Luminous Landscape Forum
Equipment & Techniques => Medium Format / Film / Digital Backs – and Large Sensor Photography => Topic started by: John Collins on October 16, 2009, 05:54:56 pm
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I am drawn to the Aptus ll 10 back because of its aspect ratio. If anyone who uses this back has the time to comment on it I would appreciate it very much. I've not found any information on pricing and would like to hear of your experiences and recommendations concerning the cameras and lenses that you use wiih it. Thanks.
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Hi John,
I think it is good that you asked for a role-call of the new Aptus II 10 owners out there to be able to give you some of their thoughts. I'm sure that there are not very many owners yet because of several factors. I was told that there were FOUR as of August in the US.
First was difficulty getting the sensor delivered with the correct high tolerances spec'd by Leaf from Dalsa.
Second was the Leaf buyout from Phase One which caused pause on how the new company would be doing business and what products they would continue offering and servicing.
Third is the higher cost (although not as high as the Phase One P65+) which would mean less quantities sold than smaller sized backs that are less expensive.
I took delivery of my Aptus II 10 two weeks ago from Capture Integration in Atlanta. I suggest you give them a call to get their opinions and talk options.
I believe mine was the first "10" ordered from the new Company. I have an article with images that I have submitted to Michael Reichmann on my experiences with the back. He expects it to run within the next few weeks, so keep an eye out for it on his front page.
I wouldn't hesitate to get the 10 as long as you are ok working with a DB. It is one of the best out there, with a large usable touchscreen, a 20 x 31" file at 300 dpi, and wonderful colors, tones, and sharpness not found in 35mm cameras. As a comparison, the Nikon D3x file is 13.5 x 20" @300 dpi. So I feel it is a very big step up, and a bigger jump than the 33 or 39mp backs away from the Canon's and Nikon's. I use mine with my Contax 645's and the Zeiss glass really gets the most out of the back. My favorite lenses are the 35, 55, 80, 140 and the Hasselblad 110mm f 2.0 FE lens with an adapter. I am saving up for the 120 macro because it is one of the best lenses made. I also like the idea of the Cambo Wide RS which is very small and light, with extremely sharp lenses with movements and now tilts as well. Because of the Aptus II 10's aspect ratio of 56mm x 36mm, I can stitch two frames horizontally to come up with that magical 6x17 proportion and detail not seen from the previous Fuji's or Linhof's with film. Exciting times for this new tool in your kit.
The back has so much resolution, that it is easy to shoot verticals of portraits cropped to that sought after (on this forum) 36x 48mm frame as well those aiming for magazine covers. So it's very versatile. I have Bill Maxwell making me some custom focussing screens with the full sensor size and the 36x48 etched less prominently inside for this ability. Because we all like to shoot it tight to get the most out of the real estate, right?
I hope you are able to find the other new owners and draw them to the site and this post so that there can be good stories about our findings and the images we are creating as the group grows. I especially look forward to seeing where else around the globe the Aptus II 10 is being added to photographer's cases.
The attached file was shot with the Zeiss 55mm on a tripod. 1/3rd sec at f 19 at ISO 100. Not sure if diffraction will mess me up here but that is why I shoot the same scene at varying F-stops. This is my first upload so I apologize if it is way too small. There is absolutely smooth gradations throughout the image, so if you see any type of banding in the sky, that is from the web downsample. I'm looking forward to printing this one at 44x66".
I will be adding a custom gallery at my website with the images I am shooting with the back. So check-in next week to see what it is capable of. I have just gotten back from a week long roadtrip with the Aptus II 10 and am putting it through it's paces shooting non-commercial work until I have gotten down it's sweet spot and workflow on the files. Then I will add it to the commercial work that I specialize in. So please don't expect the G-5 aircraft in front of it quite yet on the galleries - but that will come soon.
www.williamsonimages.com
Robb
Denver, Colorado USA
[attachment=17268:RW_000311_sm.jpg]
I am drawn to the Aptus ll 10 back because of its aspect ratio. If anyone who uses this back has the time to comment on it I would appreciate it very much. I've not found any information on pricing and would like to hear of your experiences and recommendations concerning the cameras and lenses that you use wiih it. Thanks.
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I am drawn to the Aptus ll 10 back because of its aspect ratio. If anyone who uses this back has the time to comment on it I would appreciate it very much. I've not found any information on pricing and would like to hear of your experiences and recommendations concerning the cameras and lenses that you use wiih it. Thanks.
Hi John,
Looks like neither one of us has been posting here too long but I'm delighted with my Aptus II 10 although the numbering system doesn't make sense to me
Like yourself, I like the aspect ratio as well as the nearly 60MP--almost twice what I was using before. But actually, when you consider how I typically crop my prints, I'm now getting more than twice the MP per square inch of final work product than I was with my Aptus 75s. I'm also just just getting used to the Alpa system both of which I bought at Optech in Seattle, a really great dealer to work with. Paul Slotboom has several videos on their web site and very knowledgeable about the Aptus, and is definately a good resource for you. But as to your question, for me the Aspect ratio helped tremendously since I now crop very little. I've noticed even for verticals, the elongated format works better for me--both in the studio and in the field--trees look more natural with longer or complete trunks and full length shots of people can be more straight on. The only problem I had was I evidently formatted my 32gb cfc incorrectly, as I mentioned on another post, btu once that was corrected it's working flawlessly. Good look.
Dennis
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Thanks Robb and Dennis. I'm going all digital from a hybrid workflow using a 5X8 view camera. I've got a lot of learning to do on the subject of digital capture & etc. Your comments are very welcome.
John
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I have created a new image gallery on my site at www.williamsonimages.com
Look under the index for: New Leaf Aptus II 10 Images.
I have uploaded 10 preliminary landscape images as I put the back through its paces prior to inclusion in my commercial workflow. I will add images every couple of days so please feel free to stop by the site to see more from the Aptus II.
Robb
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I have created a new image gallery on my site at www.williamsonimages.com
Look under the index for: New Leaf Aptus II 10 Images.
I have uploaded 10 preliminary landscape images as I put the back through its paces prior to inclusion in my commercial workflow. I will add images every couple of days so please feel free to stop by the site to see more from the Aptus II.
Robb
Hi, Robb... I think you web site does not do your pictures justice, and, on Eizo my ColorEdge CG211, the picture you posted on this forum the other day looks sharper and higher contrast than the version on you r website.
I am usually impressed by how good images from high-res originals look even when down-resed for the web.
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John:
I received my AFi II 10 about 2 months ago. At first glance it might not appear to be logical to purchase a camera at the end of its (short) production cycle, but I used my Rollei SL66 for 20 years after production ceased. The Schneider lenses on my 6008 were/are outstanding. The AFi is the logical extension of this series, and I anticipate at least a 10 year life. For anything digital that is a loooong time.
The 56 mp back is outstanding. I have yet to fully exploit its capabilities, and I have not fully mastered the software. I understand that LC 11.2.8 is not supposed to work with OSX 10.6.1. It seems to work fine. Leaf indicates that Leaf Raw Converter does not work with 56mp files. LRC creates a 116 mb .MOS file from the 64 mb lossless compressed file. LC11 creates a 112 mb .MOS file. Both look the same in Lightroom, LC11 and Raw Converter at up to 400X. What does the extra 4 mb contain? The metadata info gets lost. LRC also does not allow for lens correction. Do those things define "not working?"
Dennis:
Are you referring to the numbering system of the back (Aptus II 10?) or the numbering system for the files? For files, the numbering system is (IMHO) ideal. In "Camera" view I set the current date as the starting number (Leaf calls it a base name, ex: 10/19/09-), and reset the counter to zero. Each shot taken that day is then instantly recognizable by file name. When copied to the computer each file is then "automatically" sorted. Since date and time create my filing system there really isn't any other filing or sorting required.
Robb:
I don't know about Aptus II 10 production numbers, but I know that at least 5 AFi II 10s exist.
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Dick,
I will talk to my web designers about your observations. I am not the web expert, but they look great on my macbook pro and 30" apple screen.
I have had good results walking clients through the site on their machines, but the mileage may vary depending on their monitors and calibration. Hopefully they will look good to you when the review on LL is posted next week.
Robb
Hi, Robb... I think you web site does not do your pictures justice, and, on Eizo my ColorEdge CG211, the picture you posted on this forum the other day looks sharper and higher contrast than the version on you r website.
I am usually impressed by how good images from high-res originals look even when down-resed for the web.
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I have created a new image gallery on my site at www.williamsonimages.com
Look under the index for: New Leaf Aptus II 10 Images.
I have uploaded 10 preliminary landscape images as I put the back through its paces prior to inclusion in my commercial workflow. I will add images every couple of days so please feel free to stop by the site to see more from the Aptus II.
Robb
Thanks Robb. I'm pleased to see your fine work - Thanks for giving a preview of the A ll 10 back's capabilities. I'm drawn to Zeiss lenses, but I wonder about investing in a system that has no Mfg. backup at this point. Have you needed any repairs?
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I have several Contax 645 backups but haven't needed them at this point. The system has a couple of quirks. It uses up batteries more than other systems. I use rechargeable NiMH AA's from powerex in the vertical grips to solve the problem.
http://www.amazon.com/Powerex-2700mAh-Rech...f=pd_ys_iyr_img (http://www.amazon.com/Powerex-2700mAh-Rechargeable-Batteries-holder/dp/B0009H5VVM/ref=pd_ys_iyr_img)
The system is mainly bulletproof and very easy to clean. The mirror up button is fantastic as is the self timer. The lenses are very solid. Some may say they are too contrasty...
The shutters are at the rear of the bodies and very close to the attachment of the digital or film backs. I have grazed the shutter with the rear cover a couple of times because I was moving a little too quick but it continues to work fine. I have heard of fingers going through the shutter as well. There are shops that still work on them, and bodies are fairly cheap out there. I wouldn't hesitate to buy into the system other than if you decide to sell a digital back later, there is a smaller market looking. Hasselblad H2 and Mamiya cameras are a larger DB market.
But the contax system really has the goods. Waist level finder which is brighter than the prism finder, vertical grip, hartblei 45mm tilt shift which is very good optically, compatibility with all Hassy lenses in F or FE mode with an adapter, etc. I haven't ever used the AF really - it's slow. Lots of good threads on LL forum about it's plusses though.
Robb
Thanks Robb. I'm pleased to see your fine work - Thanks for giving a preview of the A ll 10 back's capabilities. I'm drawn to Zeiss lenses, but I wonder about investing in a system that has no Mfg. backup at this point. Have you needed any repairs?
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How good is this back when it comes to long exposures like 10 or more seconds? What is the max exposure?
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The back is limited to 30 second max exposures because of the Dalsa sensor type. I believe all Leaf backs have this max and the Phase p65 is the same because of the sensor. If you need longer times, the phase P45+ can go hours.
I think the hasselblad is also using the same dalsa sensor so you may need to go for lower res if you need longer than 30 sec.
If you do shoot longer than 30sec, the back displays a message that says you have exceeded it's max time and no capture was possible. I haven't felt limited yet and I shoot long exposures for my architectural and landscape images.
Robb
How good is this back when it comes to long exposures like 10 or more seconds? What is the max exposure?
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The back is limited to 30 second max exposures because of the Dalsa sensor type. I believe all Leaf backs have this max and the Phase p65 is the same because of the sensor. If you need longer times, the phase P45+ can go hours.
I think the hasselblad is also using the same dalsa sensor so you may need to go for lower res if you need longer than 30 sec.
If you do shoot longer than 30sec, the back displays a message that says you have exceeded it's max time and no capture was possible. I haven't felt limited yet and I shoot long exposures for my architectural and landscape images.
Robb
The P65 goes to 60 seconds, however I would say that around 45 seconds is the limit when it comes to image quality.
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I wanted to show the group interested in the back a better idea of what the screen shows when reviewing shot images and their info. Hope these help. Will try to upload more images shot with the Aptus II 10 later tonight.
Robb
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[attachment=17622:Leaf_on_Contax_sm.jpg]
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I wanted to show the group interested in the back a better idea of what the screen shows when reviewing shot images and their info. Hope these help. Will try to upload more images shot with the Aptus II 10 later tonight.
Robb
[attachment=17623:Robb5_sm.jpg]
[attachment=17624:Robb4_sm.jpg]
[attachment=17622:Leaf_on_Contax_sm.jpg]
Just saw your article (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/aptus-10.shtml) Robb, nice one!
Yair
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Examples of the detail the back is capable of:
http://www.leaf-photography.com/news_en1109_rw.asp (http://www.leaf-photography.com/news_en1109_rw.asp)
Where's Waldo? What can you find?
Robb
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John:
I received my AFi II 10 about 2 months ago. At first glance it might not appear to be logical to purchase a camera at the end of its (short) production cycle, but I used my Rollei SL66 for 20 years after production ceased. The Schneider lenses on my 6008 were/are outstanding. The AFi is the logical extension of this series, and I anticipate at least a 10 year life. For anything digital that is a loooong time.
The 56 mp back is outstanding. I have yet to fully exploit its capabilities, and I have not fully mastered the software. I understand that LC 11.2.8 is not supposed to work with OSX 10.6.1. It seems to work fine. Leaf indicates that Leaf Raw Converter does not work with 56mp files. LRC creates a 116 mb .MOS file from the 64 mb lossless compressed file. LC11 creates a 112 mb .MOS file. Both look the same in Lightroom, LC11 and Raw Converter at up to 400X. What does the extra 4 mb contain? The metadata info gets lost. LRC also does not allow for lens correction. Do those things define "not working?"
Dennis:
Are you referring to the numbering system of the back (Aptus II 10?) or the numbering system for the files? For files, the numbering system is (IMHO) ideal. In "Camera" view I set the current date as the starting number (Leaf calls it a base name, ex: 10/19/09-), and reset the counter to zero. Each shot taken that day is then instantly recognizable by file name. When copied to the computer each file is then "automatically" sorted. Since date and time create my filing system there really isn't any other filing or sorting required.
Robb:
I don't know about Aptus II 10 production numbers, but I know that at least 5 AFi II 10s exist.
Only referring to the production numbers -- mixing the Roman II with the Arbic 10. I've had 4 leaf backs and the Aptus 16 and 22 had logical designations. I was never sure what the 75 in Aptus 75 signified, but given that it was what it was, then the s in 75s made sense since it was capable of shorter exposures. To me, it'd be logical to designate the new 56 mp back as the Aptus 56 rather than the Aptus II 10 or raoundig up to Aptus "60", if the prior numbers were in synch, but then what's in a name. I agree however--I've always liked the Leaf file numbering system and even more so now that you can start over at 01 whenever you want--Leaf used to be continuous with no going back. But I'm in love with my Aptus II 10 despite the nomenclature
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I was never sure what the 75 in Aptus 75 signified, but given that it was what it was, then the s in 75s made sense since it was capable of shorter exposures.
S for speed? (It has a higher frame rate than the non-S version...)
I believe the 75 stands for (roughly) 7000 by 5000 pixel images.
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S for speed? (It has a higher frame rate than the non-S version...)
I believe the 75 stands for (roughly) 7000 by 5000 pixel images.
Yes, the number designation seems to have always meant to reflect the X by Y pixel quantities. The "S" refers to speed, as far as I was could tell, since that is the primary difference between an Aptus and an Aptus S.
Steve Hendrix
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Been in Washington DC for a couple of days. I really enjoy the memorials and the shallow focus of my zeiss 140mm. I am headed to the Caribbean for two weeks with the Leaf Aptus II 10. I will try to post some new stuff along the way. I promise no boxing from Cuba...
I received my new focussing screen from Robert Maxwell. Really nice job and easy to see through. Nice to have the exact framing and he added a grid for me as well as 36x48 framing lines for verticals.
Steve Hendrix and the guys at Capture Integration sent me a replacement battery charger to replace mine that was erratic. Really nice to have a dealer that I can count on.
Life is good as a Leaf owner.
Robb
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S for speed? (It has a higher frame rate than the non-S version...)
I believe the 75 stands for (roughly) 7000 by 5000 pixel images.
Yes "S" is for speed, almost continuos shooting, and the 75 is roughly pixel dimension.
Rich Andres
Foto Care
NY, NY
212-741-2990
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Been in Washington DC for a couple of days. I really enjoy the memorials and the shallow focus of my zeiss 140mm. I am headed to the Caribbean for two weeks with the Leaf Aptus II 10. I will try to post some new stuff along the way. I promise no boxing from Cuba...
I received my new focussing screen from Robert Maxwell. Really nice job and easy to see through. Nice to have the exact framing and he added a grid for me as well as 36x48 framing lines for verticals.
Steve Hendrix and the guys at Capture Integration sent me a replacement battery charger to replace mine that was erratic. Really nice to have a dealer that I can count on.
Life is good as a Leaf owner.
Robb
Hi Robb,
I'm in the process of upgrading my 75s and was wondering if the firing too fast issue that you mentioned in your review has been resolved or not? and want happens if you have your Contax set to multiple capture instead of single one.
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Are you using your 75s on a contax, or other system? I would guess that all aptus backs have this issue with contax. Maybe Yair can comment on what the issue is between how the camera and back recognize each other and if this could be resolved with a firmware update in the future. I wonder what phase backs do if you trigger a contax too quickly before the back is ready. Do leaf backs also do this with an H1 or H2? I don't know.
I have not had any more issues with the back not linking to the contax 645, but I have also waited for the ready beep. The back recycles very fast at one frame per second. Slower that 35 systems, but I'll gladly put up with that one quirk to use the zeiss lenses and the 645. It really is a joy to use. I have never shot in the continuous mode since I knew the back wasn't capable of 2 fps.
I'd love to add an Aptus II 5 as a backup. Looks like a great deal and easier than bringing a 35 system.
Robb
Hi Robb,
I'm in the process of upgrading my 75s and was wondering if the firing too fast issue that you mentioned in your review has been resolved or not? and want happens if you have your Contax set to multiple capture instead of single one.
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Are you using your 75s on a contax, or other system? I would guess that all aptus backs have this issue with contax. Maybe Yair can comment on what the issue is between how the camera and back recognize each other and if this could be resolved with a firmware update in the future. I wonder what phase backs do if you trigger a contax too quickly before the back is ready. Do leaf backs also do this with an H1 or H2? I don't know.
I have not had any more issues with the back not linking to the contax 645, but I have also waited for the ready beep. The back recycles very fast at one frame per second. Slower that 35 systems, but I'll gladly put up with that one quirk to use the zeiss lenses and the 645. It really is a joy to use. I have never shot in the continuous mode since I knew the back wasn't capable of 2 fps.
I'd love to add an Aptus II 5 as a backup. Looks like a great deal and easier than bringing a 35 system.
Robb
Yes, I'm a Contax user too, I never had the same problem with any of my Aptus backs, 75S, 54S, 22 in the past, you just can't take a shot until the back is ready.
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The Contax cameras can act funny at times, mostly because they are being serviced by different shops and if there's a fault in the contacts board it may not be repaired properly or not repaired at all.
The cameras that we use for testing work fine with all the current Aptus-II backs. We can hold the finger down in continuos mode and the camera won't fire unless the back is ready.
Therefore we cannot really provide any solution other than advise people to have their cameras looked at by an authorised repairer.
Hope this helps
Yair
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The Contax cameras can act funny at times, mostly because they are being serviced by different shops and if there's a fault in the contacts board it may not be repaired properly or not repaired at all.
Yair
Yair,
Well yes and no.
Back when I was a member of the Aptus 22 club, I kept saying that if you shot every time it would beep sometimes you could overrun the contax camera and get some weird things going on, like green previews, or files with iines in them or the camera would just Jam.
This happened with all 4 of my contax cameras.
Rick at LOA kept saying, "I never heard of dat" (hee, hee, hoo, hoo, snicker, snicker). So I started looking at the Darth Phase brand and bought a p30 that worked fine and didn't do the shoot before you beep thing.
Anyway, before I sold my Aptus, Steve Hendrix* sent me an e-mail and said Leaf now had a fix for the contax beep before you shoot issue and it got fixed.
That was before *Steve and Rick went to the Dark Side . . . uh sorry . . . I keep forgetting . . . you all went to the Dark Side.
[attachment=18275:darthhank.jpg]
BC
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Yair,
Well yes and no.
Back when I was a member of the Aptus 22 club, I kept saying that if you shot every time it would beep sometimes you could overrun the contax camera and get some weird things going on, like green previews, or files with iines in them or the camera would just Jam.
This happened with all 4 of my contax cameras.
Rick at LOA kept saying, "I never heard of dat" (hee, hee, hoo, hoo, snicker, snicker). So I started looking at the Darth Phase brand and bought a p30 that worked fine and didn't do the shoot before you beep thing.
Anyway, before I sold my Aptus, Steve Hendrix* sent me an e-mail and said Leaf now had a fix for the contax beep before you shoot issue and it got fixed.
That was before *Steve and Rick went to the Dark Side . . . uh sorry . . . I keep forgetting . . . you all went to the Dark Side.
[attachment=18275:darthhank.jpg]
BC
Well...many moons later and some Contax cameras still give issues with some other backs (http://luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=39660)
All I can say is that right now, there are Contax bodies that perform flawlessly with Aptus-II backs and as we see from Robb's post, there are some that don't, but it ain't the back...
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The green previews with the Aptus were fun, but I had to leave Leaf after they got the software right, it just wasn't painful enough anymore.
Had to buy a Hassy to get back to a steady pace of software crashes and painfully slow processing.
Hassy also gave me extra funny things, like every lens I ever bought failed within the first month - error 91 or whatever.
It's like the engineers at Hassy all went to college together, lived in the same fraternity house (Alpha Phocus Beta) and were bored with the usual practical jokes. Had to come up with something new to torment the camera nerd: "Oh, I got it, you know those really great windows errors, like error 91? Let's do that! Whatever happens, error 91! Ha ha ha ha ha!".
You can't pay enough for that kind of entertainment.
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You do not have to shot on a Contax camera's to get lines in your pictures and 1/4 green shots. I have been getting it all the time on my Aptus 75. When I sent it to Rick before he left, he said everything is fine. This is from the other day.
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Yair,
Well yes and no.
Back when I was a member of the Aptus 22 club, I kept saying that if you shot every time it would beep sometimes you could overrun the contax camera and get some weird things going on, like green previews, or files with iines in them or the camera would just Jam.
This happened with all 4 of my contax cameras.
Rick at LOA kept saying, "I never heard of dat" (hee, hee, hoo, hoo, snicker, snicker). So I started looking at the Darth Phase brand and bought a p30 that worked fine and didn't do the shoot before you beep thing.
Anyway, before I sold my Aptus, Steve Hendrix* sent me an e-mail and said Leaf now had a fix for the contax beep before you shoot issue and it got fixed.
That was before *Steve and Rick went to the Dark Side . . . uh sorry . . . I keep forgetting . . . you all went to the Dark Side.
[attachment=18275:darthhank.jpg]
BC
I do recall Leaf had communicated a resolution for Contax-related issues which involved a circuit board replacement in the Aptus itself. I did have some customers who took Leaf up on this and reported improvement, but there were others for whom the issue didn't completely clear up. I think this comes back to the camera itself. I had been told at some point that the Contax cameras had 2 different versions and the internal electronics were different and that was why some cameras worked without these issues, others did not. I actually can't recall where I heard this from, but that is all the information that I have up to this point.
Steve Hendrix
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I do recall Leaf had communicated a resolution for Contax-related issues which involved a circuit board replacement in the Aptus itself. I did have some customers who took Leaf up on this and reported improvement, but there were others for whom the issue didn't completely clear up. I think this comes back to the camera itself. I had been told at some point that the Contax cameras had 2 different versions and the internal electronics were different and that was why some cameras worked without these issues, others did not. I actually can't recall where I heard this from, but that is all the information that I have up to this point.
Steve Hendrix
All I know is what I know. I have 4 contax bodies and with the Aptus 22 if I didn't count one thousand one, one thousand two, click, one thousand 1, one thousand 2 click, I'd get lines, green stuff or a jam.
One of the bodies was brand new and one of the last models made, the other three from different periods and times.
When I bought and put a pee 30 (later a pee 30 plus and a pee 21 plus) on the same bodies i didn't have to count anymore.
I sold the Aptus back right at the moment the fix came out and the new owner sent it to Leaf for the upgrade/repair/whatever it was called and he never had to count one thousand one, one thousand two, click.
Now in all fairness the pee thirty plus had some issues with half black and black frames that still come up from time to time. Not every frame, not even enough to really notice, but they can happen.
The only thing the bothered me about the aptus thing was I kept saying this was happening and kept being told by LOA nobody was reporting it, then boom, their was a fix for it.
Geraldo Rivera
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I have 4 Contax bodies that each seems to work problem free with its dedicated digital back for the most part now. I encountered many of the situations mentioned above at one time or another, including a very strange one quite recently. Two of the backs would not turn on. I'd see the green light come on but nothing else, the backs were both dead before the start of an important shoot. I can tell you that almost in every case the problem turned out to be card incompatibility and not the camera/back combination, including this last occurance. I haven't had any issues since I switched to Sandisk Ultra III cards.
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Made it back to the US from the Caribbean. Have uploaded some images to my facebook page and will get them on my webpage very soon. I shot over 1500 images on the trip without any hiccups at all. No sync problems between the back and Contax 645 bodies although I'm still careful to avoid a double trigger. Maybe Yair will sell me 2 of his later Contax bodies...
I had a chance to put the new Hahnel double charger to work on the Leaf bateries. It was quick and the readouts on % remaining to be charged are what all battery chargers should look like. And it is small. I believe it is the same as the double charger standard on phase one backs. You can swap inserts to charge different types of batteries. So you could theoretically take an Aptus II 10 and a P65+ and only need one charger. It works loads better than the charger that came with the back originally. Thank you again Steve.
I really love the Leaf Back. I continue to be blown away by the easy post and amazing detail. And I see that it has very natural color right out of the "can". Kind of reminds me of somewhere between Astia and Provia in the film days. Color that is really easy to like and easy to bump in your favorite direction and still feel natural.
There were a couple of situations that the Leaf was not a viable solution - and the Nikons need to kick in. I needed high shutter speeds and higher iso greater than 100 or 200 - Things were moving very fast with some of the other aircraft and ships I was shooting (not in the attached images). I will always default to the d3x from now on for those situations. I experimented with the Leaf for these but my success rate was very low. In order to pull the greatest detail from the Leaf, I'll always prefer a tripod with a mirror locked up - That's where it sings.
Stay warm. Robb
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