Forum Replies Created
WPalank;8593 wrote: Ben Ross, Leica S Rep USA, was at a Leica Event today with 6 S Cameras. I asked him about the Update, he said he had no idea but stated one of his cameras had a Beta Version loaded and handed it to me with 120 CS lens attached. Night and Day Folks, Night and Day. I was in a darkish room and started testing AF on objects around the room, it just Focuses right to it. No hunting, just nailed it every time. If the Official Release is anything like Beta, or potentially better, we ALL should be VERY happy.
This sounds great. I wasnt really that happy with the AF hunting and have missed some shots in the past because of that. For me it would be a real step forward.
I have the same impression.
Thanks! I don't like acoustic signals but will take attention to the focus confirmation.
David Farkas;6198 wrote: 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,
one thing I allways wonder: When I activate the AF with the shutter release button in S-AF mode the camera will not “fire” before accurate focus is achieved. So I know it is focus priority.However when I use the rear button to activate AF I do not know if the camera is done with fine focus. So it is kind of “shutter priority”. Of course I can see if the camera has focused, but I can not see if it has “fine” focused/is 100% ready/accurate.
What do you think?fotografz;6151 wrote: I wouldn't hold my breath for a new M monochrome based on the M240 camera that sports a CCD sensor. But, hey, ya never know : -)
As a follow up, I have a CS45 mm winging its way to me to try out. I suspect that focal length will be my “one lens” walk about since 35mm focal length is what I favor on a M or any other 35mm camera.
It may be a bit close to my CS35, but we'll see. I may have to sell the 35 and replace it with a CS30. The 24 and zoom are a no go for me … all the lenses have to be CS versions.
Still have the S 006 in the back of my mind : -)
– Marc
I am sure you will like it!!!
i wonder if you guys have tried C1 with the new M? it seems to produce less pinkish skin tones compared to LR.
I cant make you much hope for better response S-AF.
Lately I have found that the AF hunts quite often. Leica said the AF is improved but I cant confirm this from my experience. Good thing the viewfinder is so big that I can sometimes switch to MFocus.In the end it is a lot speculation if a new S will come at Photokina, which sensor it would have and if it will be cmos how it compares to ccd.
Normally I am one of those who bases decisions on facts and not so much on future speculations. Life is kind of short to allways wait for the next end better thing.
One thing for sure-I really like the IQ I get from the s-system.
Hi Marc,
I updated from S2 to S last year, I think besides the obvious changes there are also small improvement which should mean the camera is even more reliable.
C-AF is improved from being not usable to being usable for slow subjects. (Helps for my kids, even though they re not really slow). There is a slight ISo advantage and slightly improved color. You also get the gps which is a nice gadget.I am pretty sure we will see a new S a photokina with CMOS.
Like you I wasnt totally happy with the color of the new M. I then rebought a used M9p, just to find out that the differences in color between the M9p and new M are not so clear as I thought to remember. I sometimes prefer the M9p output and sometimes the new M output. The fact that I still own both shows that I was not able to make up my mind yet.
In regards of the S: I dont use flash/studio light usually so better high ISO wouls obviously extend/improve the usability of the S for me. However I also do not want to make any compromise regarding color.
I know that as soon as the new S is announced and available the price/value of my used S will decrease significantly. However – I am not brave enough to sell it these days.
I will wait for the announcement and test one and decide from then.In your case…I really dont know if I would pay the extra right now if you have a reliable S2. If you wait for the announcement and first results from the new S, you can decide at this point if you get the current S or the new S3.
The only reason to get the S now is a) you dont want to wait or b) you think the 5k offer is limited time and prices will go up again later.
By the way I received my 45mm 2 weeks ago and like it a lot so far. Its a great focal length for what I do.
Kind regards, Tom
Jack MacD;6097 wrote: Joel Meyerowitz loves his too, and says it has replaced his 8×10 view camera in this video:
the video looks like nice advertising
anGy;6078 wrote: Really interesting discussion.
I also think that you can have too much of a good thing.
My Sony A7r files are processed in C1 with a black point at +7 as a starting point. With other settings to balance this effect I find the files a bit closer to the S2/medium format look.The flatness of the medium tones of the D800 was the main reason I've sold it.
The A7r I think is better in that regard but still doesn't come close to the S2 in overall presence.From some users comments I was expecting some issue with the reduced DR of the S2 but, after 3 months of use, I'm convinced it's a key element in the wonderful way it renders light.
could it be that optimizing DR for a certain sensor means that there will be less “in between” tonal graduations. I heard somewhere else that there is often a compromise between optimizing a sensor and software for high ISO low noise and DR for the price getting worse color.
I dont know if it is true.David Farkas;6076 wrote: Good 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”.
Hi Marc,
I understand why more DR can in a way lead to flatter images.
However I also believe there are also good examples for cameras with a lot DR which still apply a tone curve and color very pleasing.
Many digital backs are the best example IMO.
In case of the M vs M9p I think its mostly a question of color. I have been using both now for some time and have not yet mad up my mind.
I was nearly sure to like M9 skin tones better but now got a tip to use C1 instead of LR.
However if there will be a CMOS S it will probably not be supported by C1 so yes, I am also one of those who is not sure yet if a CMOS S would give us the same image character which we like so much.deleted
If we compare to ff cameras I see 3 differences…more limited high ISO of the S, slower lens (in case of the 30-90 compared to f2.8/24-70) plus the need for a slightly shorter exp time.
I use my S a lot handhold and often at f4.0 or wide open.Thats why I am still afraid that -for my purpose- I would always feel to have to carry another faster prime when I owned the 30-90.
do you guys use the 30-90 mostly on tripod or also a lot handheld?
Hi Jack,
I think the point is that a fast zoom can replace a slow zoom AND primes.
A slow zoom can only be an addition to fast primes (depending when you shoot in low light as well).I am constantly debating with myself if I shoud stay with my Leica S primes or add the zoom and reduce the number of primes.
However I often do shoot the primes in the f2.5-f4 range.One solution might be to have 30-90 and therefore replace 35 and 70 primes with a 45 prime (for indoors and lower light).
However if I compare this to the 2 lens set I often carry (either 30or35 +70) the zoom+45 would be slower, heavier and more expensive.
I would gain the 70-90mm range and most important reduce switching lenses.A faster 30-90 doesn't make sense IMO, it would be too big and heavy.
RVB;6021 wrote: A quick shot from the S45mm at f5.6… nothing to get excited about but gives some indication of the performance…
When I get a chance I'll get dome decent shots…
looks very good flare resistance. Thanks-please keep them coming.
