I am new to MF digital but not to MF. I started with 35mm and have used 645, 6x7, 617, and 4x5. I then went to digital with a Canon 1DsII system. I loved that system but was never happy with the size of the files versus MF or LF film. I finally took the plunge and have had my P45 refurb on an AFDII body now for a few weeks (Thanks Chris). I looked at all the MFD systems out there and settled on the Phamiya for many reasons. It was close between Phase One and Hassy. None of the others were in the running. I was impressed with the Hassy body but have always thought the lenses and accessories were very overpriced versus Pentax, Mamiya and Contax (yes I have owned all four systems). All have some stellar lenses and some dogs.
I have been testing my kit in the field in preparation for a trip to Big Sur in a couple weeks. I own the 35mm, 55-110, 105-210 and the 300MF ULD. I have been very pleased with the lenses and particularly the 35mm after using lens corrections in C1. The images from the P45 are wonderful and I provide excellent tonality and detail compared to my 1DsII. Overall I am very satisfied with all the equipment except the body.
I shoot almost everything (landscapes and macros) using manual focus and mirror lockup. I always shoot bracketed images for blending or even HDR. In the past I did this using auto bracketing 2 over/under on my Canon with mirror lockup enabled and using a remote release. Sometimes I shot 7 auto-bracketed shots depending in light and intended processing. My AFDII ( and to my understanding the AFDIII/Phase One) only allow you to auto-bracket +1/-1 with a max of 3 shots! That may have made sense with the limited dynamic range of velvia but not for digital files. The mirror lockup only works one shot at a time and must be reset before each auto bracketed shot by pressing the mirror up button ( I know the AFDIII does it by pressing the shutter button). In quickly changing light this adds time to get the shots and you have to touch the camera multiple times. In the past I often used a beanbag on the camera to minimize vibration. Since the auto-bracket only works =1 or -1 I have to use the exposure comp dial. While this works well most of the time I have had test shots where my touching the camera between shots resulted in minute movement of the body between images which made it difficult to blend later. I can't use the beanbag since I have to access the topside controls between each shot
Just venting here so take this all with a grain of salt. However, I will not be buying the next version of the Phamiya without these features. They should be simple as they are all software based functions. I know these complaints seem like whining but I had really come to rely on these features to operate quickly in the field and have lost a couple shots for later blending due to movement. They seem like minor deficiencies but have made a big impact on my technique in the field and seem like basic functions for an automated digital camera. And please, no suggestions for a technical camera. I have tried them and do not like them for my shooting style. Thanks for listening everyone...That includes you too Phase One/Mamiya
I have been testing my kit in the field in preparation for a trip to Big Sur in a couple weeks. I own the 35mm, 55-110, 105-210 and the 300MF ULD. I have been very pleased with the lenses and particularly the 35mm after using lens corrections in C1. The images from the P45 are wonderful and I provide excellent tonality and detail compared to my 1DsII. Overall I am very satisfied with all the equipment except the body.
I shoot almost everything (landscapes and macros) using manual focus and mirror lockup. I always shoot bracketed images for blending or even HDR. In the past I did this using auto bracketing 2 over/under on my Canon with mirror lockup enabled and using a remote release. Sometimes I shot 7 auto-bracketed shots depending in light and intended processing. My AFDII ( and to my understanding the AFDIII/Phase One) only allow you to auto-bracket +1/-1 with a max of 3 shots! That may have made sense with the limited dynamic range of velvia but not for digital files. The mirror lockup only works one shot at a time and must be reset before each auto bracketed shot by pressing the mirror up button ( I know the AFDIII does it by pressing the shutter button). In quickly changing light this adds time to get the shots and you have to touch the camera multiple times. In the past I often used a beanbag on the camera to minimize vibration. Since the auto-bracket only works =1 or -1 I have to use the exposure comp dial. While this works well most of the time I have had test shots where my touching the camera between shots resulted in minute movement of the body between images which made it difficult to blend later. I can't use the beanbag since I have to access the topside controls between each shot
Just venting here so take this all with a grain of salt. However, I will not be buying the next version of the Phamiya without these features. They should be simple as they are all software based functions. I know these complaints seem like whining but I had really come to rely on these features to operate quickly in the field and have lost a couple shots for later blending due to movement. They seem like minor deficiencies but have made a big impact on my technique in the field and seem like basic functions for an automated digital camera. And please, no suggestions for a technical camera. I have tried them and do not like them for my shooting style. Thanks for listening everyone...That includes you too Phase One/Mamiya
