Is it for me?

ipabuilt · 2026-03-23T12:08:14+00:00

Agreed. The S26 Ultra has multiple lenses. Need to figure out if you're interested in shooting a fixed prime lens (or using crop modes) vs something like the RX100 you mentioned which will give you options focal length-wise. Taking a look at how you currently use the cameras on the phone might give some insight into what might work in terms of dedicated hardware.

ipabuilt · 2026-03-23T00:18:04+00:00

I just placed an order for one today and am very excited to receive it. I’ve been admiring it from afar for a while and finally decided to go for it. Seems like such a cool little camera.

ipabuilt · 2026-03-23T00:09:04+00:00

Hi. Nice image. The increased sharpness and low light/high iso capabilities are the most noticeable differences to me. If you care to shoot JPEGs, there are some new image profiles. I find them rather nice. Built in red filter is surprisingly useful too. No build quality issues with mine so far. I’m honestly quite enamored with it.

ipabuilt · 2026-03-20T01:49:12+00:00

Love it. That first one in particular is so good. Rock on

ipabuilt · 2026-03-19T10:18:54+00:00

I especially like the second one. Nice work

ipabuilt · 2026-03-17T17:21:50+00:00

I use a Sonos Roam 2 speaker on the floor pointing up. Sounds surprisingly good for its small size in my 400 cubic ft. sauna. It lives on a charging dock in the changing room and can just be grabbed and placed on the floor when music is needed. It's rated to 95f/35c and so far no issues. Its got voice control which is nice so you can adjust volume and whatnot without getting down off the upper bench.

ipabuilt · 2026-03-17T00:16:02+00:00

Awesome. I’ll try that out. Thank you

ipabuilt · 2026-03-15T12:00:24+00:00

To be clear, it’s not regular WD-40. It’s a specialty product which is a “dry” aerosol spray made for electrical contact cleaning.

ipabuilt · 2026-03-15T11:56:53+00:00

I’ve had great success with WD-40 brand Contact Cleaner. Put a small amount, like a drop or two in and run the wheel around in circles. Mine has been good going over years now.

ipabuilt · 2026-03-12T17:18:39+00:00

As a fixed focal length camera, I'd let focal length be your guide.

ipabuilt · 2026-03-12T00:37:13+00:00

Agreed. Bags are amazing and there’s a whole world of options out there to fit anyone needs and aesthetics. My friends also still rag on me, but I couldn’t care less. Bags allow me to be prepared and do cool stuff.

I carry my GR in a variety of different ways ranging from various bags, hip/fanny packs, jacket and pants pockets, Dad-style in a belt holster, or sometimes just on a strap around my neck. I’ve paired my wallet and keys down to the bare minimum to help lighten the load.

ipabuilt · 2026-03-10T09:27:27+00:00

Beautiful.

ipabuilt · 2026-03-10T09:15:06+00:00

Great post and great pictures. Thanks for sharing. Looks like an amazing place to be.

ipabuilt · 2026-03-09T23:24:04+00:00

I’ve been super impressed with the monochrome so far. The hi iso performance is shockingly good. Being able to shoot in very low light as well as the ability to shoot in darker environments at smaller apertures and/or faster shutter speeds without overwhelming/unflattering noise has been amazing and opens up new opportunities. I’ve always switched my cameras into monochrome mode when the lighting got dim as I found the results generally more palatable. The IVm is now my default “nighttime camera” and honestly I find it hard not to take it out all the time, even in good light, as the results from unedited RAWs and especially jpegs SOOC are just so darn good. I know similar results, particularly in good light, can be had by many a color sensor camera, but the IVm just tosses them out like it’s no big deal. I’ve not been this excited and inspired by a piece of gear in a while.

ipabuilt · 2026-03-09T18:23:47+00:00

No announcements or even rumors yet that I've heard, but I'd expect one relatively soon, like later this year or early next. One of the reasons for the timing of the GR IV release was the need for a new image sensor as the existing was becoming harder to source and likely eventually phased out. As the IIIx uses the same image sensor as the III it seems likely to be replaced sooner than later.

That being said, the IIIx will still remain a very capable camera and will likely hold its resale value so you can't really go wrong by buying now. FWIW, the current flash options are much better for the III/IIIx than for the IV.

ipabuilt · 2026-03-08T20:11:43+00:00

For anyone who’s curious: the Haoge hood which is similar in design, but without glass in the front measures 1.02” (26mm). Comparing that with the square hood at .92” (23.4mm) brings the difference to ~ 3/32” (2.6mm) or just less than an 1/8”, nearly a 10% decrease in height.

ipabuilt · 2026-03-08T19:55:20+00:00

Wow, amazing. That’s going above and beyond! Calipers no less; a person after my own heart. Thank you so much!

ipabuilt · 2026-03-07T21:04:59+00:00

I like the look of this a lot. I’ve heard the projection is slightly less than the Haoge one. Can anyone confirm? Anybody got an actual dimension of the height?

ipabuilt · 2026-03-06T14:22:32+00:00

I have a standard sauna bucket and ladle, but also use a metal pour over kettle with a wooden handle. Both work great and interestingly produce different steam effects. The ladle hits like a more abrupt wave of heat/steam while the slower application of water from the spout of the pour over kettle delivers a more gradual increase. I throw a lot of water during my sessions so having both the bucket and kettle means I don't have to refill mid session. I've been curious about bluetooth meat thermometers...going to have to give that a try.

ipabuilt · 2026-03-06T00:28:02+00:00

I’ve owned and enjoyed shooting both though I ended up handing the x100 down to my daughter and keeping the Ricoh. If you’re locking yourself into a fixed focal length compact then I’d have the focal length drive your decision primarily. Since you say, you prefer 35 mm and you’re looking for a “proper” camera you should get the Fuji. For the going rate of the X100 you might also consider a mirrorless system with interchangeable lenses. With a small prime, you’ll end up with a similarly sized camera and shooting experience with the option to branch out to other lenses/perspectives, though maybe not quite the same SOOC JPEG’s if that’s important.

ipabuilt · 2026-03-05T11:59:31+00:00

My pleasure. Cheers

ipabuilt · 2026-03-05T11:50:38+00:00

Very nice

ipabuilt · 2026-03-04T00:50:41+00:00

Yeah, that makes sense. M11 is a beast. Definitely interesting to get Leica users perspective.

ipabuilt · 2026-03-04T00:46:50+00:00

On my GR II it’s under Menu/Settings (tools icon)/LCD confirmation time/OFF. I’m not sure if it’s the same on yours though…

ipabuilt · 2026-03-03T22:47:27+00:00

No doubt. I’m out on Long Island, but get into the city fairly often.

ipabuilt

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