Ultimate pocket camera: X1 vs Nex vs S95 vs DP2S vs Oly vs Panny vs Fuji

[nigelb]

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A while ago I mentioned in this thread that I got a new Nex 3 body intended for use with my CV L39 lenses. Finally got the adapter and been waiting for the dismal weather to abate. Its nice and bright and sunny so thought I'd take a few tests and try it out.

 

The adapter is a cheap Kiwi unit that seems well made but when the lenses are screwed home the index and scales on the lenses don't line up vertically - needs to screw in a few more degrees, but not really a problem. The good news is that it does focus to infinity which was what I was concerned about with the cheap adapter.

 

CV Nokton 50mm f1.5

This lens is pin sharp on the camera and together with the Sony sensor gives incredible clarity and excellent colour rendition. It is sharp right into the edges with minimal fall off and CA in cormers. It's a fairly large lens, but not as big as the Sony kit zoom, and handles nicely on the camera. as a portrait lens it will be superb and the bokeh is very good though not as soft and pleasant as some lenses (Leica) - but I knew that anyway.

 

CV Snapshot Skopar 25mm f4

This lens surprised me as I was expecting some fall off and CA in the corners at least, but lo and behold it is minimal and simply not noticeable. Again, pin sharp with natural colour rendition. The click-stops on the focussing ring will make zone focussing a doddle. As hoped this lens at 37.5mm will be my go-to combination for street shots etc.

 

CV Heliar 15mm f4.5

This is the lens that was giving me most concern, but I was pleasantly surprised. Yes there is some fall off, CA and vignetting and colouration in the corners, but to be honest, not really that noticeable and if I was really anal (which I'm not) then Cornerfix will sort out the little that is there. I'm happy with this as performance wise it puts the Zuiko 9-18 lens on E-600 in the shade and that cost me £450, more than the combination of Sony camera and CV lens together.

 

CV Skopar 35mm f2.5

Not tried this yet as I have run out of time.

 

As for focussing its fairly quick and easy as I am used to focussing slrs and rangefinders manually - the focus magnify on the bottom button works well. I used the hinged screen and shot from the chest rather than zombieing. Apart from the Nokton, the other lenses are tiny and light and make for a very compact system, though the adapter is a bit bulky but that's unavoidable. So far I am very pleased and although I discounted the Nex as an option earlier am glad I took the plunge. I can now finally put the X1 and X100 to rest.

 

Please don't ask me to post pictures, I can't be bothered with pixel peeping and 100% crops, I print my pictures and as long as I can get a good 16x12 print out of it I am a happy chappy.

 

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[jsrockit]

I've been falling in love with the 50mm f/1.5 lately too... so nice for the price!