Sony A7 being phased out?

Limburger · Apr 18, 2017

Bought mine for €999 including 28-70 about a year and and a half ago.

It is the perferct walkaround camera.

The sensor reflections I havent't encountered with 28-70 nor 35 & 50 Voigtlander.

Flawed? Check out the competiton @ €1000!

Sony landed FF under 1K!

--
Cheers Mike

generikku · Apr 18, 2017

Those are some fantastic images you were able to create. Especially liked the fine art macros. Thank you for sharing and definitely can't wait to play with the camera using a myriad selection of old film lenses. Do you have a specific lens suggestion for macro on the A7? Or did you primarily use the NEX cam in those shots?

generikku · Apr 18, 2017

You got a good deal, especially with the lens. BTW, which version of the CV 35 do you have? I have the 1.4 Nokton MC.

And have you tried any wider Voigtlanders firsthand on the A7?

Limburger · Apr 18, 2017

generikku said:
You got a good deal, especially with the lens. BTW, which version of the CV 35 do you have? I have the 1.4 Nokton MC.

And have you tried any wider Voigtlanders firsthand on the A7?

Hello mate,

Yes great deal in the day, even today.

Got the Nokton Classic MC, think we got the same lens.

Enjoy!

Wider lenses I haven't tried.

There seem to be some issues since a sensor behaves differently from film regargding wide angle.

Since I am in the market for a 21 or 25mm I have noticed (read about) some issues regarding wide angle and digital.

--
Cheers Mike

Goethe · Apr 18, 2017

generikku said:
Those are some fantastic images you were able to create. Especially liked the fine art macros. Thank you for sharing and definitely can't wait to play with the camera using a myriad selection of old film lenses. Do you have a specific lens suggestion for macro on the A7? Or did you primarily use the NEX cam in those shots?

I have used so many lenses for macro I really cant recommend a single one. Most of the ones I have used are not actually macro lenses, but rather regular prime lenses mounted on tubes or using close up lenses on them or some combination of both.

I did like my old Canon FD Macro 50/3.5, and I still own my Yashica ML Macro 55/4 though I dont use it much anymore. My 1959 Zeiss Biotar 58/2 can create some really nice effects when used for macro. I have been experimenting with my Canon FL 55/1.2 in this way with some interesting results. Surprisingly I really like my old Tamron Adaptall 35-70/3.5 (17A) which has a nice close up function built in and can be made better with close up lenses or a small tube.

Seriously, try putting any lens on a tube for more magnification. You will probably be very pleased with the results.

generikku · Apr 18, 2017

Good to know I won't have problems with the lens then. I ordered a regular m-mount adapter, but looking into helicoid options too. What do you use?

Some day when I have another body I think I'll send this in for a Kolari mod to improve wide angle corner performance etc. Have you also considered that?

generikku · Apr 18, 2017

Good tips. And I'll definitely keep an eye out for some of those lenses.

jmbillings · Apr 18, 2017

generikku said:
generikku said:

The AF speed isn't a problem most of the time (the majority of my images are landscapes and I focus manually for those) but I've also started to do the odd wedding and event, and in these cases the slow AF is no fun.

Click to expand...

Hmm, I'm surprised the AF is really that slow. In store when I played with it it didn't seem so bad, AF-S and AF-C. Depends on lens? Hunting in low light? No PDAF? Firmware not updated? All the above in combination?

It's just slow in lower light. When I do portraits it's not so bad as the subject will be fairly static, but at an event with lots of people moving around in low light, then it tends to struggle to keep up at times. It's by no means unusable, but it's also not "snappy".

Jefftan · Apr 19, 2017

generikku said:
Just became the proud new owner of the original Sony A7. A big electronics store in Japan was selling it for roughly $750 USD body only and according to the staff, once those supplies were gone they weren't getting any more. I snagged the last one in that store but they still seem to be available in others.

Please tell me which big electronic store in Japan. I am going to Japan soon

In Biccamera it still cost Yen$130,000 about US$1100 with kit lens

Loading…

www.biccamera.com

and here it is mark as "end of production item" so phase out is correct

Jefftan · Apr 19, 2017

generikku said:
Oh wow, I feel even better with my purchase then, thanks for the comparison in price. I was cheeky enough to see of the price could drop even lower since it was 'old' and since I complained there was no English option. Guy was nice enough to show that it was even cheaper than an online store. With taxes though, about the same. Anyways, he said domestic version is cheaper. Now I see! The Fuji's are expensive here, well, same price in USD when you do the conversion. It's because it has English and other language options. No wonder why Panasonic cams are cheaper too, like Sony - only Japanese language available.

So the $750 A7 you buy don't have English menu? If so that is a problem

generikku · Apr 19, 2017

That's the one. The body + kit lens price was around that, but body only was approx 85,000 in store. You also get cash redeemable points (toward future purchase) if you have a member's card.

When you go and if that particular store isn't carrying body only, ask to see if stocks in other stores are available. Maybe they can ship it to your nearest store, or if you have enough time try to have a store hold it for direct pick up.

If international version is available for a little more, you should be able to show a passport and get it tax free. Good luck.

Jefenator · Apr 19, 2017

generikku said:
Jefenator said:

The A7 was pretty much always the best value in full-frame IMHO. I have not one single iota of regret being an early adopter at $1700 and under $1000 is just a ridiculous deal. I'm not surprised to hear that the new stock might finally be running out - it's had a good run...

Click to expand...

Yes, definitely been a good run. I'm sure you've got your photography's worth out of it.

generikku said:

The sensor reflections have been a thorn in the side as has the somewhat workmanlike AF - I do look forward to upgrading away from both of those things eventually. But I'm not in a huge hurry; the build, interface and IQ are still very much to my liking.

Click to expand...

Tradeoffs and workarounds In what situations did you have issues with sensor reflections? What lenses in particular?

I liked the build in hand better than the A7II, which I just couldn't get myself to feel excited about. The A7 just felt right in my hands - the grip, weight, metal wheels, something subtle and intangible.

generikku said:

If you're anything like me, you may find yourself retiring your legacy optics once you get your hands on the newer lenses. But in the meantime, there are some fine results to be had - often blowing away crop formats IME - on a shoestring budget.

Click to expand...

There are some old camera shops around that I now will go back to and scour, in fact I might do that later today. Any wide suggestions that do well on the A7 sensor you suggest?

generikku said:

Welcome, and enjoy! :-D

Click to expand...

Thanks!

generikku said:

--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/92878699@N04/

Click to expand...

I'm not sure the sensor reflections are lens-specific. Has more to do with a bright point source far from the center:

The only workarounds I can think of are: 1) lot of elbow grease in Photoshop 2) upgrade to an A7ii 3) just live with it. I chose #3.

Others may disagree, but for wide angle, I'm all about modern glass. I would actually rather use the 11-22 ultra-wide zoom on my crop camera than the legacy lenses I was trying with the A7 (Minolta & Nikon 24/2.8, Tokina RMC 17mm.) 35mm is a bit stronger, but I love the contrast & flare resistance of the modern Sony/Zeiss 35/2.8.

Telephoto is where the legacy glass is making its last stand with me. I still use an old Minolta MD 85/2 (will probably get the Sony this summer) and a Minolta MC 135/2.8. (Will probably not get the $2000 Batis version any time soon.)

--

Jeff Addicott

Explore Jeff Addicott’s 600 photos on Flickr!

www.flickr.com

generikku · Apr 19, 2017

Good example shots and practical advice. I'll be able to live with it and find a workaround if it's a problem, like your#3. And cheers for info about legacy and native lenses.

generikku · Apr 19, 2017

That's correct. No English, that's why it's cheaper. But if you are brave, you can learn the settings just fine. There is a thread going on now in the Micro Four Thirds forum about a guy who intentionally bought a GX85 (GX7 MKII in Japan) for $300 USD cheaper. Workarounds are using the new Google Translate feature that translates real time by pointing the smartphone camera or 'tracing' in Japanese characters. English menus are available online or in PDF and are similar in both Japanese or International versions too. If those are worth it for you for the savings, only you can decide. For me and the guy who bought the GX85 it's perfectly doable.

D Cox · Apr 19, 2017

Entropy512 said:
biza43 said:

Seems natural, the camera has been replaced by the A7II. It is still a great camera though, and excellent value. I use mine for landscapes off a tripod mostly. Great results.

--
www.paulobizarro.com
http://blog.paulobizarro.com/

Click to expand...

Sony has been tending to keep previous-gen bodies at a lower price around for extended periods of time.

I think this depends on how many they have in stock. They will go on selling them until the warehouse is empty.

As time passes, sales of an old model will diminish, so the stocks could last for a while.

Entropy512 said:
I believe all of the first-gen A7 family are still available, and the A6000 was basically slotted down into the A5xxx price slot when the A6300 was released.

IF the A7 is being phased out, that hints at a potential A7III imminent. But there have been a lot of false rumors about phase-outs/discontinuations in the past of various Sony products.

Limburger · Apr 19, 2017

generikku said:
Good to know I won't have problems with the lens then. I ordered a regular m-mount adapter, but looking into helicoid options too. What do you use?

Some day when I have another body I think I'll send this in for a Kolari mod to improve wide angle corner performance etc. Have you also considered that?

You seem to be well informed.

I got two Kipon adapters (one for each Voigtlander), bought them bundled with lens so I haggled a discount

Indeed wide angle can be iffy from what I read. To be honest and get best advice have a look at the adapted lens talk for detailed advice on this topic.

Becksvart · Apr 19, 2017

Jefenator said:
Jefenator said:

Jefenator said:

--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/92878699@N04/

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

I'm not sure the sensor reflections are lens-specific. Has more to do with a bright point source far from the center:

The only workarounds I can think of are: 1) lot of elbow grease in Photoshop 2) upgrade to an A7ii 3) just live with it. I chose #3.

--

Yeah, I chose #3 too. I always get green ghost blobs when shooting electric lights close to a photo border at night, lens doesn't seem to matter, but since they look a bit like green ghosting and ordinary flaring and almost like a "natural flaw" (to my eye at least) I don't particularly mind.

I really like the A7, its "pick-me-up" aura is strong, it feels good in the hand and it looks good too what with those angles and the bright white lettering on piano black. Coming from the Sony APS-C cameras and having an A6000 too I prefer its build quality and those shallow DOF shots can be to die for. Since both the A7 and A6000 hit shutterspeed 1/60th of a sec like you would not believe in A mode they're always set to M now, except in the rare instance when using a stabilized lens.

The 28/2 is pretty great on the A7.

jayvee7 · Apr 19, 2017

I had it and it was a great camera but sold it to partially fund the a6500 purchase.

I do have to roll my eyes a bit at what people are still trying to get for it in the local craigslist. $900-1000 when you can get a brand new one for $998?

Jefftan · Apr 19, 2017

generikku said:
That's the one. The body + kit lens price was around that, but body only was approx 85,000 in store. You also get cash redeemable points (toward future purchase) if you have a member's card.

When you go and if that particular store isn't carrying body only, ask to see if stocks in other stores are available. Maybe they can ship it to your nearest store, or if you have enough time try to have a store hold it for direct pick up.

If international version is available for a little more, you should be able to show a passport and get it tax free. Good luck.

Thanks. That means if buy the Japanese version have to paid tax?

Jefftan · Apr 19, 2017

jayvee7 said:
I had it and it was a great camera but sold it to partially fund the a6500 purchase.

I do have to roll my eyes a bit at what people are still trying to get for it in the local craigslist. $900-1000 when you can get a brand new one for $998?

A6500 4k video is much better. How about still IQ? How is A6500 compare to A7?

Sony A7 being phased out?

Veteran Member

Leading Member

Leading Member

Veteran Member

Senior Member

Leading Member

Leading Member

Leading Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Leading Member

Senior Member

Leading Member

Leading Member

Forum Pro

Veteran Member

Becksvart

Guest

Well-known member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Keyboard shortcuts