Mark Gowin;1409 wrote: The S2 and associated lenses are very expensive no doubt about it. I fully expect the S2 to be replaced with an S3 (or whatever they call it) and at that time the S2 will be worth considerably less. However, the S2 will still function the same and be capable of the same exceptional IQ. If or when I decide to replace the S2 it will be voluntary. That was part of my rationalization when I bought the S2 and lenses over a year ago.
Personally, I think that is the right approach, and basically what I meant in my post above.
Digital has introduced a new mental illness where we try to think ahead so much we don’t think about now. That was probably warranted when digital was first introduced and was wanting in many areas … but now it is so good on so many fronts that worrying about what could be can be a fool’s errand.
I also think that nothing has changed from the days of film where a photographer usually had 2 or 3 systems that specialized in certain types of work: 35mm, Medium Format, and maybe a rangefinder or some small camera. What has changed is the attempt to do everything with one camera system … be it a S2, or some high performance 35mm DSLR …. which is understandable given the price tag. However, that price tag isn’t that bad if one kept the tools rather than changing them over and over and over. Loss in value of anything is predicated on selling it. If you hold onto it you lose nothing.
I feel the same way as Mark about all of my current cameras, especially the Leica M9 and S2 … if I move to a M10 or a S3 it will strictly be a voluntary move, and not one I feel overly compelled to do, especially at those price points. If I move from my current Sony A900 kit, it will be strictly out of boredom, since no 35mm DSLR has even come close to producing IQ like these Leicas.
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