Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2009/07/30
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Anyone interested in the "real" performance of these large state-of-the-art sensors and the quality of glass, degree of precision, and quality control required to achieve maximum image quality owes it to themselves to read <http://www.josephholmes.com/news-medformatprecision.html> He (and a few friends) tested numerous backs, lenses and bodies; and had to return numerous backs and lenses due to quality control issues. Hasselblad/Fuji didn't perform "exceptionally" in their tests. Some Fuji glass failed miserably. Some of the Schneider and Rodenstock "digital" lenses performed well while other samples of the same lenses failed miserably (quality control?) He finally settled on a PhaseOne back (after returning 3 samples for sensor placement exceeding +or- 12 microns) and Mamiya lenses. Point being that the resolution of the current, best sensors requires precision and glass at a magnitude greater than what we normally discuss here. The cost of producing these systems in their limited quantity is enormous. I'd love to have a CFV back for my CM, 40, 80, 120 Kit. But I'm not kidding myself into thinking that I'd have come anywhere close to what a current state-of-the-art, perfectly calibrated, large sensor system can produce. Nor do I believe that the CFV on my CM would work nearly as quickly as an S2. I believe that the Leica S2 will compete admirably in that arena with a unique, smaller, faster form factor. The S2 is a new breed, which the high end fashion photographers will adore. (just as the M8 remains the only precision offering in its form factor) With a fine PC lens the high end architectural and product photographers will also love S2. Salgado will use it and love it (I'd bet the price of a good drink). If Leica provides the precision and the glass required to get everything out of the sensor the S2 will be a hit in the intended markets - if they fail - oh well. We'll know soon enough Regards, George Lottermoser george at imagist.com http://www.imagist.com http://www.imagist.com/blog http://www.linkedin.com/in/imagist On Jul 30, 2009, at 1:24 AM, Mark Rabiner wrote: > What are the criticism of the Hassy medium format digital files > Henning I've > not heard them not that I'm all that tuned into that end. > But thought they were phantasmagorically overwhelming overkill > beyond all > recognition. > Too much?