Leaf Aptus II line - a body from about 5 years ago, large screen, low resolution, crude touch, no multi-touch.
Speaking as an amateur who pays hard earned cash for my gear, my choice for Leaf was because it was superior to my Mamiya ZD which had problems (at least at time, 2007-2008). My first Leaf was 28MP Aptus 65 and I was very pleased with performance, durability, service and support, and the LARGEST IN BUSINESS DISPLAY. 4-5 months ago I upgraded to the new 80MP AFi-II 12 which still have same size display
. It has the NEW CHASSIS which is modern and with tilting display which I actually find very useful. I use it on Rolleiflex Hy6 camera which is the most advanced, comfortable and enjoyable medium format camera for digital back. Mine is with waist level finder which is a joy to use. The AFi back has the rotating sensor which works superbly with the Hy6. Oh, forgot the lenses, I have two; Xenotar 80/2.8 PQS which is the most fantastic lens I have ever owned. It is not only sharp but with a wonderful character that vary based on aperture and subject distance. In some conditions it can even seem to swirl almost like a petzval, while in most conditions it is SHARP and with a lovely rendering. My second is the Carl Zeiss Distagon 50mm FLE which is superbly sharp. I believe both are similar in sharpness to large format digital lenses.
I can find examples on this very forum that refute basically all of the negatives about both the Leaf (and ZD) backs.
What negative of Leaf backs??? Over the years the only ones that have been "claimed" by those who not use Leaf is of the display not being bright in bright sunlight and the fan vents. The AFi-II and Aptus-II series have improved display brightness. I never found much problem with my Aptus 65 even and much lesser so with my AFi, but I also do not expect to be able to see any display well with bright light shining direct onto it, simply it is merely a tool. The vent is a non issue and actually helps cooling the back which is an advantate. In repeat no issues have been confirmed with the vents in various forums. I shoot landscapes and while I care for my gear well, I use them as TOOLS and would not worry taking it out to shoot in any condition where I can capture good image. The only item of my gear that really sees a beating is my tripod
. That said I believe a Leaf would take abuse... but it cost $$ so why should I beat my tripod down with it? Actually my Aptus 65 dropped on hardwood floor once, bouncing like a ball and rollling. Scary, but... it worked perfect as charm after the incident. The battery though was damaged (sort of like the air bag
).
One more note... I actually did not plan to upgrade to the 80MP, but the PRICING from Leaf in my area (Hong Kong) as compared to Phase One made it a no brainer for the significant step up in image quality over what the 56MP Leaf would have brought me... From Phase One dealer even the IQ160 was out of range for me... To finance my purchase I sold off most of my gear from five camera systems. It is interesting what one collect over years...and what it can yield.
In the end it comes down to IMAGE QUALITY to me personally and how many years I can get out of the back. The 80MP Leaf can last me perhaps 6 years ahead. What I first and foremost value over prior back is the improved colors, finer gradation of colors, improved shadows, wider DR... and yes... the more pixels probably help in those. Else it is foremost not the pixels that impress, while sure more such are good. Requires very steady when hand holding, thus also a reason for the Hy6 because of its ergonmics and to not need lift camera to head level.
About Mamiya, the ZD is the only back they have developed on their own. However, also Leaf and Phase One backs have been/are sold as Mamiya branded, depending on geographical region. Those though do not come with upgrade plans and the support from Leaf or Phase One... Important aspect.
Leaf is great, thanks Leaf :thumbs:
However, same as other Hy6 users I would love to see a Hy6 Mark II :toocool:
Best regards
Anders