Few questions..

[Torquinian]

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Just like you I sold both my M9s and lenses and got into the S bandwagon. In my case, this is for landscape work. I got the new S and a few lenses. Love them!

 

For portraits, you might want to consider the 120mm, a really really nice lens.

I've seen S2 in great conditions as low as $10-$12k and the lenses between $3.5k and $5k.

 

I have never seen one in the metal, but it looks big. What does it weigh?

[ravinj]

S2 is slightly over 3lbs and with a lens like the 120mm you are looking at close to 6lbs for the combination. And yes, it is big by Leica standards, but no larger/heavier than the big FF DSLRs.

[stephan_w]

I don't share the overwelming recomendations of the 120 for portrait work. As it is macro and has no focal limit, it tends to hunt and with the long way from infinity to macro it is PIA to use for this kind of work.

 

For portrait work I would recommend the 180 with the elpro, as I would recommend the 180 for general people photography. The downside is that you need even more light for the 180. What is really missing is a Summicron 100 or maybe a Summarit 150

[Alejandro AR]

Indeed, the focus hunting of the 120 is a bit annoying. Have both lenses, incl. Elpro and the 180 is clearly the preferred lense for portrait. No problem in studio setting but outside the 3.5 is certainly a disadvantage. Would LOVE to have a 2.0-lens for portrait for outside (at least 100mm). I do also have a Nikkor 200/f2 for my Nikon world and it really rocks...

[Blues_junkie]

Do it! The S is amazing, the lenses are incredible and everything just works 100% - prefer it to all the other medium format cameras and it IS portable; Love the 120 for portrait work. DO IT.

[menos I M6]

A few months ago, I did it myself, got a second S2, bought two S lenses and have added an arsenal of Contax 645 lenses and Leica Adapter-S C to use these Carl Zeiss lenses on the S2.

 

The S2 is beautifully sized and balanced.

I would say size and weight wise with an S lens or one of the contax lenses up to 140/2.8, it feels very much like my Nikon D3 with a f2.8 Zoom in the hand.

 

It is ergonomically perfect (I am a 2m guy with have large hands) and balances nicely.

If you are used to walk around all day with a M9 and 50 Summicron, you will definitely feel the S2 after such a daily walk.

 

I find the Contax lenses have some perfect fit's for portraiture - they are not as deadly contrasty, as the more modern S lenses, but I find this aids portraiture + there is some very nice choices for portraits in for of the the 140/2.8 Sonnar, 210/4 Sonnar and the absolutely stellar 120/4 Apo-Makro-Planar (manual focus).

 

I also find the 80/2 Planar very nice for portraits, when you don't need the shot as tight.

 

If the budget is tight, starting with a second hand S2 + Contax adapter + set of Contax lenses is probably the most economical (if the Carl Zeiss rendering is, what you like).

 

Optically the Leica S glass is undeniably the best choice for the S mount there is.

[Doc Henry]

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Dirk, just one question about your link "flickr" all pictures with S2 ?

Portrait pictures are stunning !

Best

Henry

[menos I M6]

Dirk, just one question about your link "flickr" all pictures with S2 ?

Portrait pictures are stunning !

Best

Henry

 

Thank you Henry ;-)

No, my flickr stream is mixed.

You can search on the stream with keywords though:

 

Flickr Search: S2

[noctilux.f095]

A few months ago, I did it myself, got a second S2, bought two S lenses and have added an arsenal of Contax 645 lenses and Leica Adapter-S C to use these Carl Zeiss lenses on the S2.

 

The S2 is beautifully sized and balanced.

I would say size and weight wise with an S lens or one of the contax lenses up to 140/2.8, it feels very much like my Nikon D3 with a f2.8 Zoom in the hand.

 

It is ergonomically perfect (I am a 2m guy with have large hands) and balances nicely.

If you are used to walk around all day with a M9 and 50 Summicron, you will definitely feel the S2 after such a daily walk.

 

I find the Contax lenses have some perfect fit's for portraiture - they are not as deadly contrasty, as the more modern S lenses, but I find this aids portraiture + there is some very nice choices for portraits in for of the the 140/2.8 Sonnar, 210/4 Sonnar and the absolutely stellar 120/4 Apo-Makro-Planar (manual focus).

 

I also find the 80/2 Planar very nice for portraits, when you don't need the shot as tight.

 

If the budget is tight, starting with a second hand S2 + Contax adapter + set of Contax lenses is probably the most economical (if the Carl Zeiss rendering is, what you like).

 

Optically the Leica S glass is undeniably the best choice for the S mount there is.

 

 

Hi Dirk,

 

Thanks for sharing and your Flickr photos are superb!

 

I am heading the same path as your S2 with Contax 645 lenses (and Hasselblad V) except am still hesitating to buy the S-adapter for Contax as I have not come across any feedback until now. As it is the first release/version on a rather complex adapter with AF ability, I am concern if there is any software compatibility or hardware alignment with Contax lenses. I am using S-adapter for Hasselblad V and its mechanical and alignment is superb.

 

Do you any comment on the AF compatibility and IQ with using S2 with Contax 645 lenses. I have almost the full Contax 645 range except the zoom and 55mm prime.

 

You comment will be the final push for me to order this S-adapter for Contax.

 

Thanks again for sharing.

 

 

Cheers!

P.C.Lee

[darylgo]

Hi Dirk,

 

Thanks for sharing and your Flickr photos are superb!

 

I am heading the same path as your S2 with Contax 645 lenses (and Hasselblad V) except am still hesitating to buy the S-adapter for Contax as I have not come across any feedback until now. As it is the first release/version on a rather complex adapter with AF ability, I am concern if there is any software compatibility or hardware alignment with Contax lenses. I am using S-adapter for Hasselblad V and its mechanical and alignment is superb.

 

Do you any comment on the AF compatibility and IQ with using S2 with Contax 645 lenses. I have almost the full Contax 645 range except the zoom and 55mm prime.

 

You comment will be the final push for me to order this S-adapter for Contax.

 

Thanks again for sharing.

 

 

Cheers!

P.C.Lee

 

Hi P.C.

 

I had doubts concerning mechanics and electronics with the Leica S Adapter C, in addition the price is spectacularly high, would it be worth the investment to keep my old Contax lenses viable without ongoing support from Kyocera.

 

I've had my adapter for several weeks and there are a few bumps along the way however overall the results are superb. The adapter fits the body perfectly, the electronics work perfectly, the body recognizes each lens and sets to maximum aperture, the metadata indicates a Contax T* lens with it's focal length and aperture. I have all the lenses except the zoom and 350mm. All lenses focus perfectly with autofocus except the 210mm, it appears to be slightly off, but I am not sure the lens doesn't have issues. It has never been sharp and I never bothered to check it prior. The 120mm Macro focuses well using the viewfinder screen and the focus indication. Initial mounting of the Contax lenses the lock was not engaging, with the subsequent placement of each lens the lock then started engaging and I am careful to make sure it does so each time. It is a very secure adapter.

 

The quality of the lenses are similar to use on the Contax 645, the 120mm Macro is superb, as is the 55mm. The 35mm is excellent, along with the 140mm for portraiture. The 45mm is okay and the 210mm is passable when focused properly. The extension tubes and 1.4x converter work as they would on the Contax.

 

In addition I mount Hasselblad 100mm and 180mm lenses to the S2 via the Leica S Adapter C and the Hasselblad Contax adapter combined. Works well, although use of the Hasselblad lenses is not as seamless as the Contax lenses.

 

The Contax lenses feel smaller than the equivalent Leica lenses and the ergonomics are excellent except for the longish 210mm.

 

I have no doubt that the Leica lenses are sharper, especially in the corners however the Contax lenses with the Leica S2 sensor are pretty spectacular with beautiful colors and contrast.

[noctilux.f095]

Hi P.C.

 

I had doubts concerning mechanics and electronics with the Leica S Adapter C, in addition the price is spectacularly high, would it be worth the investment to keep my old Contax lenses viable without ongoing support from Kyocera.

 

I've had my adapter for several weeks and there are a few bumps along the way however overall the results are superb. The adapter fits the body perfectly, the electronics work perfectly, the body recognizes each lens and sets to maximum aperture, the metadata indicates a Contax T* lens with it's focal length and aperture. I have all the lenses except the zoom and 350mm. All lenses focus perfectly with autofocus except the 210mm, it appears to be slightly off, but I am not sure the lens doesn't have issues. It has never been sharp and I never bothered to check it prior. The 120mm Macro focuses well using the viewfinder screen and the focus indication. Initial mounting of the Contax lenses the lock was not engaging, with the subsequent placement of each lens the lock then started engaging and I am careful to make sure it does so each time. It is a very secure adapter.

 

The quality of the lenses are similar to use on the Contax 645, the 120mm Macro is superb, as is the 55mm. The 35mm is excellent, along with the 140mm for portraiture. The 45mm is okay and the 210mm is passable when focused properly. The extension tubes and 1.4x converter work as they would on the Contax.

 

In addition I mount Hasselblad 100mm and 180mm lenses to the S2 via the Leica S Adapter C and the Hasselblad Contax adapter combined. Works well, although use of the Hasselblad lenses is not as seamless as the Contax lenses.

 

The Contax lenses feel smaller than the equivalent Leica lenses and the ergonomics are excellent except for the longish 210mm.

 

I have no doubt that the Leica lenses are sharper, especially in the corners however the Contax lenses with the Leica S2 sensor are pretty spectacular with beautiful colors and contrast.

 

Hi Daryl,

 

Many thanks for sharing the details on S-adapter C especially your finding on each of the lenses. I am glad to learn your good experience in using this adapter on your Contax lenses. With both you and Dirk hands-on using it, I am now have no hesitation to place an order soon. Hopefully local Leica stores will have ready stock for me.

 

Thanks again!

 

 

Cheers!

PC

[menos I M6]

Thanks Daryl for the insight - your comments reflect almost exactly, what I feel about the Carl Zeiss lenses in Contax 645 mount, used on the S2.

 

One word before hand, I urge you, to have the 210/4 Sonnar checked or review the lens, carefully focussing. My copy of this lens is absolutely superb - it is a lens difficult to focus though - one word on this later.

 

@ P.C.Lee, I have so far used the following lenses with a little comment, how I like them.

I have added the S system for handheld photography only, as a medium format system to add to my 35mm gear. I carry the S2 and one or two lenses for a specific purpose to add either portraits, detail shots to a series of photographs, I mainly use 35mm cameras otherwise.

 

80/2 Planar:

portrait - young woman by teknopunk.com, on Flickr

 

- classic rendering (lower contrast and less modern look than the Leica S lenses)

- interesting for available light and for very slim DOF photography, if wanted

- very smooth background rendering

- surprisingly sure focussing even wide open @ f2

- my favourite Carl Zeiss Contax lens

 

 

120/4 Apo-Makro-Planar:

portrait - Canon shooter by teknopunk.com, on Flickr

 

- my surprise lens - I was shocked, how good this lens is

- apart from it's seemingly infinity sharpness in the finest details, it has an incredibly smooth out of focus rendering

 

This lens enjoys a very high reputation among users and it clearly shows, that it does for a good reason. If macro photography or also portrait photography with high details is what you like, this is a MUST HAVE lens. It is a manual focus lens - it focusses in a relatively compact size all the way down to 1:1 without extension tubes or mechanical trickery - no interlock mechanics, no focus limiters, plain smooth and simple operation and simply gorgeous imaging!

 

- get the manual focussing bright screen for your S for this lens - a must have accessory

 

140/2.8 Sonnar:

portrait - 140 Carl Zeiss Sonnar by teknopunk.com, on Flickr

 

- a beautiful, classic looking portrait lens

- in my experience the weakest of the Carl Zeiss lenses wide open @ f2.8 (CA, softer details, compared with 80/2 and 210/4, but working well with portraits)

- I try to limit the use of mine mainly as a portrait lens, where it excels

- you can get by with this lens and the 1.4x Mutar surprisingly well, if you stop down one stop to prevent having to carry the 200/4 Sonnar - wide open I would not use this combo, but stopped down 1 or better two stops, it really is usable

 

210/4 Sonnar:

- good performer, better lens on the Leica S than the Mamiya 200/2.8 @f4

 

 

- the Contax 645 Adapter:

My experience mirrors Daryl's comments above - I had the same issues with fitting lenses to the adapter, when completely new (some lenses had difficulties to lock at first but after a while they would lock properly - some "wear in" is needed for the adapter.

 

Autofocus with the Contax lenses on the S2 is not as fast and sure, as with the S lenses.

When focussing, the Contax lenses will for a slight moment "fine-tune" the focussing just before it's locks for a little bit longer than the S lenses, which simply seem to lock on very surely.

 

It is absolutely usable in most circumstances but with unpredictably fast moving subjects.

 

Don't get confused, the S system's autofocus speed is nowhere near high end 35mm gear from Canon or Nikon, so don't expect to track F1 racing cars or foot ball players with the S.

For the work, it shines though, the AF both of the S lenses and the Contax lenses are absolutely adequate and assuring, the lens lenses having a clear edge.

 

Shooting with the S2 and Contax lenses in Autofocus, I find myself, planning shots better beforehand and anticipating more.

Additionally, you have to work on your timing a lot - the S2 has a very different shutter lag than say a film M, a digital M or even a high end Nikon DSLR.

 

This is important when shooting wide open with moving subjects.

 

 

I think, I mentioned it earlier, but for anyone, hesitating about the costs to get into the Leica S system, a second hand S2 and a Leica to Contax 645 adapter with a set of Contax lenses is a fantastic start.

Make sure, you like the character of the Carl Zeiss Contax lenses first.

[menos I M6]

I forgot another point - at first, I was exited to use my Carl Zeiss Hasselblad V lenses on the Leica S2, but this excitement quickly diminished, as these lenses are indeed less well balanced on the Leica S and focussing them critically is a slow process for me.

 

When I read about the introduction of the Contax adapter though, my very first reaction was indeed to pre order one right away even without knowing the retail price at that time.

I love the rendering from my Hasselblad lenses and the Contax mount Carl Zeiss lenses provide exactly that, but add:

 

- Autofocus

- fully automatic aperture and metering

- full EXIF data

- smaller size and weight

[noctilux.f095]

I forgot another point - at first, I was exited to use my Carl Zeiss Hasselblad V lenses on the Leica S2, but this excitement quickly diminished, as these lenses are indeed less well balanced on the Leica S and focussing them critically is a slow process for me.

 

When I read about the introduction of the Contax adapter though, my very first reaction was indeed to pre order one right away even without knowing the retail price at that time.

I love the rendering from my Hasselblad lenses and the Contax mount Carl Zeiss lenses provide exactly that, but add:

 

- Autofocus

- fully automatic aperture and metering

- full EXIF data

- smaller size and weight

 

Hi Dirk,

 

Many thanks for responding to my questions and further explain the capability and expectation for Contax 645 lenses on Leica S2. Your excellent photos of three Contax lenses are going to be my references if I have any doubt on my Contax lenses or S2 - no more excuse to blame on equipment.

 

I am taking note on AF speed and shuttle lag/response as I do not intend to use it portrait, still life and landscape. For fast action and event photos, I will use my Nikon and Canon gears with VR/IS. I am pretty sure my find about using Hasselblad V lenses on S2 will be same as yours when I start using Contax lenses.

 

With the excellent information share by you and Daryl, my learning curve on S2 with S-adapter C should be easier.

 

Hope to see more photos and inputs from both of you.

 

Thanks again!

 

 

Cheers!

PC

[mwilliamsphotography]

Hi guys!

 

I'm thinking to jump into MF world, just as an amateur.

 

I sold my MM and M9 and lenses and just keep my beloved X2. So I want a MF system just for portraiture work, mostly outside and natural light.

 

I'm using a Hassy H3DII 31 friend's camera, so gorgeous and big files! Never seen even with the M9 nothing equal.

 

What about the S2 and the lenses? Probably the best ever made, but.. Are not Schneider LS as good?

 

Always wanted a P1 system but it's very expensive.. What would be a good price for a second hand S2 and 70mm? Is the summilux 50 of the S system?

 

I feel the 4:3 format pleasant for portraits, more than 3:2, and if I crop I will lose megapixels..

 

Thaaaanks!

 

 

By the way, I would love to learn how,to use lights, flash and good post processing as Joey Lawrence, for example.

 

I'm a bit late to this discussion, but will add what I can.

 

Comparisons are obviously in the eye of the beholder. I've used most MFD systems and each brings something different to the party ... so it depends.

 

As of now, I'm totally S2 based for all my portrait work and some wedding photography. I also use it for commercial assignments even though that is now less of a priority as I have retired from most of it to concentrate on personal work and portraits.

 

The S system is the best system I've had the pleasure of working with for a number of reasons ... this includes Contax 645/Kodak and P1 backs, Mamiya/Leaf (RZ and 645), Hasselblad V and H all the way up to the H4D/60. I did a week long comprehensive "real world" test between my H4D/40 and the S2 ... then sold the H4D/40. I never went for the P1 system because I hate the ergonomics of the Phase/Mamiya camera.

 

Handling and versatility are the S system's attributes. The 35mm DSLR style is a plus for many migrating to MFD, the control layout of the S camera is the simplest and most intuitive of any modern MF camera I've owned or tried. Less fussing with the camera.

 

Unlike any other MFD camera, you can opt to use Hasselblad H lenses and accessories, or Contax 645 optics while retaining full auto aperture and AF functionality. Unlike any other MFD solution, there are more leaf-shutter options to draw upon ... to the point that you can have lenses from 24mm to 300mm in leaf shutter versions ... and many of those can be used as focal plane solutions for the first time ever (Hasselblad H cameras are only leaf-shutter capable). Leaf shutter lenses are the path to the use of lighting outdoors ... which will open up a whole new world of possibilities.

 

I use four lenses on the S2 for portrait work. The CS70 for more full body or mid thigh up and "environmental" style portraiture, the Hasselblad HC100/2.2 for most conventional type portraits, the CS120 for more specialty approaches and closer stuff (manual focus to get in range, then rear button AF to nail it), and the CS180 to compact the backgrounds, or for shooting at a bit more distance to subject. In many cases the choice of focal length depends on the subject, the shape of their face and the angle that is most flattering.

 

If forced to recommend one to start out with, it'd be the HC-100/2.2. Even though I feel all of the S lenses are better by a decent margin, the focal length is just right for much work, and at f/2.2 has a character that approaches some of the Mandler designs like the M75/1.4 which makes it great for portraits.

 

I rarely use a tripod with the S2, but frequently use a more mobile monopod equipped with a RRS HD monopod head and Arca style dual strap lug quick release for fast changes from Landscape to Portrait orientation. The dual lug camera plate from Camdapter allows use of both a shoulder strap and a hand-strap on the S2 for fast mobile work.

 

Camdapter - The Hand Strap

 

Here are a couple of links to real world shooting situations with the S, including a few shots with a H4D/60 ... and some S2 shots with the 100/2.2 using lighting outdoors.

 

Hope this helps if even a little:

 

Marc

 

http://www.reddotforum.com/showthread.php/804-Images-using-S-and-H-lenses-on-the-S2.?p=3396#post3396

 

 

http://www.reddotforum.com/showthread.php/645-S2-and-H4D-60-on-same-shoot.

[menos I M6]

Thank you Marc - beautiful examples and I always dig your insight!

[darylgo]

 

Hopefully local Leica stores will have ready stock for me.

Cheers!

PC

 

This was a stumbling block for me also, with posts on the internet warning of inoperable adapters I wanted to purchase this item locally or from a reputable dealer. Local was unavailable with one dealer saying he wouldn't stock it. Dale Photo had two when I purchased mine last month.

 

 

 

One word before hand, I urge you, to have the 210/4 Sonnar checked or review the lens, carefully focussing. My copy of this lens is absolutely superb - it is a lens difficult to focus though - one word on this later.

210/4 Sonnar:

- good performer, better lens on the Leica S than the Mamiya 200/2.8 @f4

 

Thank you, I will definitely have the lens looked at. My copy despite all efforts doesn't perform well at all, whereas my Mamiya 200/2.8 Apo renders beautifully perhaps equalled by the Hassleblad V 180/4 and surpassed by the Leica S 180/3.5 .

 

re:120/4 Apo-Makro-Planar. The lens can be purchased for ~ $1k. The lens has been my standard against which all lenses are measured in medium format, (now surpassed by the Leica lenses) and it represents perhaps the best buy in medium format. It is sharp both at macro and infinity, reaching best performance at f5.6 thru 11.

 

Thank you for the valuable information regarding focus, I hadn't really had time to evaluate this. I guess the accuracy of the autofocus (surpassing the Contax 645) in this adapted system had so surprised me the other aspects were forgotten.

 

One last thought, I primarily use my S2 for landscape, so my comments and findings may not be (as) relevant for other photography.