DP1 with 52mm
Lensmate adapter
and HMC UV filter
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There are multiple benefits to using a lens adapter on a camera like the DP1.
- Protection of the telescoping lens is a big one - no need to worry about accidentally bashing it when a lens adapter is mounted.
- Allows the use filters, macro lenses, conversion lenses and lens hoods.
- You can leave the camera on and not have to fiddle with the OEM lens cap or wait for the camera to boot up - the camera is always ready
when that magical moment unfolds in front of you.
- The bayonet action of the adapter lets you attach or remove the filter/lens quickly without turning any threads.
- The lens adapter enhances the handling of the camera too, giving you another position for your left hand.
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The Lensmate DP1 lens adapter has a 52mm filter thread. This size has some advantages over the OEMs 46mm size. The availability and selection of 52mm filters is greater than the 46mm size and many DP1 users already own 52mm filters. The larger size allows the stacking of filters and hoods with less likelihood of vignetting.
For those interested is using wide angle converters, the 52mm adapter allows the use of two conversion lenses - the diminutive Ricoh DW-6 .79x (on left) and the larger but slightly wider Nikon WC-E75 .75x (on right) with near-perfect results.
Here's how we screened our collection of better known wide angle converters to find the best ones. Click here. To compare the field of view of the DP1s 28mm to the Ricohs 22mm and the Nikons 21mm, see this.
The benefit of using a teleconverter on the DP1 is questionable at best - even a 2x teleconverter only produces the equivalent of 56mm focal length, and the vignetting which occurs when mated to a 28mm lens produces a round image circle. A quick test with the Canon TC- DC58C 2x (the Canon G7/9 teleconverter) produces a round image with only the center looking sharp.
Lensmate DP1 52mm adapter and Lensmate 52-43mm (coplanar step ring) for use with the Ricoh DW-6 available mid July. The lens adapter includes a back cap to keep attached filters/lenses clean when off the camera.
 
Richard Franiec's New Sigma DP1 Grip
Even most advanced compacts have some deficiencies especially in handling department. Recently introduced Sigma DP1 is no exception.
Following footsteps of field proven Custom Grip for G7/G9 this is Custom Grip DP1 (CGDP1). Made from the same material as it's predecessors, CGDP1 is unique in it's form. The grip is individually 3D CNC machined, glass bead blasted, black anodized / nickel sealed and will be manufactured in limited quantities. |
DP1 w/ Franiec's grip |
DP1 Viewfinder
Comparing Sigma VF-11 and Voigtlander Brightline 28mm VF. Click here
DP1 and Infrared
When I found myself with an extra DP1, it occurred to me that it might just make a dandy infrared camera. So against my better judgement, I immediately proceeded to disassemble it to remove its IR block filter. The most difficult part of the process is actually removing that filter since it's attached with adhesive film to the sensor mounting plate and mask. So it needs to be carefully excised without damaging the mask. No doubt someone will be offering this conversion so you won't have to do it yourself. Of course with an external filter, there's the possibility of using one camera for both visible and IR photography with the appropriate IR block filter.
 The DP1 focuses perfectly even without the IR block filter, though AF is hit or miss - I just leave it at infinity MF and focus is excellent, even at f4 or with a wide conversion lens. Image quality is excellent, and with an R72 filter (haven't tested other filters yet) there's no dreaded hot spot at any aperture.
Dynamic range is just as impressive in IR as it is in visible light, and negative fill light judiciously applied in SPP creates a halation effect not unlike HIE film. There isn't room inside the camera for an internal filter (not where the IR block filter was anyway - it's only about .018" thick). I use an R72 filter either on the lens adapter, or one that fits inside the Nikon WC-E75 .75x (link to pic)
Tony |
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