Why I Use the Sony A7R II and Vintage Sekor Lenses for My Commercial Photography
In a world that constantly races toward the next big upgrade, I’ve chosen to slow down and lean into something a little more intentional, tactile, and character-driven. While many photographers chase the sharpest, fastest, most technically perfect lens and body combinations on the market, I’ve found creative freedom and commercial success using what some would call outdated tools: a 9-year-old Sony A7R II and vintage Mamiya-Sekor lenses from the 1970s. Specifically, my go-to lenses are a 90mm and a 127mm Sekor, adapted to work seamlessly with the full-frame Sony mirrorless system.
Why stick with old gear in a field that’s driven by innovation? Because I believe photography is as much about soul and storytelling as it is about specs. Let me explain.
The Camera Body: Sony A7R II – Still a Powerhouse
Let’s start with the A7R II. Released in 2015, this 42.4 MP full-frame mirrorless camera was ahead of its time. Even now, it holds up exceptionally well for commercial work. Here’s why I’ve stuck with it:
1. Resolution That Matters
The 42 MP sensor delivers all the resolution I need for high-end product photography. Whether I’m shooting packaging, beverages, or food, I can crop in tightly without losing detail. For most digital marketing applications—websites, social media, and even print—it’s more than enough.
2. Dynamic Range and Color
The A7R II still delivers exceptional dynamic range, giving me tons of latitude in post-processing. Shadows hold detail. Highlights are recoverable. And when paired with the gentle roll-off and natural rendering of the Sekor lenses, I get files that look cinematic straight out of the camera.
3. Compact but Capable
Compared to DSLRs or modern mirrorless cameras with large grips and bulky add-ons, the A7R II is compact, discreet, and light. For someone like me, who often shoots tethered in a studio and occasionally on-location, it’s the perfect blend of power and portability.
4. Rent When You Need to Go Bigger
When clients require ultra-high-res or video at a higher spec, I rent. But for 80% of my commercial work—especially food, beverage, and packshots—the A7R II is more than up to the task.
The Glass: Why I Swear by Sekor Lenses (90mm and 127mm)
Now to the real stars of my setup—the Sekor lenses. These beauties come from the Mamiya RB67 system, originally made for medium format film. They were designed to resolve detail across a large film plane, which means when adapted to a full-frame digital sensor, they produce stunning results.
1. Optical Character
These lenses have a look. Not a filter. Not a LUT. A look. They render color and light in a way that feels organic. There’s micro-contrast and tonal nuance that modern lenses often sterilize in pursuit of clinical perfection.
The 90mm gives me a slightly wide but flattering perspective for food and tabletop shots, while the 127mm gives a gorgeous compressed look ideal for isolated product images and tight detail work.
2. Build and Focus Control
These are all-metal, mechanically smooth lenses with long focus throws. That’s perfect for my workflow, where I manually dial in focus for every frame. There’s no hunting. No fly-by-wire lag. Just pure mechanical precision.
3. Adaptability and Flexibility
Using an RB67 to Sony E-mount adapter, I’ve brought these legacy lenses into a modern workflow. The results? Timeless images with a digital backbone. I get the best of both worlds—classic optics and contemporary resolution.
4. Cost vs. Value
Let’s be real: modern lenses are expensive. Many of them deliver features I don’t need in the studio—autofocus, stabilization, ultra-fast apertures. I’d rather put that budget into props, lighting, or set design. The Sekors cost a fraction of the price and deliver images that have paid for themselves tenfold.
The Creative Edge of “Limitations”
Some might argue I’m limiting myself by using vintage glass and an aging body. But I’ve always believed that creative constraint breeds better work. Here’s how these tools push me to think and see differently:
Manual focus slows me down. I consider every shot with greater intention.
The unique rendering keeps my style consistent. Clients now recognize and ask for that look.
The imperfections become features. A little flare, a bit of vignette—it all adds soul.
In an era of AI-enhanced perfection, there's real value in imperfection. It makes your work feel human.
I shoot primarily in a controlled studio environment. Lighting is everything in my world. I can shape, bounce, and flag light to create the exact scene I envision. This allows me to use slower lenses, stop down to f/8 or f/11 for maximum sharpness, and let the Sekors shine under consistent, sculpted light.
Tethered shooting into Capture One or Lightroom lets me review focus and composition instantly. The files from the A7R II are clean and robust, allowing for precise color grading that plays well with the optical character of the Sekors.
Clients are often surprised when they see my setup. "You're not using the latest Canon/Nikon/Sony XYZ?" But when they see the results, all skepticism vanishes.
My images stand out—not because they're sharper, but because they're more felt. There’s a warmth and intimacy to my product photography that resonates, especially for artisanal, boutique, and food brands looking to differentiate in a saturated market.
More than once, I’ve heard: "Your shots make our product feel expensive, without looking over-produced." That’s the magic of a thoughtful setup.
If you’re thinking of trying something similar, here are a few things I’ve learned:
Use a sturdy tripod. The longer vintage lenses demand stability.
Focus peaking helps. The A7R II’s manual focus assist is a game changer.
Shoot tethered when possible. It eliminates guesswork.
Experiment with lighting. These lenses respond beautifully to well-controlled setups.
Stop down. Most vintage lenses hit their sweet spot around f/8.
I don’t shoot with vintage lenses and an older body because I’m stuck in the past—I do it because I’m building a future with a unique visual voice. In a time where so many images look the same, the combination of Sony A7R II and 1970s Sekor lenses gives my work character, emotion, and texture.
This setup allows me to create product photography that feels real, rooted, and personal. That’s what my clients value. That’s what I want to make.
You don’t always need the latest gear to make great work. Sometimes, you just need the right gear that speaks your language.
Curious to see this setup in action? Check out my portfolio at Studio L7
Here’s to shooting with soul—and a little Sekor flair.
