Reading mode: Light Dark

Sigma fp - opinions from stills photographers?

Go to last post
saltydogstudios

saltydogstudios

Senior Member
Messages
3,873
Solutions
1
Reaction score
2,200
Location
New York, NY, US
I'm revisiting the Sigma fp as a home for my adapted lenses. Currently I use the (original) Sony A7 for my adapted lenses and it's served me well. Full frame - compact/light-weight enough, good manual focus aids, decent high ISO, okay ergonomics.

But I'm traveling more & more and looking for something a bit smaller / more discrete.

I'm aware of the shortcomings of the fp for stills (broadly speaking - ergonomics, battery life, electronic shutter, etc.).

But I'm seeing interesting results from people with adapted lenses - such as the ability to store manual lens compensation profiles.

I'm curious to hear from anyone in this forum that uses the Sigma fp for stills - and specifically with adapted lenses. Do you regret the purchase? If so - what do you prefer for stills? If not - what were you using before / what do you like about the fp?
 
saltydogstudios said:
I'm revisiting the Sigma fp as a home for my adapted lenses. Currently I use the (original) Sony A7 for my adapted lenses and it's served me well. Full frame - compact/light-weight enough, good manual focus aids, decent high ISO, okay ergonomics.

But I'm traveling more & more and looking for something a bit smaller / more discrete.

I'm aware of the shortcomings of the fp for stills (broadly speaking - ergonomics, battery life, electronic shutter, etc.).

But I'm seeing interesting results from people with adapted lenses - such as the ability to store manual lens compensation profiles.

I'm curious to hear from anyone in this forum that uses the Sigma fp for stills - and specifically with adapted lenses. Do you regret the purchase? If so - what do you prefer for stills? If not - what were you using before / what do you like about the fp?
Click to expand...
 
furtle said:
saltydogstudios said:
I'm revisiting the Sigma fp as a home for my adapted lenses. Currently I use the (original) Sony A7 for my adapted lenses and it's served me well. Full frame - compact/light-weight enough, good manual focus aids, decent high ISO, okay ergonomics.

But I'm traveling more & more and looking for something a bit smaller / more discrete.

I'm aware of the shortcomings of the fp for stills (broadly speaking - ergonomics, battery life, electronic shutter, etc.).

But I'm seeing interesting results from people with adapted lenses - such as the ability to store manual lens compensation profiles.

I'm curious to hear from anyone in this forum that uses the Sigma fp for stills - and specifically with adapted lenses. Do you regret the purchase? If so - what do you prefer for stills? If not - what were you using before / what do you like about the fp?
Click to expand...
I’ve got the dp and pretty much only take stills. Adapted lenses work really well but you have to manually focus them. Peeking and magnification are your friend. Best is the loud. It’s a brill little camera
Click to expand...
I'm guessing you mean fp as the dp cameras don't take adapted lenses.

I'm used to focus peaking & magnification (though I'm sure Sony's implementation is better than Sigma's - even in the ancient A7). Peaking gets me to "8x10 print" worthy in focus, magnification gets me to critical focus.

"Best is the loud" ?
 
Well I also just added a fp it showed up today and I am just starting to dive into the manual, this thing does a whole lot more then I thought. I will take it slow and steady I hope. My other camera is a A7s. I got two of the 7 Artisans Leica M to L adp. one normal and the other with the close focus ability, plus I have a Sigma MC-21 SA to L as I have a couple of Sigma lenses 15, 20, 50macro, 105 macro. Be careful on some of those cheap/inexpensive adp I have a couple of older Leica R lenses and the adp looks fine and but It does not match up well with the camera so all I get is a black/blank screen so that one will be going back. The 7 artisans adp. fit the camera body and the lenses fine, a nice firm fit. I use all my lenses in manual focus on the Sony so this should not be a issue on the fp.

In just the first couple of hours of playing with the camera the color science out of the fp is a real joy so far.
 
saltydogstudios said:
furtle said:
saltydogstudios said:
I'm revisiting the Sigma fp as a home for my adapted lenses. Currently I use the (original) Sony A7 for my adapted lenses and it's served me well. Full frame - compact/light-weight enough, good manual focus aids, decent high ISO, okay ergonomics.

But I'm traveling more & more and looking for something a bit smaller / more discrete.

I'm aware of the shortcomings of the fp for stills (broadly speaking - ergonomics, battery life, electronic shutter, etc.).

But I'm seeing interesting results from people with adapted lenses - such as the ability to store manual lens compensation profiles.

I'm curious to hear from anyone in this forum that uses the Sigma fp for stills - and specifically with adapted lenses. Do you regret the purchase? If so - what do you prefer for stills? If not - what were you using before / what do you like about the fp?
Click to expand...
I’ve got the dp and pretty much only take stills. Adapted lenses work really well but you have to manually focus them. Peeking and magnification are your friend. Best is the loud. It’s a brill little camera
Click to expand...
I'm guessing you mean fp as the dp cameras don't take adapted lenses.

I'm used to focus peaking & magnification (though I'm sure Sony's implementation is better than Sigma's - even in the ancient A7). Peaking gets me to "8x10 print" worthy in focus, magnification gets me to critical focus.

"Best is the loud" ?
Click to expand...
fp and loup
 
Last edited:
I bought the fp specifically for use with adapted lenses, and it works very well. No complaints.

In the past I've used a Sony NEX-5N, which also works well but doesn't give the original angle of view of the lenses.

Nikkor 200mm:



2c86fef1b82844f1869d49849005efe1.jpg

It's an interesting camera and the colours are pleasing.

Don Cox
 
D Cox said:
I bought the fp specifically for use with adapted lenses, and it works very well. No complaints.

In the past I've used a Sony NEX-5N, which also works well but doesn't give the original angle of view of the lenses.

Nikkor 200mm:

2c86fef1b82844f1869d49849005efe1.jpg

It's an interesting camera and the colours are pleasing.

Don Cox
Click to expand...
Regarding legacy lenses, I found that all of the wide angle M mount lenses I had were very soft at the edges in my Sony A7S. Only the newer Voightlander 15mm VM Ver iii was any good. Even the likes of Zeiss 21 and 26mm were very poor edge performers. I wonder if this is the case with the fp? I suspect so. I've heard they work ok on the Leica M cameras because of Leica's sensor's micro lenses but that's a subject I know nothing about.

I could be wrong but I wouldn't take a chance on buying a legacy, M mount, wide angle lens for the fp. On the other hand, the Sigma 24mm DG DN L mount is superb. Not to big either. Definitely a coat pocket set up on the fp and AF as well.

--
Best, Steve
 
furtle said:
D Cox said:
I bought the fp specifically for use with adapted lenses, and it works very well. No complaints.

In the past I've used a Sony NEX-5N, which also works well but doesn't give the original angle of view of the lenses.

Nikkor 200mm:

2c86fef1b82844f1869d49849005efe1.jpg

It's an interesting camera and the colours are pleasing.

Don Cox
Click to expand...
Regarding legacy lenses, I found that all of the wide angle M mount lenses I had were very soft at the edges in my Sony A7S. Only the newer Voightlander 15mm VM Ver iii was any good. Even the likes of Zeiss 21 and 26mm were very poor edge performers. I wonder if this is the case with the fp? I suspect so. I've heard they work ok on the Leica M cameras because of Leica's sensor's micro lenses but that's a subject I know nothing about.

I could be wrong but I wouldn't take a chance on buying a legacy, M mount, wide angle lens for the fp. On the other hand, the Sigma 24mm DG DN L mount is superb. Not to big either. Definitely a coat pocket set up on the fp and AF as well.
Click to expand...
Yes, the 24 and 20mm Nikkors are a bit disappointing. I hope to get the 24mm Sigma later this year.

Don Cox
 
Lovely colors and good high ISO. I used with M lenses over a year, only photography:

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/64050495

The FP sensor stack is 1.3mm eg a little thinner than Sony, but still not at Leica M10 or SL2 level with corner microlens corrections for m lenses. The fixed lcd and no evf make it hard to use in sunny conditions. I usually need 1/100sec not to get blur... Limitations make it a part time camera for me. I would not go for FP for stills photography with A7C availability... They are similar size:

https://j.mp/33yfcLx

New Sigma 24, 35, 45, 65mm and 28-70mm dn lenses are great options for FP or A7C... A7C has also great pancake zoom 28-60mm...

You can check FM posts with some portrait shots (after seeing your Instagram shots in the link above):

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1633515/9
 
Last edited:
The Slanted Lens made a comparison with the S1R, and they found the fp rear monitor to be distinctly clearer and easier to manually focus with (unsurprising that the S1R would prioritise the EVF, I guess.)
 
I have a small collection of vintage lenses.

The fp seem cute and tiny but I personally wouldn't want to use a EVF-less camera for handheld manual focus lenses. I'd stick with the A7 because of the EVF.

The best (cheap) camera I've identified for these is the X-T1 because it has the dual viewfinder that allows you to have a big composing window and a thumbnail magnified view with focus peaking to the side. To me, that is the best way to use manual focus vintage lenses, no button pressing needed and the magnified peaking is accurate.

The X-T1 is an APS-C camera, so I'm trying it with a focal reducer (which not only restores the angle of view but also gains you a free stop in light).

Lenses I have:
  • 24mm f/2.8 Miranda (Cosina) OM
  • 28mm f/2.8 Vivitar Close focus M42
  • 35mm Zeiss Contax G
  • 50mm F/1.9 Chinon PK
  • 50MM f/1.4 Minolta MD
  • 58mm f/2 Helios 44-2 M42
  • 50mm f/2 Jupiter 8 M39
  • 90MM Zeiss Contax G
  • 135mm f/2.8 Vivitar M42
  • 135mm f/3.5 Zuiko OM
  • 70-150mm f/3.8 Vivitar PK
  • 200mm f/4 Nikon AIS F
I really, really wouldn't want to be focusing on the back screen unless I was on a tripod.

--
DPReview gallery: https://www.dpreview.com/galleries/0286305481
Website: http://www.whisperingcat.co.uk/ (2018 - website revived!)
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidmillier/ (very old!)
 
Last edited:
DMillier said:
I have a small collection of vintage lenses.

The fp seem cute and tiny but I personally wouldn't want to use a EVF-less camera for handheld manual focus lenses. I'd stick with the A7 because of the EVF.

The best (cheap) camera I've identified for these is the X-T1 because it has the dual viewfinder that allows you to have a big composing window and a thumbnail magnified view with focus peaking to the side. To me, that is the best way to use manual focus vintage lenses, no button pressing needed and the magnified peaking is accurate.

The X-T1 is an APS-C camera, so I'm trying it with a focal reducer (which not only restores the angle of view but also gains you a free stop in light).

Lenses I have:
  • 24mm f/2.8 Miranda (Cosina) OM
  • 28mm f/2.8 Vivitar Close focus M42
  • 35mm Zeiss Contax G
  • 50mm F/1.9 Chinon PK
  • 50MM f/1.4 Minolta MD
  • 58mm f/2 Helios 44-2 M42
  • 50mm f/2 Jupiter 8 M39
  • 90MM Zeiss Contax G
  • 135mm f/2.8 Vivitar M42
  • 135mm f/3.5 Zuiko OM
  • 70-150mm f/3.8 Vivitar PK
  • 200mm f/4 Nikon AIS F
I really, really wouldn't want to be focusing on the back screen unless I was on a tripod.
Click to expand...
Or unless you have the loupe.
 
DMillier said:
I have a small collection of vintage lenses.

The fp seem cute and tiny but I personally wouldn't want to use a EVF-less camera for handheld manual focus lenses. I'd stick with the A7 because of the EVF.

The best (cheap) camera I've identified for these is the X-T1 because it has the dual viewfinder that allows you to have a big composing window and a thumbnail magnified view with focus peaking to the side. To me, that is the best way to use manual focus vintage lenses, no button pressing needed and the magnified peaking is accurate.

The X-T1 is an APS-C camera, so I'm trying it with a focal reducer (which not only restores the angle of view but also gains you a free stop in light).

Lenses I have:
  • 24mm f/2.8 Miranda (Cosina) OM
  • 28mm f/2.8 Vivitar Close focus M42
  • 35mm Zeiss Contax G
  • 50mm F/1.9 Chinon PK
  • 50MM f/1.4 Minolta MD
  • 58mm f/2 Helios 44-2 M42
  • 50mm f/2 Jupiter 8 M39
  • 90MM Zeiss Contax G
  • 135mm f/2.8 Vivitar M42
  • 135mm f/3.5 Zuiko OM
  • 70-150mm f/3.8 Vivitar PK
  • 200mm f/4 Nikon AIS F
I really, really wouldn't want to be focusing on the back screen unless I was on a tripod.
Click to expand...
I don't understand this. I used my back screen all the time, when shooing with my Sony A65.
 
Scottelly said:
DMillier said:
I have a small collection of vintage lenses.

The fp seem cute and tiny but I personally wouldn't want to use a EVF-less camera for handheld manual focus lenses. I'd stick with the A7 because of the EVF.

The best (cheap) camera I've identified for these is the X-T1 because it has the dual viewfinder that allows you to have a big composing window and a thumbnail magnified view with focus peaking to the side. To me, that is the best way to use manual focus vintage lenses, no button pressing needed and the magnified peaking is accurate.

The X-T1 is an APS-C camera, so I'm trying it with a focal reducer (which not only restores the angle of view but also gains you a free stop in light).

Lenses I have:
  • 24mm f/2.8 Miranda (Cosina) OM
  • 28mm f/2.8 Vivitar Close focus M42
  • 35mm Zeiss Contax G
  • 50mm F/1.9 Chinon PK
  • 50MM f/1.4 Minolta MD
  • 58mm f/2 Helios 44-2 M42
  • 50mm f/2 Jupiter 8 M39
  • 90MM Zeiss Contax G
  • 135mm f/2.8 Vivitar M42
  • 135mm f/3.5 Zuiko OM
  • 70-150mm f/3.8 Vivitar PK
  • 200mm f/4 Nikon AIS F
I really, really wouldn't want to be focusing on the back screen unless I was on a tripod.
Click to expand...
I don't understand this. I used my back screen all the time, when shooing with my Sony A65.
Click to expand...
59 years old. Manual focusing on the back screen at arms length would require very long arms.
 
DMillier said:
Scottelly said:
DMillier said:
I have a small collection of vintage lenses.

The fp seem cute and tiny but I personally wouldn't want to use a EVF-less camera for handheld manual focus lenses. I'd stick with the A7 because of the EVF.
<>
I really, really wouldn't want to be focusing on the back screen unless I was on a tripod.
Click to expand...
I don't understand this. I used my back screen all the time, when shooing with my Sony A65.
Click to expand...
59 years old. Manual focusing on the back screen at arms length would require very long arms.
Click to expand...
Unlike yourself, I'm short-sighted but I still prefer an EVF to the LCD especially when using focus-peaking ...
 
DMillier said:
Scottelly said:
DMillier said:
I have a small collection of vintage lenses.

The fp seem cute and tiny but I personally wouldn't want to use a EVF-less camera for handheld manual focus lenses. I'd stick with the A7 because of the EVF.

The best (cheap) camera I've identified for these is the X-T1 because it has the dual viewfinder that allows you to have a big composing window and a thumbnail magnified view with focus peaking to the side. To me, that is the best way to use manual focus vintage lenses, no button pressing needed and the magnified peaking is accurate.

The X-T1 is an APS-C camera, so I'm trying it with a focal reducer (which not only restores the angle of view but also gains you a free stop in light).

Lenses I have:
  • 24mm f/2.8 Miranda (Cosina) OM
  • 28mm f/2.8 Vivitar Close focus M42
  • 35mm Zeiss Contax G
  • 50mm F/1.9 Chinon PK
  • 50MM f/1.4 Minolta MD
  • 58mm f/2 Helios 44-2 M42
  • 50mm f/2 Jupiter 8 M39
  • 90MM Zeiss Contax G
  • 135mm f/2.8 Vivitar M42
  • 135mm f/3.5 Zuiko OM
  • 70-150mm f/3.8 Vivitar PK
  • 200mm f/4 Nikon AIS F
I really, really wouldn't want to be focusing on the back screen unless I was on a tripod.
Click to expand...
I don't understand this. I used my back screen all the time, when shooing with my Sony A65.
Click to expand...
59 years old. Manual focusing on the back screen at arms length would require very long arms.
Click to expand...
Oh, I get it. Sorry. I guess that's why Sigma made that loupe "viewfinder" accessory.
 
xpatUSA said:
DMillier said:
Scottelly said:
DMillier said:
I have a small collection of vintage lenses.

The fp seem cute and tiny but I personally wouldn't want to use a EVF-less camera for handheld manual focus lenses. I'd stick with the A7 because of the EVF.

<>

I really, really wouldn't want to be focusing on the back screen unless I was on a tripod.
Click to expand...
I don't understand this. I used my back screen all the time, when shooing with my Sony A65.
Click to expand...
59 years old. Manual focusing on the back screen at arms length would require very long arms.
Click to expand...
Unlike yourself, I'm short-sighted but I still prefer an EVF to the LCD especially when using focus-peaking ...
Click to expand...
We know that Sigma has an EVF module in development, but we don't know if it will work with the existing fp or only with the upcoming fp L.

I can live without it thanks to progressive glasses, but maybe manual lenses would change my mind.
 
I think there is no point in Sigma fp as a still camera. Because for stills, Sigma = Foveon.

As a FF camera Sony A7 could be your best bet (I had it too). It's compact enough and not much bigger than fp. A viewfinder and a tilted LCD help alot. You will have hard time focusing with fp's LCD in bright sunlight.

If you're fine with smaller sensors, then my best little travel camera is Oly M10-2. I had it before fp, then I sold it, then I bought it again because could not resist the tiny size, versatility (stills+video) and ease of use.

I can tell couple of good words about the fp as a still camera, though.

First, it is not Foveon sharpness, but somehow the images seem to be "Foveon-like" sharp (I cannot prove that, just my impressions as a dedicated Foveon user) and I like it very much.

Second, adapted lenses that I use a lot are old M42 ones such as Super-Takumar 50/1.4. With these lenses, I had a phenomenon of a light veil/halo in the center of the frame when I used aperture numbers above 4. It was prominent on Oly, Panasonic G6 and Sony A7, i.e. it was not because of faulty lens or specific camera or sensor size.

With the Sigma fp I don't have that phenomenon (maybe just yet).
 
dr.noise said:
I think there is no point in Sigma fp as a still camera. Because for stills, Sigma = Foveon.

As a FF camera Sony A7 could be your best bet (I had it too). It's compact enough and not much bigger than fp. A viewfinder and a tilted LCD help alot. You will have hard time focusing with fp's LCD in bright sunlight.

If you're fine with smaller sensors, then my best little travel camera is Oly M10-2. I had it before fp, then I sold it, then I bought it again because could not resist the tiny size, versatility (stills+video) and ease of use.

I can tell couple of good words about the fp as a still camera, though.

First, it is not Foveon sharpness, but somehow the images seem to be "Foveon-like" sharp (I cannot prove that, just my impressions as a dedicated Foveon user) and I like it very much.

Second, adapted lenses that I use a lot are old M42 ones such as Super-Takumar 50/1.4. With these lenses, I had a phenomenon of a light veil/halo in the center of the frame when I used aperture numbers above 4. It was prominent on Oly, Panasonic G6 and Sony A7, i.e. it was not because of faulty lens or specific camera or sensor size.

With the Sigma fp I don't have that phenomenon (maybe just yet).
Click to expand...
Except Sigma Foveon cameras are only good in the correct amount of light. Poor light and the fp is very good

My manual M mount lenses and my Taks work well on the fp but without the loup, focusing is a pain. The small Sigma L mount lenses are miles better to use and are small and AF.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

K
  • Question Question
Used Sigma FP vs New compact APSC mirrorless
Replies
13
Views
1K
Roger
Roger
Scottelly
2 Lens Kit For fp L
Replies
6
Views
2K
Ceistinne
Ceistinne
F
Selling my Sigma fp and Buying a Panasonic s5?
Replies
3
Views
521
Martin_99
M
K
Fujifilm X-M5/Sony ZV-E10 II vs Sigma FP for hiking and traveling?
Replies
15
Views
5K
Martin_99
M
Scottelly
Is the Sigma fp worth buying today?
Replies
17
Views
4K
da7329
D

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top