S2 Hands-On w/ Magnum Photog. Costa Manos

[Rich Christie]

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Hands-On (Video) with seemingly production quality Leica S2:

 

Head-2-Head Blog

 

Magnum photographer Costa Manos is on hand to demo and discuss the product. Very interesting glance at an iconic Leica shooter viewing the latest and greatest.

[wilfredo]

I would love to see what he can do with this camera in the field? Given the expense of an S2 system, I don't think many photographers would risk taking it out into the real world.

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[nhabedi]

I would love to see what he can do with this camera in the field?

 

I don't think his photos would be much different, at least not better. Why should they? There might be a difference in technical quality, but that's not what makes a good photo.

[Rich Christie]

I dont think it would be just in recording quality - the difference in design/form and viewing often causes one to look at a scene a bit differently. The adjustments they will make in their view and work is anyone's guess. However, I think the transformations that occur with each new tool in an artist's hand are far more complex that the technical reproduction of the medium.

[Jamie Roberts]

I would love to see what he can do with this camera in the field? Given the expense of an S2 system, I don't think many photographers would risk taking it out into the real world.

 

Wilfredo, I expect to be able to rent it though, in the future, just the way I could a P65. Risk is what insurance is for

[wildlightphoto]

... I think the transformations that occur with each new tool in an artist's hand are far more complex that the technical reproduction of the medium.

 

I agree completely.

[wilfredo]

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I dont think it would be just in recording quality - the difference in design/form and viewing often causes one to look at a scene a bit differently. The adjustments they will make in their view and work is anyone's guess. However, I think the transformations that occur with each new tool in an artist's hand are far more complex that the technical reproduction of the medium.

 

 

Yes, I would have to agree. That's been my experience with different cameras.

[leicanut2]

I got to hold ( thats about it ) a S2 last week all I gotta say is if you are going to buy one with a long Tele lens and go jumping around in the woods better start working out with some heavy iron because it is a heavy camera. But must say NICE Camera. After a short time with that you will get arms like Conan the Barbarian.

 

Jan

[brunop]

think the transformations that occur with each new tool in an artist's hand are far more complex that the technical reproduction of the medium.

 

put succintly here in america--it's not the arrow, it's the indian.

[wildlightphoto]

put succintly here in america--it's not the arrow, it's the indian.

 

It's the symbiosis between the two.

[wildlightphoto]

I got to hold ( thats about it ) a S2 last week all I gotta say is if you are going to buy one with a long Tele lens and go jumping around in the woods better start working out with some heavy iron because it is a heavy camera. But must say NICE Camera. After a short time with that you will get arms like Conan the Barbarian.

 

Jan

 

It remains to be seen what something like a 350mm APO-Elmar-S will weigh, but at 1410 g the S2 body weighs abut the same as an R8 with DMR. Meanwhile I'm tossing hay bales around in the barn.

[mhoersch]

It remains to be seen what something like a 350mm APO-Elmar-S will weigh, but at 1410 g the S2 body weighs abut the same as an R8 with DMR. Meanwhile I'm tossing hay bales around in the barn.

 

Actually, I don't know about the kilograms, but I noticed the feeling in my arms: while I have never given a single thought to the weight of my R9/DMR in my hand I got tired of holding the S2 with its 70mm standard lens after less than five minutes. Totally subjective, of course, but that's how it felt. Maybe the price tag added to the feeling of weight...

[Guest guy_mancuso]

I have the S2 sitting here until the end of the week for a review we are doing but one thing it could use a hand strap designed for it without the vertical grip also. Not everyone will use the vertical grip so they need to actually make both.The lenses are a little big and heavy so a little weight shifted to the back of the hand via hand strap would help. Guy

[leicanut2]

The Leica rep did say it really is more of a studio camera.

Doug, I still would love to see the pictures you would get with that baby. Hay bales would do it. I never had a DMR did have the R8 and a 280mm sold it. Little regret on getting rid of the 280mm but if things go good and I may be able to swing a S2 in early 2012. I bet it will still be around maybe even a upgraded version.

 

Jan

Edited December 11, 2009 by leicanut2

[markowich]

The Leica rep did say it really is more of a studio camera.

Doug, I still would love to see the pictures you would get with that baby. Hay bales would do it. I never had a DMR did have the R8 and a 280mm sold it. Little regret on getting rid of the 280mm but if things go good and I may be able to swing a S2 in early 2012. I bet it will still be around maybe even a upgraded version.

 

Jan

 

so it is a totally weathersealed studio camera?

the first of its kind certainly, peter

[Guest guy_mancuso]

The Leica rep did say it really is more of a studio camera.

Doug, I still would love to see the pictures you would get with that baby. Hay bales would do it. I never had a DMR did have the R8 and a 280mm sold it. Little regret on getting rid of the 280mm but if things go good and I may be able to swing a S2 in early 2012. I bet it will still be around maybe even a upgraded version.

 

Jan

 

I wish people actually knew what they are talking about. The S2 along with most of the MF systems are NOT just studio cams. Far from it just needs care in how you work and experience within these systems. Been using the S2 for three days now and it works very nice in the field. As far as a studio cam until they get the tethering to go MUCH faster than don't bother trying. Previews at the moment are way to long but that software is still in beta so until it's final we will hold judgement but pushing 70mg DNG's through the system it's going to be tough. This system really needs losless compression for buffer , tethering and just plain pushing files around on your systems. Leica still has a little work to do on this part but overall the system provides nice images. It's brand new in the market so some kinks still need to be worked out. Full review coming, we ship the S2 back today but so far so good. Here is a little camera porn for ya. LOL

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[leicanut2]

Studio camera is what the Leica guy said not me, I just said it's heavy. I walked around with a massive tripod and a visoflex adapted to a leica scope using my MP. Tripod was 12 pounds add the rest then walked around a marsh that was 8 miles.

I could do a S2 with a massive lens with no trouble but would I like to carry it arouind in the humid summers by the great lakes in 90 degree heat maybe, maybe not.

And weather sealed, hmm maybe that would be good for dust too not just out doors in the rain....Most of my M glass has dust wonder if they where sealed would they have the dust there now? $4,000 dollar lenses with dust.

 

Jan

Edited December 11, 2009 by leicanut2

[leicanut2]

Hell, why am I defending anything I have heard or said buy one if you want it. Use it for fun or make money with it. People on this forum like to bash everything, maybe its time for me to pack up and get out.

Was fun but I think I am done.

[lct]

...$4,000 dollar lenses with dust....

...People on this forum like to bash everything...

Stop bashing Leica lenses!

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Hallo,

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[Guest guy_mancuso]

No was not talking about what you said please read. People that actually use these things are really the source of that kind of data not sales reps that don't shoot on a Professional level and yes you are right the lenses have some weight and bulk. These are certainly not P&S cams but this is expected when dealing with MF cams and some big lenses in 35mm land.