meter mode and flash correction (may change the flash setting) I have the bottom button prog'd for 'MF assist'....I don't use it as yet but will do so when I start using Canon FD lenses next week.

The 'peaking' is largely a gimmick and a complication that is best forgotten, especially since it can't be assigned to a prog slot.

The kit zoom is a better lens than you hear about on the web and good for everyday use even when a good image turns up,...provided you leave it on f8,..both for best image quality and best depth of field.

I have had some good shots while just looking for images but will start serious stuff next week;

 

[JCT]

This is a good start for me -- I especially like the idea of the MF assist and ISO as soft buttons.

As soon as I can locate my M2 tube for the Micro I'd love to test out some macro.

I got to fiddle a bit last night and I get the feeling that the firmware releases really cleaned things up because I didn't find the menu that cumbersome.

I will also shoot RAW most of the time as I have a dedicated Panasonic P&S for straight snaps. I have to work out a fast culling workflow via Lightroom. I agree with you, Bugleone, regarding the kit lens -- that's why I went with the zoom, for flexibility. Once I figure out the jpgs I may switch to that when just shooting with the zoom. Nice pics, LOVE the happy dog and his ring, great colors.

Now if only the weather in NYC would cooperate.

JT