Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2013/11/22

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Subject: [Leica] Sometimes it takes a tripod.....
From: red735i at verizon.net (Frank Filippone)
Date: Fri, 22 Nov 2013 09:50:45 -0800

I have been attempting to find if the Fuji Xe-1 is suitable as a digital
backup body for my Leica lenses during trips.  I had reported earlier that
the images seemed both sharp and slightly soft.. something I could not
explain nor really articulate.  This was under LR4.  I installed SilkyPix (
supplied with the camera) and tried that. no real difference.

 

This morning I decided that the only way to test something is to test it
right...

 

So I took out my sharpest lens ( 50 Lux ASPH) and my trusty Leitz Tiltall
tripod to see what the Xe-1 would really do.  My subject is a wooden fence
with several knots and deeply distinct details that would show if this puppy
had any guts.  Distance was about 12 feet, focused with the EVF and x10
multiplier.  My proposed working configuration.

 

Cutting to the chase.. The Fuji did just fine.  Sharp at F/1.4  ditto at F8.

 

Absolutely nothing wrong with the combination, even if not using the best
Leica glass.  It does what it is supposed to do, well.  Focus was incredibly
accurate ( take notice Nocti, 75 Summicron, and 75 Summilux users..)  In
fact, as I entertain the use of very narrow DOF lenses, I way decide that
the Fuji is a perfect complement.

 

Yes, there are some VF delays ( slow response to changing  image area) and
sure, it is not built like a German Tank ( clear reference to the M), but it
cost me 5% of what a M would have.  Not bad for a 90% usability payback.

 

Remember this is a backup for me.. Not my every day shooter.  And I have no
native Fuji X mount lenses.. And do not care to own any.

 

My M6 ( previous backup) will be insulted.  So be it. 

 

Further on the EVF.. I really do like the VF image.  When used with the 10x
magnifier, it is trivial to focus.  Bright and contrasty.  Yes, it is always
in stop down position, with attendant DOF right there for you to see, but
that is part of the ability to understand your DOF as you compose/shoot.to
me, a good thing.

 

Sounds like the Sony A7r is a bust for use with WA Leica lenses. maybe this
will change as more people test and understand and make up correctible
solutions,,,, but as far as I can see, the A7r is about as perfect as it
gets, for right now.. With that exception and the fact that I have only
Nikon and Leica glass to put on it..so it's value  to me is not too high.
YMMV

 

Frank Filippone

Red735i at verizon.net

 



Replies: Reply from philippe.amard at sfr.fr (philippe.amard at sfr.fr) ([Leica] Sometimes it takes a tripod.....)