lively, 3d-look in Bayer sensors, part. 4/3

[Peter_S]

Hello!

I do not care too much about ISO abilities, pixels and abolute sharpness of cameras. I like liveliness, feeling, 3d-look, and charme.
That is the reason I shot Sigma Foveon and film, both deliver the desired look and work generally just fine.

However, there are times I wish for a fast (shooting times) and flexible digital system with lively photos. I am aware that some fixed zeiss lenses can accomplish 3d-look (or whatever else you want to call it), but I am not a bayer sensor and DSLR-fan.
But I am open for the new stuff. Had anybody luck with normal or micro 4/3 systems (Digilux 3, GH1, GF1, etc) and Zeiss lenses? I know that it works in principle with adapters, but do the results do the potential of the lenses justice? I can live without AF if I can MF with screen or viewfinder.

On the DSLR-side I looked at Sigma DSD14 and Fujifilm S5 (huge dynamic range, I like that). No need to discuss the Sigma, but how about the S5 - any luck making the photos lively with Zeiss lenses on it? I do not want to poor money into a system that I will not use in the end cause Foveon and slide film still look "better" (livlier, that is).

Any practical experiences are welcomed.
Peter

[Brian]

"In My Opinion", The "flat" look from modern DSLR's is from the anti-aliasing (AA) filters that kill the high-frequency range of the image, and not from the Mosaic Filter in use. The images from my older DSLR's without AA filters is much "livelier", or "Crisper", than the modern ones.

Kodak made Nikon and Canon mount DLRS's with removable AA filters. Research the Kodak DCS760. It is a used, 6MPixel camera with Nikon mount. I "seem to remember" that it had a removable AA filter.

[Peter_S]

Brian,

that is a good point, I wondered why Leica M8 photos look better to me than any other bayer-photos. Answer may be: As with the Sigmas - no AA-filter! I will look into the Kodak DCS760 too.

Thanks!
Peter

[digitalintrigue]

I have been very pleased with my CZO Sonnar 50/1.5 on my Panny G1. I've probably shot more on the G1 with that lens than any other.

[JBC]

Another possibility is buy the DSLR body of your choice and have the AA filter removed/replaced. Most of the companies that do IR conversions can also remove/replace the AA filter.

[Peter_S]

Hoi!

Thanks digitalintrigue for the G1 feedback. I am intereted imn the G1, as it may the best m4/3 offer at the moment thanks to the EVF. How hard do you find it to focus accurately with low f-values and shorter distances where accurate focus matters most (particularly compared to a rangefinder)?
What also keeps me from buying a m4/3 is the limited dynamic range compared to film and Foveon, but more and more excellent m4/3 photos appear and I am more and more tempted.

JBC, two days before you posted this I came across a discussion started by a guy who removed the AA filter from a Fujifilm S5. That sure is worthwhile following, others seem to have done that as well.

For now my Sigmas do just fine, but a finer manual focus and more (fixed) focal lengths would be nice at some point.

Happy New 2010, with success, luck and many great photos!
Peter

[philber]

Peter, bodies, sensors and filters are what they are. But, on the lens side, Zeiss attract photographers who want a "you are there" look. You can fit them on a number of bodies. You can even easily buy some used Zeiss glass in Contax/Yashica mount for not much money and mount them with adapters. IQ is outstanding, but you have to accept manual focus and stop-down metering.
Hope this helps
Cheers

[Peter_S]

philber,

thanks. I think I can accept manual focus and stop-down metering if the viewfinder is appropriate.
However, I am starting to wonder if I go down the Zeiss prime lens road if not a G2 would be what I really want. I am currently trying analogue again to see what it costs and who can develop and scan for what price. Well, no need to decide until later this year. Lets see what comes on the market this year, particularly with Sigma and Fujifilm.

Cheers!
Peter

[Brian]

Well, I've spent my first weekend with the M8, and am very impressed. No AA filter, and the images are vibrant. Mine was a little over $2K for a 3month olf camera with under 400 actuations. The seller packaged it like new for me, and included extras such as a Leica M phorography book, soft release, IR cut filters, and a couple more items.

I feel sorry for photographers that are new to digital and taking such big hits on the value of the gear, she included the receipts with the camera.

There are bargains out there- look around. Something special about putting a 75 year old lens on a 21st century camera.

[Peter_S]

Hi Brian,

good to hear feedback from you on the M8. I have narrowed it down to Leica M8, Fujifilm S5 (or Sigma SD15 when out) or Contax G2 (m4/3 just does not convince me, I fear a loss of IQ over my Sigmas).
All quite different cameras, so I will let the main purpose of my next photo trip decide. Might even stick to my TVS III if my last attempt at shooting b/w with it turned out OK..

Thanks,
Cheers,
Peter