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Archive 2024Done with Leica
p.5 #1Done with Leica
Stephen G wrote:
M10R is truly a great camera, it's going to hold me over til whatever replaces the M11 (the seemingly most buggy M generation since the M9).
agreed. I think the M11 will go down in Leica history as one of the worst in the M series. Hopefully Leica will just abandon it as soon as they come up with more reliable equipment which they'll brand as M12.
That said, right now it's hard to imagine what a M12 could have that would entice me away from the M10 - certainly not more mps since I only want 24mps nor better low light performance since I'm perfectly happy with the M10 in low light.
M10R is truly a great camera, it's going to hold me over til whatever replaces the M11 (the seemingly most buggy M generation since the M9).
agreed. I think the M11 will go down in Leica history as one of the worst in the M series. Hopefully Leica will just abandon it as soon as they come up with more reliable equipment which they'll brand as M12.
That said, right now it's hard to imagine what a M12 could have that would entice me away from the M10 - certainly not more mps since I only want 24mps nor better low light performance since I'm perfectly happy with the M10 in low light.
Mar 19, 2024 at 07:48 AM
p.5 #2Done with Leica
brick33308 wrote:
agreed. I think the M11 will go down in Leica history as one of the worst in the M series. Hopefully Leica will just abandon it as soon as they come up with more reliable equipment which they'll brand as M12.
That said, right now it's hard to imagine what a M12 could have that would entice me away from the M10 - certainly not more mps since I only want 24mps nor better low light performance since I'm perfectly happy with the M10 in low light.
Like so many other issues with post-pandemic electronics, the M11 falls also into this category, too. Seems to me a gamble to get a well working one.
Personally, I push out possible computer upgrades and as of other electronics for 2-3 more years after the market recalibrated with supply chains and more reliable electronics is used again. Same counts for getting a new car.
Stephen G wrote
M10R is truly a great camera, it's going to hold me over til whatever replaces the M11 (the seemingly most buggy M generation since the M9).That said, right now it's hard to imagine what a M12 could have that would entice me away from the M10 - certainly not more mps since I only want 24mps nor better low light performance since I'm perfectly happy with the M10 in low light.
Like so many other issues with post-pandemic electronics, the M11 falls also into this category, too. Seems to me a gamble to get a well working one.
Personally, I push out possible computer upgrades and as of other electronics for 2-3 more years after the market recalibrated with supply chains and more reliable electronics is used again. Same counts for getting a new car.
Mar 19, 2024 at 07:54 AM
p.5 #3Done with Leica
I transitioned from Leica to the nikon ZF and I am blown away how good M lenses perform on it. I see very little corner degradation. I use the ttartisans 6-bit adapter and it provides accurate exif including the correct name of the lens. It also supports focus confirmation and eye focus confirmation, making it easier and faster to focus than a rangefinder. I see less and less reasons to use Leica going forward. On the same token I understand why many are still drawn to the brand. They certainly make beautiful cameras. Different strokes for different folks I suppose. Always good to have options.
Mar 19, 2024 at 09:48 AM
p.5 #4Done with Leica
photonc wrote:
I transitioned from Leica to the nikon ZF and I am blown away how good M lenses perform on it. I see very little corner degradation. I use the ttartisans 6-bit adapter and it provides accurate exif including the correct name of the lens. It also supports focus confirmation and eye focus confirmation, making it easier and faster to focus than a rangefinder. I see less and less reasons to use Leica going forward. On the same token I understand why many are still drawn to the brand. They certainly make beautiful cameras. Different strokes for different folks I suppose....Show more →
Yes, the Nikon Zf seems like a great camera. I liked the focus confirmation when I tried it. That it is working with 6 bit encoded lenses is a great thing. I am sure this kind of feature will encourage more people to add MF lenses to their photography kit. In fact I have a good friend I photograph with often who just bought a Zf to compliment his Z9 for that very purpose. The challenges of MF had kept him away from it until the Zf made it so easy. It is a good thing.
I do have a question. I notice from your uploads that you have 69 pages of gear from a variety of brands that you bought and sold over just the last few years. Are you in the business of buying and selling photography equipment, or is that gear you bought for your personal use and then sold.. Both things are fine with me. It is just when I see such things it makes me curious. I think dealing in photography equipment as a hobby/business could be very enjoyable for many. If for personal use it makes me wonder what it is you are looking for in the photographic experience, or do you just like trying out new gear.
Thanks,
Steve
I transitioned from Leica to the nikon ZF and I am blown away how good M lenses perform on it. I see very little corner degradation. I use the ttartisans 6-bit adapter and it provides accurate exif including the correct name of the lens. It also supports focus confirmation and eye focus confirmation, making it easier and faster to focus than a rangefinder. I see less and less reasons to use Leica going forward. On the same token I understand why many are still drawn to the brand. They certainly make beautiful cameras. Different strokes for different folks I suppose....Show more →
Yes, the Nikon Zf seems like a great camera. I liked the focus confirmation when I tried it. That it is working with 6 bit encoded lenses is a great thing. I am sure this kind of feature will encourage more people to add MF lenses to their photography kit. In fact I have a good friend I photograph with often who just bought a Zf to compliment his Z9 for that very purpose. The challenges of MF had kept him away from it until the Zf made it so easy. It is a good thing.
I do have a question. I notice from your uploads that you have 69 pages of gear from a variety of brands that you bought and sold over just the last few years. Are you in the business of buying and selling photography equipment, or is that gear you bought for your personal use and then sold.. Both things are fine with me. It is just when I see such things it makes me curious. I think dealing in photography equipment as a hobby/business could be very enjoyable for many. If for personal use it makes me wonder what it is you are looking for in the photographic experience, or do you just like trying out new gear.
Thanks,
Steve
Mar 19, 2024 at 10:55 AM
p.5 #5Done with Leica
photonc wrote:
I transitioned from Leica to the nikon ZF and I am blown away how good M lenses perform on it. I see very little corner degradation. I use the ttartisans 6-bit adapter and it provides accurate exif including the correct name of the lens. It also supports focus confirmation and eye focus confirmation, making it easier and faster to focus than a rangefinder. I see less and less reasons to use Leica going forward. On the same token I understand why many are still drawn to the brand. They certainly make beautiful cameras. Different strokes for different folks I suppose....Show more →
If Leica ever cares about what many of us want to do with their excellent M lenses then they should certainly come out with a small camera capable of a built-in EVF for focus confirmation, eye focus and the like in a new small form factor camera.
I hope more and more buy into the Zf system and keep mentioning how well the M lenses perform and how well it can focus a MF M lens. Thanks.
I transitioned from Leica to the nikon ZF and I am blown away how good M lenses perform on it. I see very little corner degradation. I use the ttartisans 6-bit adapter and it provides accurate exif including the correct name of the lens. It also supports focus confirmation and eye focus confirmation, making it easier and faster to focus than a rangefinder. I see less and less reasons to use Leica going forward. On the same token I understand why many are still drawn to the brand. They certainly make beautiful cameras. Different strokes for different folks I suppose....Show more →
If Leica ever cares about what many of us want to do with their excellent M lenses then they should certainly come out with a small camera capable of a built-in EVF for focus confirmation, eye focus and the like in a new small form factor camera.
I hope more and more buy into the Zf system and keep mentioning how well the M lenses perform and how well it can focus a MF M lens. Thanks.
Mar 19, 2024 at 03:25 PM
p.5 #6Done with Leica
stgrove wrote:
If Leica ever cares about what many of us want to do with their excellent M lenses then they should certainly come out with a small camera capable of a built-in EVF for focus confirmation, eye focus and the like in a new small form factor camera.
I hope more and more buy into the Zf system and keep mentioning how well the M lenses perform and how well it can focus a MF M lens. Thanks.
They could start by reintroducing the diopter correction of the classic cameras.
photonc wrote
I transitioned from Leica to the nikon ZF and I am blown away how good M lenses perform on it. I see very little corner degradation. I use the ttartisans 6-bit adapter and it provides accurate exif including the correct name of the lens. It also supports focus confirmation and eye focus confirmation, making it easier and faster to focus than a rangefinder. I see less and less reasons to use Leica going forward. On the same token I understand why many are still drawn to the brand. They certainly make beautiful cameras. Different strokes for different folks I suppose. Always good to have options.I hope more and more buy into the Zf system and keep mentioning how well the M lenses perform and how well it can focus a MF M lens. Thanks.
They could start by reintroducing the diopter correction of the classic cameras.
Mar 19, 2024 at 03:28 PM
p.5 #7Done with Leica
brick33308 wrote:
bad gear, worse customer service
I bought the Q3 in August, price was $6,000.
5 weeks ago the camera died, I sent it to Leica repair in NJ. They’ve had the camera for 5 weeks, and only today have told me that they need a part to repair the camera that is on backorder, and they have zero idea when the part will be available.
I think that’s outrageous and believe if Leica is basically telling me I’ll have to wait possibly indefinitely to have my camera repaired, that Leica should immediately either give me a brand new Q3 or give me...Show more →
Did you notify your dealer of this issue? They should get involved so that the problem can get off dead center. Contact them every day and why not copy Kaufman on all your correspondence since he does not know how BAD Leica's customer Service actually is.
bad gear, worse customer service
I bought the Q3 in August, price was $6,000.
5 weeks ago the camera died, I sent it to Leica repair in NJ. They’ve had the camera for 5 weeks, and only today have told me that they need a part to repair the camera that is on backorder, and they have zero idea when the part will be available.
I think that’s outrageous and believe if Leica is basically telling me I’ll have to wait possibly indefinitely to have my camera repaired, that Leica should immediately either give me a brand new Q3 or give me...Show more →
Did you notify your dealer of this issue? They should get involved so that the problem can get off dead center. Contact them every day and why not copy Kaufman on all your correspondence since he does not know how BAD Leica's customer Service actually is.
Mar 19, 2024 at 03:30 PM
p.5 #8Done with Leica
photonc wrote:
I transitioned from Leica to the nikon ZF and I am blown away how good M lenses perform on it. I see very little corner degradation. I use the ttartisans 6-bit adapter and it provides accurate exif including the correct name of the lens. It also supports focus confirmation and eye focus confirmation, making it easier and faster to focus than a rangefinder. I see less and less reasons to use Leica going forward. On the same token I understand why many are still drawn to the brand. They certainly make beautiful cameras. Different strokes for different folks I suppose....Show more →
I rented the Zf and found it too large and heavy. Otherwise, it would be great with the M lenses.
I transitioned from Leica to the nikon ZF and I am blown away how good M lenses perform on it. I see very little corner degradation. I use the ttartisans 6-bit adapter and it provides accurate exif including the correct name of the lens. It also supports focus confirmation and eye focus confirmation, making it easier and faster to focus than a rangefinder. I see less and less reasons to use Leica going forward. On the same token I understand why many are still drawn to the brand. They certainly make beautiful cameras. Different strokes for different folks I suppose....Show more →
I rented the Zf and found it too large and heavy. Otherwise, it would be great with the M lenses.
Mar 19, 2024 at 03:55 PM
p.5 #9Done with Leica
Most of us don't get Leica because it does any one thing particularly well. Their lenses are elite. You can't get smaller equivalent DSLR/mirrorless lenses. Combining the body with those lenses has it's unique enjoyment focusing with RF. It's generally more gratifying when you get a picture you really like manually. Mounting a 35 Summilux on ZF or Sony may work well, but when I did it in the past, it just doesn't feel like it's meant to be used like that. From cosmetic and functional standpoint, it's off. I rather just use native Sony lenses.
Mar 19, 2024 at 04:14 PM
p.5 #10Done with Leica
photonc wrote:
I transitioned from Leica to the nikon ZF and I am blown away how good M lenses perform on it. I see very little corner degradation...
Interesting - is the sensor different, has different sensor cover thickness than other Nikon cameras? Because on my Z7 Leica lenses do not perform well, and I have not read them performing well on other Nikons.
I transitioned from Leica to the nikon ZF and I am blown away how good M lenses perform on it. I see very little corner degradation...
Interesting - is the sensor different, has different sensor cover thickness than other Nikon cameras? Because on my Z7 Leica lenses do not perform well, and I have not read them performing well on other Nikons.
Mar 19, 2024 at 06:19 PM
p.5 #11Done with Leica
Desmolicious wrote:
Interesting - is the sensor different, has different sensor cover thickness than other Nikon cameras? Because on my Z7 Leica lenses do not perform well, and I have not read them performing well on other Nikons.
In my experience with the Zf which really only adds up to a couple of hours it is similar to my experience with my Sony bodies. Neither the Leica nor Voigtlander lenses perform at a level equal to how well they perform on my M bodies. Same whether we are talking about the M10-P or the M11. If one is not proficient with the range finder, zone focus, or other M camera techniques then I can see how the focus confirmation system in the Zf can make them feel like they are getting great performance adapting the lenses.
In the long run, I believe it will be generally recognized that the native Z mount versions of the Voigtlander lenses will perform much better than the adapted M versions of the same lens. I am sure the MF system of the Zf will find a strong following among those that prefer that focusing workflow.
photonc wrote
I transitioned from Leica to the nikon ZF and I am blown away how good M lenses perform on it. I see very little corner degradation...In my experience with the Zf which really only adds up to a couple of hours it is similar to my experience with my Sony bodies. Neither the Leica nor Voigtlander lenses perform at a level equal to how well they perform on my M bodies. Same whether we are talking about the M10-P or the M11. If one is not proficient with the range finder, zone focus, or other M camera techniques then I can see how the focus confirmation system in the Zf can make them feel like they are getting great performance adapting the lenses.
In the long run, I believe it will be generally recognized that the native Z mount versions of the Voigtlander lenses will perform much better than the adapted M versions of the same lens. I am sure the MF system of the Zf will find a strong following among those that prefer that focusing workflow.
Mar 19, 2024 at 06:39 PM
p.5 #12Done with Leica
Desmolicious wrote:
Interesting - is the sensor different, has different sensor cover thickness than other Nikon cameras? Because on my Z7 Leica lenses do not perform well, and I have not read them performing well on other Nikons.
I don't think the sensor is different but I have compared it to my SL and the results are pretty close from 35mm up. 28 still looks pretty good in the corners. The large size of the Z mount might also help. Of course an M rangefinder will yield the best results. I would rank M lens performance on mirrorless: 1. SL 2. Nikon 3. Panasonic 4. Sony 5. Canon
photonc wrote
I transitioned from Leica to the nikon ZF and I am blown away how good M lenses perform on it. I see very little corner degradation...I don't think the sensor is different but I have compared it to my SL and the results are pretty close from 35mm up. 28 still looks pretty good in the corners. The large size of the Z mount might also help. Of course an M rangefinder will yield the best results. I would rank M lens performance on mirrorless: 1. SL 2. Nikon 3. Panasonic 4. Sony 5. Canon
Mar 19, 2024 at 07:04 PM
p.5 #13Done with Leica
1bwana1 wrote:
Interesting - is the sensor different, has different sensor cover thickness than other Nikon cameras? Because on my Z7 Leica lenses do not perform well, and I have not read them performing well on other Nikons.In my experience with the Zf which really only adds up to a couple of hours it is similar to my experience with my Sony bodies. Neither the Leica nor Voigtlander lenses perform at a level equal to how well they perform on my M bodies. Same whether we are talking about the M10-P or the M11. If one is not proficient with the range finder, zone focus, or other M camera techniques then I can see how the focus confirmation system in the Zf can make them feel like they are getting great performance adapting the lenses.
In the...Show more →
I have significant experience with rangefinder focusing. I would agree it can be very quick but as my eyesight gets worse with age the experience is less enjoyable. Zone focusing is great but not very functional indoors. With the green box focus confirmation it can be used indoors wide open without having to punch in.
Desmolicious wrote
photonc wrote
I transitioned from Leica to the nikon ZF and I am blown away how good M lenses perform on it. I see very little corner degradation...In the...Show more →
I have significant experience with rangefinder focusing. I would agree it can be very quick but as my eyesight gets worse with age the experience is less enjoyable. Zone focusing is great but not very functional indoors. With the green box focus confirmation it can be used indoors wide open without having to punch in.
Mar 19, 2024 at 07:47 PM
p.5 #14Done with Leica
photonc wrote:
Interesting - is the sensor different, has different sensor cover thickness than other Nikon cameras? Because on my Z7 Leica lenses do not perform well, and I have not read them performing well on other Nikons.In my experience with the Zf which really only adds up to a couple of hours it is similar to my experience with my Sony bodies. Neither the Leica nor Voigtlander lenses perform at a level equal to how well they perform on my M bodies. Same whether we are talking about the M10-P or the M11. If one is not proficient with the range finder, zone focus, or other M camera techniques then I can see how the focus confirmation system in the Zf can make them feel like they are getting great performance adapting the lenses.
In the long run, I believe it will be generally recognized that the native Z mount versions of the Voigtlander lenses will perform much better than the adapted M versions of the same lens. I am sure the MF system of the Zf will find a strong following among those that prefer that focusing workflow.I have significant experience with rangefinder focusing. I would agree it can be very quick but as my eyesight gets worse with age the experience is less enjoyable. Zone focusing is great but not very functional indoors. With the green box focus confirmation it can be used indoors wide open without having to punch in.
The issue for me is that while the Zf can make focusing M lenses easier, it will always be easier in challenging circumstances to use native AF lenses if one wants narrow focus and esp. critical focus on an eye. Hence, unless I would have no choice, I would leave my MF kit on the shelf and use any good AF kit when critical focus and narrow depth of field are called for.
1bwana1 wrote
Desmolicious wrote
photonc wrote
I transitioned from Leica to the nikon ZF and I am blown away how good M lenses perform on it. I see very little corner degradation...In the long run, I believe it will be generally recognized that the native Z mount versions of the Voigtlander lenses will perform much better than the adapted M versions of the same lens. I am sure the MF system of the Zf will find a strong following among those that prefer that focusing workflow.
The issue for me is that while the Zf can make focusing M lenses easier, it will always be easier in challenging circumstances to use native AF lenses if one wants narrow focus and esp. critical focus on an eye. Hence, unless I would have no choice, I would leave my MF kit on the shelf and use any good AF kit when critical focus and narrow depth of field are called for.
Mar 19, 2024 at 08:44 PM
p.5 #15Done with Leica
photonc wrote:
Interesting - is the sensor different, has different sensor cover thickness than other Nikon cameras? Because on my Z7 Leica lenses do not perform well, and I have not read them performing well on other Nikons.I don't think the sensor is different but I have compared it to my SL and the results are pretty close from 35mm up. 28 still looks pretty good in the corners. The large size of the Z mount might also help. Of course an M rangefinder will yield the best results. I would rank M lens performance on mirrorless: 1. SL 2. Nikon 3. Panasonic 4. Sony 5. Canon
Nothing I disagree with in this post. It all makes sense to me. I tried adapting M lenses to other bodies. I was never satisfied so stopped doing it.
Desmolicious wrote
photonc wrote
I transitioned from Leica to the nikon ZF and I am blown away how good M lenses perform on it. I see very little corner degradation...Nothing I disagree with in this post. It all makes sense to me. I tried adapting M lenses to other bodies. I was never satisfied so stopped doing it.
Mar 19, 2024 at 09:09 PM
p.5 #16Done with Leica
photonc wrote:
Interesting - is the sensor different, has different sensor cover thickness than other Nikon cameras? Because on my Z7 Leica lenses do not perform well, and I have not read them performing well on other Nikons.In my experience with the Zf which really only adds up to a couple of hours it is similar to my experience with my Sony bodies. Neither the Leica nor Voigtlander lenses perform at a level equal to how well they perform on my M bodies. Same whether we are talking about the M10-P or the M11. If one is not proficient with the range finder, zone focus, or other M camera techniques then I can see how the focus confirmation system in the Zf can make them feel like they are getting great performance adapting the lenses.
In the long run, I believe it will be generally recognized that the native Z mount versions of the Voigtlander lenses will perform much better than the adapted M versions of the same lens. I am sure the MF system of the Zf will find a strong following among those that prefer that focusing workflow.I have significant experience with rangefinder focusing. I would agree it can be very quick but as my eyesight gets worse with age the experience is less enjoyable. Zone focusing is great but not very functional indoors. With the green box focus confirmation it can be used indoors wide open without having to punch in.
I was not try to imply that you specifically switched due to a lack of RF skill. I was addressing the broader market.
I am still curious about why so much gear activity in recent years.
1bwana1 wrote
Desmolicious wrote
photonc wrote
I transitioned from Leica to the nikon ZF and I am blown away how good M lenses perform on it. I see very little corner degradation...In the long run, I believe it will be generally recognized that the native Z mount versions of the Voigtlander lenses will perform much better than the adapted M versions of the same lens. I am sure the MF system of the Zf will find a strong following among those that prefer that focusing workflow.
I was not try to imply that you specifically switched due to a lack of RF skill. I was addressing the broader market.
I am still curious about why so much gear activity in recent years.
Mar 19, 2024 at 09:11 PM
p.5 #17Done with Leica
photonc wrote:
Interesting - is the sensor different, has different sensor cover thickness than other Nikon cameras? Because on my Z7 Leica lenses do not perform well, and I have not read them performing well on other Nikons.I don't think the sensor is different but I have compared it to my SL and the results are pretty close from 35mm up. 28 still looks pretty good in the corners. The large size of the Z mount might also help. Of course an M rangefinder will yield the best results. I would rank M lens performance on mirrorless: 1. SL 2. Nikon 3. Panasonic 4. Sony 5. Canon
I found the M lenses I tried on my R5 and R6 to perform well. Not so on the R6II. But the MF focusing on those cameras sucks unless the lens is an EF or RF mount. Too many steps, buttons to push.
Desmolicious wrote
photonc wrote
I transitioned from Leica to the nikon ZF and I am blown away how good M lenses perform on it. I see very little corner degradation...I found the M lenses I tried on my R5 and R6 to perform well. Not so on the R6II. But the MF focusing on those cameras sucks unless the lens is an EF or RF mount. Too many steps, buttons to push.
Mar 19, 2024 at 09:55 PM