Camera Labs

Hi all,
Ive got a very long story and Ill try to tell it in a few sentences! Back in the time I used film, I used a Ricoh 35 ZF. http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3175/309 ... 61b3bb.jpg
I loved (and still do) the way it took photos, and how the feeling was with the camera (aperture dial, light meter in the vf, manual focus..). Now Ive started with streetphotography I want to get more feeling and creativeness (? :p) back when photographing. I use both 350D and 50D, more often the 350D with 18-55 as that's the kit Ive always with me. The problem is that I miss the feeling, the interaction with the camera.
When Im photographing, I also try to set the 18-55 @ 24,28 or 35mm, the standard FLs. Now I really want -a bit- to get rid of that digital, not really photographing, feeling. Im not going film anymore, so it's to be digital, something. I have a Minolta 28mm 3,5 prime, and use it with an adapter on my bodies. I love the way Im more busy with the photograph (MF focus, aperture ring etc.), but the glass in the adapter is crap (and so the final quality, at f/8 still not sharp). I ordered an M42 adapter for some lenses I have, and I was thinking of buying some 24, 28 and 35mm lenses, of which one has to be quite sharp because I also want to use it as walk-around lens, a big aperture is a pre. Why not diving into the Sigma 30 1,4? Well, Im not too surebecause it's quite expensive. But, what about a street photography camera like the Panasonic LC-1?

In short:
I want to get more feeling while taking the photograph.
Im sure, right now, that I want to have the Sigma 30 1,4, but because most of the time Im street photographing is while Im at school, I dont want to have expensive equipment with me (that's why I bought the 350D kit).
I get some feeling with a MF lens I used to love, but I want higher quality. Go M42 or Sigma? Or go ''rangefinder style like'' with a Panasonic LC-1?
One lens has to be sharp for everyday shots, the Sigma is sharp, most M42 lenses need some time to figure it out by reading reviews.

The very short: I want to dive into streetphotography and also getting more feeling with the camera. What should I do? M42, Sigma 30 1,4 or a compact camera?

BTW, I also found a Jena (Zeiss) 50 2,8 (http://link.marktplaats.nl/541702311) for around $40, something to consider for tighter street shots? Or is a Pentacon 50 1,8 @ 2,8 alsmost as sharp, you guess?

Thanks for reading!

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Ruben

Panasonic DMC-FZ18, Panasonic DMC-FZ28, Canon G5, Canon 350D, Canon 50D + BG-E2N
Tamron 17-50 2.8, Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM,
Canon 18-55 II plus lots of Minolta MD/M42 lenses and bodies

Er, or a Canon G5 for its articulated screen and bright lens maybe? Instead of an MF lens?

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Ruben

Panasonic DMC-FZ18, Panasonic DMC-FZ28, Canon G5, Canon 350D, Canon 50D + BG-E2N
Tamron 17-50 2.8, Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM,
Canon 18-55 II plus lots of Minolta MD/M42 lenses and bodies

Fuji X-Pro 1 with the 35mmf1.4 (50mm equivalent on 35mm film) - it's a stunningly good combo, if you can get over the focussing...

I tried one recently and that was the pick of the lenses for me

You need to get into a shop and try some combos.

Many of the Olympus micro 4/3 cameras are very popular for street photogs, and there are some superb primes available for the system to create a very discreet kit.

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/53061745@N02/

Panasonic G3: 9-18mm, 14mm, 20mm, 45mm

I do understand your enthousiasm, but I cant spend that much money... that's why I was thinking of a used LC-1 ($220), Canon G5 ($50) or just a nice M42 mount lens. It's really low-budget

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Ruben

Panasonic DMC-FZ18, Panasonic DMC-FZ28, Canon G5, Canon 350D, Canon 50D + BG-E2N
Tamron 17-50 2.8, Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM,
Canon 18-55 II plus lots of Minolta MD/M42 lenses and bodies