Yes exactly kanuck thank you and ricktoyota for backing up my original statement. A Leica is a very special camera but it's not as forgiving as a DSLR can be and using it for landscapes would probably not be a good idea for some.
Full Frame for Landscapes
(45 posts) (13 voices)-
Posted 3 years ago #
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No, I've never used a rangefinder before because they're freaking expensive. And what sort of mount does the Nikon rangefinders have? Definitely not a F mount right?
And Alphanikonrex, I believe that would 14mm. I'm obviously no expert on lenses, but that's as wide as I've seen.
Posted 3 years ago # -
14mm on 4x5! That must be insane wide! Or is that on FX?
Posted 3 years ago # -
I have to disagree that Leica is not a good option, as it just makes You go back into the film times (at least partly). Ok You don't see exactly the same as You see in Your lens (as there is a little shift in framing) but that's part of the magic, and when you have a lot of time - and I assume that when You do landscapes You do have a lot of time than previewing Your image on the back screen once You take it shouldn't be a big problem. OTOH the additional pounds can be when going to remote directions. However, if You don't need to carry Your stuff for a longer period of time go for d700 or d3x as it's a better option.
Posted 3 years ago # -
The D700 is a very fine camera, but is really not a landscape camera (12MP is simply not enough information), if you are looking for superior quality large prints. If price is an issue, a D700 with a prime Nikkor and 6+ images stitched will give you near large format quality. But this plan requires the correct subject matter, patience and some experimentation.
If you really want a landscape camera and do not want to go large format, then buy a Mamiya 7ii with a 65mm lens, a carbon fiber tripod, an Epson v750 scanner and a BetterScanning mounting station. This package is $2000 cheaper than the M9, without a lens, and will give you unbelievable results. The Mamiya 7ii only weighs about 12oz more than the M9 body so it's a perfect backpacking camera.
my2cents
Posted 3 years ago # -
I like your suggestion iamnomad. The Mamiya 7ii is a nice camera for the price. However it's still a rangefinder and trial and error will cost you! I think Ted2001 might already have a medium format film camera but maybe I'm remembering it wrong?
Posted 3 years ago # -
True, the Mamiya 7ii still has the rangefinder issues (good point NikoDoby), though it really doesn't take too long to know what it sees and the results are simply stunning.
That being said, if you need to know exactly what you're going to get on the film, and are not willing to crop, then you must shoot sheet film or with a TTL camera.
Even the D700 doesn't give you exactly what you see in the viewfinder.
It's all a set of compromises. Weight, sensor size, sheet film, tripods, ground glass, rangefinder, price, etc. So many options for us photo geeks.I believe one of the most important and least discussed considerations is the final output. The needs and requirements of a photographer who wants to make mural prints is very different from one who wants to make 8x10 prints, and different again to one who is satisfied posting images online.
Sometimes it's best to work backwards in your workflow; it will automatically eliminate many options and save you time and energy.Posted 3 years ago # -
Good points iamnomad. I love using rangefinders, it's just not the right camera for every job. Neither is a DSLR for that matter, but like you said there's plenty out there to choose from. Besides ted2001 did said his $$$ isn't a consideration so...
Posted 3 years ago # -
It's very true the Leica's costs more. But, I plan to get the M-9 with 28 and 90 for travel (sometimes business related, so big camera's are a problem). So, build out the Leica system for landscape use by adding the wide angles or get a D700, etc, etc. The cost at that point is about the same. From an investment standpoint the Leica lenses might hold their value better, but both systems are dreams come true (for me too). I also have Nikon's macros (60,105,200) and a bunch of AIS primes I can use on the D700.
I've used film, medium format (500C Hasselblad - most hated camera I ever used) and am very contented with the image quality provided by my D90. so much for my standards! (or reproduction requirements)
The remaining and biggest question in my mind - the high contrast and unbelievable clarity of rangefinder glass vs Nikon's best. Leica 21 and 28, Zeiss 15 - Nikon 14-24. I've used Zeiss lenses on a Contax rangefinder and found them superior (years ago), now who's best?
I don't feel the exposure issues re Leica are material for me since I tend to bracket heavily (free with digital - I just buy big cards), although the polarizing filter issues really are. Clearly size and weight when hiking many hours a day (my habit) are an issue, but I'm also willing to carry a tripod most of the time(more weight and unpleasant bulk), so carrying the D700 et al would not be a deal killer.
Posted 3 years ago # -
Thanks to all for your enthusiastic interest.
Posted 3 years ago # -
So is this big Leica purchase going to be written off as a business expense? Or did you come across Aunt Mary's inheritance $$$?
Posted 3 years ago # -
Get this would properly be the best possible landscape camera money could buy
http://www.betterlight.com/field_photography.html
A Betterlight Digital scanner 4 by 5 field camera back, makes an app 250MB picture file size
Pete
Posted 3 years ago # -
Yup large format is the way to go for true landscape work.
Posted 3 years ago # -
On the Betterlight you don't look at 100% crop but more like 1000% crop and you would properly only take a few picture on given trip. It takes minutes not seconds to take a picture and get on your laptop. And they cost app $10,000 incl camera plus a smaller highend laptop, also a very solid tripod is needed.
Pete
Posted 3 years ago # -
In that case Pete I'll take two please :^)
Posted 3 years ago # -
Gee Niko, I though you wanted a Leica S2 with lenses and accessories... Plus two Betterlights... Wow, and I thought I was greedy and excessive! Just a simple set of M Leicas. No, not Aunt Mary, something better, although I've had to earn it. No, not a business expense either - I don't mess with our revenue agents - too much trouble.
Posted 3 years ago # -
Major drug deal then :^)
Posted 3 years ago # -
There is now a better alternative for landscape work? It's the Leaf Aptus 22mp digital back!
http://photorumors.com/2009/10/15/leaf-entry-level-aptus-digital-back-now-official/
Posted 3 years ago # -
No drug deal Niko, just helped out a friend on a large business deal. I've been reading the M-9 reviews and think Leica needs at least an M-9.2 or M-10 to achieve the image quality I can get with a D700 now, unless I want to shoot ISO 400 or less. The other solutions aren't solutions, since D700 size with Nikon's lenses is my upper limit. Maybe if it were a drug deal, I would have enough money to hire nubile young assistants to both model and carry my photographic equipment, but, also no.
Posted 3 years ago # -
NikoDoby this Leaf Digital Back properly would be an interesting alternative to a Nikon D3X if you shot mostly portrait and landscape. However Mamiya lenses are rare and expensive, but I would think that the DR of the Leaf should be better than the D3X, other than that the Leaf/Mamiya W/digital back would be slower and not as easy to operate together with a Nikon system
What we need is a Nikon MX system, but then again that is properly not a very profitable market to get into
Pete
Posted 3 years ago #
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