Luminous Landscape Forum
Equipment & Techniques => Medium Format / Film / Digital Backs – and Large Sensor Photography => Topic started by: Rune Werner Molnes on May 05, 2008, 04:53:49 pm
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Hi,
This is not meant to be a review. I do not have the time for, nor the inclination for a thorough review.
However, I do have plenty of incentive to point out the aspects of the AFi which need to be improvement.
Before pointing out what needs to be fixed, I must first emphasise that in sum I do not regret buying into this system. Mainly because of the Schneider lenses which is extremely sharp/good quality and the Leaf Aptus 75s digital back, which as Leaf claim; "delivers the best image quality of current digital back regardless of resolution." I have to agree on that one. It's the thing in the middle that need improvement:
1. When using non- AFD lenses, the aperture setting on the camera does not match that of the lens. If I for instance set the camera to f/14, and push the cameras DOF preview button, the scale on the manual lens only shows f/11. (Firmware upgrade?)
2. The AE meter on the camera is very hit- and miss, mostly miss. This is probably du to (1) above. (Firmware update?) If it had not been for the histogram on the DB I would have been very lost with regards to correct exposure.
3. You should release a reference guide for the AFi. Currently there only exist a "Getting Started" guide, which frankly is not very good. It would be nice to be able to know how to change focusing screens, or that self timer cannot be used along with MLU. There seem to be automatic MLU when using self timer, at least judging by the sounds coming from the camera. A reference guide would be able to tell us these things. Also a overview of available focusing screens with their respective characteristics etc would be nice to have. When using the various extension tubes, which corresponding focusing ranges do the different lenses have? Etc..
4. The new AFD lenses: For some reason which I do not understand, F&H have chosen not to protect the focus scale on the lenses with glass, glass which you find on just about every other type of lens out there. In studio, this is no big problem, but if most of your photography takes place outside it could be a problem. If one drop of rain hits that scale and you then do some focusing, that moisture is dragged around into the lens and will stay there for quite some time. Also for some reason they have chosen to spray-paint the whole thing black, INCLUDING the parts of the lens which lock together with the camera. The lens mount should have been blank metal such as on the non- AFD lenses, or the Canon L- lenses etc. I already have paint peeling off the lens, and as you might expect these small pieces of black paint then travel into the camera, focusing screen, between lens elements etc..
Yes the AFD lenses are sharp, with excellent bokeh etc, but these same qualities can also be found in the non- AFD lenses. I notice little or no difference, except the speed of the AF. AF is faster and more responsive on the AFD, but then again the AF of the camera is not that great:
5. The AF on the AFi is very accurate under controlled circumstances, such as focusing on a model sitting more or less still. However, having used the Canon 1Ds MkII for many years I miss beeing able to select focusing points. If I only could select the middle focusing point I would be happy. Currently the only option seem to be full time "omni focus" where the camera focus on whatever is closest to the camera. (Firmware update?)
6. Then there's the neck- strap mount(!) Most studio photographers probably never attach this one to the camera. As you understand, I shoot mostly outdoors, and carry the camera with me - sometimes by the neck- strap. The thing is, the attaching points for the neck strap is not fixed, and this leads to most of the cameras weight being carried by the digital back, and not the camera. The attaching points rest against the DB, and imagine just how much weight is carried by the two upper attaching pins of the DB when carrying around a front heavy camera with a Schneider 180mm f/2,8 lens attached. In my view this is a serious design flaw which needs to be fixed.
7. Mirror vibration. It is the same or worse compared to the Mamiya 645. This is of course just my somewhat subjective opinion. A quote from your brochure: "The Leaf AFi’s mirror features an effective, specially-designed dampening mechanism that virtually eliminates camera shake, leading to sharper images." From this I would have expected the vibration to be much better/smaller, and not like the current "barn door" slap. For those of you being very worried by this: I do consistently produce better/sharper images from my current setup than from my previous Mamiya 645AFD/Aptus setup.
8. No AWB. When will you let the back interpret the data coming from the cameras built-in RGB- sensor?
9. It would be nice if the Leaf Capture software for PC would work with Windows Vista 64bit.
The good news is that most of the above issues probably can be fixed through firmware update.
I'll finish off with some positive aspects of the camera: It is compact for being a MF camera, the battery capacity/power management have improved, start-up is fast, the lenses are stellar, the back is the best in the marked (my personal evaluation), the 45 degree finder is excellent (although some of the viewfinder info is difficult to see), the camera handles really well/ ergonomics are good, nice analogue/digital options for handling the camera.
For those of you who might mount a RRS plate on the camera, I have found the MPR-73 plate to be the best match for the camera.
I hope some of the Leaf reps frequenting this forum can bring some of these points on to whoever does the software developing for the AFi camera. The mentioned hardware improvements would also be nice, but I guess these will be more difficult to improve, at least in the very near future.
Best regards,
Rune Werner Molnes
www.runemolnes.com (http://www.runemolnes.com)
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Rune,
This type of personal review is incredibly informative and useful. It shows a "real" photographers insight into those everyday details that are actually important (like the black paint that peels off the lens mount and other observations). I noticed on a quick handling of the camera that the 45 finder does not easily let one see the shooting data above the image- probably because it is a retrofit from the 6000 series. I see you didn't seem to mind the fan in the back blowing gently in your face as someone else commented on.
Thanks so much for taking the time to post this mini review.
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Agreed!
Thank you, Rune,
Brad
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You're welcome.
By the way, I forgot to mention that I find myself using the rotatability of the back quite often. (Yes even without a rotating adapter..) I find it very useful, even outdoors, as long as the weather permits detaching the back.
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Rune, Is Leaf working on a rotating solution?
Billy
THANK YOU for your insights,
far more valuable & credible than any gratuitous review.
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Hi Billy,
I do not know if Leaf has plans for a rotating adapter for the AFi.
Current rumor has it that there won't be one for the AFi, only for the Sinar version.
I have no big problem with this. A rotating adapter would have to be produced with a great level of precision to ensure that the DB placement does not deviate some fractions of a millimeter from what we have today with the fixed solution. It would be no problem with film, but as you know, tolerances with high resolution DB's is much lower. I might be wrong on this, but I'm a bit skeptical to the precision of a rotating attachment plate.
Rune, Is Leaf working on a rotating solution?
Billy
THANK YOU for your insights,
far more valuable & credible than any gratuitous review.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=193757\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
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Slightly OT but since you guys are all using Leaf backs:
How much of a difference do you see between the optical quality of Schneider lenses and those of Mamiya? I ask because I have never used Mamiya, only the old Hasselblad Zeiss. Thinking of going with Leaf but using Mamiya AFD III when it come out in June. Trying to figure out if I should stick with German glass. Thanks.
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Perhaps you should be directing these points to Jenoptik or even F&H. I'm not sure Leaf is playing much part other than reselling.
1, 2, 3, 8 and maybe 5 sound like they could just be fixed with updated firmware.
4 sounds like a good point. The contact points of the mount should be bare metal as with the older lenses. Not sure what you mean about the glass though. Perhaps you could attach a photo of this feature from another lens? I don't think any of my lenses have this.
6: I looked at pics of the Hy6 and didn't see any neckstrap fixtures at all. Are they hidden?
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6: I looked at pics of the Hy6 and didn't see any neckstrap fixtures at all. Are they hidden?
from Sinar's Hy6 manual, which BTW has instructions for changing the focusing screen.
[attachment=6436:attachment]
Thierry, Please let me know if it's not okay to post these pages from the manual.
I will delete if instructed to.
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Not sure what you mean about the glass though. Perhaps you could attach a photo of this feature from another lens? I don't think any of my lenses have this.
[attachment=6437:attachment]
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4. What I mean by the "glass", is the plastic covering the focusing scale on the lens. Like you for instance find on all Canon L- series lenses. On the new AFD lenses you have a opening and below you have the focus scale, this as you know rotates when focusing; dragging anything that lands on it (for instance raindrops) around into the lens.
6. The neck strap fixtures are triangle shaped, and clicks into place. However they are not particularly limited in movement, and thus rest against the DB like two small crow bars.
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I can see from Billy's "neck strap" post above, that the problem described by me is spesific to Leaf.
With Sinar, the neck strap fixtures does not seem to interfere with the DB at all.
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Wait a minute....
I thought the ONLY difference between Hy6 & AFi camera body was the battery type?
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deleted.
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Hi,
Attached you will find a segment from a brand new user maual just sent to me by a Leaf rep.
As you can see from the bottom picture the "metal lug" has free movement 90 degrees backwards, conflicting with the DB which is much larger with Leaf compared to Sinar, where the DB has good clearance to the metal lugs.
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Yes, Rune. I can see there's more clearance with the Sinarback,
(and can imagine your crowbar comment with the 180mm lens attached)
but Leaf has a notch cut-out as well
[attachment=6439:attachment]
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Neckstreps fixtures: see pdf document attached.
Thierry
6: I looked at pics of the Hy6 and didn't see any neckstrap fixtures at all. Are they hidden?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=193773\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
[attachment=6440:attachment]
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That's VERY fine, Billy.
In the contrary, thanks for this.
Thierry
from Sinar's Hy6 manual, which BTW has instructions for changing the focusing screen.
[attachment=6436:attachment]
Thierry, Please let me know if it's not okay to post these pages from the manual.
I will delete if instructed to.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=193774\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
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Right, it does not interfere with the back.
Thierry
With Sinar, the neck strap fixtures does not seem to interfere with the DB at all.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=193779\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
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1. When using non- AFD lenses, the aperture setting on the camera does not match that of the lens. If I for instance set the camera to f/14, and push the cameras DOF preview button, the scale on the manual lens only shows f/11. (Firmware upgrade?)
Best regards,
Rune Werner Molnes
www.runemolnes.com (http://www.runemolnes.com)
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=193654\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Good stuff Rune.
I would guess this issue will be resolved in a firmware update from Leaf.
One of my customers had the same issue with their Sinar e75LV/Hy6 and after uploading the 2.09 updater, the issue appears to be resolved.
The interesting thing about this project is that while the base camera is generally the same, the AFi and Hy6 may evolve to contain differences, some hardware, but mostly firmware. Firmware updates will come separately - my Sinar 2.09 updater does not update our Leaf AFi unit. There are already some functional differences between the "solutions" and it appears that will continue.
Steve Hendrix
www.ppratlanta.com/digital.php
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Yes, this issue is solved with the latest firmware: it did not happen with all non-AFD lenses, only the ones with the maximum aperture not corresponding to a full f-stop (e.g. 3.5)
Thierry
I would guess this issue will be resolved in a firmware update from Leaf.
Steve Hendrix
www.ppratlanta.com/digital.php
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=193796\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
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I noticed on a quick handling of the camera that the 45 finder does not easily let one see the shooting data above the image- probably because it is a retrofit from the 6000 series.
Hopefully, the upcoming 90º finder (high-eyepoint design) shows the LCD readout better.
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Yes, Rune. I can see there's more clearance with the Sinarback,
(and can imagine your crowbar comment with the 180mm lens attached)
but Leaf has a notch cut-out as well
[attachment=6439:attachment]
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=193789\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Yes, but the notch does not give sufficient clearance.
It's not a very big problem, it only means that there are limits to how you can carry the camera by the neckstrap. E.g. you always have to have one or two hands on the camera to balance it so that the whole weight is not shifted to the DB.
However, if you should try to run around with the camera over your shoulder and a 180mm attached, I would not be surprised if the whole DB would be forced off the camera..
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Yes, this issue is solved with the latest firmware: it did not happen with all non-AFD lenses, only the ones with the maximum aperture not corresponding to a full f-stop (e.g. 3.5)
Thierry
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=193798\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I currently have this problem with my (excellent) Schneider 40mm f/3.5, so that seems to be correct, yes.
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I see you didn't seem to mind the fan in the back blowing gently in your face as someone else commented on.
The fan may be responsible for perhaps the best live-video of any digital back
for those who use this feature.
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Extraordinary interesting and useful insights, Rune. I'm considering the purchase of this camera or the Sinar version. Two questions:
1. Have you tried the 90º viewfinder?
2. Have you used the Leaf with film or just with digital?
Thanks,
Carlos
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Neither the 90º finder or 6x6 film magazine is available today, but probably "soon".
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I think the 6 x 4.5 film magazine is already available for the Sinar but not yet for the Leaf, but I suposse it is the same for both cameras (or not?). Here in Spain the distrubutor for Leaf, Sinar and Rollei is also the same (Ingrafic). I've been talkin' with a sales person last week about the camera and the strange thing is that he couldn't tell me if the Rolleiflex version of the Hy6 would be available any time soon. Could it be this true or it's just they are interested in selling the Leaf and the Sinar?
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kurlandphoto in NYC has been listing/selling the Rollei Hy6 for the past several months on eBay.
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yes, the 6 x 4.5 film magazine is available, together with its Hy6 adapter.
Thierry
I think the 6 x 4.5 film magazine is already available for the Sinar.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=193811\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
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The interesting thing about this project is that while the base camera is generally the same, the AFi and Hy6 may evolve to contain differences, some hardware, but mostly firmware. Firmware updates will come separately - my Sinar 2.09 updater does not update our Leaf AFi unit. There are already some functional differences between the "solutions" and it appears that will continue.
Would you elaborate?
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The interesting thing about this project is that while the base camera is generally the same, the AFi and Hy6 may evolve to contain differences, some hardware, but mostly firmware. Firmware updates will come separately - my Sinar 2.09 updater does not update our Leaf AFi unit. There are already some functional differences between the "solutions" and it appears that will continue.
Steve Hendrix
www.ppratlanta.com/digital.php
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=193796\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
To me this is is where this all falls down where the back is proprietary to the camera.
Let's say I decide to sell time shares on my Gulfstream and purchase an HY6 with a Sinar back.
Then lease the top floor of my Malibu home to Cher to afford 5 or 6 lenses and for some reason I just don't like the way the Sinar works.
Does that mean I have to sell the Sinar back and the body and switch to a leaf branded back and body?
The thought of this almost makes me want to go back to a Canon 1ds.
Personally I think it's overcomplicated that any back has any specific mount, but at least if I decided tomorrow that I wanted to put my Phase backs on a Mamiya or an H series, it would just be a few grand to replace the mount and would keep Cher happy because I wouldn't have to double her rent.
That may not be best case scenario but at least it's doable without firmware upgrades and I assume the functionality I have now with the Contax and the back would not change if I go to another camera platform.
Consequently if I wanted to put a Sinar or Leaf back on my Contax I assume the only thing I need to do is write a check and wait for delivery.
Like it or not Leaf and Sinar are with this camera joined at the hip and not that I expect them to offer joint press releases, I do think that at least F+H should keep a running chart of what works with what, if only for rental and backup information.
I'm all for innovatin and moving forward, but I also know that this needs to get less complicated, not more and there is something to be said about picking the camera and lenses first, the back second, or better still buying a back and putting it on any camera I chose.
JR
P.S. don't take these comments as a condemnation of the HY6. I think it's a great idea though I also think as a new system it should come out of the box ready to rumble with full lenses, finders, and not a lot of firmware updates to fix this or that.
In fact the only thing that would move me from the contax's is a camera that had a rotatable back and fast lenses, but not if the camera (or back for that matter) is only specific to one system.
I've gone through the learning curve of Kodak, Fuji, Canon, Nikon, Leaf and Phase and some of it has been more than rewarding, some of it has been hell, but overall digital capture has to settle down to the point we pick up a camera, turn it on and take a picture, without worrying about james, firmware updates and file compatibility.
Regardless of price, it has to be a buy it, use it, painless process.
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James, no, the device is switched off.
Does that mean I have to sell the Sinar back and the body and switch to a leaf branded back and body?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=193835\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Not at all: it has been communicated since the begining that Leaf backs (at least those fitting the AFi) shall work on a Sinar Hy6 body and Sinarbacks can be used on a Leaf AFi body. Nothing has changed here. But I would like to hope that you would like the Sinarback, instead!
Then lease the top floor of my Malibu home to Cher to afford 5 or 6 lenses ...
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=193835\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Why always suggesting that those lenses are so expensive? I have published the recommended market prices for the new AFD lenses (from Euro 1'900.- for the Schneider AFD Xenotar 2.8/80 PQS to Euro 4'550.- for the Schneider AFD Variogon 4.6/60-140 PQS) and they are in the price class of some other good lenses.
Beside this, I have published a list indicating more than 40 lenses fitting the Hy6 body, most of them can be found as second-hand at very low prices.
Personally I think it's overcomplicated that any back has any specific mount, but at least if I decided tomorrow that I wanted to put my Phase backs on a Mamiya or an H series, it would just be a few grand to replace the mount and would keep Cher happy because I wouldn't have to double her rent.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=193835\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
So it is with any Sinarback: change the adapter plate and mount it on any existing MF body of your choice, and it's not even a few "grants", since the "recommended price" is Euro 945.- for the eMotion adapter on Mamiya or H serie. You could even reduce Cher's rent!
Consequently if I wanted to put a Sinar or Leaf back on my Contax I assume the only thing I need to do is write a check and wait for delivery.
JR
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=193835\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Why so with the Sinarback?: we do not have dedicated mounts/backs, but an adapter system (see above).
Best regards,
Thierry
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James,
Just 2 corrections and a remark.
- there are not A LOT of FW updates since the begin of delivery of the Hy6 camera: in fact it is the VERY FIRST and it concerns a (IMO) little issue (older non-AF lenses with max. aperture not corresponding to a full stop), and in addition some new features with this upgrade.
- Admitted, all (new AFD) lenses are not available yet, but some 40+ are already available (see my published list)
- The Sinarbacks are NEVER specific to one camera: Sinar has the longest history with the adapter plates system, since the very beginning.
Best regards,
Thierry
P.S. don't take these comments as a condemnation of the HY6. I think it's a great idea though I also think as a new system it should come out of the box ready to rumble with full lenses, finders, and not a lot of firmware updates to fix this or that.
In fact the only thing that would move me from the contax's is a camera that had a rotatable back and fast lenses, but not if the camera (or back for that matter) is only specific to one system.
I've gone through the learning curve of Kodak, Fuji, Canon, Nikon, Leaf and Phase and some of it has been more than rewarding, some of it has been hell, but overall digital capture has to settle down to the point we pick up a camera, turn it on and take a picture, without worrying about james, firmware updates and file compatibility.
Regardless of price, it has to be a buy it, use it, painless process.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=193835\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
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Why always suggesting that those lenses are so expensive? I have published the recommended market prices for the new AFD lenses (from Euro 1'900.- for the Schneider AFD Xenotar 2.8/80 PQS to Euro 4'550.- for the Schneider AFD Variogon 4.6/60-140 PQS) and they are in the price class of some other good lenses.
Best regards,
Thierry
[{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a] (http://index.php?act=findpost&pid=193845\")
Theirry, you may be right, maybe in Europe used 6000 series lenses are cheaper but not in the U.S. at least not that I've seen.
[a href=\"http://www.kurlandphoto.com/home.php?cat=9]http://www.kurlandphoto.com/home.php?cat=9[/url]
Regardless, if you have to search used lenses and spend your life on ebay, there are a lot of options.
I know you are more up on this than I am but of the people I know and work with, I'm always amazed they buy a new digital back but put it on a V, RZ or Contax mount mainly because they have already made that investment in lenses and bodies.
JR
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http://www.kurlandphoto.com/home.php?cat=9 (http://www.kurlandphoto.com/home.php?cat=9)
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=193859\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Those are prices for new lenses, and can be found cheaper (from US$ 500 to US 2'000.-! less), when I compare with our distributor's (SBI) published prices in the USA. I understand why you find them to be expensive.
I know you are more up on this than I am but of the people I know and work with, I'm always amazed they buy a new digital back but put it on a V, RZ or Contax mount mainly because they have already made that investment in lenses and bodies.
JR
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=193859\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Nothing wrong with that, I would probably do the same, if owing a body. But that's just the nice point with Sinar, adapt it to the body of your choice. We don't push anybody to buy an entire system.
Thierry
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from Sinar's Hy6 manual, which BTW has instructions for changing the focusing screen.
[attachment=6436:attachment]
Thierry, Please let me know if it's not okay to post these pages from the manual.
I will delete if instructed to.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=193774\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Thanks, learned something new today
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Wait a minute....
I thought the ONLY difference between Hy6 & AFi camera body was the battery type?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=193781\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
...and the digital back!
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...and the digital back!
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=193878\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
And the color of the finder ?
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All 45degree prisms and 90degree finders going forward will be black color.
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Rollei version of the Hy6 is being sold in Russia as well , with the eMotion unrevolving adapter and 45 degree (black) and WL finders.
Sinar's firmware upgrader works with Rolleiflex.
Hy6 in Rolleiflex version is available in Germany. F&H does actually ship units.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=193979\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
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It would be great if Leaf could figure out Bluetooth to iPod Touch (instead of to iPaq). I'd love for color + exposure accurate 200ppi images to be seen remotely by an art director or 1st assistant (checking histogram + lighting).
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It would be great if Leaf could figure out Bluetooth to iPod Touch (instead of to iPaq).
Apple would have to allow that functionality in the iPod or iPhone before Leaf could do something. Currently, it's not there.
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Apple would have to allow that functionality in the iPod or iPhone before Leaf could do something. Currently, it's not there.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=194007\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I'm sure smarter people than me can answer this, but I thought that funcionalty would have to go through a wireless router and a program in the iphone, ipod to process the previews.
As it stands I'm sure someone could write the program in their sleep, good god they were hacking Iphones and writing programs 2 weeks after it was announced. The router is another issue and you would have to carrry a few airport extremes hooked to either generators, ac power or an inverter, but I don't see why it can't be done on the Ipod, Iphone side.
right now it's what is coming from the camera that seems to be the issue, especially with meidum format as the previews are tiny and not very well processed, showing moire, pre noise reduction, etc.
JR
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Hy6 in Rolleiflex version is available in Germany. F&H does actually ship units.
I think I can remember reading here or there more than once about the "esoteric" way the MFDB manufacturers usually offer "information" about their products... How is it possible that the official distributor of this camera couldn`t solve such a simple question like this? (I must add that after requiring this information about the Sinar/Leaf/Rollei I've got a phone call two weeks later and I'm still waiting today for a detailed budget... It could be that I'm not a full time professional or maybe they're selling too many cameras.... Any suggestion, comment, something to tell, Thierry? Thanks)
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Dear Ignatz_Mouse,
No comment from me on this other that it is not acceptable and that I shall check and follow-up with the responsible person.
Please PM the contact you had and other details.
Thanks,
Thierry
... I must add that after requiring this information about the Sinar/Leaf/Rollei I've got a phone call two weeks later and I'm still waiting today for a detailed budget... It could be that I'm not a full time professional or maybe they're selling too many cameras.... Any suggestion, comment, something to tell, Thierry? Thanks)
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=194139\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
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...I thought that funcionalty would have to go through a wireless router and a program in the iphone, ipod to process the previews.
right now it's what is coming from the camera that seems to be the issue, especially with meidum format as the previews are tiny and not very well processed, showing moire, pre noise reduction, etc.
JR
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=194018\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Correct, right now the only feasible (cost and usability) way for the transfer to take place is via wifi and you would have to incorporate it into the digital back to send the file wirelessly. Unless for some reason you wanted to shoot tethered and have a computer send the images to the iphone for viewing (?). But either way, its not going to be fast enough for most anyone to find it acceptable during a shoot (at this point).
And bluetooth would be wonderful but the throughput on the most current version stands at 3 Mbit/s (theoretical, not in use) and it isn't the most stable of connection.
So pretty much everything you said is spot on and I doubt we will see a really fast and easy to use wireless solution until technology advances a little more even though people could figure out how to make the iphone usable.
So yeah, tomorrow they will come out with something, but not today.
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So yeah, tomorrow they will come out with something, but not today.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=194172\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
You're absolutely right. Look at the P1 wireless promise, It's abandoned as far as I can tell, but was used as a selling argument by both dealers and P1 themselves for quite som time before it all faded...
I'd also love to see WiFi included in the body, it's a fairly small chip that draws little power, and it must surely be perfect to send embedded .jpg's from the RAW files to handheld devices like phones and iPod's with wifi support.
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You're absolutely right. Look at the P1 wireless promise, It's abandoned as far as I can tell, but was used as a selling argument by both dealers and P1 themselves for quite som time before it all faded...
I'd also love to see WiFi included in the body, it's a fairly small chip that draws little power, and it must surely be perfect to send embedded .jpg's from the RAW files to handheld devices like phones and iPod's with wifi support.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=194244\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I'm not a wirless expert or an IT guy, but in regards to medium format I think the issue with wifi'ing a medium format preview file to any kind of device, whether it be computer, Ipaq, or iphone is not so much the wi-fi, other than you need a some kind of wireless base station, but it's the fact medium format previews are pretty rough and unprocessed looking.
This part I've never really understood is how much does it add to the hardware and development costs to add a second processor dedicted to making simutaneous processed jpegs?
If you shoot a medium format back non tethered and show the image to an art director, then shoot a Nikon or Canon in the same manner, the AD will swear the Nikon has to be the better of the three cameras, just because that lcd is so amazing.
Regardless, I can't really overstate how good it would be to have hand holdable devices with a quality lcd that could be tossed out on location and the AD, stylist, etc. could just look down and see the images.
Sometimes I think everytime we take three streps forward we go one step back.
Early on with digital capture, using a Fuji S2, we tethered through the video port an ntsc signal to a 9" sony monitor and though it wasn't 24" Eizo quality it was very good, allowed everyone to see easily, the tethering was tech proof and simple and you could even zoom into the image.
We even sent a wireless ntsc signal out to other monitors to see the effect and it worked, though the signal wasn't that reliable.
Still, how could that cheap little Fuji S-2 be so close and now we are still looking at tiny lcd's (even 3") or hardwired to a computer with a large monitor.
Now, not to go off topic, but what the hell happened to Fuji? I would have thought that by now they would have a line of professional cameras, digital backs and full frame 35mm cameras.
Who really knows as much about color as Fuji, though instead they keep coming out with new films.
It really makes no sense to me.
JR
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Now, not to go off topic, but what the hell happened to Fuji? I would have thought that by now they would have a line of professional cameras, digital backs and full frame 35mm cameras.
Who really knows as much about color as Fuji, though instead they keep coming out with new films.
It really makes no sense to me.
JR
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=194319\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
They do have a line of Pro cameras, they are called Hasselblad outside of Japan, and Fuji GX645 in Japan. Except they are film only in Japan AFAIK.
Fuji are smart, they don't want to kill their cash-cow marriage business in Japan, so they are quietly constructing the replacement solution with some 35mm cameras tailored to marriage (no white blowout) and internal distribution of the cameras, the Pictro proofers, the Frontier volume systems etc.
When they finally decide that film is dead they will just start distributing the fully digital Hassies instead of the H bodies and bury the S series, is my guess.
Edmund
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Rune,
Thanks for your very informative comments.
I wonder if you have had any concerns about the fan slots for use in rain, fog, or even high humidity?
I understand you mostly use the AFI in nature. Do you feel it is rugged enough to hold up the outdoor use? Any special precautions?
Thanks again,
Mitchell
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They do have a line of Pro cameras, they are called Hasselblad outside of Japan, and Fuji GX645 in Japan. Except they are film only in Japan AFAIK.
When they finally decide that film is dead they will just start distributing the fully digital Hassies instead of the H bodies and bury the S series, is my guess.
Edmund
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=194335\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Fuji does not have a "line" of medium-format SLR cameras. Hasselblad does license Fuji the rights to sell, in a limited geographic market, a Fuji branded H1 made for them by Hasselblad in Sweden.
Hasselblad has never licensed Fuji to sell any other version of the H camera series except for the original H1. The H2/H2F and H3 series are exclusively sold by Hasselblad and I see no indication that they have any desire to license distribution under the Fuji brand in the future.
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I wonder if you have had any concerns about the fan slots for use in rain, fog, or even high humidity?
I understand you mostly use the AFI in nature. Do you feel it is rugged enough to hold up the outdoor use? Any special precautions?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=194469\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Hi,
As long is you do not have rain falling directly into the fan slots, you should have no concerns. I use the camera in rain quite often, but carry it around in a raincover, then take it out for the shot, and then back in again. (I use a mini backpack raincover). In heavy rain, I either wait for it to subside, or use my Canon backup.
I cannot think of any other special precautions for oudoors use of the AFi.
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Hi,
As long is you do not have rain falling directly into the fan slots, you should have no concerns. I use the camera in rain quite often, but carry it around in a raincover, then take it out for the shot, and then back in again. (I use a mini backpack raincover). In heavy rain, I either wait for it to subside, or use my Canon backup.
I cannot think of any other special precautions for oudoors use of the AFi.
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[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=194522\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Thanks Rune,
That's reassuring. I do pretty much the same thing with my M8 with no problems so far, but I always have some fear I'm making a very expensive mistake.
Beautiful images on your web site.
Best,
Mitchell
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Kudos to Leaf:
I have been talking on the phone today with two helpful Leaf representatives.
To keep it short, this was some of the things that came out of the conversation:
- I was told that they will develop new attachment parts for the neck strap, so that they do not interfere with the DB.
- A new comprehensive user manual will be distributed to all current and future owners of the AFi. (Has been in the works for some time).
- The upgraded firmware fixing the f- stop problems and exposure metering amoung other things, has been available for some time, they just have not informed the public about it. (It is currently only available through the Apple version of LC11, as a silent upgrade).
- Leaf will talk to the lens manufacturer about the issuses I mentioned with regards to the new Schneider AFD lenses.
- They are working on increasing battery capasity for those of us who mostly shoot un- tethered and outdoors.
- They also told me that the focusing point is in fact in the centre of the focusing screen. I have changed focusing screen to one which is more matte (still high-res) with a central split. Focusing is much easier with this one. Manual focusing with this screen is very precise.
I mentioned to them that it would be nice to have a (45 degree) viewfinder with a shutter mechanism to keep out extraneous light. (Similar to that of the 1- series Canons). And that it would not hurt if the viewfinder info could be easier seen.
It is assuring to know that Leaf is talking to their customers, and delivering solutions quickly when needed. If not to all, but some of the current minor issues.
Best Regards,
Rune Werner Molnes
www.runemolnes.com (http://www.runemolnes.com)
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"I have changed focusing screen to one which is more matte (still high-res) with a central split... Manual focusing with this screen is very precise"
Please, which matte focusing screen ?
Regards. François
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"I have changed focusing screen to one which is more matte (still high-res) with a central split... Manual focusing with this screen is very precise"
Please, which matte focusing screen ?
Regards. François
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=195515\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Rollei Super Bright High D focusing screen (#10772). It has a central split image, vertical and horizontal 645 crop lines, but no microprism round the split image..
You'll fint it at www.robertwhite.co.uk