Forum Replies Created
Thanks a ton Josh. That worked perfectly. The piece I was missing was holding down the AF/AE button while turning the camera on. I really appreciate it.
Josh Lehrer;3902 wrote: This is the most recent update. Just a minor one this time.
Wonder if someone can help me with the updates. On the owners site for S2, the download instructions and the update are in German, a language I unfortunately do not understand. When I download the firmware update, it requires an application to open the file and I do not have that. All I get is this file downloaded FW_S2_1_0_4_2.S2
I tried to open this file but it needs the application. How do I go about updating the firmware?Thanks for the help.
Leica Guy;3677 wrote: I know that some of the forum members sold their M equipment off to buy into the S system. I thought I'd ask if they had any qualms about doing that. I have quite a few M lenses and an M9-P, but they rarely see any use these days. I find myself looking for reasons to use the M over the S. Comments?
Yeah, good question. I do miss the portability of the M. On a recent trip to Barcelona, I took along the S2 with a 70mm lens (only one I own) and found it just too bulky to lug all over the place. The pictures however were a lot nicer. I did not use a tripod at all and carried the camera in a small Kata backpack. On the plus side, the auto focus of the S2 was a real blessing. I think the S2 would be perfect whenever I set up my lights and use it in a studio setting. I do not have the luxury of owning both systems and am seriously considering going back to the M but have been unable to pull the trigger as there is a lot I love about the S2. Methinks I'll hang on to the S2 for another year or so and see how much I use it. In the meanwhile, for casual shots around town and perhaps travel, I have bought the Sony RX100 which I am loving so far. Having said that, I'm heading to Iceland in January to photograph the Aurora Borealis and will be towing the S2 along with a RRS tripod. So much for traveling light.
“Leica is all about unique products that are peerless, and I think the new Leica M Monochrom fits that perfectly. Of course they understand it won't be the volume seller so that puts the price point a bit higher.”
But this is precisely the reason why Leica was almost bankrupt a few years ago. This is not a smart business decision. Leica develops a technological marvel for a very small market segment. They spend a good deal of money on an aficionado's dream but questionable impact on the bottom line. While their decision is to be applauded by the engineers in us, they could have spent their resources better focused on the M10 or an S3. What exactly is the purpose of an MM? Does it lead to a wider market share or an extended product line?
Unfortunately, this is the mistake many high tech companies make as well. You make a ton of money on successful products, then waste it on niche market products. This pleases the purists and the founding engineers but in the end the owners of their existing successful products suffer as they take away resources from those product development efforts.
All in all I find this to be a misguided decision.
Currently, I am way more into lighting, since that seems to make a much larger difference in the work than incrementally adding more of this or that to some digital box, especially a box like the S2 which is a light vampire just like most other MFD cameras. … not to mention that lighting is very challenging creatively.
-Marc
That to me is a very telling comment and one I had not given much thought to. It makes total sense to me. The bottom line is it is time to stop focusing on the gadget (the S2 is more gadget than I will ever make full use of) and focus on the items that make for a better photograph. Thanks for that.fotografz;1402 wrote: The question all of us must answer is …
Will our talent, skill and ability be up to this or any other high-end camera available now, and will more/better/best make any difference in the future?
There is a threshold where the addiction to highly heralded, but actually incremental, technological advancements begins reaching the point of diminishing returns or no real returns at all.
Because everything is getting so good, I believe the marketers will resort to alternative technologies that replace current ones, but will not necessarily improve what it replaces. These new things will be made to seem indispensable, and the tech junkies will rush to it with open wallets … and nothing will improve as far as talent, skill, or ability.
A photo taken now will always be better than one taken with vaporware : -)
My 2¢
-Marc
Actually I have no doubt that I will never be able to fully exploit the capabilities of the S2. I owned a Leica MP3 for a few years and I don't think I came close to exploiting that one's capabilities either, even though it was a film camera. However, I think it was one of the best cameras ever made by Leica in terms of fit, finish and just plain fondling the damn thing. As a gadget freak, half the fun is in handling a superb piece of equipment and the other half in the results it produces. Embarrassing to admit but true nevertheless for me. With the digital revolution, there's always a better gadget just down the road but I guess one has to jump on the bandwagon some time. For me I think it is the S2 – I hope.
[QUOTE=Pete Walentin;1378]This is a question covering a lot of aspects. Maybe I can cover a few of them.
Thanks Pete. What you say is all true and I will certainly spring for the S2 real soon. I have handled it at a dealer and it certainly feels wonderful in the hands. I was concerned about the bulk, particularly for travel, but it is surprisingly comfortable. Given most peoples' comments, they have no issue traveling with the S2.
With regard to the obsolescence issue, I am used to the old days of the M film cameras where you were certain the mechanical technology could not be improved on much more. These days with digital, you are right that one would wait forever if one always chased the next best thing. And at least its a great gadget so what the heck.
