thînkng about getting a leaf afi

[kuau]

I just entered the world of tech view shooting, I purchased a used sinar artec with a used leaf aptus ii 7 afi back and 3 artec lenses, 35, 70, and 135mm lenses for landscape work. for days I don't want to shhot the artec I was thinking about picking up a used leaf afi and a few lenses. As of today what is the state of the leaf afi, sinar hy6, etc. Am I buying into a dead on arrival system? I know dfw is still selling the rollei version of the camera, yet I am not sure who in the states is handling any kind of service for the leaf afi. Used afi.s are hard to come buy but I did find one with a 180mm add lens for 6500
Is this a good deal? I was also wondering what finder is best for location landscape shooting the 45degree or 90 degree finder.

Thanks
Steve

[Graham Mitchell]

I wouldn't have thought that the finder choice is so important for landscapes. I have the 45 finder and waist level finder but have never used the 90. I expect that the main advantage of the 90 is that it would be more comfortable when using higher camera positions, so that might come down to your shooting style.

That deal sounds ok, if the items are like new. It doesn't strike me as a 'bargain' though. That lens is worth probably somewhere around $2K on used market, and camera can be bought new for $6500. (You should contact DHW directly for their prices).

[kuau]

Graham,
Thanks for the info.
I just found the other threadwhich was started last month.

Good information. I sent an email to DHW to get current pricing.

Steven

[Martin Kristiansen]

I use the 45 degree finder. Wanted the 90 but wound up with the 45. It is fine. As Graham said the 90 would be better fo high camera positions.

I want to buy a second AFI as a back up body. Really like the camera.

[Gigi]

I mostly have used the WLF, but have found the 45º on the AFI captivating. Never looked at the 90º.

[JV]

It is great to see that everybody who works with the AFi/Hy6 likes the system so much.

I wish it was easier to find used digital backs for it though

Leaf officially only supports the Aptus II-10 and II-12 and those are way above my budget, even used...

[kuau]

Thanks for all the replies.
I am still debating on whether to go for a used Leaf AFI, mint condition or buy a new one from DHW for around 5100.00 USD.
Oh yeah, what arc swiss compatible base plate works with the AFI?
Steven

[JV]

The $5,100 seems a bit low in my opinion.  Are you only looking for the body without a lens?

[kuau]

Yes body only.

[DeckardTrinity]

A few tips from my recent purchase experience putting together my Rollei HY6 kit.

DHW prices are reasonable, but they only take bank transfer for payment. Paypal will involve a hefty fee (6% IIRC).

The 180mm f/2.8 AFD-PQ lens is most certainly a bargain at $2000... I paid considerably more for a brand new one, so maybe I got a bad deal, but it is definitely worth the price.

Used Leaf AFI backs do show up on the auction site from time to time, as well as the B&S forums here and at getdpi.com. I'd suggest setting up a saved search on the auction site so you get an e-mail when one shows up. That's how I found my AFI-7 a couple months ago (but ended up purchasing on getdpi where the seller had duplicated the listing, saving us both quite a bit on fees).

All in all, you are definitely getting into a very much "alive" system. DHW are still selling brand new cameras, and while I haven't heard direct evidence that they are manufacturing new HY6 bodies, there are rumors that this is the case. At any rate, the system is a dream, and fulfills all that I want in an autofocus capable full 6x6 frame (with the new film back) camera system. I ended up with the 50mm f/2.8 AFD, 80mm f/2.8 AFD, and the 180mm mentioned above, and am able to cover the full range of landscapes, portraits, and the ever important toddler shots of my kids running around.

Good luck with putting together your system!

[kuau]

Focusing screen question.
If I plan to use both AF and manual focus lenses should I be looking at other focusing screens available for the HY6?
I think there are 4 or 5 different screens that Rollei has for the HY6.

Thanks
Steven

[Gigi]

Why? There is no need.... the focus confirmation on the AFI is a dream, and works well with the manual lenses.

[kuau]

Ahh, I guess thats what I forgot to ask. Can one trust the AF confirm light on the Hy6 when using MF lenses. Seems like you answered my question.
Thanks

[dergiman]

Focusing screen question.
If I plan to use both AF and manual focus lenses should I be looking at other focusing screens available for the HY6?
I think there are 4 or 5 different screens that Rollei has for the HY6.

Thanks
Steven

I replaced the standard High-D Brilliant screen with the plain matte screen by Brightscreen.com for an insane amount of money. This screen is not as bright but i prefer it to the standard screen. It shows less DoF in the viewfinder which makes it easier to see what is sharp and what not.

The focus confirmation works great on the Hy6/AFi.