Jack, mmm.... I beg your pardon? Not quite sure why the strong words... hmpf.
Anyways, I do read that you say that you do not see same problem with your ZD. That is good. It could be possible that Mamiya did a correction (= at least partial improvement). Likewise it will be good if this can be confirmed by test or simply Mamiya openly saying they did! Let me be clear:
**IF** ZD IS PROBLEM FREE, then it is a good product.
"it is clear you have a bone to pick with Mamiya over this" - That is incorrect for you to imply. However... of course I would be delighted if Mamiya Digital Division saw in their credibility to compensated me for my losses and for my work on writing of their product... Think that will happen???
Why do I write of ZD?
Responsibility, because I wrote good before. People still read that. I need to show my
credibility and speak truth. :angel:
Now that we have set above clear, allow me give some more info to potential ZD buyers:
1. For any medium format digital back/digital camera, make sure to test the product for its limits and usebility before you commit money. This can include a test such as the one I did for my Leaf Aptus 65 per attached (reduced + crop, default settings in CS3 Camera RAW). That is shot at ISO 800 and with much light from window and shadow in corner of wall with black sofa. Granted, such test is tough for any camera because large DR. At high ISO 800 such as what I attach with Aptus 65 we see artifacts (see the purple ones??). That I believe is liveable at ISO800 because it is at high ISO. The ISO 50 of Aptus 65 was completely clean. At ZDs lowest (native) ISO 50 I think it is fair to say that there should be no such artifacts either. I know the ZD I had would have failed that test at ISO 50. However, if instead it would have failed first with vague artifacts at ISO 200 I would not have sold it or stated the "ZD has Problem" thread. To be frank my agent was confused to see artifacts when photographing color test charts under their office lights at ISO 50!!! (color on chart was on white background with artifacts showing in black and darkest gray). This was using numerous new ZDs. Make similar test as I did with Aptus 65 using any digital camera (or an initial test of test chart), and vary the ISOs from native to high. Be sure to look on computer screen without glare to be able see it clear, if any. Then use those or similar tests as part in determining if the performance is acceptable for your photography. For sunset or sunrise hours? While if all your shooting is in bright sunny California, Philippine or Australian sunshine, then you may not have this issue, because you give the ZD plenty of light, and that is what the ZD needs...
2. So, it sounds as if we have good ZDs and bad on market? I say "sounds" because noone has yet posted test to demonstrate a good one. How can we tell good and bad ones apart? The serials? Well, latest serial ZDs should have all updates. But... also earlier ZDs are sold as new. Now... why is that? Mamiya, please correct me if my understanding is wrong, but... my impression is that returned ZDs (replaced under warranty = problem ones) go back to factory for overhaul of what was wrong, then make them look as new and packaged as new to be sold as new. Mmm... they let me keep the loaner... What happened with other do you think??
3. Updates. Has there been a recent update to firmwares (there are two for ZD, check for both)? Ask when latest updates were released. The version numbers can be checked using Mamiya Digital studio. Have the agent demonstrate. Has there been any update to hardware? That would be a new thing. Perhaps question agent of it and ask to demonstrate that it for sure has the new latest.
4. Buy from an agent of Mamiya, or from a store with a simple to return policy. Else how will you easily get problems rectified?
Sorry Jack, I did not mean to hijack your thread, but... I think it is important to let people know the whole truth of ZD :salute:
If you are right in what you say, then I think it is great. :clap: Else you will find youself in my seat later caught eating your hat as I did some months back... After all the good I had told people of ZD and when it turned out to be actually opposite and a problem product... :bugeyes:
With above, let me leave this thread. If anyone have questions, please feel free to message/email me. Ah, last... noone need buy Leaf as I did, there is also Phase One, Sinar, Hassy... and even Canon and Nikon!
Regards
Anders