Forum Replies Created
Agreed…definitely don't judge the high-ISO results of the S based on the LCD preview…it looks MUCH better when uploaded to a computer. I am working on getting some base settings for high ISO images on the S so I can make some presets. The S files can take a lot more sharpening and noise reduction as well. I am close to getting the perfect balance.
If the 30-90mm lenses are shipping in Europe that's great news! Usually means the USA is not far behind. I'm definitely curious to hear your thoughts about the lens Alex. I have used the pre-production version and can attest to the weight, although the weight of the S system has never bothered me as I previously used a large Canon SLR with a 2.8 zoom lens that was heavier.
As promised, here is a photo showing the changed remote release port on the S versus the S2. The S, on the left, has 7 pin connectors and the S2 on the right has only 5. Leica changed the associated connector color to blue (from red on the S2) so that there would be no confusion over the old and new accessories. The USB port (green) remains unchanged.
Rewi, the new Image Shuttle isn't out yet, but I am very curious myself about the improvements. When the software is available I'll do a few quick tests and post results here.
Pete, the button has a very nice feel to it. For focusing, I haven't had any problems. What I have noticed is I have to remember not to press it in while I am navigating a zoomed-in image, because that changes the playback mode.
First you want to make sure you have a fully charged battery in your S2. Then, format a CF card in the camera. Put the CF card in a reader into a computer, then copy the firmware (the .S2 file) to the memory card. Don't put it inside any folders, it goes in the root directory of the card. Once that's done, put the card in the camera (while the camera is off) and turn the camera on while holding down the rear AF/AE lock button (located directly right of the viewfinder). The camera will recognize that the CF card has firmware on it, and will update. Takes a few minutes to complete the process.
Hope that helps!
Ed, I haven't had too much time to inspect the pins yet but I will post a comparison photo here tomorrow.
Yes, you can adjust the direction of the control wheel. It is in the “click wheel” setting. David has a few photos of that adjustment screen in his Photokina coverage article here:
Ed:
Leica changed the connector for the remote release port. It now pulls duty as both the remote release port and the flash sync port. The connector is new, it is still a LEMO-style connection but as you correctly noticed, has a different pin configuration. Leica makes a new remote release for the S: Leica Cable Release S
If you have any Pocket Wizard trigger cables, they will need to be remade for the new port. Slightly frustrating, I agree, but Leica made this decision to offer its users a more reliable way to fire strobes when using a sync cord. We also had a few reliability problems with the old remote release, which are now fixed with the new product.
Thanks for the link!
We have had our demo Leica S here for just a day or so and I have begun testing out every aspect of the camera. A full review will be posted in a few weeks! A few initial thoughts:
- The screen is GORGEOUS. So much clearer than the S2 screen. The menu system has had a minor cosmetic redesign but it's very similar, so I don't have to learn a whole new system.
- The rear joystick is just what I wanted. Not only is it really easy to navigate a zoomed-in image, but I can finally move through the menus more logically, and go back and forth in sub-menus without getting booted out to the main menu.
- Focusing is faster, and more solid. More on this in our review.
- ISO in the viewfinder! Yes!
- The buffer is HUGE. I had no trouble shooting 25 frames without the camera slowing down and I am confident it will do more.
- I can finally use my UDMA7 1000x CF cards. Write speed testing will be coming soon also.
- Five ISO options instead of four. ISO100 is even cleaner than ISO160 on the S2.
There is of course much more. I am definitely interested in hearing what our users think about the new S, especially those coming from the S2. If there are any particular requests for our comprehensive S review, let me know and we will work them in.
This is the most recent update. Just a minor one this time.
Per the Pentax lenses, I think this post on Red Dot Forum should answer a few of your questions:
In short, the Leica S lenses are far superior. Not only in quality, but you gain auto focus, electronic aperture control, weather sealing, and no adapter is needed. Pentax, or other alternative lenses, can be a lot of fun and give you a unique look, but if you are looking for maximum image quality there is no question that the S lenses are the way to go.
Leica's Image Shuttle software offers complete control over all the S2's settings including focus, not only can you activate the camera's auto focus, you can type in a physical distance and the lens will focus there. You can also fine-tune the focus in small or large increments. All without touching the camera.
Could you clarify what you meant by “see the focusing” when using the Hasselblad with the Phocus software? I have not had the chance to use any of Hasselblad's cameras in a while so a refresher is always helpful so I can stay on top of all the new features.
That is very cool! Thank you for sharing. Of course now I can put a 32gb SD card in the M9 and get 1500 shots…
The new Leica S has an entirely new auto focus sensor which is not only faster, but more accurate, especially in lower light and low contrast situations. The focus is still center-point only for maximum accuracy, which would require you to focus and recompose on an off-center subject. Hasselblad has a feature called “True Focus” which is what you are referring to, which theoretically compensates for any focus errors while recomposing. I can only speak from personal experience but I have yet to have any issues using the S2's auto focus system. I find it to be quick and accurate in any normal situation, and if there is an extreme case where precise focus is needed, I will use the microprism focusing screen and adjust manually.
I have seen a faulty adapter once that caused a similar problem, so I imagine that is most likely the case. I would have the adapter replaced, and see if you still are having trouble. Normally, the S-Adapter-H works with the S2 just like the S lenses, meaning you have focus confirmation and full functionality of exposure controls and readouts. I have found that the auto focus speed on the H lenses is slower than the S lenses. Should the camera continue to have problems it might need a trip to Leica for service. Keep us posted!
