What I would really like is for someone to pipe in with experience of Sinar on the Contax system!
David?
This thread has become so convoluted that it is hard to keep the original intent of this "why i shoot Contax" thread. In an effort to put it back on track, I will try to make clear my reasons for shooting Contax....but not exclusively.
First, why I still shoot Contax:
- I need to have an autofocus camera that can shoot faster than 1/500 or 1/800. Only cameras with focal plane shutters can do this. Mamiya, Phase, and Contax are the only choices here.
- I need a camera to accept Hasselblad CFi,CFE, AND FE lenses. Again, Mamiya, Phase, and Contax can all do this.
- I need to have a camera that can accept a waist level finder (for lightweight travel as well as various macro and copy work). This means the Contax becomes the only choice for me.
- I also prefer the compact Sunpak DX-12R TTL ring flash, which works beautifully on the Contax, especially with the 110/2 Planar. I have never been able to confirm whether there is a true TTL adapter that would work on the Mamiya/Phase.
- And, the above system must be travel-friendly. Again, Contax+WLF+55 is the smallest MF kit currently possible (with my above criteria).
- Lastly, I have always preferred the Zeiss/Schneider/Rodenstock glass over the Mamiya/Fuji glass. This is HIGHLY subjective, and I am only stating my personal preference here. Neither lens maker can be said to be inferior.
OK, I also accept that the Contax 645 does not do everything. That is why I switched from Phase to Sinar for my digital back. The Phase gives probably the best quality, out-of-the-camera single shot image (for argument sake, let's say as good as the H3DII too). The Sinar gives a different look that I have come to like better, especially with some lenses; however, it takes a little more work in post-processing.
I was wiling to make that trade-off in post-processing effort for the freedom that a single back across multiple camera systems now gives me. (BTW, I did not go with the Hasselblad CF backs, since they do not support their own Hasselblad 200 series cameras...and I like the color rendition of the Sinar better - another personal preference here)
I also shoot other cameras, like the Sinar Hy6 and the Hasselblad 200 series, using the same Sinar e75LV back. This gives me the added ability of high flash sync (1/1000), or auto-stopdown of the Hasselblad FE lenses, and also positions me better for any future square sensors.
So, I chose this direction as my direction. I did not see any way for the H3D system to accommodate potentially new square sensors. I like the idea of adding the Hy6 that can potentially take either 645 or 66 full frame sensors....but really I look forward most to using the revolving back with 645
Also, the ability to deal with images from one back across all camera systems cannot be underestimated. This allows you to have a common workflow for your photography, regardless of what camera system you actually use. Whether I shoot with the Contax, Hy6, Hasselblad 200, Alpa, Linhof ... my workfow is the same. You can use the same software that you are accustomed to such as Lightroom or ACR ... And yes, even Capture One to develop the raw files (after converted to DNG).