Stan, thank you for the effort, but what exactly was the idea behind the test?
1. Which camera do you own and which ones did you borrow for what reason initially?
2. What questions did you want to answer with this test?
3. How do you rate the D800 in this context with regard to sharpness, DR, color etc? Do you see any reason for MF in the 40MPX region? Is your conclusion that the D800 beats all cameras above IQ wise? Do you see better IQ from the Leica compared to the other systems?
Your post lacks some info, please explain more what you were trying to do and why and rate the results please! That way your post becomes more valuable!
Paul,
I own the H4D-40 and the D800E - both with an extensive lens line up.
Since there is the H-Adapter, I was thinking about the possibility to upgrade my H4D to a S. For example, when I visited
Westlicht in Vienna some weeks ago , they had four used S2 in stock!
Because I really wanted to check if there is some advantage, I rented the S from my dealer. Main questions:
- usability,
- picture quality
- H-Adapter test
and all these questions could have been answered for me.
BUT as I also did the same test with my Nikon D800E, I saw that the real advantage is very small. I don't say there is NO advantage.
So, because you ask, I try a summary:
1. Handling
Clearly - The S is like glued into your hand. The shutter is exaclty where you think it should be, and with good light (I used a Lupolux DayLED as a working light, to give the AF a little bit).
As I know my Hassy very well, it's hard to say. But after the S, it feels somewhat like the model from last year. Its nothing about quality - it's about sexiness.
2. Quality
The Leica and the H4D are very much on par - both AF are working precisely, giving stunning results.
The H4D's sensor is somewhat less sensitive. In some areas, the light-fallof is faster than with the Leica or the Nikon (e.g. a background: black on the H4D, some details on the Leica, even more details on the Nikon).
3. Lenses
... you know what I'd write here. So I don't need to. It's the money, baby! There's no way, how a 900$ Lens can hold up with one for 5000$.
4. Finally
I don't know "finally". Although I found that there is no reason to change, I may do it anyway - just to get additional options like the Focal Plane shutter or the amazing 35 mm lens:
I just went to a bridge nearby:
I had all three cameras with me. None of the other pictures can compete with this one (but then, I had no shutter release cord and I also struggled somewhat with the darkness (had no torchlight with me...)