Your Reason for Medium Format?

[Jan1985]

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I have an interesting question to all dudes here. Last year I bought an S007 with the 70mm and the 120mm. This camera dominated my dreams and so there was no way around it. I just needed to buy it. So now I must say. I thought I would use it more frequently. Mostly I use it for the work for my black and white portraiture of which I will publish a printed mag soon. But beside that I don't use it that often because I have no real theme for it. At the beginning of my photography hobby I always did macro work, landscape photography and tried out everything. But this time is over.

So why you guy have chosen the Leica S? For what you use it?

[mgrayson3]

Anytime I have a choice, I use the S. If I need 280mm with IS, I don't use it. If I need long exposure, I don't use it. Focus tracking? Nope. Anything else? Yep.

When health issues make it too hard to carry, I'll use the X1D, or TL2, or iPhone. Otherwise, S.

Walk-around, landscape, architecture, portraits. S.

[John McMaster]

I use mine for almost anything; if I need small and compact I use M but am not 100% happy with the results so starting to look at X1D for then.  You have not said what system you came from or ar still using...

john

[tom0511]

Good question - specially since FF cameras are getting better and better.

When the S2 came to market I used the S a lot, even for casual, family etc. I loved the natural looking images, the color, the bokeh, the flexibility of the 70mm lens and the detail.

Over the years I got more lazy and more often found the S too big or the lenses too heavy, plus I started to really like face detection of the SL, plus the SL lenses are very good.

I think the cool think about the Sis you can use it like a DSLR if you are fine with the weight/size. If I didnt have the S already I would probably not buy it again, I might just stay with FF today. But owning one already I think it is still great to use and the IQ is (still) there.

[Stuart Richardson]

Personally, I really prefer the way that larger formats draw images. I think this is primarily a function of lens focal length and tonality. I think the same advantages that applied in the days of film still apply today. You might be able to take tech pan in a 35mm camera and make an extremely sharp, grainless negative, but it still does not have the feel of an image from a larger format. When I bought into the Leica S, I sold a Leica R kit and a Nikon DSLR kit, as well as some MF film gear to cover the cost. The s2 was far beyond anything 35mm offered at the time, and I loved the color and capabilities it had. It was like nothing I had shot before on digital. I am still using basically the same camera 8 years later, though I bumped up to the 006 after the 007 came out. Aside from the results, the lenses and ergonomics are much better than anything else that was available when I bought them. The combination of reliable focus (for me, though I know others do not agree), perfect weather sealing, easily handling in the dark and with even mittens, as well as the well thought out interface and beautiful viewfinder mean that it is hard to take much pleasure out of using 35mm mirrorless cameras, all of which feel in some way compromised to me compared to the S. Even the GFX felt clunky to me in comparison.

 

These days, lens makers have really upped their game, and I feel like some of the lenses available now match or exceed some of the S lenses...for example the SL lenses of course, as well as the lenses for the GFX, X1D and things like the Sigma Art lenses (which I have not used, but have some incredible MTF and reviews). Still, I think if the S3 is a big improvement over the S007, then the S system will continue to be one of the best all around camera systems available, albeit at a very high price.

I should also note that my perspective on file quality is that of an exhibition printer, and rarely do I ever see anything better than what the S006 can produce. Even Phase One cameras don't seem to look as nice if people just give me the files with default sharpening and less than perfect technique. They are certainly capable of besting the S, but I do not think they look as nice right out of camera. This of course just based on a fairly limited sample group. The GFX and X1D also have great files, but the 35mm cameras just don't look as good to me...without exception, so far.

[Pyrogallol]

2 hours ago, Stuart Richardson said:

Personally, I really prefer the way that larger formats draw images. I think this is primarily a function of lens focal length and tonality. I think the same advantages that applied in the days of film still apply today. You might be able to take tech pan in a 35mm camera and make an extremely sharp, grainless negative, but it still does not have the feel of an image from a larger format. When I bought into the Leica S, I sold a Leica R kit and a Nikon DSLR kit, as well as some MF film gear to cover the cost. The s2 was far beyond anything 35mm offered at the time, and I loved the color and capabilities it had. It was like nothing I had shot before on digital. I am still using basically the same camera 8 years later, though I bumped up to the 006 after the 007 came out. Aside from the results, the lenses and ergonomics are much better than anything else that was available when I bought them. The combination of reliable focus (for me, though I know others do not agree), perfect weather sealing, easily handling in the dark and with even mittens, as well as the well thought out interface and beautiful viewfinder mean that it is hard to take much pleasure out of using 35mm mirrorless cameras, all of which feel in some way compromised to me compared to the S. Even the GFX felt clunky to me in comparison.

 

These days, lens makers have really upped their game, and I feel like some of the lenses available now match or exceed some of the S lenses...for example the SL lenses of course, as well as the lenses for the GFX, X1D and things like the Sigma Art lenses (which I have not used, but have some incredible MTF and reviews). Still, I think if the S3 is a big improvement over the S007, then the S system will continue to be one of the best all around camera systems available, albeit at a very high price.

I should also note that my perspective on file quality is that of an exhibition printer, and rarely do I ever see anything better than what the S006 can produce. Even Phase One cameras don't seem to look as nice if people just give me the files with default sharpening and less than perfect technique. They are certainly capable of besting the S, but I do not think they look as nice right out of camera. This of course just based on a fairly limited sample group. The GFX and X1D also have great files, but the 35mm cameras just don't look as good to me...without exception, so far.

Not sure about “applied” in the days of film. Still does apply for those of us using large format film. I recently made an 8x10 contact print from my homemade 8x10 camera, 12 inch Wray Lustrar lens, just has a different look about it compared to a smaller negative enlarged.

[alan.y]

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I use(d) the S primarily as a travel camera and have shot more 6x7 and 4x5 film recently. It's all those intangibles that are very personal and circumstantial: the analogue connection to the real world through an OVF, the rhythms of the flipping mirror, the purposefulness and care demanded by a slower, heavier camera. I feel more self-conscious, less liable to sneak or snipe than with an M or a mirrorless, and strangers relate to me also in different ways that can be both good and bad.

A semi-random note: I really wish Leica would make a compact Summicron-S 50mm that doesn't accommodate a central shutter. A nimble moderate wide in S quality for street/documentary stuff is a big gap in the S lineup IMO. The S45, as beautiful as it is, is too unwieldy. 

If the Thalia 55mm t/2.8 ever makes it to a compact S 55mm f/2.5 I'll take it too, but it's even bigger than the Thalia 45mm.

Edited September 17, 2019 by alan.y

[Stuart Richardson]

1 hour ago, Pyrogallol said:

Not sure about “applied” in the days of film. Still does apply for those of us using large format film. I recently made an 8x10 contact print from my homemade 8x10 camera, 12 inch Wray Lustrar lens, just has a different look about it compared to a smaller negative enlarged.

Of course. I just finished a load of 8x10 in your namesake (Pyrocat HD), so I do not mean that film is no longer with us, only that it is no longer the "standard" for the market.

[Stuart Richardson]

I agree with you Alan...a compact standard focal length S lens would be superb. Something between a 35mm and 50mm... a 55mm 2.5 would be fantastic.

[albertknappmd]

superior optics, resolution, contrast, tonality and the ability to make GIANT prints. See thee giant prints makes it all worthwhile..

Albert

[peterv]

5 hours ago, alan.y said:

If the Thalia 55mm t/2.8 ever makes it to a compact S 55mm f/2.5 I'll take it too, but it's even bigger than the Thalia 45mm.

Last Friday I visited IBC and I asked our friends over at Leitz-Cine about the connection between both lens lines, I also asked some questions specifically about the 55mm. They promised they would answer my questions by mail and when they do, I’ll keep you all posted about the Thalia lenses and their close relationship to S lenses.

I agree about the need for a small-ish walk around reportage lens lens for the S system, the matter has been brought up on this board a number of times. If Leica needs to make it f4.0 and forego the central shutter in order to keep it small and compact, then so be it.

[LeicaR10]

Jan1985,  I started using the S system in 2009 and continue to do so today for my landscape and occasional portrait photographs for clients.  Over those years, I would carry the S camera and up to 5 S lenses and hike on average 25-30 KM a day to remote locations for my photographs.  The photographs from the S cameras and lenses help create the most superb renderings that my clients would purchase either for corporation display or private collections.  I tried other systems in these later years like Fuji and Hasselblad systems but my clients did not the rendering and they voted with their wallets.  Color management was never an issue, it is always how the lenses render the photograph. Simply put, my clients like the way Leica photographs "look".  I went back to the S system and lenses and my clients are quite happy.  What I did to lighten my load recently was to confine the S system and lenses to hikes 0-15 KM, then use the SL system for 15-30+ KM hikes and if the hike is really challenging and remote, I use the M system.  I only take the lenses that I know will help create photographs that I expect to encounter with the landscape terrain.  This has worked great for my work and clients are usually enchanted with the results and they always vote with their wallets.  Just my insight and experience.  r/ Mark

Edited September 18, 2019 by LeicaR10

[davidmknoble]

Good question.  Still shooting 35mm film and digital Leica M's, I thoroughly enjoy the S007.  I use the 45, 70, 120 and mostly use it for landscape work.  My current focus is the coastal areas and the S sensor captures the wider contrast between sand, water and sun.  The files just have more room in them to play.  I also use the 4x6 filter system and a heavy tripod.  I occasionally shoot hand held for fun, but anything over f/4 I typically use a tripod.  That said, I try to keep the camera on the lowest ISO setting, so slower shutter speeds need a tripod, but that is how I keep the dynamic range.  The S really did justice to Iceland as well as some desert area in the western US.  So, I go back to landscape for me....

[HuntingSand]

vor 19 Stunden schrieb peterv:

I agree about the need for a small-ish walk around reportage lens lens for the S system, the matter has been brought up on this board a number of times. If Leica needs to make it f4.0 and forego the central shutter in order to keep it small and compact, then so be it.

I use a Zeiss / Contax 645 lens for walkabout missions, the 55mm f3.5. Works really well with the S - C adapter. They are about $1K used (not many available, but some),  sharp wide open (if that's your thing), excellent color rendition, and very proven and reliable. That adapter then opens up the Zeiss / Contax 645 range which has some formidable members (the 80mm F2 comes to mind, which is in my bag instead of the Leica 70mm). Just a thought...