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I thought that I'd post a blog entry about using a different alternative lens on the S2 … the Mamiya 80/1.9 via adapter. It's a lens that I've used before with a Phase/Mamiya camera and Phase digital back and was very excited to be able to try on the S2. David was very helpful in sending over one of his Mamiya to S2 adapters for my test run.

Previously, I very much enjoyed using the lens on the Phase system because of the f1.9 aperture, it's size (it's relatively small and compact) and it's ability to focus close (.7m). The lens also has a reputation for very nice bokeh with some comparing it favorably to the Hasselblad 110/2. There are two versions of the lens. The later version of the lens has an N stamped on the front of the lens.

Both versions of the lens are the same size with the newer version sporting a slightly different rubber pattern on the focus ring. There are several accounts I've read that claim that the second ‘N' version of the lens has a slightly different coating that provides better flair resistance and a little bit more contrast. After using both versions of the lens, I've found that it is very difficult to tell the difference between similar photos taken with both lenses.

Here's a similar type of shot taken first with the Mamiya 80mm lens at f1.9 and second taken with the Leica 70mm S lens at f2.5 straight out of the camera.

With the (in my eyes appealing) noise pattern of the S2 at ISO 1250, the 80/1.9 produces a look that has rich tones and contrast that remind me a bit of the 75lux … albeit with a touch less contrast and highlight control.

Because of the compact nature of the manual focus lens (as compared to Leica S autofocus lenses), the S2's bright view finder, the speed of the lens, and the look of ISO1250 on the S2, I'm finding that I'm able to push the S2 further into many situations I would have taken an M9 and a summilux in the past. In fact, (as an M shooter) I feel quite liberated in using the Mamiya lens as a walk-around, hand-held lens in a wide variety of unexpected settings.

For S2 users hankering for an M type of shooting experience with their S2, acquiring an adapter and a Mamiya 80/1.9 shouldn't be overlooked … if for the price alone. The current price of a Mamiya 80/1.9 runs between $350-$500 … an incredible bargain for those invested in S lenses.

Here are a few more recent images with the lens on the S2:

Here are a couple of quick shots that illustrate the size of the Mamiya 80/1.9. First, attached via adapter to the S2 as it sits next to a Digital Rebel with 85mm lens attached. And second, next to the 70mm and 120mm S lenses.

I'll post a few more examples as I keep shooting with the combination.

Kurt

I read Nick Rains’ article “The Leica S2 as a Travel Camera” on The Luminous Landscape the other day and and came away with a great big smile. I was smiling because I discovered just how good the S2 is as a travel camera few months ago and I am glad see others make this discovery. This got me to thinking about my trip to South Florida last winter and I thought it would fun to share some images I got on that trip.

South Florida offers a wide variety of photography options and I explored many of them such as Key West, the Everglades, Hollywood Beach, and West Palm Beach. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to do everything I wanted (e.g., Big Cypress Swamp, Kite Boarders, etc.).

I came away with wide range of photographs which could be split into at least three different groups (blog posts). However, I chose to present a sample from each group here in one blog post to show what is possible in only 8 days in south Florida.

Key West, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Key West Living Room – S2, 70mm, ISO 160, 1/180 sec., f/8.0

Regatta Practice – S2, Hasselblad 350mm CFE, ISO 160, 1/500 sec., f/8.0(?)

Picture Perfect – S2, 180mm, ISO 160, 1/750 sec., f/9.5

Sunset Palm – S2, 35mm, ISO 160, 1/125 sec., f/8.0 and some fill flash

I know it is bad form to mix color and B&W images, but I am not presenting a portfolio for review or producing a book here. I simply liked this photo in B&W better (Thanks to David K. for opening my eyes to the B&W version)

Storm Front – S2, 35mm, ISO 160, 1/125 sec., f/4.0

Sights around Key West

It Begins Here – S2, 35mm, ISO 160, 1/750 sec., f/8.0

Key West Stables – S2, 35mm, ISO 160, 1/180 sec., f11

Other Places – S2, 35mm, ISO 320, 1/180 sec., f/8.0

I love it when a shower passes through and wets the streets and sidewalks. It provides nice reflections of the city lights which leads to much more interesting photos. Key West was pretty good in this situation, but Times Square is still my favorite.

Tropic Cinema – S2, 35mm, ISO 160, 1.5 sec., f/11

Sloppy Joes – S2, 35mm, ISO 160, 6.0 sec., f/11

Green Parrot – S2, 35mm, ISO 160, 24.0 sec., f/9.5

Fish and Fowl at Robbie’s

Islamorada, FL is about half way out in the Keys and there is a place called Robbie’s where tarpon hang out around the docks in the winter. In addition, several egrets and great blue herons also hang out there looking for an easy meal.

Tarpon at Robbie's – S2, 180mm, ISO 160, 1/750 sec., f4.8

Egret at Robbie's 1 – S2, 180mm, ISO 160, 1/750 sec., f/9.5

Egret at Robbie's 2 – S2, 180mm, ISO 160, 1/250 sec., f/3.5

Various Wildlife In The Everglades

I included a large number of bird photos, many of which are not technically great, but I wanted to show the variety of birds in the Everglades. I also saw a couple Roseate Spoonbills, but didn’t get photos of them.

S2, 180mm, ISO 160, 1/750 sec., f/6.8

S2, 180mm, ISO 160, 1/500 sec., f/5.6

S2, Hasselblad 350mm CFE, ISO 160, 1/350 sec., f/8.0(?)

S2, 180mm, ISO 160, 1/750 sec., f/3.5

S2, 180mm, ISO 160, 1/180 sec., f/3.5

S2, Hasselblad 350mm CFE, ISO 160, 1/500 sec., f/8.0(?)

S2, Hasselblod 350mm CFE, ISO 160, 1/250 sec., f/8.0(?)

S2, Hasselblad 350mm CFE, ISO 160, 1/250 sec., f/8.0(?)

S2, Hasselblad 350mm CFE, ISO 160, 1/350 sec., f/8.0(?)

S2, 180mm, ISO 640, 1/250 sec., f/3.5

S2, Hasselblod 350mm CFE, ISO 160, 1/1500 sec., f/8.0(?)

S2, 180mm, ISO 160, 1/750 sec., f/6.8

Everglades Landscapes

S2, 180mm, ISO 160, 1.5 sec., f/13

S2, Pentax 67 45mm, ISO 160, 1/45 sec., f/8.0(?)

S2, 180mm, ISO 160, 1/180 sec., f/13

S2, 70mm, ISO 160, 0.7 sec., f/11

Next up is a fun image taken on Hollywood Beach. I say fun because I went a bit overboard in the HDR conversion. Typically, I dislike the HDR look however its OK when used for an artistic approach. It's also worth mentioning that the morning on Hollywood Beach were the only photos I took that day as I was visiting friends the rest of the time.

S2, 70mm, ISO 160, 1/125 sec., f/11

Finally, something completely different than anything else on this trip. These photos were taken at the annual Palm Beach Cavallino Classic Ferrari car show held at The Breakers Resort Hotel in West Palm Beach

S2, Hasselblad 105mm Makro (I'm pretty sure), ISO 160, 1/500 sec., f/8.0(?)

S2, 70mm, ISO 160, 1/250 sec., f/5.6

S2, 70mm, ISO 160, 1/250 sec., f/4.0

S2, 70mm, ISO 160, 1/250 sec., f/5.6

S2, 70mm, ISO 160, 1/125 sec., f/2.5

S2, 70mm, ISO 160, 1/180 sec., f3.4

S2, 70mm, ISO 160, 1/180 sec., f4.0

S2, 70mm, ISO 160, 1/125 sec., f/4.8

Whew! That is a lot of photos for one blog post – maybe too much. It was such a fun trip I really wanted to convey the diversity of shooting possibilities in South Florida. Next time I get down there, I want to try some street shooting in South Beach and Little Havana as well as make it over to Big Cypress Swamp for some landscapes.