The D80, the M8 and MJ’s DMD
September 13th, 2006
If you follow Leica stuff at all, you know by now that Leica’s first digital RF, the M8, is now real as in you can look at pictures and video of it on the internet. I’d love an M8, two actually. While the price tag ($5000) is pretty reasonable compared to other pro digicams, it’s way out of my league given other goals I have at the moment - like getting into and paying for Salt next spring.
So what’s the point of this unique wedding of old fashioned RF technology and brand spanking new digital hotness? Having used the D80 for a couple of days now, I think I can enumerate a few points where an RF is still superior:
So what’s the point of this unique wedding of old fashioned RF technology and brand spanking new digital hotness? Having used the D80 for a couple of days now, I think I can enumerate a few points where an RF is still superior:
- Size: while the D80 is pretty small for a DSLR, it’s nothing like an RF body. When you get to lenses it’s game over. The RF allows for considerably smaller lenses.
- Speed of operation: I’ve now used DSLR’s from all the major manufacturers, so I think I can make a pretty broad statement here. In comparison to an all manual camera, DSLR ergonomics suck. Aperture rings on the lens, shutterspeeds on a thumb actuated dial ala Hexar RF, and a highly refined manual focussing system whoop the pants off Multi-badass 10000 AF modules, command and sub-command dials, reprogrammable buttons etc etc etc.
- Lenses: you can do cool things when you don’t have a design around a big flapping mirror.
- No VF blackout: being able to see your subject at the actual moment of exposure gives the RF user a better sense of timing and the ability to handhold at slower shutter speeds.
I’d also take one of Michael Johnson’s DMDs. Think Hexar AF with a digital sensor, built in A&S and a few other goodies. Heck, I’d even pay $1000 for one. I will not however, pay any amount for a Richoh GRD, no matter how many posts Mitch makes about it on photo.net. Mitch seems like a pretty decent guy, and the GRD a pretty decent camera, but 28mm lenses just don’t float my boat, and I know that I require something a little faster to keep my frustration level at the right level for photographic production.
September 13th, 2006
5. Being able to see the subject, full stop. I hate teeny weeny SLR viewfinders.
Er, you wouldn’t want to buy my never used 28mm M fit lens now would you? Thought not.
September 13th, 2006
Think I’ll pass. The bigger question is do you want to buy my Hexanon 28? Barely used. Guess not.
September 14th, 2006
Ricoh GR-D has a great lens…best small lens I have seen on a little digital camera mated to a poor sensor…high ISO is a joke. Not like real grain just noisy. I shoot RAW exclusively and 13 seconds to write to card is like trying to carry on a conversation with a person suffering from severe dementia….
The best software for the D80 conversions in my opinion is Capture One…LE or pro…they have a new BW profile that is very good. Try out the trial version….very good conversions.
ON Photo.net you mentioned Duotone colors in a question about BW scanning workflow…try Pantone 423C … recommended by Stephen Johnson and very nice….
Bob
September 15th, 2006
Bob, sorry for the long delay on comment moderation.
From what I’ve seen, the lens on the GR-D is pretty impressive, but I can’t come to grips with 28mm even in a squashed aspect ratio. Even with it’s slow write times, the GR-D would be tempting with the equivalent of a 35 F2. Something more like the digital Hexar AF that so many people seem to want.
I’ll try out Capture One, and thanks for the pantone number.
September 15th, 2006
Matt,
Pantone scale 404 - 410 C is close to that used by Rich Silvfer in his recent portraits on photo.net
I agree with the 35 2 Hexars image so well.
The 45 2.8 P from Nikon is a tessar and has a
wonderful look to it…a little long on the D80 but
as a pancake lens easy to travel with.
Bob