Never Underestimate Old Glass

"chaozbandit" (chaozbandit) 11/21/2016 at 17:27 • Filed to: sony, minolta

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In attempting to shoot diecasts over at LALD, I decided to dig out one of my older lenses from my kit to see how it would perform in my light box. Short answer: I’m a fool for not using it more often.

Despite the design being 3 decades old at this point, ye olde Minolta “Beercan” is still an incredible performer - at least, if you’re not shooting fast moving objects like racecars. In the year or so that I’ve owned these pieces of glass, the 70-210 f4 hasn’t been getting nearly as much use as it deserves and I’ve found myself gravitating towards the 50mm f1.7 for the sheer size of the thing.

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Alas, I now realize the error of my ways. I think I’ve found the perfect lens (for my Sony A6000) to start shooting my diecasts, and I’m incredibly excited for what the Winter has in store.

I haven’t shot any cars yet as I’m still organizing my “studio” so here’s a few quick test shots with the freshly dusted off Beercan.

ISO 100, 1", f11 @ 75mm

ISO 100, 1", f11 @ 210mm

Still working on getting the lighting right, but it’ll do the job for now.

Here’s to hoping somebody shares this to photography lol.

iSureWilll > chaozbandit 11/21/2016 at 17:34

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Shared to photography.

I use an a6000 as well. I assume this Minolta is a manual lense?

Off camera Light from above and natural light from the front?

pjhusa > chaozbandit 11/21/2016 at 17:37

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What are your thoughts on the a6000? I’m a beginner, and happen to be considering Best Buy’s deal ($699 for the body, kit lens, extra lens, and 32 GB SD card).

chaozbandit > iSureWilll 11/21/2016 at 17:44

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Cheers mate!

Minolta 70-210 f4 is an autofocus, but it likes to hunt around a lot since it’s meant for a film camera. Even with the LA-EA4, it’s easier to just manually focus (the focus ring is pretty small though)

Off camera light, just 1 light source mounted above the subject.

Textured Soy Protein > chaozbandit 11/21/2016 at 17:48

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Dammit now I want cookies and I’m supposed to be going to the gym.

chaozbandit > pjhusa 11/21/2016 at 18:04

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Truthfully, the A6000 like many other platforms can do amazing work once you grow into it. Compared to when I first got it in 2014, I’ve found myself relying less on the FPS and more on manual controls / composition; the autofocus is quick but does tend to lock on the background from time to time, a common problem with sensors from the initial A7 release.

As someone who does multiple full-day shoots a year, you really do start to appreciate the size and weight something like a mirrorless provides. The battery life does suffer a bit, but the ability to invest in unlimited brands of glass is a decent tradeoff imo. However, the A6000 body is quite small and depending on your hand size might not be comfortable for extgended periods of time - highly recommend you look at a L-bracket just to make it a tad more ergonomic.

$699 is a decent deal if you can get two lenses with it ($600 was what I paid for the body alone back in the day). I assume the extra lens would be the 55-210 kit lens? If so, it’s not the sharpest thing available for E-mount but it’s plenty capable enough for you to learn the system and hopefully replace it with something better (though speaking from personal experience, I never liked the SEL55210 that much when I had mine).

Overall, while it may not be as capable in some areas compared to CaNikon offerings, the Sony is an incredibly flexible tool that can get incredible results once paired with the right lens (and experience). Definitely recommend you try to get your hands on one beforehand if you can; I know Bestbuy has a 14 day return policy, if you don’t end up liking it (but triple check since it would be black friday)

You’ve probably seen my work on IG, nearly all of which was shot on the A6000. I know a handful of other local photographers who use it for stills (skootermedia) and videographers alike (theStraightPipes) if you wanted sample images from people with a bit more experience than I.

chaozbandit > Textured Soy Protein 11/21/2016 at 18:05

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Post work-out snack! You’ve earned it :)

sonicgabe > chaozbandit 11/21/2016 at 20:04

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I am a big fan of old glass. 4 of my 5 lenses are vintage, and are all amazing. If you go through my posts on Photography you’ll see some posts about some that I have.

chaozbandit > sonicgabe 11/21/2016 at 20:55

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I’d love to explore old glass more, but at the same time I want to save up for a new body. Decisions...

sonicgabe > chaozbandit 11/21/2016 at 22:53

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Old glass can be inexpensive. You’d be surprised what you can find on eBay for under $50. Or if you have some weird old pawn shops in your area... not the chain owned ones, but the ones that looks scary to go it, the one that doesn’t just deal in gold, stolen laptops, and questionable car stereos. Plus, going there is an adventure. You could have a gun pulled on you by the shop owner for asking too many questions.