This £2K Medium Format Leica is a Bargain...With One Major Issue

[nerwin]

Kai, I think you should do a series on older digital cameras. That might be fun!

[valala]

Why go to bed when you can watch a video about a camera you will never own

[jacobh]

I myself am quite hooked-up to my H6D, but the S 007 is very popular amongst my fellow fashion photographers. It’s not fast, but the images are gorgeous and the camera handles great. The best feature of the S system is the lenses. These are amongst the best ever made. Combined with a 007 or an S3 textures and tonality of both fabrics and skin are fantastic. The camera itself is build like a tank. The 007 has a CMOS sensor and no corrosion issues. Whenever buying a 006 check if it has had a factory CLA. In that case the sensor was checked and replaced if needed. Two years ago, one of my colleagues was still able to have the 006 sensor replaced at the factory in Wetzlar. I don’t know whether that’s still a possibility.

[gabrielchen]

Why is there only a grand total of 2 sample images in this video? XD

[marcusruiz]

Not a bad find I picked up a Hasselblad H4d, 40mp back, 32CF card and 80 2.8 lens for under $3000. It's the best camera I have ever held and the image was very lovely. Old tech is still great if you know how to work with the limitations.

[tjkrueger]

I mean... you also could find a newer-used Fuji GFX medium format camera, with more resolution, a non-corroding sensor, faster burst, more modern features, and cheaper but still brilliant glass for around that price too? Seems like a much smarter use of money if you're wanting to get into MF

[SteveAshdown]

I had one of these for commercial work until a couple of years ago when I moved to the X1D. It’s the nicest camera to use I have known. I wanted an S 007 but they are known to break the AF on older lenses which can then take weeks to get fixed.

[BrianMAckermn]

Picked one up a year ago. The Black and White conversions out of this 006 rival my Original Momochrom M9! Stunning and little post processing for color shots. Just make sure you have enough light and this camera won’t disappoint. Love the CCD color.

[omarhani]

It's great that you met up with Lok!
He looks okay dapper in his new shop

[TheGroovyGuitarDude]

Wow, such an interesting find! I would absolutely have no reason to buy one of these, but renting or trying out a $2000 Leica medium format camera would be impossible to pass up!

[Anymouse]

It looks like one of those fake "DSLR"s off Aliexpress that basically have a webcam internals.

[BenjaminSandness]

I considered this camera (and the 007) for a while, to be paired with the 75mm lens, but that is hard to choose with the Z7/II in the same price and ahead in performance in almost every way.

[mattdebyl]

The sensors do corrode at least as much as the M9. Probably as fixable by third parties (permanently) as the M9, but less demand. The M9 sensor is regarded as an entire reason to shoot that camera. This one is better. The AF is usable, but is more intended for studio work. It is VERY accurate though, which I can’t say for most PDAF systems. It’s build is fantastic. Lack of buttons is hardly a problem as it also has no features. People don’t complain about a lack of buttons on an M. As the M is the nicest range finder (and certainly digital one) this is probably the nicest SLR ever made. The thing to do with these IMO - Get the split prism focussing screen (which is amazing BTW) and adapt really nice MF glass to it. These had a short flange distance (relatively speaking) and take most MF glass. They have the BEST optical viewfinder you will find in a DSLR period. They have an amazing build. Lovely images. Super simple controls. Oh and there was AF adapters for Hasselblad H and Contax 645 MF systems that appear to work seamlessly. These are still an amazing camera.

For those saying buy a GFX: The early GFXs are kind of janky. They might have better high ISO performance and DR, but they are not nicer cameras in any way. They will never go down in history as being particularly special or loved. Their EVFs are awful. Their AF is pretty average to terrible. MF is pretty woeful with bad, low res sensor read out.

[Zebrajellyfishphoto]

Hey Kai, what are the gloves you're wearing? Are they easy to use in super cold weather?

[sandb]

I'd be tempted to open the camera up, remove the IR cut filter and turn the camera into full spectrum, which could be useful for MF infrared photography, astrophotography (with the right scope) and maybe even UV photography if you can source a large narrow band filter and the right lens.

[hahaiseewhatyouredoing]

Compared to this, i think secondhand GFX 50 or 50R might be a better value, albeit probably sans lens or mostly high SC already if those sold around that price tag.

[Levon_Ziroyan]

Love my S2 (CCD) - amazing camera with pleasant colors

[NickGuttridge]

The weird thing about this camera is that it has slightly more resolution than the 007 (next version). There are some benefits believe it or not. I know from using the 007 system. Excellent battery life. Especially if you use the grip. The two batteries will literally last all day shooting over 2000 frames. I shoot dance in the studio and this camera will keep up, it doesn't overheat. I only focus once manually. From then on I use a sync cable and keep it on a tripod. The camera has a lock function on it and I don't even touch it for most of the shoot. I have tried the Fuji GFX with Hasselblad glass for high sync speed. That system is nice, but overheats. The Leica is more robust. If you have the CS lenses you can sync at 1/1000th of a second. It is actually an amazing system. Suits old school photographers. Quite possible to buy CS lenses for around 2k each second hand which is less than GFX lenses. They are better made and have a nicer feel to the image. I bought the 007 for half price new and four lenses for less than £ 15k all in. It's making money for me. I prefer it to Fuji, Hasselblad or PhaseOne.

[-.]

But you also need a 4000£ lens I guess?

[fellowcitizen]

The grey finish is gorgeous. Let's see a Leica TL3 like that.