I went to camera heaven...

[@skittlzncombos]

Disjointed video? I'm in

[@bardofhighrenown]

I think watching the process of you trying gear is enjoyable, not tedious. It's a very relatable experience. I spend a lot of time thinking about 'oh, what if I had [this camera] or [that lens], how would I shoot differently, would I enjoy that?'. I think that process of finding what I like and the evolution of that gear over time is half of the fun of photography. It's fun to watch someone go through the process and I would happily watch more.

[@alanplatt888]

I've used MPB for years, with a -/+ experience with prices but the service experience is extremely positive. Good to see them in action, a great company. Thanks for showing us.

[@CianMcsweeney]

100%, mpb's prices, especially when you're selling to them, are pretty bad, but often I can't be bothered dealing with ebay and I'll just send it off to them where everything is very seemless

[@ItzSlushie]

@@CianMcsweeney I’ve used KEH and haven’t had much issue with them. Only thing I like with MPB for is actual photos of the product you’re buying

[@CianMcsweeney]

@@ItzSlushie Keh is only available in the US unfortunately as far as I'm aware

[@ItzSlushie]

@@CianMcsweeney oh if they are I wasn’t aware. I’ve heard multiple good things about MPB though

[@klarkolofsson]

I understand why seeing their warehouse and number of staff. That ain't free.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

4:50... uphill walk... even for Denmark that place is flat... 😂 You are without a doubt the funniest person on KZbin! Great to see more of your stuff from Denmark :D

[@oehagen]

That was exactly my thoughts too 😂 Greetings from Norway 😉

[@martinhertsius9282]

The wide open softness varies a lot with focus distance with that lens. It sharpens up considerably at +1 meter or so, while it's very soft at minimum focus distance.

[@ingabett]

“Something in there is in focus”😂, that’s what I say about most of my photos! Love your photographic style! And your videos are always fun and informative, didn’t know all the work that goes behind mpb’s checks of gear, now I feel more comfortable buying second hand gear. Thanks a lot for making these videos.

[@rushorahman]

I returned this lens because I wasn't happy with the focus at F1.2 -1.4 but from f2 it's all good. Beautiful colors and very sharp from f2.

[@wylie_photo]

I've used MPB for a number of years now, they've always been a good service for me. Good to see Ian in your video. He's a really good photographer, I have his book Arcadia, which is a great photobook.

[@daniel635biturbo]

I always use focus magnification when shooting manual focus, got it mapped to C1 button right by the shutter button, works a treat.

[@ericaceous1652]

Do like MPB, bought several of my lenses and a camera from them. Think their grading seems fairer than Wex. Most recent order was a like new GX80, order placed around 11pm on Thursday night, paid for "No rush" delivery, was with me by Saturday afternoon. MPB & DPD work well together.

[@leachyboi567]

Fantastic video as always Mr. Popsys. I might be speaking for myself here, but I think it'd be nice to have the camera settings next to your edited photos. It adds a bit more context to the video, especially when testing a new lens.

[@kgadeberg]

Lots of fun as always. Thank you James.

[@sheenahporter30]

Loved the MPB tour. It was cool to see. Literally just heard about them last week and bought some gear already!

[@martinmelville2620]

Great vid as always. Loved the pun about the focus throw… Leica manages full throw in quarter to half a turn, voitlander takes an E turn ity!!

[@TheElegantPelican]

I feel like this video is better than normal like with the editing and humor

[@heeltoeco]

As someone who uses MPB often (in the US), it was really cool to see the behind the scenes of how they work.

[@bokusimondesu]

Loved it. Keep up the good rambling. And not just because you still had footage from Danmark. 😜 Keep letting the nerdy nerdiness shine through. 😊 PS. What a huge well assorted candy store 🤩

[@Smeeble09]

It's enjoyable seeing you test out new gear, even if it is for the same reason (trying to find a fun alternative). Just keep some shots and exploring footage in amongst it and you're good.

[@AstroMechanic]

Sometimes you just need a different view of the world to make it more fun. Using a different lens you aren't used to can be really fun in thay way! Either borrowing from friends or using rentals from stores or online makes this possible. I really think everyone should try it! Great video and camera heaven indeed!!

[@pauliusgrigas2653]

Fun comes from inside, not outside… it is fun to take pictures, period. The gear can help us engage in taking pics or be in the way. Nevertheless, sometimes we want to take pics so bad we can taste it and sometimes we try to outsource our motivation. It’s called fatigue, GAS, creative wall etc.

[@megatryn]

I shoot 80% of my photos with the tiny Voigtlander 35/1.4 m-mount with an adapter to FE-mount, so much fun to shoot. My Leica pre-asph 35lux lives on my M6 as it shoots better on film than digital.

[@xmarcika]

I have to say, Sony is probably one of the best cameras on the market right now. That's said, I didn't enjoy taking pictures with A7 VII at all. Results are really good, but somehow the camera feels too much clinical, without any character. That's why I'm using still my Fuji XT3, many times with Olympus Zuiko 50mm f1.8 manual lens. And the results are incredible. Love this combination a lot, for slow photo walks. Great video, good luck with another lens.

[@pawel9968]

I really enjoyed all video's with new cameras!

[@thegreatvanziniphotos5976]

Very nice review. Had to stop dealing with MPB here in the States. Everyone seems to agree they are great in the UK. Stung once too often here.

[@jonstout7635]

Now that was an honest straight to the point review. And I love MPB.

[@ccow11]

I picked up the 40mm Sony G f2.5 used for $375 US after seeing it in your videos and watching a bunch of videos and have been over the moon with it! I have larger faster glass, but for my daily carry on my A7IV, i love the size/weight and feeling of it in the hand. Nice and subtle

[@skofro4032]

it was great meeting you! you're welcome to come again anytime soon :) MPB love you!

[@glennsak]

Images are stunning. Nice!

[@chrisloomis1489]

James : Lear , to ..use ..the lens , 40mm is a great range and versatile , also if not sharp , well use those " phalanges " and dial down the aperture , the Voightlander lenses are some of the best lenses available for NEX and Leica. Also use Vintage to achieve different results. SONY lenses are superb , truly , but sharp as " sharp " ....clinically sharp. If , you like what Everyone else does , like everyone else does all the time... . Like everyone else. I use M Mount on my Sony all the time.

[@duschbrauser]

Fully understand your focal length obsession. I hate shooting zooms. Last year I went to Italy with a 35mm lens only. It was so much fun and liberating.

[@Linealo]

I usually use MF focus magnification assigned to a custom button along with focus peaking on weak so it doesn't distract too much when using adapted vintage lenses. But I also sometimes feel like focus peaking is quite distracting and giving me even more of the digital vibe than the "light to eye" responsiveness I like.

[@markattardo]

Enjoyed the tour in addition to the photos👍👍

[@TaylorMclawhorn035_]

The “put my finger on it” joke got me for some reason and now I’ve been laughing longer than I should 😂

[@gregwarson3483]

Loved the inside look at MPB; I’ve recently considered them as an alternative to KEH. Thanks for an up close look.

[@powbobs]

MPB in Europe is good. The U.S. iteration not so much

[@sayakakunze2394]

I started trying out different types of photography to keep me interested. I’ve actually have the most fun shooting wildlife as of right now and purchased a dslr pentax with a 55-300mm. I can’t remember the last time I had that much fun shooting…

[@pipari21]

The Zeiss Batis 40mm f2 is very nice. AF, weather sealing and light weight. It's not very small for what it is though but I enjoy it a lot.

[@followtheboat]

I used MPB for the first time when I returned to the UK last summer. Ended up buying an A7R, which I converted to IR, and was impressed that its condition was better than advertised. Off the back of that I then bought some EF lenses and the Sigma adapter. Fortunately at this point I had to return to Indonesia. I say fortunately because had I not left, I'd have ended up with half their warehouse! I'd buy from MPB over eBay any day. Great pics from Denmark btw. The dune looks better with the footprints 😉

[@dhritimanbatchu]

I'd recommend getting the Leica M version of this lens, or any Voigtlander. Those lenses can be adapted to any mirrorless mount, but if you get the Sony FE version you're stuck with only one lens mount in case you want to use it on another system.

[@albedo0point39]

I’ve had one for the last year (although I bought the ‘slimline’ one without the knurly focus ring). If you’ve got the E version, it crops in to assist focussing. I always focus on the crop, then also set focus peaking and I just rock forwards and backwards a touch so that the peaking is on the subject. I use it for people/portraits and even wide open it’s easy to get eye focus bang on with peaking. Definitely a favourite. Get soft arty effects wide open or modern sharpness from 1.8 or 2. Much much cheaper than Sony’s 1.2 too.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Never tire of your videos, James. Never. 🦘👍

[@wallqvistphotography4937]

That is one of the best lenses I have ever had. Super quality. Pity you took it back. Portraits with that lens are amazing. Used it with my A7s and it was rather unbeatable.

[@alex-chicago-80]

So great vid like always. I know the last bit is not your style of vids. But I did like the vlog clip of the warehouse... informative and different, different is good.

[@malstanding]

I love MPB. I use them a lot. Weird thing is I live a 5 minute walk from them and still have to wait for my item in a van delivery. Great video as usual.

[@Dannnniel]

I love that I already know what this is from the thumbnail

[@flynnz99]

My absolute favorite lens is my 7Artisans 35mm f0.95. Can it be a little soft? Yep. Is there some pretty obvious chromatic aberration? Uh huh. But it's fun. I love the fully manual aperture and focus, and have captured some of my favourite photos with it simply because I've fallen in love with the process at staring at a smiling face or intriguing subject and watching it come into focus before snapping a few shots. Helps to built a lot of connection to the shooting, and you learn to get pretty quick with it. I always bring it with me when I shoot company events.

[@strongislanduk]

Love the location, reminds me of East Head at Chichester Harbour.

[@1964mcqueen]

Every new piece of camera gear I have purchased, has taken a while to get a feel, and to start to enjoy it.

[@AS1268-v5r]

MPB is fantastic.

[@dogsgowoofwoof23]

I have one of these & I like it. It is soft at MFD but a close up filter can be used and this lets you move away from the MFD setting. Other than that it's sharp enough at the point of focus wide open & stopped down it's sharp everywhere except the extreme corners. I believe this lens was optimised for portrait distance shooting & that's perhaps what it's best for, people pictures at head and shoulders to full body distance.

[@richardreddyrredd8110]

Nice video all around James. Thank you. If you're still looking for something to add a bit of spice and newfound fun to your photography, I have two suggestions. A bit retro, but fun, at least for me. Rollei 35s and Nikon FM3a. The Rollei 35s has a 40mm/2.8 lens manufactured by Rollei under license from Zeiss. And the F mount manual focus Nikon FM3a can take loads of different lenses. Buy some film and have some fun!

[@shaunmadill8866]

Great to see behind the scenes at MPB. I’ve done a lot of business with them recently.

[@Allycooper32570]

I just ordered a "good" condition 85mm f1.8 lens from them yesterday. I'm scared after seeing so many mixed reviews on them. Really hoping I didn't make a huge mistake. 😕

[@shaunmadill8866]

@@Allycooper32570 I'll be honest, I've never bought anything that wasn't 'like new' from them, and they have been exactly that. At least you can send it back if you're not happy.

[@Peter_Reed_Photography]

@@Allycooper32570 For the most part their pretty decent, though I'd buy gear in the top two quality ratings. A few years back I did have an issue with a Tamron 70-300mm I bought. It arrived and I found it to be a grey import from Germany. It also had issues with the focus ring. I sent it back and got a full refund pretty quickly. I also know someone who sent in a lens that had a small amount of moisture inside, which pulled one of the diaphragm blades fractionally out of alignment. She took it to London Camera Exchange and Wex both of whom rejected it. She sent is to MPB who actually upgraded the quote she'd been given.

[@koenmanusama]

loved the overview of the warehouse!

[@viktorbjorkman5632]

Lens recomendation! My favourite lens to use with my Sony A7II has been my Minolta 40mm f/2 that was made for the Minolta CLE rangefinder. It's so tiny (120g) and makes a full frame like the A7 so easy to carry around, and the focus ring and aperture ring are still very easy to use. I've had two gen 2 Minolta 40mm f/2 which have been very sharp and buttery smooth to use. Only downside is it looses some sharpness at f/2 at the edges on digital cameras, but it might be my adapter that is a little bit loose, shifting the focus plane at the edges. Some people also aren't a fan of the bokeh at f/2, but I don't mind it, and rarely shoot wide open. But an even better ~500g combo for the 40mm f/2 is, ofcourse, to pair it with a Minolta CLE, but I will not try to convince you to get one because.. film ;) I also had one Leica 40mm Summicron-C, but that lens was so stiff I never used it and ended up selling it. Minolta's 1st generation of the 40mm f/2 was a more direct copy of the 40mm Summicron-C, without the multi layer coating gen 2 had. Voigtländer also makes a 40mm f/1.4, but it never really interested me. Mostly because i was looking for a Minolta lens + camera, but also because I never shoot below f/2 since I'm not much of a "Bokeh boy" these days, making it just a bigger weight to carry with more glass to flare. I think it has even harsher bokeh than the Minolta, but that might just be because it opens up to f/1.4. Price for these lenses are about €400-500. If anyone is interested in pictures, I can send a link where I used the Minolta 40mm f/2 on my Sony A7II, along with my Minolta 90mm f/4! Also, that is a strawberry stand for selling fresh strawberries in the summer!

[@trevorsneath4665]

I love vintage lenses, but not having a matching focusing screen in the viewfinder is a real problem

[@Midas87]

Great topic, I just got myself a ‘fun’ kit. A Nikon V1 with a vintage soviet Jupiter 8 lens. Its quirky and unusual. It makes me work for my photos and I absolutely love the results! So much more fun to use than a camera and lens with all the latest technology. I wouldn’t take it to a wedding shoot though 😂

[@janmaaso]

That used to be my favorite camera! I've had three V1 bodies, alas they are not built to last and develop problems eventually. But I DID just get a J5 delivered from MPB last week as the Nikon1 system is so much fun to use and I still have a couple of those old lenses (the 18.5 and 30-110). That being said, I clicked on this video because THIS lens, the 40mm f1..2, has become my favorite lens lately. I have mine in M-mount. Great lens, though I never shoot it wide open, and in my opinion it could just as well have been a f1.4. Great at f1.4... at f1.2 not so much.

[@Midas87]

@@janmaaso Haha thats amazing. The V1’s mechanical shutter has the most satisfying click I’ve ever heard. And that Jupiter 8 goes perfectly with it. The camera and lens only cost me about 100 euro’s and it’s completely changed my perspective on gear already.

[@trevorbrooks813]

How many times did Leica get a mention, 3, 4, 5? And 'M' lenses, twice? Is this another step on a slippery slope? Some lovely shots in there, thanks for posting.

[@sue.Hoo123]

Fascinating seeing inside MPB 👍

[@michaelnischt6207]

I used to use the 40mm 1.2 on the Sony but I am more the 50mm guy and I love my 50mm 1.2 Vorigtlander and also use the 50mm 1.0 Voigtlander. In my eyes the color of the Voigtlander make it for me. You have shot really nice pictures with the Voigtlander! I think you should go with the Leica M11... its only a matter of time until you buy it again and it stays.

[@wesleystreetshots]

You have the X-Pro 3! That is a fun camera to use!! I upgraded to X-T5 and in some ways I wish I still had the X-Pro, but I got the Q2 to fill that hole which is stabilized. Use that X-Pro 3 more! Sony is just so sterile in usage. Yeah it is technically a better body, but boring!

[@torstenwennberg4845]

HaHa...a Mads sighting! And one of my old lenses is at MPB NY right now. I found they also give the highest quotes!

[@Forthejoyofphotography]

I love my Fuji cameras and the lenses. Tick all the boxes for me. I am sure the X-PRO3 will continue to grow on you. I used MPB here in the UK 2 weeks ago. Not sure if I will use them again though. Sent them a Fuji 18-120mm lens worth £899 for trade-in for an 18-55mm and a bit of extra cash. Unfortunately, due to some yet unfathomable reason it morphed into a Canon 50mm lens which is worth £50. Still under investigation with MPB/DPD as to what has happened. Have to wait up to 30 working days to see what the outcome is. Meanwhile, no lens covering that focal length (18-55mm) and going lake district next week ☹

[@OneMonthTwoCameras]

I loved this lens back when I still had a modern Sony.

[@08yankeefan]

I’ve got an m-mount voigtlander 35mm f1.4 notion adapted to my x-pro 2. Maybe a set up for your x-pro3 that might tickle your fancy

[@fredericofrancisco]

And at 6pm in the midst of near arctic circle cold (at least it’s what it feels like) the day got a loooot better seeing this as the first video of my feed.

[@kucken64]

James if you’re still looking for a 40mm prime you could try a second hand Canon 40mm 2.8 STM. I picked one up after the Frameline guys reviewed it and it is without a doubt the best lens I have ever owned. Use an adapter so I can fix it to my Sony. It has no business being as sharp as it is given what it was originally sold for.

[@-grey]

Absolutely solid advice. 👌 Just setting your camera to P and shooting with a Manual Focus lens is a great experience. To be honest, this and a Ricoh GRIIIX could cover you in terms of jazzing up the experience. I'd buy the Leica 28f2.8 Elmarit, and the regular GRIII myself. Mostly because I like 28, but also because I could chuck it on an aps-c for a change of perspective, and have both a 28 and a 40 with me at the same time.

[@Goalieswede]

It's worth it to just get a Leica M10 with one of the m-mount lenses. It's a steep initial price, but I made a similar plunge for the "fun" factor and haven't been able to go back to my FujiX100V since.

[@andreasd3346]

You could try the Nokton 50 1.2 too, it is much sharper wide open than the 40 1.2, . I had the 40 and now have the 50 and would never give it away, as long I have a Sony camera.

[@andreasd3346]

You could try the Nokton 50 1.2 too, it is sharper than the 40 1.2 wide open. I have one and would never give it away, as long I have a Sony camera.

[@camo010154]

Hi James, thanks for your videos, you are the best and most entertaining photography youtuber. So relaxed and funny. PS Nikon and primes are best, Cheers.

[@DanielMushailov]

James, if you get a cheap adapter, there’s a large variety of amazing vintage lenses you can use. I love using my Minolta lenses on my Sony A7iii.

[@hushmowt]

James, have you considered using the Pentax 43 LTD lens on your sony mirrorless system? Right in your preferred focal length and an excellent lens (with autofocus!) I use it on my Pentax K1 full frame, and it's without a doubt my favourite lens. Super sharp at smaller apertures and has real magic. Pretty sure you'd be able to get a K mount to sony E mount adapter.

[@davidwamback9000]

Do try the Voigtlander 50 MM f2 APO LANTHAR if you have the opportunity! I’m really enjoying it. Sharp and apochromatic. I’m not yet so sure of the 35 APO LANTHAR. Must give it a go.

[@SourPlanet]

Maybe I missed it... But did you try the Zeiss Batis 40? It has a nice little near macro close focus mode. Lots of the ol Zeiss color pop too, at least for an AF on Sony. I prefer the output over the Sony 40G which is, as you alluded to, a bit sterile. I'm barreling straight for that Voigtlander though ha. I have the Voigtlander 21/3.5 Color Skopar and just love it.

[@SappeninMush]

Uploaded right as I go on my break in work, what timing!

[@neilcousineau4956]

Hi James, I've been watching you since your MFT days, I still use MFT and recently, for fun and to practice manual focus I've been using a couple of vintage lenses. Maybe you should try a vintage lens, it defiantly will not be as perfect or clinical as a new manual focus lens. I'd love to try my vintage lenses on a Sony FF but for now (cost) the MFT will have to do. Cheers from very cold -23 C central Canada.

[@IntrovertAmateur]

You sent your Leica back last time, but I think you will end up with a Leica M system sooner or later, if you are still on the search for a system for fun :D I got myself a Leica Q2 monochrome and compared to my Sony camera ... I get it now why everyone says the shooting experience is different on a Leica. I think it is even more different on the M system, which you had the pleasure to try :) Really enjoy every single video you put out :)

[@jonc9772]

This is my dream lens!

[@MeAMuse]

My fun lens used to be the Zeiss 35mm F2.8, these days it’s the Sony 35mm F1.8. Thing I like about the 35, it’s light, it’s got a good “feel”, and it has a good minimum focus distance. I have been playing with a 28mm to see if I can like it… and maybe tempt myself to a Leica Q2, but I don’t think it is going to happen. What I will say is that by making it a lens that you like… you are not going to have to carry around 2 cameras…

[@dotbmp]

I enjoy the "you trying things out" videos :)

[@steveschnetzler5471]

I have bought from them here in Germany, it was great. I should sell some of my unused stuff here.

[@mknud1339]

Great video as always James. I really enjoy your pictures and the way you edit them. As a beginner in the field I would love to see how they look unedited though, so that I can better learn "the eye" of photography. I wonder if that's something you could implement to your videos? A before and after if it's not to much work.

[@Vandal42]

On my A7C I've started playing with Jupiter lenses (Jupiter 9 ~ 85mm) my father had for a Zorki 4. Really nice since the adapter is about 5mm tall, so the vintage lenses are almost as close as a new Sony lens to the sensor. Mainly fun since its easier to go out with, the vintage lens isnt sticking out an extra 1-2 inches

[@Bearded_Donkey]

You could have an old camera's sensor switched out for UV photography. Thomas Heaton has some interesting videos if your curious.

[@ljam445]

That cut from the apple to your face going "no idea", almost made me spit my food out. 🤣

[@KeithEmmerichDOTcom]

But the VM mount version. Will shorten the throw. Or, don’t return your M11.

[@vampolascott36]

I’ve been using the Voigtlander 50mm 1.2 and 21mm 1.4 Noktons on my Sony. I’m a big fan of these manual lenses. I’m in Shinjuku Tokyo right now on vacation and these are the only lenses I wanted to take with me. They give me more control and they’re much smaller than my Sony lenses, so I don’t draw as much attention to myself on the street.

[@jerzyjablonski1432]

Told you, get Pentax KP and one of limited lenses that fits your taste (there is 15, 21, 35, 43, 70, 77). DA Limiteds will be cheap, Pentax KP body too. It is Pentax after all.

[@kqschwarz]

Try the Sony 50 1.2, you will love it...

[@zigatretjak75]

There’s never an end to photo gear. Manual focus is the subconscious deterrent for your “love” lens

[@kennygo8300]

I really like using my old Yashica lenses when I'm shooting on my old film camera. First camera, and lenses... nostalgia. I bought adapters for my Nikon cameras, and it's not the same. It's simply not as much fun. I don't know why. I suppose it's a "feel" thing.

[@llewdis]

Leica m-a. there you go. totally different experience and super "fun!"

[@hvranic]

What about Sigma 45mm 2.8? Small, great build and autofocus.

[@tekguyphoto]

I can not wait to try a manual Cosina prime for the Canon RF mount. Was it easy to manually focus ?? I think you can zoom in for better focus with most newer mirrorless.

[@kcphotogeek6207]

Maybe the Voightlander 40mm F1.4 Nokton M mount would suit better, much smaller easier manual focus. Even adapted to a Sony it’s still smaller than the f1.2

[@GerryNaughton]

You should bear this in mind when trading with MPB; " Our sale prices would take VAT shipping costs and checking fees into account along with providing a 6 month warranty on all items sold. We would also have to account for having the items stored for a length of time without sale. We are currently showing around a 4-5 month sale time on bags and as such would expect to drop our sale price on the items before a sale is made." I was offered £79 for a bag which is on sale at £129 on the site - 70% for shipping, VAT and storage? Seems a lot to me. I shall be using Ebay.

[@FookFish]

voighty also makes a 42.3mm 0.95 if you want to try it out

[@svendurorider]

Did you try a Sigma Foveon camera yet? DP Quattro or SD Quattro series is what I can recommend 😊

[@jamesmlodynia8757]

I have the lens on my Nikon ZF and at f1.2 to f2 the lens is designed to give you a softer side and f2 on up it acts like a normal lens. I watched alot of videos about this lens before I purchased it knowing exactly how it would behave. The first Voightlander lens I bought is the 15mm f4.5 version III, a great wide angle lens sharp wide open and small so it works well with the ZF. It is not a lens for fast shooting as good as the Voightlander lens are they will slow you down and make you work for your shots but in a fast paced world we need to slow down from time to time. I think that the softness of the 4omm f1.2 wide open would lend itself as a portrait lens.

[@JoaoDuraes]

I can't put my finger on it... I can. 👉📷 😂