@david-farkas
active 1 year, 4 months agoForum Replies Created
We always recommend using the rear button set to AF-S and the focus mode set to MF. Works great for hand-held work to lock on then shoot as well as tripod-mounted work where you are trying maximize DOF by manually setting to hyperfocal. When you press the shutter, the camera doesn't try to auto focus between shots.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store Miamifotografz;6177 wrote: Thank you for doing that David.
I will try your suggestion tonight and report back.
I am also in contact with Leica USA … but will try this first.
Again, thank you!
– Marc
Any luck, Marc?
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store Miamifotografz;6174 wrote: Update:
Fiddling with the set-up, I pressed the two outer buttons to reset the SF58 … but held them down … reset flashed 3 times and then went out. I was then able to see TTL-HSS in the menu selection and select it.
Sounds good until I saw that the lens f/stop was still not matching that of the camera nor the ISO, so everything grossly over-exposed. Removed the flash, replaced it again and it reverted to the original problem … no TTL-HHS in the menu, and trying the reset technique didn't work again … reset flashed two times instead of three and went out, no TTL-HSS.
Of course, this all has to happen just as I prep for this season of paying work where I use the SF58 in TTL-HSS for on-camera fill when working with mobile Profoto Strobes.
Frankly, I'm reaching the end of my rope with Leica and their electronic bugs. This camera has been back to Leica so many times I should have signed it up for a frequent flier miles program. I was about to sell off my Sony A900 but may rethink that since in the 5 years it's been my work-horse it has been to service exactly zero times. Zero.
I've put up with it because the S2P is truly a great camera with the best lenses available … but come on, I need to count on the darned thing … and it isn't as if it's been over used or has many shots on it. Other than the new firmware possibility I've speculated on, there is no apparent reason for this to have happened. None.
Grrrrr.
– Marc
Marc,
You were correct, 1.3.0.0 is the latest. We just hadn't gotten around to updating our S2-P demo camera. I just updated to 1.3.0.0 and my SF58 still works as it should, communicating data between body and flash (ISO, f-stop). So, this is not an endemic firmware bug.
You may want to try something that has worked in the past both with S2s and with M cameras that have demonstrated software glitches. Simply remove the battery from the camera and let it sit overnight. The internal memory of the camera has a small battery backup to keep data active for a few hours – this is done so you don't lose settings between battery changes or if the battery discharges all the way. In this case, by removing the battery and letting the backup fail, the internal memory of the camera will be fully reset and may very well solve the communication issue.
If this doesn't work, it may be possible to get a debug firmware sent from Leica Germany (must be created specifically for your camera as it contains sensor mapping information which is tracked by serial number). With this special firmware, you'd be able to uninstall v1.3.0.0 and reinstall it.
Let us know how things progress.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store Miamifotografz;6167 wrote: Thanks for answering David.
Yes, I know it is supposed to only work on TTL-HSS … and that is the way it worked before.
Suddenly, TTL-HSS is not available at all in the SF58 selection menu, but TTL is there … then, the camera and flash will fire in just TTL up to 1/4000 in CS mode and up to 1/125 in FP mode.
The problem seems to be that the flash/camera are not communicating … so if I set ISO 320 on the camera the flash remains on default ISO 100.
I can go in and manually set the ISO on the flash, and it'll properly expose in TTL.
I have two SF58s that act the same way.
I tried resetting the flashes. Nope.
Cleaned the contacts. Nope.
The ONLY difference is that I loaded the new S2 firmware and now the flash operation is screwed up.
I cannot find any info on flash operation, nor any reference to any firmware update for the SF58s.
Yes, I can set A, but it should work the way it was designed.
Further thoughts?
– Marc
Yeah, sounds like the flash is not communicating with the body. Do you still have any digital M bodies? If so, try a flash and see if it communicates.
I doubt this is firmware related as we haven't heard of this issue with any of our customers, or experienced it ourselves on our S2-P with firmware v1.0.4.2. In fact, I just tried again and it works perfectly.
I suspect there could be some issue with your camera. If you find that the flash works fine on the M (I suspect it will), a German vacation might be in order for your S2-P.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store MiamiInteresting approach. I'm trying to think about how this could be implemented without creating a possible stumbling block. Imagine you pick up the camera, forget to change the focus zone and end up either thinking the lens is broken or missing a shot because you were fumbling with the menus.
Any thoughts?
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store Miamifotografz;6164 wrote: I have two SF58s that worked fine all last year.
Now neither seems to be communicating with the camera correctly.
The ISO on the flash's LCD doesn't match that set on the S2. I cannot set ETTL in the mode selection … only TTL, A, M and pulse is available … BUT, the flash does fire in TTL. The flash fires in TTL with either the FP to 1/125 or CS to 1/1000
It is not the lens … I tried various lenses.
The only difference I can think of is that I had up-dated the S2's firmware since last year, and it is the latest firmware (which I just confirmed when trying the 45CS lens this weekend).
Both SF58s show version 1.1 when first starting up.
I tried reseting both SF58s to no avail.
I'm perplexed. Anyone else experiencing this?
Any suggestions anyone?
Help!
– Marc
Marc,
The correct setting on the SF58 for the S2 should be TTL-HSS. There is no E-TTL mode (that's Canon's proprietary flash system). It shouldn't fire on straight TTL, only on TTL-HSS, and should sync at every available shutter speed up to 1/4000 on FPS.
The other option is to use the flash on A mode, which I find to much quicker and just as accurate as TTL-HSS.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store MiamiJack MacD;6147 wrote: David,
There are no Contax 350mm for sale that I can find.
But according to this blog from Sept. 2008 the Leica S 350 will be available years ago.
I will wait.
Interesting that the list was pretty accurate on what was coming, just not when. The 45mm S was never promised.
———————————————————-
Photokina 2008: Leica VIP Launch Event for S2
by David Farkas on 09-22-2008 at 07:13 PMSummarit-S 70mm f/2.5 CS ASPH
Summarit-S 35mm f/2.5 CS ASPH
APO-Macro-Summarit-S 120mm f/2.5 CS
APO-Elmar-S 180mm f/3.5 CSThese four lenses will be the first to launch, simultaneously with the camera. The next grouping of lenses will come a few months later.
Elmarit-S 24mm f/2.8 ASPH
APO-Tele-Elmar-S 350mm f/3.5
Vario-Elmar-S 30-90mm f/3.5 ASPH
Elmar-S 30mm f/3.5 Tilt-Shift
Elmarit-S 100mm f/3.5 ASPHAnd…. the 24mm turned out to be an f/3.5, the 30-90mm an f/3.5-5.6, the 30mm T/S ended up being a 30mm f/2.8 non-T/S and a 120mm T/S, and there is no 100mm. Pretty accurate on the first four, at least. :rolleyes:
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store MiamiJack MacD;6140 wrote: David
Your answer on the S vs S2 thread reminded me that I still have that Pentax 6×7 400 mm with some strange outer flanges that won't fit your adaptor. If I sent you the 400 and the body, perhaps your machinist can invent an adaptor that can do the job. My alternative is to buy a Contax 350 used and a Contax to S adaptor, or wait for the eventual Leica 350S for $$$$$.
Are you up for the assignment?Jack,
You might be better off with the Contax 350mm APO Tele-Tessar. It's got AF and auto aperture in addition to being a stellar performer optically. If you know where to find one, I'd jump on it and sell the Pentax.
When and if Leica rolls out their super-tele S lens, the Contax lens will hold its value if you wish to go for the Leica S solution.
Just my 2c.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store MiamiBob Moore;6138 wrote: David,
I apologize for mentioning another site for trades…hesitated but assumed that your interest in non-Leica stuff might be limited.
Marc is aware and for those who are not let me agree that you and Josh have been a wonderful source of S Leica information and support…I had one of you original P67 adapters with my S-2P. In fact, I returned here to search out S DNGs in assessing the new camera after learning about the rebate.
Again looking forward to working with you and Leica Store Miami in the future.
Regards,
Bob
Bob,
No worries. We take trades of just about anything of value. No, we're not super keen on $200 point and shoots or 3 generation old consumer DSLRs, but we routinely take in a wide variety of used gear. High-end Nikon, Canon, Hasselblad, Contax, Phase One, etc. all make their way through our doors, in addition to the usual flow of used M, S and R gear we specialize in.
Again, please don't sweat it. You could make far worse recommendations than Sean at Camera West. He's a great guy and an honest dealer. We finally got to meet each other in San Francisco this past fall at the LHSA Annual Meeting.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store MiamiJim S;6137 wrote: Great thread Marc !
Since reading about this offer I too have been in a bit of a quandary. Like you (well not really as an amateur), I also own, and have thoroughly enjoyed the S2P! Didn't do the S upgrade as I didn't feel the value was there. Opinions expressed are all very valid and I will continue monitoring the situation. Like Marc and others, I much prefer the CCD sensor. Having only recently traded my Phase kit on an M and MM and a bunch of lenses, I find the M great fun to shoot with its upgraded electronics, BUT skin tones in particular are lousy especially given the price! 😡 I have mostly been using the MM with great joy and it is also CCD! It IS a camera to own IF you enjoy B&W!
All that said, I believe I will hang onto the S2P until we see what Photokina brings. IF its a CMOS sensor and IS proven to perform I MIGHT be tempted to buy one, BUT probably not give up the S2P with the CCD sensor.
I know David is well connected in the Leica hierarchy but notice with interest his post talking about this offer. His silence on the CMOS speculation is deafening ! 😀 David, you'll have to do some serious talking with guarantees to get me into this deal! LOL!
Just my 2 cents worth as a serial non poster! 🙂
Jim
Jim,
I didn't mean to skirt the issue. I don't have a crystal ball, but I highly doubt that there will be a new S announced in April. It just doesn't fit with Leica's pattern of product introductions to date.
I'd say there is a good chance that Leica will do something for Photokina. They always do, but what it is exactly, I don't know. Perhaps an S-sized CMOS sensor from CMOSIS is in the works. Perhaps it's just wishful thinking on the users' part. Leica used to drop hints. Now, they prefer the veil of secrecy and the element of surprise. I'll be at Photokina (as always) to report on whatever comes our way. Sorry we don't have any more insight….
Bottom line: if you like CCD and the S produces the quality of file you want and like, now and in the foreseeable future, the added features, better UI, higher res screen, more intuitive navigation, larger buffer, additional viewfinder info, virtual horizon, onboard GPS, improved AF, expanded ISO range, increased DR at base ISO and 3 year warranty might all add up to a reason to upgrade while the promotion is still in effect.
The S2 is great. I love all the files I shot with it over the years. It is a fantastic camera to hold and use. The S (Typ 006) is just a natural evolution of the S2. It addresses some shortcomings and improves upon an already awesome camera system.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store MiamiFirst off, some clarifications of details on the trade-in promotion and the warranty on the S (Typ 006):
- The trade-in promotion goes from April 1, 2014 through June 30, 2014. Any SLR camera may be traded in for the $5,000 credit. So, yes, Jack could trade in his Pentax 6×7. Or, you could trade in an old Nikon D70. Doesn't matter.
- The warranty on the S (Typ 006) is 3 years. It is fully transferable and includes a loaner camera during the duration of any repair, delivered within 24 hours. Essentially, the S (Typ 006) warranty is the same as the Platinum warranty, but for a full 3 years, instead of the 2 years that came with the S2-P.
To throw our own hat in the ring, I'd like to remind everyone that we (Leica Store Miami/Dale Photo & Digital) are one of the best sources anywhere for the Leica S System. We have close connections with product managers in Germany, an ongoing dialog with Leica service and support here in the US, lead S System photo workshops and, most importantly, actually shoot extensively with the system ourselves. Wehave even engineered our own Leica S accessories when no such solutions existed from Leica. The S has been a personal passion of mine from the moment it was announced.
For trade-ins, we give 80% of market value. We are completely open and transparent with this policy so that everyone is on the same page and gets the best deal possible. If we think a customer would do better selling on their own, we advise them as such and will offer guidance on the best approach to do so.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store MiamiThe EyeFi cards are definitely compatible with the S and M240. The bottom plate of the M240 was actually not to block WiFi signals (plastic-filled cutout of metal right under SD slot).
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store MiamiLikaleica;6090 wrote: Forgive me if this has already been covered, but I have searched the forum and not found an answer.
Other than using WiFi SD card, is there a way to tether the S2 and/or M to an iPad?
Tim
A WiFi card is the only way we know of to tether an S2 or S to an iPad. An iPad can't run desktop software, only iOS apps, so functionality will be limited.
You could use a MacBook Air 11inch if you are purely Mac based or a Microsoft Surface Pro 2 for a tablet experience with full Lightroom support.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store MiamiI used the 30-90 extensively on our recent Monument Valley workshop, more than any other lens.
What I liked:
- Not heavy in actual use
- Great to be able to tweak composition slightly without changing lenses
- Great to be able to use in-between settings (I used 60mm quite a bit)
- Nice to keep one filter set on
- Very useful range
- Able to use as a single walk around lens without having to access backpack
- Focuses pretty close
- Performance just about on par with primes
What I didn't like:
- Slight vignetting at 30mm (easily corrected in LR and not visible in most images)
- Dark corners if using filter ring at 30mm – fine at 33mm
- Not as much DOF control as 70 or 120
All-in all, the 30-90 made for an ideal landscape lens. I'd also feel comfortable using it for hand-held walkaround shooting in decent daylight. Are the 30, 35 and 70 sharper? Probably. Did I feel like I was somehow missing out? Nope. Very happy with the results and the added convenience.
Here is an example of being able to quickly change composition without moving or changing lenses.
The horizontal was shot at 43mm.
The vertical was shot at 56mm. Just the RRS L-plate had to be flipped.
For hand-held shooting, you can see the usefulness here. We photographed a Navajo sheep drive in front of the Totems.
The first is at 58mm.
The wider shot of the whole valley is 30mm.
A detail shot on the ranch at 90mm.
Like I said, very flexible and extremely convenient for this kind of shooting, both on and off the tripod.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store MiamiGood points, Marc and Al.
It's funny that so many people ask for increased dynamic range, then complain that the files from new cameras with increased DR look “flat” or “have lost the magical look of X”. As you point out, this is just learning a new set of processing techniques.
I get around the flatness that comes with increased dynamic range by applying a preset upon import so that all my files have a baseline contrast and tone that I like (much more shadow contrast and deeper blacks). From there, only minor adjustments are necessary and I don't have to monkey with each and every file to see if it will work or not.
Al, perhaps you are right and we will just adjust to the “new normal”.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store Miami
