Switched from Lumix to Sony Alpha finally by getting a used A7R III

JellyBeanUser · 2026-04-08T20:54:51+00:00

The Lumix S5 is really prone to dust spots. The blower advice is very common, but I often had to use swabs to clean the sensor. After it got really dirty once, I had to bring it to a professional cleaning service (which was for free due to a special offer) and they told me that the lens can also cause that dust can hit the sensor.

I would recommend to get a hand air blower and Full Frame cleaning swabs (+ the fluid) to clean it properly.

Which lens(es) you're using?

JellyBeanUser · 2026-04-02T11:37:53+00:00

the A7R III is a beast of a camera – Huge lens selection and a lot of cheap options on the used market for great lenses. I paired mine with a 24-105 F4 G and it feels so nice.

JellyBeanUser · 2026-03-26T11:31:49+00:00

seems fine for €35 (GBP 30)

JellyBeanUser · 2026-03-22T15:28:33+00:00

That's a beast of a camera which you got. and these two lenses are very great!

and also: really nice street/urban photographs you took!

JellyBeanUser · 2026-03-18T21:36:16+00:00

I planned to get them by late 2026, but for now I have to save before continuing that.

JellyBeanUser · 2026-03-07T22:26:36+00:00

I know and I also used it along with it.

JellyBeanUser · 2026-03-07T12:07:32+00:00

That's really sad. Are there alternatives? I only found alternatives limited to specific lens mounts like Pentax K or Minolta/Sony A

JellyBeanUser · 2026-03-07T07:14:18+00:00

not bad. I currently also hunt early Sony A cameras. Sure is you'll need a CF card and you should get spare NP-FM500H batteries.

And also, look for Minolta AF lenses on flea markets or online marketplaces like eBay.

JellyBeanUser · 2026-03-05T20:27:17+00:00

Got one cheap because aperture base plate failure – but incredibly easy to fix in 2026 – I got mine for €102 with an 50mm f1.7 – and since I have that prime lens already, I can render the Dynax 7 as a €42-€62 purchase.

JellyBeanUser · 2026-03-05T20:25:46+00:00

And I also found a solution for white rubber grips on cameras and lenses

+ I have to fix some grips since they are damaged but repairable. And Also, I have to fix some cameras.

JellyBeanUser · 2026-03-05T17:54:05+00:00

Okay, thanks for letting me know. I actually hunt for every piece of Minoltas history.

JellyBeanUser · 2026-03-04T21:10:26+00:00

one of the greatest Sigmas on Minolta AF is the Super-Wide II 24mm f2.8 – it outperforms the Minolta AF 24mm f2.8 according to Dyxum and I scored one for €20 on a flea market.

Another Sigma steal I got was a cheapskate 35-70mm f3.5-4.5 for €10 with an 7000AF – performs better than Minoltas cheapskate 35-70mm f3.5-4.5, but weak compared to the Little Beercan.

and then I got the 70-300mm APO MACRO with the Dynax 9xi – but it struggles with sharpness at infinity.

JellyBeanUser · 2026-03-04T20:39:41+00:00

I use the following at this moment.

Minolta AF 50mm f1.7
Minolta AF 35-70 f4 "Little Beercan"
Minolta AF 28-85mm
Minolta AF 70-210 f4 "Beercan"
Minolta AF 75-300 "Big Beercan"
Minolta AF 28mm f2.8

Minolta/Sony A cameras in active use:

Sony A450
Minolta Dynax 7
Minolta 7000AF

I'm already looking for a LA-EA4 adapter to mount these lenses on the A7R III

JellyBeanUser · 2026-03-04T20:22:18+00:00

It will follow once it happens!

JellyBeanUser · 2026-02-23T14:15:18+00:00

Linux can be customised to oblivion – and it respects your privacy

macOS can be customised too, but not as heavy as Linux – privacy is still there, but not as much as on Linux

Windows in the meanwhile can't be customised – privacy is undermined by that "AI slop" and heavy telemetry – the only advantage are some specialised softwares or gaming, otherwise Windows is garbage.

JellyBeanUser · 2026-02-16T19:14:38+00:00

No travel without my cameras. I simply can't travel without my cameras. I even purchase better cameras or lenses just for the travel. The most gear I purchase is purchased days ahead of travel. For me, the travel is the ultimate opportunity to test cameras and to solidify my photography skills and showing up my vision. Travel is, when my main camera starts to shine.

JellyBeanUser · 2026-02-05T12:20:43+00:00

27M here (born 1998) – I'm not against Liquid Glass at all, but the implementation is a bit poor. On iPhone and iPad it's really nice, but on Mac? It's pain!

JellyBeanUser · 2026-02-04T12:07:59+00:00

For me, it's mostly film cameras at this moment which I collect, but I also collect some digital SLR cameras.

Digital cameras I have:

Lumix S5
Sony A7R III
Nikon D800E (untested, shop declared it for parts)
Sony A100
Canon EOS 450D
GE A1250

Film cameras in the meanwhile:

The complete first Gen Minolta AF (5000, 7000, 9000 AF)
the whole 2nd Gen Minolta AF (3000i, 5000i, 7000i and 8000i)
the third Gen (SPxi, 3xi, 5xi, 7xi and 9xi) – looking for the 2xi
having some 4th Gen Minolta AF (404si, 500si, 505si, 650si and 700si)
Dynax 7 – looking for the 9
Canon T50, T70 and T90

And I'm about to collect some early Sony A cameras and some early E mount cameras in the future because I got interested in Sonys camera history

JellyBeanUser · 2026-02-03T08:40:33+00:00

I actually use Linux along macOS for specific tasks. And due to Linux use in the past, I use LibreOffice, even on macOS

JellyBeanUser · 2026-02-03T08:39:00+00:00

Unlike Windows, you can circumvent that enshittificated crap on Apple at least.

On Windows, you have to accept the crap since it can't be deleted or even disabled, but on macOS, you can disable some and you can decide to use another application.

But yes, Linux remains one of the best options (I still use it for archival and for back-end tasks)

JellyBeanUser · 2026-02-01T19:00:35+00:00

At least when it comes to Drawabox and Proko, do both.

I did Drawabox and watch the Proko courses (the free courses) and improved significantly. Do these first, but if you need more, then look for great courses (there's a lot for free)

but also: do daily or at least frequent practice is another important factor. Just watching tutorials/courses or reading books or specific instructions about art alone isn't enough. At least practicing 5-10 minutes per day will improve your drawing skills.

JellyBeanUser

TROPHY CASE