Matthew Richards

2 days ago | digitalcameraworld.com | Matthew Richards

The Yashica FX-D 300 takes its styling cues from the Yashica FX-3 film cameras, which was launched all the way back in 1979. Similarities include a viewfinder cowl (but no viewfinder) and a film advance lever (but no film). It seems like a classic case of style over substance, but it does at least have a very retro look and feel, plus some film simulations and customizable ‘recipes’. Based on my first impressions of this pre-production model, I’m just not sure if it’s a recipe for success.

2 days ago | inkl.com | Matthew Richards

Yashica FX-D 300 product shot, camera held in hand. The 1970s probably won’t go down as the most stylish decade of all time. I’m thinking bellbottom trousers, platform shoes, high-waisted jeans, and big hair. And yet there were some properly stylish cameras from the 70s, including the Yashica FX-3, which was launched in 1979. It was a highly popular and very attractive 35mm reflex film camera, fully mechanical with a reputation for being robust and durable.

1 week ago | digitalcameraworld.com | Matthew Richards

The Laowa 15mm f/4.5 0.5x Macro is brilliant for getting shots of tiny objects, set against a sweeping background to put them in context. That’s thanks to the combination of its 0.5x macro magnification and short 15mm focal length. However, it’s a tricky lens to use, as it demands high-precision manual focusing and the macro working distance is extremely short.

1 week ago | inkl.com | Matthew Richards

Laowa 15mm f/4.5 0.5x Macro product shot with lens held in hand. I’ve been impressed with Laowa lenses in the past. They tend to be well built and deliver impressive image quality, if you don’t mind focusing manually, and often setting your aperture manually as well. The last of these claimed to be the world’s widest full 1.0x macro lens, but is difficult to use and is arguably out of date and out of touch.

1 week ago | digitalcameraworld.com | Matthew Richards

I reckon the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC | A is a pretty epic lens. I’m not a fan of ‘trinity’ f/2.8 zooms for full-frame cameras as they’re generally big, heavy, expensive and not really that fast, compared with prime lenses. This Sigma for APS-C cameras is as fast as many primes, and 1.33 f/stops faster than an f/2.8 zoom, while also being refreshingly compact and lightweight. It’s also a great performer with lovely image quality and handling, and is standout value at the price.