• Leica just posted this teaser on their website for a new camera. The “Mini M” doesn't have an official name yet, but is shown sitting between the new M Typ 240 and the X2, which Leica apparently classifies as the Micro M. The announcement is set for June 11 and the only detail that is for certain is that the camera is made in Germnay, just like the X2 and M 240.

    What could this camera be? We have a few guesses (and these are just guesses, trust us):

    Leica's take on the Sony RX-1

    Perhaps Leica will take the full frame 24MP MaxCMOS sensor from the M Typ 240 and put it into an LCD-only compact body with a fixed AF lens. This would effectively make it both a big brother to the X2 with a larger sensor but similar design sensibilities as well as a little sibling for the M, sharing the same sensor but without interchangeable lenses or an optical viewfinder.

    A scaled-down M camera

    Or, maybe the Mini M will be exactly that: a smaller M akin to the Leica CL with either a smaller rangefinder base or just live view and no optical finder. This camera might still take M lenses making it an effective second body or lower-end starter body for new entrants into the Leica world. If this is the direction Leica goes, it would be interesting to see if a cropped sensor would be used, or the same 24MP full frame chip.

    An M camera without a rangefinder

    And still another possibility is that Leica could come out with an MD version of the M Type 240. The cost could certainly be brought down without the complexity of an optical rangefinder/viewfinder system. In this case, an EVF could be put in its place. I'm not sure the “mini” moniker fits this approach as a camera like this wouldn't really be much smaller.

    The reality is that these are all just guesses. We'll all find out for sure what the Mini M will be in less than three weeks. Expect full coverage and details here on Red Dot Forum.

    In the meantime, Leica Store Miami is taking pre-orders for the new Mini M. Just email info@leicastoremiami.com to get on the list.

  • Jack MacD;4568 wrote: The upgrade from LR3 to LR4 was definitely a requirement for S2 users. The LR5 is not essential. I will be surprised if they price it more than $99 for an upgrade from LR4. Or they may make it a subscription like Photoshop?

    Or you buy a new Leica. 🙂

    The dust removal tool enhancement is pretty cool.

  • A few more fun images from the trip…

  • fotografz;4421 wrote: The only way a SF58 can provide TTL exposure is when it is set to TTL-HSS and mounted directly in the S2/S hot shoe.

    You can use the Nikon SC28 or 29 cable to mount the SF58 off camera on the S2 and still retain the TTL-HSS capability (the contacts are in exactly the same positions on the S2 as on Nikon cameras). You…[Read more]

  • Jack, to my eye that shot lends itself to the triptych treatment very well. Nicely done!!!

  • Love the triptych Jack!

    Would look great printed very large on a deserving wall.

    -Marc

  • David didn't dare wonder when I would post the triptych.
    Here it is, one of several, but one is enough

    Attached files

  • I agree with you David about betas normally. LR5 beta is a free stand-alone download which remains parallel to LR4. It allows you to try out the features for 6 weeks free to decide if you feel the upgrade is useful and worthwhile.

    The upgrade from LR3 to LR4 was definitely a requirement for S2 users. The LR5 is not essential. I will be…[Read more]

  • Thanks for the info on LR5b. Looks like this will be a nice upgrade.

    Personally, I'm not one to transition to a Beta version. I'll wait for the RC to start playing.

  • Very nice start.

    You used 1/160 shutter, but could've used any shutter down to 1/1000 with the CS lens. How fast would depend on the brightness of the background and creatively how you would want the sky to look.

    For example, 1/500 shutter would make the background go a bit darker, more saturated. Then you would adjust the key strobe…[Read more]

  • Nice system
    http://www.priolite.com/en/products/details-priolite/items/id-01-0500-02-priolite-mbx-500.html

    But the question would be how much issue you have with power cords dragging through the sand? A mono bloc cures that, but if a mono bloc falls over you probably lose your mono bloc at $1,600 each.

    However if that is not a worry,…[Read more]

  • David K replied to the topic Fun in the Sun in the forum Images to Share 13 years, 2 months ago

    melantye,

    I hadn't heard of the Priolites but I do like the concept. If I didn't already have a substantial investment in Broncolor lighting I'd certainly look at them more closely.

  • We all do dust spotting.

    LR5 has the ability to aid me in identifying dust spots from dust on the sensor. If you click on the clone/heal tool, you can then merely press “A” and the scene switched to a high contrast B&W view that allows for more easily seeing where I need cloning out or healing the dust spots. Press “A” again and the image…[Read more]

  • David K;4554 wrote: Jack, I keep the battery pack well behind me on a towel or sheet. I'll typically look to see where the wet sand stops, past where the waves have reached and put it there. Despite having done this countless times I am still occasionally surprised just how fast the tide can come in and how far a mini rogue wave can wash past…

    [Read more]

  • Very colorful.

    Regarding salt water, when we get together in November, I will loan you my gear to shoot in the surf. But don't change lenses when you are lying in waves. Your idea to wash everything off with fresh water makes sense. Dried salt on the lens is worse than dust.

  • David K replied to the topic Fun in the Sun in the forum Images to Share 13 years, 2 months ago

    Here's one from a shoot away from the water. Used my Hasselblad 110/2 for this shot…a lens I like quite a bit. I know it was stopped down…I'm guessing f/5.6 or f/8 but there's no exif data to confirm that. But I think the colors are nice.

    Attached files

  • David K replied to the topic Fun in the Sun in the forum Images to Share 13 years, 2 months ago

    Using a cooler to transport the battery pack is a good idea. All of my Nikon lenses are classified by Nikon as weather resistant and I've read that means they have special coatings applied to the front and rear elements. More than that I really don't know. Being a boater and living in Florida has given me a healthy respect for just how corrosive…[Read more]

  • Thanks David,
    I recommend a small cooler chest with a carrying handle in the middle. Easy to transport the battery pack and protect it from water.

    Given you are lying on the sand, I would definitely use the water resistant S2 versus the Nikon. The water shedding lens coating is a big help on the S lenses. Does Nikon have that?

  • David K replied to the topic Fun in the Sun in the forum Images to Share 13 years, 2 months ago

    Jack, I keep the battery pack well behind me on a towel or sheet. I'll typically look to see where the wet sand stops, past where the waves have reached and put it there. Despite having done this countless times I am still occasionally surprised just how fast the tide can come in and how far a mini rogue wave can wash past where others have…[Read more]

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