justalexander
New member
Hi RogerThe problem with this thread is that the comments jump around . Maybe try looking at what is most important .....can you focus a 30mm lens at f8 and nail infinity . If you have trouble doing this ....at this point give up .
I know very well how the AF system works in the S bodies and without a doubt it has limitations . This has been explained in a lot of detail but ultimately I have to determine my exact focus point with a visual inspection . So I focus on where I want the exact plan of focus and then I check it with a quick manual adjustment . Normally this is a very quick and smooth process ..no more difficult than using a range finder .
The reason you would use live view is to better control the “exact plain of focus “ and to inspect the depth of field . It is the best way to get a precise focus .
The auto focus could be completely disabled and it would not affect my technique for landscape much at all .
Of course the indicated focus distance on the lens should be more accurate ....but if you are using that scale to judge your depth of field ....assuming that everything will be sharp ....then you don t “get it” .
I will drop off this thread as I expect many others have . Excellent advice has been presented on both (1) how to insure the S system is functioning as designed and (2) the best practices in techniques to get the most out of the system . Doesn t appear that any of this input has been accepted by the original poster .
I have empathy for the frustration after a major investment when things don t appear to be working ...this has happened to me many times ...sometimes its the gear ....most of the time its me .
The thread keeps jumping around because it is based on many different problems I've experienced with the S system. Problems which I do not have with my Hasselblad, Canon or Sony systems.
I know exactly how autofocus works, on all of my camera systems. When my 10+ year old Hasselblad confirms focus, I know for a fact that when I pull it up on the screen it will be in focus. The same for the Canon and Sony. When any of the systems can't autofocus I will use other techniques like focusing on an object of similar distance and recomposing, or using the lens barrel markings, or using the aperture combined with hyperfocal focussing. My success rate using those combinations would be 99.9% The only way I can get that level of accuracy on the Leica S is by using live view focussing.
Other problems include faulty batteries and faulty battery chargers. The battery charger said full charge but the camera said no charge.. for all 3 batteries that I own. This required me to leave the job and return home to collect my Sony and Canon systems. Neither of those have ever left me without power.
Then there is the apparent light leak which I'm still waiting for an explanation. The unusual 'measles' blobs on the sensor.
Just because you have a system that works as intended doesn't mean others do. I'm sure you've purchased something in your life that hasn't worked properly where others who've purchased the same thing has. You can't simply deny that others have problems because you don't.
This thread was intended to let anyone looking at the S system know that out of the Hasselblad, Canon, Nikon, Sony systems I've owned, I have experienced as many problems with the S as I have combined with ALL the other systems. Your experience might be different as will everyone else's. But my experience is not unique as others have confirmed.
If this thread provides no benefit to you then you're free to drop off. If you could please look back at the images I posted earlier and provide an explanation for some of these issues that would be appreciated.
Justin
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