SWC903 or CFE40mm

[Photog500]

I am fortunate to own two fine pieces of equipment; the SWC 903 and the CFE 40mm. I was thinking that owning both are overkill but can't bring myself to part with either? Does anyone have any thoughts on selling one over the other?

Thanks

 

[wbulte]

In all reality you are the only one in the position to answer that question. If you can't answer it: hang onto both as long as €€ concerns do not force you to sell either.

For me it would be simple: I'd never part with the CF40. Simply because I want the SLR capability.

Note: I do own a CF40, I do not own a SWC

Wilko

 

[fdisilvestro]

If you plan to get (or have) a digital back like the CVF 39 or CVF 50, the CFE 40mm should be a better performer

 

[blowupster]

At the begining, there was only the swc. Later the 40mm "C" was not as good as the SWC. Later the FLE 40mm was as good as the SWC The last 40mm IF is the best for resolution and distortion may be corrected by Phocus.
I had the swc for one week and I liked really for street photography. However a SLR lens is more versatil and it help much for focussing.

 

[Photog500]

If you plan to get (or have) a digital back like the CVF 39 or CVF 50, the CFE 40mm should be a better performer

Thanks for the tip. The 40mm advantage is a point that I could not have anticipated. Eventually I may be forced to invest in a CVF but until then film is for me.

 

[Photog500]

I've thought about hand held street photography for some time but felt other than using hyperfocal focusing would get results that were unsatisfactory. I read an article about the fact that there is really truly only a single focus point leading to manual focusing is the only true way to focus Perhaps I should stop reading and just go out and shoot a few rolls of Ilford ISO3200.

 

[Victorh]

The theory is absolutely correct: There is only one true point of focus.

In practice you will find that hyperfocal operation of the SWC is quite acceptable.

A well known pro who specializes in wedding photography uses the SWC for this purpose.
He says: "At F 5.6 anything from 2m till infinity is sharp with the SWC"

I have several Super Wides ranging from old to the latest 905.
Handheld photography, with or without hyperfocal, is a treat with these cameras.

 

[Photog500]

Thank you for you're encoraging thoughts, especially what a wedding pro thinks about the SWC. I too shoot weddings but never thought to try this...F 5.6 it is.

Thanks again

 

[stever]

The theory is absolutely correct: There is only one true point of focus.

In practice you will find that hyperfocal operation of the SWC is quite acceptable.

A well known pro who specializes in wedding photography uses the SWC for this purpose.
He says: "At F 5.6 anything from 2m till infinity is sharp with the SWC"

I have several Super Wides ranging from old to the latest 905.
Handheld photography, with or without hyperfocal, is a treat with these cameras.

I agree that

In practice you will find that hyperfocal operation of the SWC is quite acceptable.

I have had no problems getting what I wanted in sharp focus. Furthermore, I have not had pincushioning or barrelling when I have had strong horizontal or vertical lines at the edges because I have found that the viewfinder is good enough to avoid those problems. I also have the adapter and can use it with the 45º PME, but I really use it.

I have the 903 SWC.

The only two advantages that I can see for the 40mm lens is that with the FlexBody there are very limited movements and that the additional weight over the SWC can be utilized as part of your physical fitness program.

Steve

 

[razerx]

The SWC is the emotional choice while the 40 is the more practical choice unless you use the SWC substantially as a walk around camera then you should have both anyway. Let's say you are traveling with a 40, 60, 100, and 250, my ideal kit. You have the 503cw on a tripod with the 60mm but you need something wider. It is a lot more convenient to change the lens than to take down the body and mount the SWC on the tripod. I learned that the hard way.

 

[JAT]

CFV back

If you plan to get (or have) a digital back like the CVF 39 or CVF 50, the CFE 40mm should be a better performer

If indeed you plan to use a CFV-39/50 digital back, then the CFE40 is a much better option. The CFV backs work on the 903SWC, but there may be an issue with magenta cast. The 903SWC is a great piece of equipment but fit for film and not so much digital.

 

[VincentCKM]

Yes, I support CFE40FLE rather than 38/4.5