[shoplink 18439 ebay]

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The not so Sony fan Ken Rockwwell (Click here) posted an interesting review about the first A-mount camera, the superb [shoplink 18439 ebay]Minolta Maxxum 7000[/shoplink]! great to see that I can post some Minolta news form time to time :)

Why has the Maxxum been so important for the camera industry? Well, easy, it was the world’s first autofocus SLR. And as I wrote before it came with the brand new A-mount to allow this new feature. But it also had other great tech like a nice bright viewfinder (something many of us miss on today’s A-mount cameras) a life-sensing touch switch and a body quality that will last a lifetime.

I know most of you don’t shoot film in these days but I still do. Nice camera to hold and use from time to time. I bet that in 30 years from now I will shoot with my Maxxum while current digital A-mount camera electronics will be long dead!

-> The Maxxum 700 can be found used for around $300 on [shoplink 18439 ebay]eBay (Click here to see some auctions)[/shoplink].

We had a couple of test and image samples form the new Ziess lenses but almost all of them where done on Fuji X cameras. But finally ePhotozine (Click here) posted a full review made on the NEX-F3. They write: “Zeiss managed to produce a lens with optical characteristics worthy of the Zeiss reputation, that’s well designed and solidly built. Although this lens does carry a premium price, the additional cost isn’t so much that it will put this lens beyond the reach of everyone, especially those serious about using quality glass with their camera.”

Zeiss preorder links:
12mm f/2.8 at BHphoto, Adorama and Uniquephoto. In Europe at [shoplink 18497 ebay]CameraCenter UK[/shoplink] and FotoMundus.
32mm f/1.8 at BHphoto, Adorama and Uniquephoto. In Europe at [shoplink 18498 ebay]CameraCenter UK[/shoplink] and FotoMundus.

TheMartists (Click here) posted a full Lens Turbo Canon FD review. It’s a very well written test you have to read if you consider to buy it! Another test has been posted by Ney001 on Flickr. Overall it looks like the Lens Turbo cannot match the quality of the more expensive Speed Booster. But I hope we can see a direct comparison soon! P.S.: the original Metabones Speed Booster has been officially launched in Japan (DC.Watch).

It certainly isn’t fair, but most of the Chinese Stores sell the Lens Turbo with the “Speed Booster” title. SO if you search for [shoplink 18583 ebay]”Lens Turbo” on eBay (Click here) you get 9-10 results. If you search for [shoplink 18455 ebay]”Speed Booster” (Click here) you find zillions of adapters! So be aware that the official Meatbones Speed Boosters can be found here: http://www.metabones.com/buy-speed-booster

DxOmark (Click here) tested the new 20mm f/2.8 E-mount lens. They didn’t test the “older” 16mm pancake so we can’t know if the new 20mm lens is better. Obviously the lens can’t match the quality of other more expensive primes like the 35mm f/1.8.

I still think Sony should do a tiny bit faster and a tiny bit higher quality pancake. I know, it’s easier to be said than made :)