@david-farkas
active 1 year, 8 months agoForum Replies Created
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Roger;1791 wrote: David
I am a bit confused about the bulb settings. When I take a long exposure I generally am trying to keep my ISO at 160 or 320 to maintain maximum DR and color saturation . Your example implies that setting on B and using ISO 160 limits exposure to16 sec ? And that to get to 125 I would have to increase ISO .
Roger,
In this picture, the exposure time is set to 16 seconds, but I have the option of going to 125 sec. If I set the camera to ISO 320 the maximum exposure time would be 60 sec. And 125 would be grayed out.
What I like about this interface is that you can select the time easily without having to press the button and wait for the seconds to count up before releasing to end the exposure. It essentially extends the functionality of the shutter speed dial into the long exposure range.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store Miami -
Deus_Ex_Mamiya;1781 wrote: Hi,
I've seen reference several times to plans/hopes to address both these issues. What is the current status regarding
(1) the longest exposure time possible on B? [and why isn't it arbitary/unlimited, as it is in the Pentax 645D with an almost identical sensor?];
(2) slowing down the readout speed in order to reduce readout noise? (and hence improve S/N especially at high ISO)Thanks for any info,
RayRay,
The S2's current maximum exposure time is 126 seconds. When the camera first was released, the maximum time was 32 seconds.
There are two methods of getting long exposures: 1) press and hold the button in B, or 2) press the rear thumb dial in to get a selectable scale (pictured below). I vastly prefer this way over the “press the button and watch the seconds count up on the OLED” method.
The reason for limiting the exposure time is Leica's approach to quality standards. They are hesitant to allow users the option of something that would produce less-than-optimal results. I'd expect that the max exposure time will be increased with subsequent firmware updates.
The slower frequency readout has been a big item on my personal wish list for the S2. It may happen in the future, but given the impression I got from my last conversation with the S2 product managers, there are many other priorities for firmware development right now. I agree that high quality images at higher ISO or longer exposures should be a top priority, but whether Leica feels it is remains to be seen.
I'm confident that Leica will continue to roll out more firmware updates this year. We'll just have to wait and see what they chose to be addressed in those updates.
I will certainly pass the request on to Leica as I have been doing since the camera launched.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store Miami -
Dan Sackheim;1772 wrote: This has been extremely informative. Thank you all.
Like Josh, I'm a new Lica user, having recently purchased an M9. I've been looking for a good price on a Elmarit f2.8 90mm, and I've been scratching my head, trying to reconcile what I've read on posts about fair prices being under $800 for a mint condition lens, with the sky high prices (over $2,000) I'm seeing now on eBay.
What would you, in this current market, consider a fair price for a used lens as described above?
Dan
Dan,
First, welcome to Red Dot Forum (and the world of Leica).
The 90mm Elmarit-M (latest) is one of my favorite lenses as well. It's my second most used M lens behind the 50mm Lux ASPH. It's sharp wide open, easy to focus, has great bokeh and a great look overall. Unfortunately, Leica stopped producing this lens in 2006 when they introduced the 90mm f/2.5 Summarit. The Summarit was a half a stop faster, lighter, more compact and cost $500 less. So, away went the Elamrit. Personally, while the Summarit is a fine lens, I always preferred the Elmarit and still use it.
Yes, they used to sell for $900-1000 used a few years ago. Last year the price hit around $2500 for a mint one. Now, the price has settled to $1300-2000. Roger's analysis is very accurate. Older 90m f/2.8 lenses like the Tele-Elmarit “thin” or “fat” sell for $700-800, but these have a different optical design. I'd say if you can find the latest one (with the pull out metal shade) for $1500, I'd jump on it.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store Miami -
Jack MacD;1770 wrote: It's winter and I have time to go back and work some shots again from the S2 New Hampshire trip. Unfortunately I was on the computer rather than Indianapolis.
These are a few versions of the same shot from Mirror Lake. Thanks to David Farkas who pointed out the shot to me.
I'd appreciate some suggestions as to which version is preferred.
!. Added punch to the dull day
2. B&W
3. Pretty much straightThanks,
JackJack,
It's a tough one because I like them all. I'd like to see the punchier one with a little less red, but overall I love the ominous nature of the clouds. The B&W is just classic and the natural one is very true to what we saw when we were standing at the water's edge fighting over tripod space. š
Curious to hear what others think….
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store Miami -
Wow. These are really amazing shots. Great storytelling, magical lighting and such a depth to the images.
Can't wait to see more!
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store Miami -
andyc;1738 wrote: I wonder if anyone has suffered these faults found on my S2 Bodies..
I will list the occurrences.
Andy,
We have a pretty large sample size as S Professional dealers. Here's our experience with each of your issues across a lot of S2s.
1 cracked Sensor filter
Yes, we've seen cracked sensors before. The issue was traced back to Kodak's manufacture of a bad batch of cover glass and affected M9s as well. The cracks did not show up during production or QC at the factory. They wouldn't present until later when exposed to vibration or some stressor (like shipment). Most, if not all, of the sensors with the flawed cover glass have been replaced already. Even if a crack develops after the warranty period, Leica will still replace at no charge.
As a matter of course, we still check every body we receive from Leica to make sure the sensor is not cracked.
2 Battery stuck in Body
Not too common. I think we may have seen one camera with this issue. The release mechanism just needed a minor adjustment.
Also on our checklist before shipping S2 bodies out. Pretty easy as we have to insert the battery and remove it anyway.
3 OLED display blank
I'm assuming that the OLED was faded to the point of appearing blank. The initial screen that was used in the S2 exhibited fading after 6-12 months. Leica has since found a new part. All new S2s now ship with the new OLED which is much, much brighter and won't fade like the initial model. If you have the old OLED, Leica will replace free of charge.
4 Blackout material flaking onto Prism
This we haven't seen and we do check through the viewfinder for debris.
5 Battery stuck in Multigrip
Never seen this.
6 Multigrip not fitting to Body needing replacing.
Never seen this.
7 S180 Lens front I/D Ring falling off
Seen this once where the adhesive gave way. The ID ring on the front of the 180 covers the access screws to the lens. It is designed to be removed easily and I'd guess that not enough adhesive was applied, or not enough pressure was used to hold it in place while curing.
8 Multigrip non functioning control buttons.
Never seen this.
I have sent one back twice and the other three times and still awaiting the return of one.
This is clearly the fault of the so called Quality Control and I am fast loosing confidence with them.
Has anyone else encountered any problems ??
I'm sorry that you've experienced as many issues as you have. We've shipped a considerable number of S2s and S lenses and I'm happy to say that most small issues are caught by us upon inspection of the cameras before we send them out. I'd much rather test every camera and lens even if 90%+ are perfect and have our customers receive 100% perfect systems than have them deal with any problems.
a copy of complaint letter below…
I will keep you all updated as to their reply (if any)
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS THE 3rd TIME YOU HAVE HAD THIS S2 BODY BACK FOR REPAIR..
I ALSO HAD MY OTHER S2 BODY 3801*** SENT BACK TWICE PLEASE CHECK YOUR RECORDS…..
I FEEL THAT AS A CUSTOMER WHO HAS SPENT A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF MONEY
WITH LEICA M9 AND S2 KITS THE PROBLEMS I KEEP GETTING ARE NOW QUITE BEYOND REASONI WOULD EXPECT AT THE VERY LEAST A COMPLETELY NEW BODY REPLACEMENT IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO RETURN THIS ONE IN A1 WORKING CONDITION
I WILL OTHERWISE REQUEST A REFUND ON THIS S2 BODY THAT IS NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE.I THINK THAT MY TOLERANCE HAS BEEN GOOD SO FAR BUT HOW MUCH DO YOU EXPECT A CUSTOMER TO PUT UP WITH CONSTANT FAULTS WITH CAMERAS THAT COST A FORTUNE.
I EXPECT A REPLY FROM A SENIOR MEMBER OF YOUR EXECUTIVE TEAM AT YOU HQ IN SOLMS TO ADDRESS MY CONCERNS
YOURS SINCERELY
ANDREW K COLE.Best of luck. I'd be happy to contact S2 product management on your behalf if you want to send me a PM or [EMAIL=david@dalephotoanddigital.com]email[/EMAIL] with your camera details (S/N, issues, service history, etc).
David
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store Miami -
Nice. Seeing as how I only got to use the 30mm off a small balcony in NYC, your image really makes me want to go out for a “real” test. Hopefully, Leica will ramp up production soon.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store Miami -
Paratom;1723 wrote: Those who have tried it-how do you like the new Microprism focusing screen ?
Do you plan to constantly use it instead of the standard screen?
Is it brighter than the standard screen?
Thanks a lot, TomThe matte area of the screen is the same as the standard screen, but I'd guess that the microprism circle is about a stop brighter.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store Miami -
We were told that the microprism screen would start shipping in January. It's January and I see that some of our European members have already received screens. The usual pattern is that the US is 3 weeks behind Europe in terms of new product deliveries. So, I'd expect to see pretty good quantities in 1-2 weeks.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store Miami -
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Pesto;1671 wrote: Thanks for your reply Stephan. The delay that I am referring to is the time between pressing the shutter button and the opening of the shutter. In the “TTL-HSS” mode, my subjects are often in the next room by that time; I do however have some lovely, perfectly exposed images of walls and such which should lend nicely to the creative mind: one can only imagine what might have been there. Perhaps I have inadvertently ushered in a new style.
I plan on trying to shoot in the manual mode setting the shutter speed at 1/125 and the flash on Automatic while adjusting the aperture as necessary…I am just disappointed in being unable to utilize the benefits of “TTL-HSS” mode.The delay is a result of the camera requiring a preflash in order to meter properly in TTL mode. In A mode you won't have any delay because the flash is using its own light meter and cuts the power when enough flash power has been used. TTL control is performed from the camera and requires the preflash so that the camera can dial in the proper power level for the actual exposure.
I think your idea of shooting in A mode makes sense.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store Miami -
Pete Walentin;1648 wrote: Hi guys,
I already passed into the new year and I wish you all a Happy New Year!
I hope our S2 community is continuing to grow in the new year and I wish to thank David and Josh for their “work” and making this forum possible.
Cheers,
PeteThanks Pete!
I hope everyone had a Happy New Year as well. I think 2012 is going to be a great year!
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store Miami -
dodphotography;1639 wrote: first post here, be easy on me!
I am looking to pick up an M6 in great condition but am completely new to the Leica / rangefinder world. Looking to get some longevity out of this investment, basically I want to be able to pick a camera up in 40 years and still have it work just as the day I got it (with proper care and maintenance of course). Just wanted to poke in and say hello.
Any suggestions, dealers?
You could certainly drop us (Dale Photo & Digital) a line. We have a black M6 available which hasn't been posted on the used section of our website yet.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store Miami -
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HCHeyerdahl;1615 wrote: Hi,
I mostly shoot outside, but do use a portable flash on my Nikon for taking casual snaps of my family etc. I donĀ“t know much about using flash, and just bounce the light off some wall when taking pictures indoors. My (very limited..) experience is that a shutter speed of 1/250 gives a greater number of keepers, and that 1/125 and lower often gives motion blure. Hence, I was thinking that the CS would be nice on the zoom for this kind of shooting?
Christopher
Christopher,
If you are using the Leica SF58 on the S2 then you can shoot at any shutter speed up to 1/4000th. The faster sync speed on the CS lenses is more for battery-operated, high-powered studio strobe units like a Profoto B3, Hensel Porty, Broncolor Mobil, Elinchrom Ranger, etc. These units offer around 1200 Ws on average which is about 10-12 times more powerful than a hot shoe mounted flash like an SF58, 580 EX or SB900. And, unlike a dedicated TTL flash, these battery-powered studio strobes have no two-way communication with the camera's metering system and are incapable of high speed focal plane sync. So, a faster sync can be useful when trying to overpower the sun or shoot with flash fill at more open apertures in sunlight.
Hope this clarifies.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store Miami
