Damien Demolder
Tharg the Mighty
Reged: 22/08/2001
Posts: 1021
Loc: Essex born and badly-bred
|
|
Who remembers medium format cameras? Who still uses one? Great aren't they? But how would you fancy a digital one?
There are some pretty keen photographers who won't know what medium format is, as it is so long since a new film model was released, but I've got a feeling it won't be long before we have digital medium format cameras at prices enthusiasts can afford. But would you want one?
Pentax is having a think about whether to go with medium format or a full frame 35mm style body. Let's help them assess the demand - or at least the desire.
Go to the home page to let us know:
Do you want a digital medium format camera?
I'm not asking if you can afford one, but whether you'd like one.
Thanks for taking part.
Damien
--------------------
.
See my photographs at www.wordsonpictures.com
.
|
FujiSigmaNolta
I can pan!
Reged: 21/06/2005
Posts: 1489
|
|
That's a massive yes from me!I still use my Kiev, in fact I have a roll of Velvia to develop which I shot last weekend using my 30mm Arsat. I thought the Leica S2 is pioneering a design that may bring about an affordable Pentax 67 type camera for the 21st century ( if someone else takes inspiration from it), handling of an SLR with the quality of medium format. In fact, if I had the money right now I would be looking at getting an S2 tomorrow. I could see a camera where one could choose the preferred format (6x4.5,6x6,6x7...) and some film simulations too. Exciting stuff!
--------------------
Regards,
Luis
My Flickr mess
|
Fen
BAD WOLF
Reged: 12/03/2002
Posts: 20924
Loc: Currently Unknown!
|
|
Nope... But a Digital X-Pan... YES PLEASE
--------------------
Fen .......... My Galleries - My Blog - My Flickr
|
Hwntws
addict
Reged: 17/04/2006
Posts: 622
Loc: Neath, South Wales
|
|
I voted NO as I love film, I have an RZ pro11. I don't see digital m/f coming anywhere near the quality of m/f film. They have tried to convince us for a few years now that the higher megapixel sensors are equivalent to m/f. No way.
A firmly stuck in the past 
Ray
--------------------
Born in Neath, Live in Neath, I'll die in Neath and then I'll be Under -----
|
Wheelu
member
Reged: 31/10/2007
Posts: 166
Loc: UK, up North
|
|
For a while I lusted after a medium format SLR and I eventually bought a Bronica system when the prices of film cameras crashed.
The reality of using such a camera is that, sure the quality is great, but it is, in comparison to a modern 35mm SLR or DSLR, limited and an ergonomic nightmare to use. While I can take my 35mm camera and a couple of lenses on a bicycle ride, the Bronica system generally requires a specific trip by car. It's a tool intended for a particular set of purposes, ideal for the studio, wedding etc, but not for taking on a hike!
When I do take the trouble to use it I am generally very pleased with the results. I don't regret the purchase, but the reality of ownership does not tally with my original dream.
With regard to a digital medium format camera, presumably there would be similar disadvantages (heavy and bulky, fixed focal length lenses, not as intuitive in use). Further, why would I need 38 MP images, how long would they take to process, how many could I fit onto a DVD? Total overkill for amateur use in my view.
The answer, then, is no.
--------------------
My Flickr Photos
|
Rhys
Sasquatch
Reged: 15/01/2004
Posts: 3199
Loc: York (home of the speedbump)
|
|
YES PLEASE! I'd love a MF digi back. If I had one of them I wouldn't be getting rid of my Blad.. In fact if money were no object I'd have a nice SWC with its Biogon lens without the faff of film (don't ask for much do I  )
--------------------
NRIPN (Officially Nuts..)
RGMP.co.uk (My Website.. well early stages anyway)
Benchinistas.org.uk The home of Benchism
|
GeoffR
Reged: 31/05/2003
Posts: 3834
Loc: Bucks
|
|
No thank you, I don't want one but that doesn't mean they shouldn't exist. For me it would be the wrong camera, I need the convenience of 35mm style and size cameras but not the file size that goes with 35 MPixels. There are those who will be over the moon at the idea of a larger format sensor and the quality it suggests.
I see this a bit like a Ferrari, nice to look at but ultimately not practical for me to use.
|
Terrywoodenpic
A whiff of silicon...
Reged: 21/01/2006
Posts: 367
Loc: Saddleworth UK
|
|
At my stage in life a medium format sensor is over kill.
But the Leica S2 is an exciting concept.
As it is said to be smaller than current large professional FF DSLR's, size will not be a problem.
Present medium format digital cameras are clunky at best, and slow to use, with limited frame rates and writing speeds.
It seems Leica has addressed all these problems... I await with interest the reality .
The professional advertising and fashion market could well be taken by storm... and that is one area where vast files are already well catered for and no problem.
The next advance may well have to wait for a new lossless digital file compression, or finding a way to write a digital image directly and quickly in a more economic way.
--------------------
63 happy photo years from amateur to professional and back to amateur
|
Zou
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 05/02/2007
Posts: 2117
Loc: Edinburgh
|
|
I said yes. A digital Pentax 67 would be very interesting, but I can 'accept' the 645 for now.
--------------------
Zou's Flickr Page
|
TimF
Senior Member
Reged: 30/07/2001
Posts: 16475
Loc: Herts/Beds border
|
|
Quote:
At my stage in life a medium format sensor is over kill.
But the Leica S2 is an exciting concept.
As it is said to be smaller than current large professional FF DSLR's, size will not be a problem.
Present medium format digital cameras are clunky at best, and slow to use, with limited frame rates and writing speeds.
Writing speeds is a good point, but as for frame rates I'm curious as to why a high frame rate would be needed, excepting for the kind of fashion work at which it seems Leica are pointing the forthcoming S2 (and which is currently dominated by high resolution DSLRs like the 1Ds III). So far as I'm aware, no medium format camera, film or digital, has ever had a frame rate above the one-point-something level which the Hasselblad H3D achieves for example.
For what it's worth I voted definitely yes. The current promotion on the H3D-II-31 does give a small window of opportunity until the end of the year, so I will be examining my finances.
From what I've read so far, the Leica S2 will still only have one AF point (which limitation I understand does cause some effing and blinding amongst medium format users of other systems, so not much progress if any there - on paper at least).
--------------------
Tim BSRIPN
You see something happening and you bang away at it. Either you get what you saw or you get something else--and whichever is better you print. - Garry Winogrand
Edited by TimF (28/09/2008 11:48)
|
Still_Togging_Along
member
Reged: 24/09/2008
Posts: 116
|
|
I also voted no, mainly because of it's bulk and weight. I used to own a Mamiya C330 which was a hefty beast to lug around with a couple of lenses. I also think that such a camera would be wasted on me since I am not capable of getting the optimum results from what I currently own!
--------------------
40+ years of togging, but still learning!
|
topoxforddoc
newbie
Reged: 27/07/2007
Posts: 33
|
|
Quote:
I also voted no, mainly because of it's bulk and weight. I used to own a Mamiya C330 which was a hefty beast to lug around with a couple of lenses. I also think that such a camera would be wasted on me since I am not capable of getting the optimum results from what I currently own!
But the forthcoming Leica S2 weighs a lot less than my Leica R9/DMR!
Charlie
|
ChrisBrookes
veteran
Reged: 05/11/2005
Posts: 1587
Loc: Oswestry Shropshire UK
|
|
I would love a digital medium format set up, if someone else is paying for it definitely!! However back on planet earth with the associated extras I will always be wanting!! I will be happy in the real world if I can acquire a 5D mkII next year sometime!!
--------------------
Chris Brookes 
http://flickr.com/photos/chrisbrookes/
|
Benchmark
Is it safe?
Reged: 12/07/2005
Posts: 3024
Loc: Sedgefield, Co Durham
|
|
I agonised for a minute or two before reluctantly voting YES.
I said yes because (hopefully) MF digital would provide ultra high resolution, ultra low noise images. I am guessing here, but I would expect the larger MF lenses to be better than smaller 35 mm type lenses; just so long as the light hits the sensor at 90 degrees.
And in theory, I assume that a 38 MP digital image would be better (more faithful) than film scanned to the same resolution, and would lack grain, scratch marks, drying marks and so forth.
However, I would have doubts about portability, data storage, battery life and so forth, especially as I like to go hill and cliff walking with my medium format gear. Ultimately, I can easily carry several dozen rolls of Velvia and a spare battery, but spare rechargeable batteries, CF Flash Cards, and even CCD sensors are more difficult to carry around. And would I need to take a laptop with me on my walks?
I actually enjoy the process of loading and using film, developing it, seeing it come out of the tank and holding it to the light for the first time. Added to which, I have the choice of using many different types of film, all with their own unique personalities.
Digital has many many practical benefits, and is a no brainer for most professionals, but somehow, it just isn't film is it?
--------------------
Nigel CRIPN and Bar
Beware of the Dark Slide
|
Benchista
Wich Tyler
Reged: 11/08/2000
Posts: 37849
Loc: Everywhere and nowhere, baby
|
|
Do I want one? Of course I do! Do I think there's the remotest possibility of me getting one in the foreseeable future? Not a prayer.
--------------------
Nick
www.nbrphoto.com
Light and Shade II - the new blog
|
numanoid
I'm 'Special'...
Reged: 27/01/2002
Posts: 10346
Loc: Co.Durham
|
|
Oh yes! I'd love a Hasselblad H1!(is there a H2 yet?)
Also lets look further. Lets imagine a 4x5 or even 10x8 field camera with a digital sensor! Be incredibly expensive to produce and there may be cooling issues. I heard a few years ago about Leaf sensors? I'd add my poll but it aint showing for me!
--------------------
An artist must have the freedom to express himself - Edward Weston
~Larry~
BSRIPN
http://www.members.lycos.co.uk/numanoid27/
|
Ephemeral
addict
Reged: 21/07/2007
Posts: 656
Loc: North East England
|
|
would love to get a digital back for my Kiev
but yeah would love to go digital medium format
--------------------
The Ephemeral Moment - www.ephemeral.co.uk
Random Goldfish - www.randomgoldfish.com
|
NorthernNikon
Bulls Hitter
Reged: 16/12/2005
Posts: 6167
Loc: Harrogate, North Yorks
|
|
Quote:
Nope... But a Digital X-Pan... YES PLEASE
Sure you wouldn't be tempted by a digital one of these Fen? ...
--------------------
www.BarneyAllen.com the new home of ComicShots.
|
Fen
BAD WOLF
Reged: 12/03/2002
Posts: 20924
Loc: Currently Unknown!
|
|
Quote:
Quote:
Nope... But a Digital X-Pan... YES PLEASE
Sure you wouldn't be tempted by a digital one of these Fen? ...
A Widepan? Why? They don't do a digital version.
If I wanted a panoramic film camera I'd buy an X-Pan.
--------------------
Fen .......... My Galleries - My Blog - My Flickr
|
NorthernNikon
Bulls Hitter
Reged: 16/12/2005
Posts: 6167
Loc: Harrogate, North Yorks
|
|
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Nope... But a Digital X-Pan... YES PLEASE
Sure you wouldn't be tempted by a digital one of these Fen? ...
A Widepan? Why? They don't do a digital version.
Err, it was a hypothetical question.
--------------------
www.BarneyAllen.com the new home of ComicShots.
|
Previous
Index
Next
Threaded
Edit
Reply
Quote
