Entry into S system. 007 v S3

[John McMaster]

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S(007)

john

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The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[frame-it]

14 minutes ago, BigBabyEarl said:

So today. Knowing that there’s a mirrorless system in the works, 006, 007, or S3 if one was to start today?

didn't you have an S006?

[helged]

1 hour ago, BigBabyEarl said:

So today. Knowing that there’s a mirrorless system in the works, 006, 007, or S3 if one was to start today?

Knowing - or hoping?

If a mirrorless S is on the way, I would opt for 006 (with new sensor) if light is plentyful (max ISO of 400 or thereabout). For larger flexibility, 007 seems like a natural (and not too expensive) choice.

[BigBabyEarl]

6 hours ago, frame-it said:

didn't you have an S006?

Had. Sold it and went film and Fuji for a couple years. Miss the S and would gladly buy another 006 with new sensor. 007 would be great too and the prices are right. Seems a little scary to jump into the system again if the lenses will be useless on mirrorless (or at worst usable with an adapter). 

[LeicaR10]

BigBabyEarl,   Leica historically prides itself with M cameras being backwards compatible with their lenses.  I would say the same would hold true if a new line of S-X lenses are fielded. If Leica does field a new S lens line up, possibly modelled after the excellent SL lens technology, then I would surmise the original S lenses will be compatible.  Based on what was told to me about the new S project manager named in January 2022, it shows Leica has definite plans for an S4 and perhaps more.  We all know Leica does the unexpected, i.e. fielded the S system in lieu of the R10, Monochrom, SL mirrorless, Q and other surprises.  I used the most excellent S system and all models of cameras for my business for over a decade. IMO, the S system is a niche camera for professional and well heeled amateurs who need/want to use it for all its superb attributes.  I expect the S4 to be nothing less than a home run, game winner for Leica. Only we might want to start saving now for the winning run in 18 +/- months.

r/ Mark

[helged]

7 hours ago, LeicaR10 said:

BigBabyEarl,   Leica historically prides itself with M cameras being backwards compatible with their lenses.  I would say the same would hold true if a new line of S-X lenses are fielded. If Leica does field a new S lens line up, possibly modelled after the excellent SL lens technology, then I would surmise the original S lenses will be compatible.  Based on what was told to me about the new S project manager named in January 2022, it shows Leica has definite plans for an S4 and perhaps more.  We all know Leica does the unexpected, i.e. fielded the S system in lieu of the R10, Monochrom, SL mirrorless, Q and other surprises.  I used the most excellent S system and all models of cameras for my business for over a decade. IMO, the S system is a niche camera for professional and well heeled amateurs who need/want to use it for all its superb attributes.  I expect the S4 to be nothing less than a home run, game winner for Leica. Only we might want to start saving now for the winning run in 18 +/- months.

r/ Mark

Would be great to have an option to use electronic shutter and IBIS on the S-system! This will open new shooting opportunities. We know this based on using S-lenses on SL with the electronic S-to-SL adapter, or by adapting S-lenses on Fuji GFX 100S using a manual (dummy) adapter. Or by using any mirrorless systems, SL included. Missing the optical view finder and the long-live battery life of the existing S will be on the down side, but it is hard to bring everything forward in a new incarnation of a system...

[LeicaR10]

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Helged,  I totally agree with you.  I know based on my correspondence with Leica management seniors, they are well aware of the merits of the S OVF and how much it is cherished by S photographers. Myself included. They acknowledged the challenge of making a S view finder that must be as good or better than currently fielded.  IMO, Leica is up for the challenge.  If  one looks at the original SL mirrorless EVF, it was best available at the time. In fact, other camera companies had to play catch up to Leica.  The SL2 models are even better. I also pointed to IMO the unique cinematic rendering of the S camera/lenses. Plus my hope Leica would keep that special look and not go the way of the SL perfect reality look.  Based on the responses, I think they got that message as well. Ultimately, we will see what comes of all the inputs Leica received over time.  At least I know they listen and that to me is important.  r/ Mark   

[Jipster]

On 7/3/2021 at 4:13 PM, Stuart Richardson said:

Yes, I have the opposite feeling. If I could get what I get out of the SL2 from the S3, I would not be selling it. I just don't like the look of the files compared to the SL2 and S006. The main part is the color, which I do not like, but it is also the character of the noise. Everyone else seems to love it though, so clearly the problem is my taste, not the camera.

As for film, the current films like the new Portra and Tmax 400 are fantastic, not as convinced by Neopan Acros II, which seems worse to the original to me, but at least it exists. I have not tried E100 yet, but I will be surprised if it can be as good as Provia 100F or E100G. I hope so! I never really got on as well with Ilford films. They are perfectly serviceable, but it always felt to me like the giant size and research departments of Fuji and Kodak showed up in the quality of their films (and quality control...at least until the Kodak breakup, after which Kodak had some major issues. Still, overall they are still very good when it comes to emulsion consistency. I have not had the same luck with Ilford...I had a whole box of 8x10 Delta 100 with a visible drop pattern on all the sheets).

Interesting. I have had the opposite experience. Inconsistency of Kodak films and consistency and quality in Ilford films. Delta films are my favorite these days.

[davidmknoble]

I guess it is certainly possible that Leica will make an S with an EVF.  I would think they ‘might’ create one that had the same body style so the current lenses would work.  I am glad they made the S3 so if there is a drastic change, I feel like I have one I can keep and not worry about wanting to upgrade.  I truly love the optical viewfinder.  It’s one reason I still shoot the R8 and R9 with film.  But, I may just be in the minority.

 

[tom0511]

Am 10.6.2022 um 16:32 schrieb BigBabyEarl:

So today. Knowing that there’s a mirrorless system in the works, 006, 007, or S3 if one was to start today?

S007, because you can get it for really good price, and IMO its nearly as good as S3.

[Paul0303]

I made the choice a couple of weeks ago to get the S 007. The price point for the body in Australia from a reputable dealer was A$5500 in excellent condition, they let me try it for a couple of days and I had it checked by the Leica service centre before purchase. For me the S3 was too expensive for the delta it offered if I could even find one here used.

Regarding mirrorless I think it would be great as long as the lenses were compatible but at what price point would they pitch it? Presumably the manufacturing costs wouldn't be too much different to the SL series, only the sensor would have a major impact as it would be a small production run. However Leica pricing is Leica pricing so who knows where they would pitch it.