[Leica] Re: Leica d700 shipping (or so they say)

[pj at GoodPhotos.com (Michael Eric Berube)]

I got my Leica D700 yesterday. Only a 24/2.8 and 50/1.8 remain in my 
stable for "FX" format (36X24) now, so I'll be using the camera with my 
DX lenses for a while in DX 'crop mode'.
Interestingly in 5MP DX 'crop' mode, it is much more like using an RF 
camera because there is a frame in the middle of the VF that represents 
the 100% DX image crop lines...just like with an M.
Even at 5.1MP the 6400 ISO is insanely more detailed and noise/grain 
free than any other camera I've ever used...film or digital. Except for 
the heavy noise above 400ISO, my former Leica D2h was just fine for all 
the weddings I shot with it even at lowly 4MP. Noiseless 5MP images 
should be more than enough to make a really nice 16X24 prints.

IN trying all of my lenses I happily report that the Sigma 10-20 works 
in FX mode just peachy from 14-20mm (and in DX perfectly throughout of 
course.) The Sigma 18-50/2.8 vignettes throughout as does the Sigma 
17-70/2.8-4.5, 50-150/2.8 and the Nikkor DX10.5/2.8 of course.  I may 
end up with a 24-70/2.8 in my bag again. I loved the Sigma EX 24-70/2.8 
that lived on my Leica F100 most of the time. That particular Sigma is 
not HSM (AFs) but it costs ~$450 while the much better built Nikkor 
24-70/2.8 with the AFs is $1700. No doubt the Nikkor would be 'better' 
but, I'm not sure it would be a whole $1250 'better' and I still need to 
get a new SB900 too!

If only I had become a dentist, lawyer or surgeon instead of a wedding 
photographer...then I'd be able to afford all the gear I really want!
:)

Carpe lumen,
Michael Eric Berube
GoodPhotos.com

> -------------- Original message ----------------------
> From: Mark Rabiner <mark@rabinergroup.com>
>
> > I also will be getting the new Leica D700  as soon as possible. How many
> > others of us I wonder?
> > Looking forward to using it with all my classic glass I've amassed since 
> > the
> > 70's. Like the 105 2.5.
> > 45mm pancake and 55mm f3.5 Micro-Nikkor
> > 
> > 28mm 1.4 and 14 2.8
> > 
> > All will return to their original wonderfulness.
> > And not be hollow telephoto shadows of themselves.
> > 
> > F iso 64,000 and be there!