Lecia S2... Real world experiences

[Roger Hicks]

Well, if it is for fun, then go ahead - after carefully deliberating whether a S2 indeed is more fun than a M9 or some other digital medium format system. Just be aware that digital cameras are no long term investments. In ten years you may be able to sell the lenses without a significant loss (if - and only if - the S2 mount survives and grows some popularity), but the body will be a near total write-off.

But "I need it for business" will not even work as a excuse for yourself, unless you can work it more profitably than something else in the near future. And even if there is something to be said for bling in wedding cameras (to some degree the poser factor does pay off), I consider it very unlikely that the added bling of a S2 over a M9 or Pentax will gain enough extra income to cover its extra cost.

Besides, the common pedestrian has definitions of bling that don't match those common among photographers - non photographic paraphernalia are held in higher regard than cameras, and he does only know three grades of "big black camera" - old looking, new looking and "advertised in every rag and on TV by Nikon or Canon". Showing up in a tailor made suit and class car with a Nikon D300 will get you far more jobs than visiting in jeans and a beat-up VW with a S2 in hand...

You mean it'll suddenly stop working, irreparably?

"Income" ain't just financial. You can take it in time, pleasure in what you're doing... If money is all that matters to you in a business, it must be a pretty miserable business, and probably not all that profitable either -- unless you're a money-crazed miser.

How did 'bling' get into it? A good tool, well made, that you enjoy using? Since when has that been 'bling'?

Cheers,

R.

 

[Jamie123]

It did sound at first like you were thinking about an S2 as a business decision as you said you'd only use it for paying clients. If it's just as a hobby (and if you're spending more than you're making it does seem a lot like a hobby) and you can comfortably afford it then sure, why not.
In any case it's probably a good idea to properly test all the available systems in person prior to making a decision. Any MF camera dealer will demo the camera for you. Remember, you're potentially buying a camera at the price of a small car so a test drive is nothing out of the ordinary. Also, if you buy a Hasselblad, look at trade-in prices.
You can buy an old 16mp hasselblad/imacon back for less than $5k and trade it in for a $15k saving on a new camera.

From what I heard about the S2 the lenses are very good but they're not characteristic of other Leica lenses(Whatever that is. I've never used a Leica lens.). If you like Leica M lenses you should buy a digital Leica M. Pretty simple. If all you want is to use German made lenses you might aswell just buy a Hasselblad and use some V system Zeiss lenses. Frankly, I think all this fuss about lens heritages is overrated. As far as I'm concerned, if it's transparent it's good enough!

 

[nikku]

Forgive my ignorance, but here's an honest question: what does the S2 have that the M9 does not? You already have M glass, why not get an M9 and continue using the lenses that you already have and are familiar with?

 

[Roger Hicks]

Forgive my ignorance, but here's an honest question: what does the S2 have that the M9 does not? You already have M glass, why not get an M9 and continue using the lenses that you already have and are familiar with?

Twice as many megapixels on a bigger sensor...

Cheers,

R.

 

[Matus]

So far we have heard very little "real world experiences"...

It would actually be cool to hear from somebody who uses the camera professionally - what was the reason to choose it over others and how does it work in "real life", not in comparison tests.

@ Peter: let's be honest - you do hope that this camera will push you further in your photography and maybe get's you to some exclusive places 😉

 

[kevin m]

Wonderful ergonomics (wipes the floor with the Pentax, which I've handled under the same circmstances)

"Wipes the floor" seems a bit subjective, especially since the 645n, upon which the 645d is based, is widely considered an ergonomic gem.

 

[Keith]

I'm with the group that says ... "why not the M9?"

For the type of work the OP describes surely the M9 would have to be the bee's knees with 50mm and 35mm Summiluxes.

And you still get to spend a boat load of money! 😀

 

[berlincontemporary]

The Money? That's not an issue for me. I'm not rich but I've done well and I'm careful with my money.
For instance I buy second hand cars and fix them myself. My current "daily" is a 16 year old VW Golf which I've owned for 7 years.
My house is paid for and I get paid well in my daily job.

Also, I'm single so I don't have to clear it with anyone before I go out and buy something expensive. 😀

And I always wondered who the typical S2 buyer is. Thanks.

 

[Soothsayerman]

The pleasure of doing something sometimes has no accounting in my opinion, so if you truly would enjoy it that much better using an S2 versus something else much cheaper that could produce nealy identical output, then that is all that matters. Life is short, go forth and enjoy, and I am sure you could rent one or have a personal demo at a reputable shop.

If you enjoy the look and feel of the the M's, then you might get an M9 and try that for a while. The S2 is a large, heavy beast at 3.1 lbs and certainly a different animal altogether.

 

[Frank Petronio]

Of course to be a truly responsible professional, you need to have a back-up system and redundancies.

My friend, who depends on medium format digital for his food photography clients, has two matched systems, including laptops and lighting gear. It allows him to run two sets at the same time, or, if God forbid something breaks, still complete the job by working longer.

So even if you back up your S2 with a Nikon, it is good to have a plan in place.

Also don't forget insurance for theft, accidents, and liability.

 

[bwcolor]

Also don't forget insurance for theft, accidents, and liability.

Words of wisdom... those old VWs are an easy breakin.

I'm beginning to wonder about this whole thread.

If I were driving an old car, single and contemplating spending a fortune on something based on emotion and not rational thinking.... I would appreciate a few slaps to my face and a bucket of cold water on my head. I'm hoping that this is what this post is about. So, here is a bucket of cold water. I hope that it brings you to your senses and if not, I hope that the camera system meets the fantasy, because the heavy depreciation starts the moment that you purchase the camera.

 

[wlewisiii]

I was dropping a small money order in the mail the other day. I'm getting myself an old F2 Photomic because I've always wanted to try Nikons even though I've always been a Canonista. Still, I saw a good deal and decided to grab it. While standing there in line, I noticed a guy movining around, obviously working the situation, framing shots in his mind. One Canon digital with a L zoom in hand and another with a 35 L prime over his shoulder. I made small talk, commenting about my cameras, and as I walked away made the comment "but then, I don't have to make a living with them."

From his postings, the OP is not going to make his living with this camera. He may do a job with it, but that's a separate issue. It's not his food. It's not his housing.

Dude, if you want it and can afford it, who are we to nay say you? If I had that kind of money to blow, I'd pick something different but that's beside the point. You want a Leica S2 system where I would get a Nikon S3 system if I could. That I can understand & more power to you since you can do it.

Good light, sir, and share the images once you do get it.

 

[f16sunshine]

Since you are looking for real world opinions here is mine. In the real world new event photographers need food, gas, mortgage. New event photographers have clients that can afford little in the way of extras for photography. This is my real world experience in the last few years getting started as you are. Get a pair of 5Dii's, D700,orD3's and blow there minds with your work. So very few clients give a **** what you are shooting. Fewer still will be printing large in this era of Flikr, facebook, and the like. Watch your bottom line bounce not the red dot. Best of luck in your new vocation!!

 

[richfx]

Another good perspective from Mark Dubovoy on Luminous Landscape:

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/essays/thoughts_on_medium_format_cameras.shtml

Rich

 

[bobbyrab]

Sorry to be negative about the image you've posted, but in light of what you think this camera will do for you, getting flattering images of the bride will be far more conducive to getting bookings, it's quite a nice shot of the kids but no brides going to be happy with giving her a double chin. I'm sure the S2's quality will be stunning, will it secure you more work than using a 5d, d700, or M9, which are all capable of fantastic quality, i think unlikely. If you fancy the camera go for it, but your kidding yourself if you try to justify it as a business decision.