@david-farkas
active 1 year, 4 months agoForum Replies Created
GMB;3315 wrote: If someone has experience with this adaptor, I would be happy to learn your experiences. I have no Hassi lenses, but I might be interested in the 300mm, as Leica is not offering anything in that focal length.
Pretty simple really. H lenses work the same a S lenses on the S2 or S. The adapter communicates electronically with the lenses so auto diaphragm control, AF and central shutter all function properly. You can use the H lens shutter up to 1/750th or the camera's focal plane shutter up to 1/4000th.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store MiamiPebblePlace;3287 wrote: It is very unlikely we would see the ISO steps change on the S2 because that is linked to the hardware and the amount of amplification performed by the hardware. Generally ISO starts with a base level hardware amplification and then some or all the subsequent ISO increments are extrapolated by the camera's software.
This is mostly correct. The ISO remapping and optimization is a direct function of the new sensor board. It will not be possible to remap the S2's ISO sensitivity. I say “mostly” because Leica doesn't use simple extrapolation for higher ISO levels. They are each individually set and calibrated per camera in the factory. This is actually one of the main reasons why they don't offer half-stop increments – it would double the time needed to calibrate the sensor during production.
Leica had previously they could change how the data was read off the sensor, using 2 channels instead of 4. This would lead to slower shot-to-shot performance but would reduce noise by 1 to 2 stops. Whether or not we will see this in a new firmware for the S2 is speculation. I tend to think not. But, Leica could do the easy things, like adding the custom function which sets control wheel direction, adding more parameters to Auto ISO, re-doing the overview screen layout.
Sadly, after three years of me asking repeatedly for the variable readout mode for improved noise, I am almost 100% sure this will not be done. It comes back to sensor calibration. Changing the number of readout channels and/or changing the readout speed impact noise (obviously, which is why we want it done), but that means that an entire new calibration is required at every ISO again, for every camera made. It also means that existing cameras would have to be returned to Leica for recalibration – not as simple as just a firmware update. Given the potential logistical nightmare, I can see why this isn't practical.
As to the control wheel direction, more parameters, and other non-hardware dependent features, yes, Leica has committed to offering these to S2 users.
The screen layout cannot be changed though. The new info screen is directly related to the higher resolution of the new LCD.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store MiamiPebblePlace;3293 wrote: For the 120mm TS, you may want to consider the Mamiya / Phase One mount ($4643 at B&H) and the S / Mamiya adapter ($875 at retail). That combo is $1500 less. Both lenses are fully manual with no automatic aperture.
FYI, the 120mm Schneider in Mamiya mount is also available at Dale Photo & Digital. The Leica version has the advantage of a built-in S mount, rather than an adapter, as well as coming with a 1 year Leica warranty, which can be extended to 3 years with 24hr loaner service with the purchase of a lens protection for $595. The Schneider comes with a standard 1 year limited warranty. Just something to consider.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store MiamiMark Gowin;3219 wrote: Good point David. Reading your report of the S improvements reminded me of some conversations and requests I have made to the Leica staff.
Question, is focus bracketing an option in the new S? If not, then forewarn Stephan that I will be asking him about it again at PhotoPlus. 🙂
C'mon, Mark! If the new S had focus bracketing, you think I would omit it from my report? 😉
I'm doing an interview with Stephan tomorrow, and will be sure to ask him.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store MiamiPete Walentin;3213 wrote: I must add here, after reading Davids report, that Leica has really listened to what we discussed here and asked for. Thanks Leica.
Pete,
I feel the same way. Very few companies pay such close attention to the requests and issues of its users. The M9 was created, in large part, from an Internet poll of features M8 users wanted in their next camera. 17 of these suggestions were implemented and the camera did amazing in the marketplace. It's not rocket science to listen to your customers and give them what they actually want.
With the S System, the user base is smaller, which means that every voice is even more of a vote. I encourage all the S users on Red Dot Forum (And there are quite a lot actually), especially the ones that don't post often, to start doing so. Leica monitors this site to see what users are saying. It's important that we make our wishes known.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store MiamiGuys, I updated the article with a few corrections, feature additions and more images. Check out the article (again) for more accurate info.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store MiamiRoger;3200 wrote: Pete
Very nice report . Looks like you are enjoying yourself ..I am jealous !
David
So the sensor is the same (formerly Kodak ) CCD ? This is good and bad …the IQ should match the near perfect S2 (no problem in interchanging bodies on a shoot) but it also limits the possible improvement in high ISO to what can be accomplished with NR either in the camera or in post .
Did I also understand that they established the base ISO at a lower point ? This is what the landscape guys complain about as the S2 base appears to have some amplification and they want to get to the pure sensor potential .
I understand that the sensor board and firmware affect ISO performance but they don t appear to alter the base level performance of the sensor .
Roger,
I just posted Part 1 of my Leica S report.
Yes, the sensor is still the same excellent 37.5MP Truesense sensor, but the electronics have been totally reworked and there does seem to be real improvement in ISO performance from the not-to-be-published-for-fear-of-death sample images we shot in the back area. I'm hesitant to go on the record with how much improvement there is until I get a camera with final firmware in my hands and on my calibrated screen with my LR presets, etc.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store MiamiMark Gowin;3186 wrote: The new S has a lot of hardware changes (e.g., new sensor board, new AF module) as well as changes in control (joystick) and menus so I don't know how much firmware love us S2 guys will be seeing. I believe still room to improve the S2 via a firmware update. Maybe the guys at Leica will have some time for S2 firmware now that the new S has been introduced.
This is pretty much the case. The two cameras look very similar on the outside and share the same sensor, but they are dramatically different on the inside with completely new electronics, a new LCD and the joystick control. I am doubtful that Leica will be able to bring many of the changes to the S2.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store MiamiJack MacD;3144 wrote: Excellent work Pete,
David, you should hire Pete for your blogs.I think I might just start to outsource. Good job, Pete! Too bad we missed each other today. I was spending some quality time with the new M. S is tomorrow for me.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store MiamiI saw the new S camera today at the event and talked to a few folks at Leica about some of the behind the scenes goodies. While I think the upgrades are indeed evolutionary, they are some of the most often requested ones. The new screen (same used on new M, btw) is really, really nice. There is a new menu system, but it was in German and I didn't have it in my own hands to check it out in detail.
Looks like Leica did a nice job of bringing out a new S body (for less than its predecessor) with updated specs and without undercutting market for used S2s.
I should get hands on tomorrow.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store MiamiParatom;3070 wrote: I am curious how the 30-90 will look like (size wise) and how it will perform.
I'll let you know in a few days! 😀
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store MiamiParatom;3063 wrote: 30-90 sounds nice but I am afraid I would miss the speed of the primes. But maybe the 30-90 to replace the 35 and keepthe 70.
Is it know allready which widest f-stop the 30-90 will have?The 30-90 will have a variable max aperture of f/3.5-5.6. For me, the 30-90 will be an amazing landscape lens when shooting from a tripod. I'm almost always shooting stopped down to f/11 anyway. The zoom will allow me to keep my lens changes to a minimum and simplify filter mounting. I'm sure the fast 70 and 35 will still serve me well for handheld shooting.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store MiamiPebblePlace;3037 wrote: Thank you for the info. Any word on price and general availability yet?
No idea on price, but I'm expecting Leica to show the lens along with the 24mm f/3.5 at Photokina in two weeks. We'll have a all the details then…. and yes, I will be attending and reporting.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store MiamiPebblePlace;3031 wrote: Just curious, has Leica ever posted anything about the size and weight for the 30-90 zoom? I'm hoping the slower aperture translates into a lighter lens in the 2 pound range. Anyways, just curious if anybody has seen any details about the lens. Thanks.
I've been told that the 30-90mm is roughly the same size and weight as the 35mm f/2.5, perhaps a little heavier.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store MiamiSorry…. can't make any guarantees on submersion… 😉
This shot really works as a triptych! Nice stuff, Jack.
David Farkas
Red Dot Forum
Leica Store Miami
