Manual focus lenses on a3000

vivaldibow said:

I am considering an inexpensive E mount camera to try out my old MF lenses. I was initially targeting for an Nex-5n/r/t, then noticed this a3000. I guess with focus peaking, it should be relatively easy to focus. One other thing that concerns me is the EVE resolution. It looks like it is even slightly lower than my ancient Minolta 7Hi's EVF. Anyone own such a camera, if you also use MF lenses, can you please share your experience? Thanks!

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SQLGuy said:

vivaldibow said:

I am considering an inexpensive E mount camera to try out my old MF lenses. I was initially targeting for an Nex-5n/r/t, then noticed this a3000. I guess with focus peaking, it should be relatively easy to focus. One other thing that concerns me is the EVE resolution. It looks like it is even slightly lower than my ancient Minolta 7Hi's EVF. Anyone own such a camera, if you also use MF lenses, can you please share your experience? Thanks!

Click to expand...

The A3000 sensor is excellent. Everything else about it is bare bones basic. Yes, it does have an EVF, but it is a pretty rough one. The non-tilting LCD is probably even a bit worse; as far as I can tell, they put an extra-glare coating on it.

You can definitely get some great photos out of it, but I would recommend looking to an A6000, or, for a bit of a budget-friendlier option, a NEX-7 or a NEX-6. The A3000 sensor is better than the one in the NEX-6, but not by that much, and the ergonomics of the NEX-6 are way better.

--
A7-II with kit lens and a number of legacy lenses (mostly Canon FD); NEX-7 converted to IR.

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vivaldibow said:

Thanks for the suggestions. The A6000 was initially on my list but I accidentally acquired an A77ii, which I like right now. Having an a6000 seems a little overlapping with the A77ii. Plus, I was looking for a very inexpensive E mount just for my manual focus lenses. That leads me to the 5 series and the a3000. Compared with 6 and 7, do you even recommend the 5n/r/t? Thanks again.

SQLGuy said:

vivaldibow said:

I am considering an inexpensive E mount camera to try out my old MF lenses. I was initially targeting for an Nex-5n/r/t, then noticed this a3000. I guess with focus peaking, it should be relatively easy to focus. One other thing that concerns me is the EVE resolution. It looks like it is even slightly lower than my ancient Minolta 7Hi's EVF. Anyone own such a camera, if you also use MF lenses, can you please share your experience? Thanks!

Click to expand...

The A3000 sensor is excellent. Everything else about it is bare bones basic. Yes, it does have an EVF, but it is a pretty rough one. The non-tilting LCD is probably even a bit worse; as far as I can tell, they put an extra-glare coating on it.

You can definitely get some great photos out of it, but I would recommend looking to an A6000, or, for a bit of a budget-friendlier option, a NEX-7 or a NEX-6. The A3000 sensor is better than the one in the NEX-6, but not by that much, and the ergonomics of the NEX-6 are way better.

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vivaldibow said:

I am considering an inexpensive E mount camera to try out my old MF lenses. I was initially targeting for an Nex-5n/r/t, then noticed this a3000. I guess with focus peaking, it should be relatively easy to focus. One other thing that concerns me is the EVE resolution. It looks like it is even slightly lower than my ancient Minolta 7Hi's EVF. Anyone own such a camera, if you also use MF lenses, can you please share your experience? Thanks!

Click to expand...

Htbaa said:

vivaldibow said:

I am considering an inexpensive E mount camera to try out my old MF lenses. I was initially targeting for an Nex-5n/r/t, then noticed this a3000. I guess with focus peaking, it should be relatively easy to focus. One other thing that concerns me is the EVE resolution. It looks like it is even slightly lower than my ancient Minolta 7Hi's EVF. Anyone own such a camera, if you also use MF lenses, can you please share your experience? Thanks!

Click to expand...

I still own the A3000 and still use it from time to time next to my A6000. As said by others the sensor is excellent, the rest isn't. Though the bigger body and grip are nice when using heavier lenses.

For me the EVF is useless. The resolution I way too low and it seems mine has some sort of haze over it. Don't remember if it was like that (I'd like to think not) or that it happened due to condensation or something.

Using manual focus lenses is very doable with the camera. When I use a more shallow depth of field it's only useable if I put it on a tripod. Picture quality is excellent. Not having a tilting screen is a big let down though.

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SQLGuy said:

vivaldibow said:

Thanks for the suggestions. The A6000 was initially on my list but I accidentally acquired an A77ii, which I like right now. Having an a6000 seems a little overlapping with the A77ii. Plus, I was looking for a very inexpensive E mount just for my manual focus lenses. That leads me to the 5 series and the a3000. Compared with 6 and 7, do you even recommend the 5n/r/t? Thanks again.

SQLGuy said:

vivaldibow said:

I am considering an inexpensive E mount camera to try out my old MF lenses. I was initially targeting for an Nex-5n/r/t, then noticed this a3000. I guess with focus peaking, it should be relatively easy to focus. One other thing that concerns me is the EVE resolution. It looks like it is even slightly lower than my ancient Minolta 7Hi's EVF. Anyone own such a camera, if you also use MF lenses, can you please share your experience? Thanks!

Click to expand...

The A3000 sensor is excellent. Everything else about it is bare bones basic. Yes, it does have an EVF, but it is a pretty rough one. The non-tilting LCD is probably even a bit worse; as far as I can tell, they put an extra-glare coating on it.

You can definitely get some great photos out of it, but I would recommend looking to an A6000, or, for a bit of a budget-friendlier option, a NEX-7 or a NEX-6. The A3000 sensor is better than the one in the NEX-6, but not by that much, and the ergonomics of the NEX-6 are way better.

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SLN001 said:

For your stated purposes I would recommend a used NEX-6. Body only they can be found for $200 or less. This gives you a better EVF and LCD and a sensor that is close to the A3000 capability.

If you are like me you will decide that the expanded view is more useful in manual focusing than Focus Peaking is.

I recently had the same thought as you to use an older NEX model just to play with legacy lenses. I picked up a used NEX-3 for $100 and am very happy with the results.


NEX-3 and Minolta Rokkor 2.0/50

--
Steve
Just an Armadillo on the shoulder of the information superhighway.

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vivaldibow said:

Htbaa said:

vivaldibow said:

I am considering an inexpensive E mount camera to try out my old MF lenses. I was initially targeting for an Nex-5n/r/t, then noticed this a3000. I guess with focus peaking, it should be relatively easy to focus. One other thing that concerns me is the EVE resolution. It looks like it is even slightly lower than my ancient Minolta 7Hi's EVF. Anyone own such a camera, if you also use MF lenses, can you please share your experience? Thanks!

Click to expand...

I still own the A3000 and still use it from time to time next to my A6000. As said by others the sensor is excellent, the rest isn't. Though the bigger body and grip are nice when using heavier lenses.

For me the EVF is useless. The resolution I way too low and it seems mine has some sort of haze over it. Don't remember if it was like that (I'd like to think not) or that it happened due to condensation or something.

Using manual focus lenses is very doable with the camera. When I use a more shallow depth of field it's only useable if I put it on a tripod. Picture quality is excellent. Not having a tilting screen is a big let down though.

Click to expand...

Thanks. I checked some sample pictures and also found the sensor is pretty good to my eye. Your point about the fixed LCD is really valid. In addition, I saw some reviews complaining about their a3000s quit working after a certain period of time. Quality control issue? Not sure. I guess I'll focus on either a 5 or 6.

Click to expand...

vivaldibow said:

I am considering an inexpensive E mount camera to try out my old MF lenses. I was initially targeting for an Nex-5n/r/t, then noticed this a3000. I guess with focus peaking, it should be relatively easy to focus. One other thing that concerns me is the EVE resolution. It looks like it is even slightly lower than my ancient Minolta 7Hi's EVF. Anyone own such a camera, if you also use MF lenses, can you please share your experience? Thanks!

Click to expand...

araudan said:

vivaldibow said:

I am considering an inexpensive E mount camera to try out my old MF lenses. I was initially targeting for an Nex-5n/r/t, then noticed this a3000. I guess with focus peaking, it should be relatively easy to focus. One other thing that concerns me is the EVE resolution. It looks like it is even slightly lower than my ancient Minolta 7Hi's EVF. Anyone own such a camera, if you also use MF lenses, can you please share your experience? Thanks!

Click to expand...

I have an a77II and an a3000. I picked up the a3000 for exactly the reason you mention here - using my old manual focus lenses. The EVF can't be compared to what you've seen in the a77II. From my point of view the EVF is better than using the rear LCD. I need reading glasses now so EVFs are a must for me instead of using glasses all the time.

As an inexpensive way to have some fun with old lenses I think it's great and I've been happy with the images I've taken. They aren't alway great but it is fun.

Some examples with Minolta MD 50mm 1.7 and a modern Sigma 60mm






Had to use a cat photo

--
Dan

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QuietOC said:

I get by fine with A5000 and manual lenses, but I am not a big EVF user. I prefer a tilting screen. I believe the NEX 6 and 7 use the same EVF as my A65, and it is not the best EVF. It doesn't get as bright as the newer EVFs.

It seems like the 20 MP sensor might perform better in the larger A3000 body. I have one big gripe with the 20 MP sensor. I am fine with it being slightly smaller. My gripe is the aliasing. It is great while evaluating lenses, but it is annoying at any other time. If you avoid sharp lenses and/or focusing precision it might not be a problem.

I was thinking of upgrading to the A5100, but it looks like that sensor performs even worse in the smaller body. This might be part of the reason why we don't have an A5300 or A5500.

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vivaldibow said:

Htbaa said:

vivaldibow said:

I am considering an inexpensive E mount camera to try out my old MF lenses. I was initially targeting for an Nex-5n/r/t, then noticed this a3000. I guess with focus peaking, it should be relatively easy to focus. One other thing that concerns me is the EVE resolution. It looks like it is even slightly lower than my ancient Minolta 7Hi's EVF. Anyone own such a camera, if you also use MF lenses, can you please share your experience? Thanks!

Click to expand...

I still own the A3000 and still use it from time to time next to my A6000. As said by others the sensor is excellent, the rest isn't. Though the bigger body and grip are nice when using heavier lenses.

For me the EVF is useless. The resolution I way too low and it seems mine has some sort of haze over it. Don't remember if it was like that (I'd like to think not) or that it happened due to condensation or something.

Using manual focus lenses is very doable with the camera. When I use a more shallow depth of field it's only useable if I put it on a tripod. Picture quality is excellent. Not having a tilting screen is a big let down though.

Click to expand...

Thanks. I checked some sample pictures and also found the sensor is pretty good to my eye. Your point about the fixed LCD is really valid. In addition, I saw some reviews complaining about their a3000s quit working after a certain period of time. Quality control issue? Not sure. I guess I'll focus on either a 5 or 6.

Click to expand...

Helen said:

vivaldibow said:

Htbaa said:

vivaldibow said:

I am considering an inexpensive E mount camera to try out my old MF lenses. I was initially targeting for an Nex-5n/r/t, then noticed this a3000. I guess with focus peaking, it should be relatively easy to focus. One other thing that concerns me is the EVE resolution. It looks like it is even slightly lower than my ancient Minolta 7Hi's EVF. Anyone own such a camera, if you also use MF lenses, can you please share your experience? Thanks!

Click to expand...

I still own the A3000 and still use it from time to time next to my A6000. As said by others the sensor is excellent, the rest isn't. Though the bigger body and grip are nice when using heavier lenses.

For me the EVF is useless. The resolution I way too low and it seems mine has some sort of haze over it. Don't remember if it was like that (I'd like to think not) or that it happened due to condensation or something.

Using manual focus lenses is very doable with the camera. When I use a more shallow depth of field it's only useable if I put it on a tripod. Picture quality is excellent. Not having a tilting screen is a big let down though.

Click to expand...

Thanks. I checked some sample pictures and also found the sensor is pretty good to my eye. Your point about the fixed LCD is really valid. In addition, I saw some reviews complaining about their a3000s quit working after a certain period of time. Quality control issue? Not sure. I guess I'll focus on either a 5 or 6.

Click to expand...

The EVF is both a physically small and very low-res unit - so low-res in fact that Sony seems to actively avoid admitting to its dot count.

Really surprisingly (though understandably given its low res and size) you are physically unable to do playback on the a3000's EVF, either stills or movie - it just will not allow it to be done.

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araudan said:

Helen said:

vivaldibow said:

Htbaa said:

vivaldibow said:

I am considering an inexpensive E mount camera to try out my old MF lenses. I was initially targeting for an Nex-5n/r/t, then noticed this a3000. I guess with focus peaking, it should be relatively easy to focus. One other thing that concerns me is the EVE resolution. It looks like it is even slightly lower than my ancient Minolta 7Hi's EVF. Anyone own such a camera, if you also use MF lenses, can you please share your experience? Thanks!

Click to expand...

I still own the A3000 and still use it from time to time next to my A6000. As said by others the sensor is excellent, the rest isn't. Though the bigger body and grip are nice when using heavier lenses.

For me the EVF is useless. The resolution I way too low and it seems mine has some sort of haze over it. Don't remember if it was like that (I'd like to think not) or that it happened due to condensation or something.

Using manual focus lenses is very doable with the camera. When I use a more shallow depth of field it's only useable if I put it on a tripod. Picture quality is excellent. Not having a tilting screen is a big let down though.

Click to expand...

Thanks. I checked some sample pictures and also found the sensor is pretty good to my eye. Your point about the fixed LCD is really valid. In addition, I saw some reviews complaining about their a3000s quit working after a certain period of time. Quality control issue? Not sure. I guess I'll focus on either a 5 or 6.

Click to expand...

The EVF is both a physically small and very low-res unit - so low-res in fact that Sony seems to actively avoid admitting to its dot count.

Really surprisingly (though understandably given its low res and size) you are physically unable to do playback on the a3000's EVF, either stills or movie - it just will not allow it to be done.

Click to expand...

The a3000 EVF resolution info I found says it is 201,600 dots. By way of comparison the a77II which has an EVF with 2,359,000 dots. Mentioning this since the OP has an a77II and it's quite the difference.

--
Dan

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M Chambers said:

Sony gave an a3000 sample for two months and I was really blown away. While it lacks the feature, focusing speed, and processing speed of the A77ii or A6000 series it certainly does not lack on its sensor quality. Also the a3000 has A LOT more features than most Canon and Nikon SLRs.

I think you'll be fine with the a3000.

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SLN001 said:

For your stated purposes I would recommend a used NEX-6. Body only they can be found for $200 or less. This gives you a better EVF and LCD and a sensor that is close to the A3000 capability.

If you are like me you will decide that the expanded view is more useful in manual focusing than Focus Peaking is.

I recently had the same thought as you to use an older NEX model just to play with legacy lenses. I picked up a used NEX-3 for $100 and am very happy with the results.


NEX-3 and Minolta Rokkor 2.0/50

--
Steve
Just an Armadillo on the shoulder of the information superhighI

Click to expand...

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