Sorry I want to drag this old horse back into the race and by old horse I really mean "thread" and by race, I really mean "discussion"
I've been scouting back and forth, reading a lot of the thread and postings about these different MF systems, and eventually when I am ready, I will pony up for one and before that I hope to test some. However, I still trying to get as much info from you seasoned pros as possible!
To me, so far, the S2 and H4d are complete (closed) systems, with the S2 being somewhat behind (limited choice of lenses but growing with adapters etc.), simply because it one of the newest additions in MF cameras. This isn't to say the IQ or PhaseOne isn't a complete system, but whenever I hear someone mention an IQ back, that's exactly what I think of, and also feel it's one of the advantages as well. Now, that is because I hear a lot of people using it with their techcams for Landscape or architectural photography.
For myself, I'm first considering going into MF with closed system, although it may not be completely accurate, but will help this discussion and eventually focus my question at the end. I think in GetDPI, we've already established that different people like different brands and use different systems because of their shooting preferences etc. However, I am hearing less and less about PhaseOne with their 645DF/AF camera and how well it performs within it's own system. So rather than starting a new thread, I thought I'd expand my question here. I know four new Schneider Kreuznach lenses have been announced, so I guess not so much testing as of yet, but how about the camera?
Hasselblad has Truefocus, S2 and its crosshair AF and SLR handling, but how is the PhaseOne today and more specifically the 645DF, and are you IQ back photogs simply skipping up on this because of how good the backs are and how you simple want to or prefer to use them on ALPAs and CAMBOs (Okay, ARCA SWISS...okok, I don't want a long list now).
I just want a clear idea where we are today, because I find myself heavily going siding for the S2 or H4D. Although clearly (my 'feelings' only) the IQ backs (Again I'm thinking back only) is equally as strong if not better for image resolution as far as choice and dynamic range and very importantly it has the best LCD screen! The only reason I am not siding with PhaseOne although I can point out its strengths, because I feel the 645DF/AF is dated and as a whole doesn't live up to its IQ backs or S2 or H4D in handling. Am I wrong and how far off am I?
Sorry to make you guys sound like broken records, a lot of older comments are simply that, and I know you guys have grown with systems through usage and the manufacturers are making updates, both firmware and hardware!
Thanks
Po
I've been scouting back and forth, reading a lot of the thread and postings about these different MF systems, and eventually when I am ready, I will pony up for one and before that I hope to test some. However, I still trying to get as much info from you seasoned pros as possible!
To me, so far, the S2 and H4d are complete (closed) systems, with the S2 being somewhat behind (limited choice of lenses but growing with adapters etc.), simply because it one of the newest additions in MF cameras. This isn't to say the IQ or PhaseOne isn't a complete system, but whenever I hear someone mention an IQ back, that's exactly what I think of, and also feel it's one of the advantages as well. Now, that is because I hear a lot of people using it with their techcams for Landscape or architectural photography.
For myself, I'm first considering going into MF with closed system, although it may not be completely accurate, but will help this discussion and eventually focus my question at the end. I think in GetDPI, we've already established that different people like different brands and use different systems because of their shooting preferences etc. However, I am hearing less and less about PhaseOne with their 645DF/AF camera and how well it performs within it's own system. So rather than starting a new thread, I thought I'd expand my question here. I know four new Schneider Kreuznach lenses have been announced, so I guess not so much testing as of yet, but how about the camera?
Hasselblad has Truefocus, S2 and its crosshair AF and SLR handling, but how is the PhaseOne today and more specifically the 645DF, and are you IQ back photogs simply skipping up on this because of how good the backs are and how you simple want to or prefer to use them on ALPAs and CAMBOs (Okay, ARCA SWISS...okok, I don't want a long list now).
I just want a clear idea where we are today, because I find myself heavily going siding for the S2 or H4D. Although clearly (my 'feelings' only) the IQ backs (Again I'm thinking back only) is equally as strong if not better for image resolution as far as choice and dynamic range and very importantly it has the best LCD screen! The only reason I am not siding with PhaseOne although I can point out its strengths, because I feel the 645DF/AF is dated and as a whole doesn't live up to its IQ backs or S2 or H4D in handling. Am I wrong and how far off am I?
Sorry to make you guys sound like broken records, a lot of older comments are simply that, and I know you guys have grown with systems through usage and the manufacturers are making updates, both firmware and hardware!
Thanks
Po