Messages

1

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Frankenstein'd EOS 5D Mark II takes Leica M Lenses

« on: October 08, 2012, 07:45:46 AM »

I own both the 5DII and the M9. I don't own the Nocti, but I have used it plenty of times.
One thing I can tell you is that at low ISO (400 and under), the CCD of the M9 destroys the 5DII (and even my 1DX) - You heard it.
Yes, everyone likes to dog on Leica shooters, but it's a great tool that when coupled with Leica glass is an absolute beast.

FYI the Nocti actually costs closer to 11K new

The difficulty with taking these claims seriously is that there are little to no comparison photos. Leica images are often described using airy fairy pixie dust descriptions.

I'm not a Leica user so what I'm about to say is a result of my generalistic interpretation of Leica vs Canon from an engineer's point of view.

Mechanically, Leica's are probably works of precision engineering. I believe that optically they can be very good but in any event I highly doubt that 'Leica' electronics can compete with Canon's.

The M9 sensor is manufactured by Kodak and not too impressive if you look here:

http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Publications/DxOMark-Reviews/DxOMark-review-for-the-Leica-M9

Leica is a niche product, and they have a lot of elitist followers to the brand name. In that sense the true technical ability is secondary to the product image. Such is the world of marketing.

Listen, I have no agenda with the Leica. I love my canon gear.
As I said, the M-9 is pretty terrible at higher ISO, but at lower ISO with no AA filter coupled with Leica glass, it does give superior (and yes, unique) images compared to my 5D2 and 1DX.
And seriously, stop reading DXO mark. Waste of time.

2

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Frankenstein'd EOS 5D Mark II takes Leica M Lenses

« on: October 07, 2012, 03:03:52 PM »

I own both the 5DII and the M9. I don't own the Nocti, but I have used it plenty of times.
One thing I can tell you is that at low ISO (400 and under), the CCD of the M9 destroys the 5DII (and even my 1DX) - You heard it.
Yes, everyone likes to dog on Leica shooters, but it's a great tool that when coupled with Leica glass is an absolute beast.

FYI the Nocti actually costs closer to 11K new

3

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Sensor Cleaning experience on 1D X - Sharing results

« on: September 02, 2012, 09:03:29 PM »

I use an Arctic Butterfly 724 Super Bright, and that took care of the 1D X sensor dust that came free of charge from Canon.

This. AB 724 1.0 cleaned my sensor a treat. No wet clean needed.

4

EOS Bodies / Re: 1dx firmware released

« on: August 27, 2012, 10:45:37 PM »

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/News/News-Post.aspx?News=2930

Awesome. Thanks!

5

Landscape / Re: Post your best pictures of fireworks

« on: August 25, 2012, 09:02:44 PM »

Little experimental oldie

6

Landscape / Re: ND Filters - Solid or Graduated

« on: August 25, 2012, 08:56:52 PM »

The Soft and Hard Grad ND filters are a must. Their "Big Stopper" ND is also a lot of fun. Also the 105mm Polarizer and Adaptor are essential too.
They are tricky to find and sell out fast. You can pay a premium and get them off of eBay.

7

Software & Accessories / Re: Aperture and noise reduction options ?

« on: August 24, 2012, 08:47:34 AM »

@neuro. Any chance there has been an update to include the 1DX? I definitely want to give this software a try.

Thanks

I'm actually thinking of running everything that requires NR through lightroom, then going into Aperture for lib management and further manipulations.

I generally do my RAW conversions in DxO Optics Pro (which handles NR and lens corrections very well), and use Aperture for library management.

8

Canon General / Re: Adorama issues anyone? Ever try to return a product?

« on: August 21, 2012, 01:21:43 PM »

There are some good sales people there and some absolutely terrible ones.
I recently purchased a TS-24mm and the girl at the check out was so rude and obnoxious.
I also purchased a 600EX-RT and specifically asked the sales guy to make sure it wasn't a demo copy, return or anything like that. Box comes up, flap is torn with no instruction manual. Needless to say I asked for another copy.
With regards to the used departments, both Adorama and BandH are pretty annoying to deal with. Better just to sell your gear privately on eBay/Forums.

Helen, however is top notch and has always been very helpful with any queries I have had.

9

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 1DX err80

« on: August 09, 2012, 09:59:48 PM »

It's confirmed it's a firmware issue, update coming soon. Not clear on the details yet, but I heard it doesn't have to do with personal settings, so no point right now in going crazy comparing settings. Will find out more tomorrow.

Great news. Thanks Rukes.

10

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 1DX err80

« on: August 09, 2012, 03:05:54 PM »

Everything was going fine (no err) since clearing out the settings. Decided to link spot metering to AF point again and BOOM - err80
Seems to only lock up in super low light when a clear point of focus cannot be determined.
Can all you 1DXer's try enabling spot metering linked to AF and try autofocusing with the lens cap on. I'm almost positive there is a bug with that setting, perhaps coupled with a particular AF setting.

11

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 1DX err80

« on: August 07, 2012, 08:32:49 AM »

Maybe we should do a Poll. Granted it's a small sample on here, but it would be interesting to find out how many 1DX shooters have been getting err80's.

12

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 1DX err80

« on: August 07, 2012, 08:29:38 AM »

ok....so i sent it back....after 2 days, they called and asked in what circumstances the err 80 came up, and they told me they had no idea what was wrong with it. they can see that i've experienced the err 80, but they can't replicate it.

so they told me to take it back and wait for a new firmware.

A member on the CDP Forums was told it was a PCB issue and had said board replaced by the Canon service center in Hollywood CA.
When his 1DX was returned to him the err80's came back after a few days.
I had a lot of err80's yesterday, trying to auto focus in low light. I cleared all custom settings and it's been fine ever since (Not ideal as I customize for a reason).
IMO it's just buggy firmware. I can't imagine Canon don't know about this issue. I know three other 1DX shooters (In NY) that have had err80's. Some had them more frequently than others and funny enough, the ones with greater customization had more err80's. Go figure.

13

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 1DX err80

« on: August 06, 2012, 09:14:17 AM »

I just got err80 on my 1DX. Was shooting with the 35L.
My guess is that it's a firmware fix. I'm not going to exchange it until I know it's not that and the problem has been identified.

EDIT: A simple power on/off got rid of the err.
It's happened twice now. Both times when I power the camera on and focus with the lens cap on (Force of habit at placing my finger on the SR button).