Mamiya Leaf introduces the new Leaf CREDO

[yaya]

Hi folks, I’ve got some breaking news for you!

The below is extracted from the Press Release that has just gone out:

We are very excited to reveal the Leaf Credo, the latest and most advanced digital back on the market. Key platform features include:

• A large, high resolution (1.15 megapixel), touch screen with excellent rendition of 16 million colors for quick and easy verification of focus and tonal accuracy
• A new, intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) offers easy navigation and extends the touch screen beyond the LCD - letting you navigate and click outside the image area
• Fast, new multi-core microprocessor enables powerful performance for the fastest available image viewing, focusing and editing
• New FireWire 800 and USB3 implementation delivers the fastest image transfer speeds

Designed and developed for ultimate image quality and ease of use, Credo backs are offered with 80, 60 or 40 megapixel CCD sensors. They capture stunning images with natural rich skin tones, subtle details, low noise and accurate color reproduction that is second to none.

Leaf Credo digital backs work seamlessly with the Mamiya 645DF camera - which offers shutter speeds up to 1/4000 of a second and sync speeds of up to 1/1600 of a second with Schneider-Kreuznach designed Leaf shutter lenses.

Leaf Credo digital camera backs are compatible with over 80 large and medium format cameras

Pricing for the Leaf Credo 40 starts at € 14,995/$19,495. The Leaf Credo 60 is listed at €24,995/$32,495 and the Leaf Credo 80 for € 29,995/$38,995. Shipping is planned for June, 2012

More info is available on Leaf Credo digital camera backs and yes we already have a few working demo units! This is one of them being used on the Great Wall of China last Thursday during an event in Beijing and over the weekend at the P&E trade-show:

[Chris Giles]

The 80mp looks a beast.

[gazwas]

Stand aside IQ180, the Credo 80 is here!

That back looks very nice Yair. Are the Leaf back still slightly cheaper than the Phase One equivalents or does this new release bring them in line?

[Aryan Aqajani]

OMG! This back is soooooo juicy! Alas, no money here! Still loving my DM22 back!

[Chris Giles]

I'm disappointed there's no updated 22mp back.

[jotloob]

Originally Posted by yaya

Hi folks, I’ve got some breaking news for you!

The below is extracted from the Press Release that has just gone out:

We are very excited to reveal the Leaf Credo, the latest and most advanced digital back on the market. Key platform features include:

• A large, high resolution (1.15 megapixel), touch screen with excellent rendition of 16 million colors for quick and easy verification of focus and tonal accuracy
• A new, intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) offers easy navigation and extends the touch screen beyond the LCD - letting you navigate and click outside the image area
• Fast, new multi-core microprocessor enables powerful performance for the fastest available image viewing, focusing and editing
• New FireWire 800 and USB3 implementation delivers the fastest image transfer speeds

Yair

Will the LEAF CREDO digital backs replace the LEAF Aptus backs and the Aptus go out of production ? ? ?

[yaya]

Are the Leaf backs still slightly cheaper

Yes

Will the LEAF CREDO digital backs replace the LEAF Aptus backs and the Aptus go out of production?

Still in production:
Aptus-II 5
Aptus-II 7
Aptus-II 8
Aptus-II 10 and 10R
Aptus-II 12 and 12R
AFi-II 10
AFi-II 12

[coulombic]

Hmm. What's the upgrade path from a Leaf Aptus-II 12 to a Credo 80? Pretty interested in this, due to the Live View capabilities.

What's the maximum exposure length? Ideally, Leaf has finally abandoned the 32-second constraint.

[Chris Giles]

Yair, have there been any changes to the fans and battery placement?

[yaya]

What's the upgrade path from a Leaf Aptus-II 12 to a Credo 80?

There is no list price for such a cross-grade but if you speak to your dealer they'll be able to offer a solution

What's the maximum exposure length?

1 minute on the Credo 40 and Credo 60, 2 minutes on the Credo 80

have there been any changes to the fans and battery placement?

There is no fan and the battery fits inside the back

[Guy Mancuso]

Morning folks and thanks Yair for getting this up so early in the morning. I have some additional data here as well. Including a PDF for download


Leaf Credo 80 60 40
Resolution 10320 x 7752 (80 MP) 8984 x 6732 (60 MP) 7320 x 5484 (40 MP)
Frame size (crop factor) 53.7 x 40.3 mm (1:1) 53.9 x 40.4 mm (1:1) 43.9 x 32.9 mm (1:1.3)
Aspect ratio 4:3
Pixel size 5.2 micron 6.0 micron 6.0 micron
Dynamic range 12.5 f-stops
Color depth 16-bit (65,536 levels per channel)
ISO sensitivity 35-800 50-800 50-800
Exposure time 1/10000-120 sec 1/10000-60 sec 1/10000-60 sec
Full resolution capture rate 0.7 frames/sec 1.0 frames/sec 1.2 frames/sec
Color management workflow A range of factory ICC profiles, plus optional ability for users to create their own custom camera profiles.
Display 3.2”, 1.15MP bright multi-touch LCD with 170° viewing angle
Image viewing Preview up to 12 images on one LCD screen , up to 400% zoom
On-board tools Live View on LCD, Spirit level, ISO, WB, Histogram, Exposure alarms, Image rating, 645 custom options
Languages English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish
Storage CompactFlash including UDMA 6
Connectivity Firewire800, USB3.0, USB2.0
Software Capture One 6.4 or higher
Minimum requirements Apple Mac: Core Duo 2 or higher, 4GB or more, 10.6 or higher
Minimum requirements Windows: Core Duo 2 or higher, 4GB or more, Win 7 or higher
Cameras supported Mamiya 645DF, 645AFDIII, RZ (all types), RB
Phase One 645DF, 645AF, iXR
Hasselblad V-series (except for 200 and 2000 models, H1, H2
Contax 645AF
View/ Technical ALPA, Arca-Swiss, Cambo, Horseman, Linhof, Rollei X-Act 2, Sinar, Touo and other 4x5” and 6x9” via Leaf Graflok or 3rd party adapter
Other Bronica ETRSi/ SQA/ SQAi, Fuji GX680I/II via 3rd party adapter
Battery 2,900 mAh rechargeable Li-ion
RAW File compression
(Large) 80 MB 60 MB 40 MB
RAW File compression
(Small) 54 MB 40 MB 26 MB
Output image dimensions 300 dpi: 87.4 x 65.6 cm 300 dpi: 76.1 x 57 cm 300 dpi: 61.9 x 46.4 cm
600 dpi: 43.7 x 32.8 cm 600 dpi: 38 x 28.5 cm 600 dpi: 30.1 x 23.2 cm
Dimensions 98 x 80 x 61.5 mm (W x H x D)
Weight 562 g
Certifications FCC (A), CE, RoHS

[Guy Mancuso]

Also new Capture One 6.4 with full support for the new Leaf Credo backs.

Camera systems and image software

[Guy Mancuso]

Just from my brief knowledge of the new Credos from a couple days ago these are very very similar to the IQ Phase series backs with a couple changes like no sensor plus and a few other features which I will let Yair and the dealers provide that data for everyone. For upgrades and such contact your dealers starting today for that type of information.

BTW HUGE Kudos to Leaf, this is a very exciting product line here.

[dougpeterson]

By the way Capture One 6.4 also supports the D800 and 5D3 which should make comparing them to the Leaf Credo much easier :-).

[dougpeterson]

I've set up a Leaf Credo FAQ page. You can post questions here and I'll answer them here as well as add them to the FAQ page (after this post reaches many pages long it will be easier to reference).

[MGrayson]

Good news! Except for the Hy6..

The Credo and the IQ backs look (on paper) to be so similar that a chart listing the differences between them would be very helpful.

And the practical question of focus confirmation on a technical camera: Is there some form of focus mask? If not, is the 100% view sufficiently clear to identify sharp focus?

Thanks,

Matt

[Guy Mancuso]

Great questions. Like to know this myself.

[dougpeterson]

Differences to an IQ:
- Different industrial design
- Different UI
- Leaf Profiles and Curves
- No mechanical buttons
- No sensor+
- Extended touch area
- No focus mask
- No auto-horizon, no auto-keystone.
- Different Warranty options
- Different service/support channel
- Made in Israel
- Price

The industrial design is pretty similar, but Leaf made their own decisions regarding port placement, and exact layout of the back. Same high-grade metal (benefit of buying in bulk as a joint company) and same battery interface.

The UI is written by Leaf and has a different look and feel.

Leaf is renowned for it's color profiles and curves which render in many peoples' opinion's the smoothest tonality and best skintones. The same wizards that developed the color profiles and curves for the Aptus II have done so for the Credo. They use the same sensors as the IQ180, but much like two violinists playing the same brand of violin, but tuning it themselves and using different bows - the results will be subtly different. When we get our demo units we'll test further, because some of this becomes kind of "ethereal" but the goal, as stated, was to maintain the infamous "look" of a Leaf file.

No mechanical buttons means it will be harder to use with heavy gloves on, but touch-friendly gloves still work (see any glove made for the iPhone).

No sensor+ will be a big difference for some photographers, and no difference at all for others.

Extended Touch area means you can pan and zoom the image without placing your finger OVER the image. You use the area outside of the image to control the pan and zoom and thereby avoid smudging and obfuscating your view of the image. VERY smart in my opinion.

No Focus Mask will be a big loss for some, but the review at 100% is as good as an IQ back, and Live View on the LCD is as good as in IQ back.

No Auto-horizon, no Auto-keystone refer to the functionalities in Capture One that allow you to use the "A" auto button in the rotation and key stoning tools to adjust for the pitch/roll of the image at time of capture. The Credo DOES have a built in pitch/roll indicator for the photographer to use at the time of capture, but only at the time of capture.

Different Warranty and service/support channels - for a working pro the Credo does not have a loaner-warranty option which the IQ has. We're awaiting confirmation about what level of repairs will be able to be made in the US versus having to ship oversees. In the past in the US Mamiya/Leaf backs were serviceable in the US for most issues, cutting down turn around time to mere days.

Made in Israel - not a big issue for most buyers, but some will be proud to use a back made in Israel.

Price - across the board lower cost than the IQ series.

[Guy Mancuso]

I guess we could assume also with further firmware updates new functionality is possible.

[dougpeterson]

Originally Posted by Guy Mancuso

I guess we could assume also with further firmware updates new functionality is possible.

Absolutely. It's a powerful platform with a lot of horsepower. It's also the platform for many years to come, so improvements via firmware are a certainty. I would not expect that to mean perfect parity of features with the IQ though.

[MGrayson]

Thank you, Doug!

Do the Credo and IQ share processors?

[gazwas]

I don't understand the whole Phase/Leaf/Mamiya thing!

Unless I'm missing some deal breaking point about the Credo, why would anyone now buy a Phase back if the Leaf shares most of the good stuff off the IQ's and has a better implemented touch screen?

[Guy Mancuso]

Focus mask, sensor plus, virtual horizon and actually push buttons for gloves to name a few. So yes some features are missing but some folks may not want some as well and save some money . Not only that there maybe slight differences in look with the files. Need to remember Phase One company owns the Leaf and Maimya brand and like any car company they will have different models.

Besides better is relative word. Better for one person may mean something diffrent for another.

I think this just adds a option to your buy choice and still stay under the Phase blanket

[DeckardTrinity]

I'm a bit disappointed in the lack of support for the Hy6 / Afi platform, but am not surprised. It seems a little surprising still, considering the breadth of other compatible camera platforms listed in the FAQ on Mamiya's site.

I will just ask once so I can get a definitive answer (hopefully from Yair) - will the Credo platform ever be supported on the Hy6 / Afi mount, either directly or through an adapter?

[PeterL]

Thanks Yair and Doug,

Do the backs allow you to input EXIF data like focal length etc., useful for tech cameras?

Cheers, -Peter

[EH21]

+1 add me to the list hoping for Hy6/AFi support

Also missing is the R mode with revolving sensor and articulating screen. Both very nice features.

Will there be any difference in IQ between an AFi-ii 12 and a Credo 80?

Originally Posted by DeckardTrinity

I'm a bit disappointed in the lack of support for the Hy6 / Afi platform, but am not surprised. It seems a little surprising still, considering the breadth of other compatible camera platforms listed in the FAQ on Mamiya's site.

I will just ask once so I can get a definitive answer (hopefully from Yair) - will the Credo platform ever be supported on the Hy6 / Afi mount, either directly or through an adapter?

[gazwas]

Originally Posted by Guy Mancuso

Focus mask, sensor plus, virtual horizon and actually push buttons for gloves to name a few. So yes some features are missing but some folks may not want some as well and save some money . Not only that there maybe slight differences in look with the files. Need to remember Phase One company owns the Leaf and Maimya brand and like any car company they will have different models.

Besides better is relative word. Better for one person may mean something diffrent for another.

I think this just adds a option to your buy choice and still stay under the Phase blanket

I understand what you are saying Guy but were not talking about China's Shuanghuan car company here:

BMW goes to war against Chinese carmaker

Apart from a few glitzy features (sensor+ excluded), under the hood - where it matters most, its the same back especially as now they even use the same exterior casing.

[Felipe]

Why no Hy6/Afi support but the discontinued Contax 645 fully supported? WTF?

[coulombic]

I am about 99 percent certain I'll be trading my Aptus-II 12 in toward one of these. Seems to address every shortcoming, and then some. Looks absolutely outstanding.

Anyone know if there's a sharpness mask in the back itself a la IQ series?

[lance_schad]

As Yair mentioned these will begin shipping in June, but here in the at Digital Transitions (in US) we are allowing people to order now and take delivery and use an Aptus II until the Credo ships.

This is a great way to get out and start shooting now.

For more details please email or call.

We are very excited for this Mamiya/Leaf product refresh. I also hope that they do add support for the Hy6/Afi platform as well.

Lance (email me)

[dougpeterson]

Originally Posted by coulombic

I am about 99 percent certain I'll be trading my Aptus-II 12 in toward one of these. Seems to address every shortcoming, and then some. Looks absolutely outstanding.

Anyone know if there's a sharpness mask in the back itself a la IQ series?

No focus mask in the Credo. See also Credo FAQ.

[SergeiR]

i want one (( Need upgrade me 22mp backs anyway..

[yaya]

Will there be any difference in IQ between an AFi-ii 12 and a Credo 80?

Yes and no. High iso and long exposures are better on the Credo 80 (it goes to 2 minutes).

its the same back especially as now they even use the same exterior casing.

They don't share the same casing although some parts look quite similar

Why no Hy6/Afi support but the discontinued Contax 645 fully supported? WTF?

While both platforms are discontinued, the install base of the Contax is much, much bigger than the Hy6's one. The Hasselblad 500 series is also discontinued yet there are more backs sold for it than for the Contax for example

Anyone know if there's a sharpness mask in the back itself a la IQ series?

No there isn't

[gerald.d]

Originally Posted by gazwas

I understand what you are saying Guy but were not talking about China's Shuanghuan car company here:

BMW goes to war against Chinese carmaker

Apart from a few glitzy features (sensor+ excluded), under the hood - where it matters most, its the same back especially as now they even use the same exterior casing.

Best car analogy I can think of would be the Toyota FT-86 and Subaru BRZ.

[Steve Hendrix]

Originally Posted by yaya

Yes and no. High iso and long exposures are better on the Credo 80 (it goes to 20 minutes).
They don't share the same casing although some parts look quite similar
While both platforms are discontinued, the install base of the Contax is much, much bigger than the Hy6's one. The Hasselblad 500 series is also discontinued yet there are more backs sold for it than for the Contax for example
No there isn't

Yair - I know you mean 2 minutes, buddy. Don't add more to your already crazy day (or mine) by a 20 minute typo! Dohhh!!!


Steve Hendrix

[yaya]

Thanks Steve, just edited it....

[EH21]

Yair,
Thanks for the info. Too bad about the Credo not supporting the Hy6/AFi. Will the AFi backs still be sold? Since I have both AFi-ii 12 and AFi-ii 7 now, I'm also really asking about future support too.

Eric

[Guy Mancuso]

Originally Posted by gazwas

I understand what you are saying Guy but were not talking about China's Shuanghuan car company here:

BMW goes to war against Chinese carmaker

Apart from a few glitzy features (sensor+ excluded), under the hood - where it matters most, its the same back especially as now they even use the same exterior casing.

Certainly the same sensors.

[JonMo]

Is the USB 3.0 actually implemented or is it still a "future feature" re; Phase IQ.
Can we now tether to usb 3.0?

Never mind,
just got the bad news from Doug over on the LL, not implemented yet.
Bummer.

[Christopher]

Great way, to use the unused Dalsa sensors.... Sorry, can't see anything great here. Than again some people might and that's great.

[yaya]

Originally Posted by EH21

Yair,
Thanks for the info. Too bad about the Credo not supporting the Hy6/AFi. Will the AFi backs still be sold? Since I have both AFi-ii 12 and AFi-ii 7 now, I'm also really asking about future support too.
Eric

Hi Eric,

The AFi-II 10 and AFi-II 12 backs are still in production and will remain in production as long as there is a demand for them.
We provide service and support for backs that were released in 2004 so you do not need to worry about this going forward

BR

Yair

[MaxKißler]

Yair, what about the Aptus II 6, is it really discontinued? Will I still be able to order one through a dealer? This back seemed to be a nice step into MFD and now it's totally missing. I can't even find any more info about it on the Mamiya Leaf site as if it never existed...

[lance_schad]

No more Aptus II6's . They are finished.
It was a great entry level system. No more sensors.

Lance

[yaya]

Originally Posted by MaxKißler

Yair, what about the Aptus II 6, is it really discontinued? Will I still be able to order one through a dealer? This back seemed to be a nice step into MFD and now it's totally missing. I can't even find any more info about it on the Mamiya Leaf site as if it never existed...

Yes it is discontinued, hence why it's taken off the website. You can try ringing around the Germans dealers in case they have stock left but they won't be able to order a new one for you from the factory as there are no sensors left in the fridge!
If you still want to see its spec just let me know but like I said you can't buy it new from the factory any more, sorry about that...

[PeterL]

Yair - will the new backs allow for custom entry of exif data, like focal length etc. - useful for tech cameras?

Cheers, -Peter

[MaxKißler]

Thanks guys, that's bad news...

[yaya]

Originally Posted by PeterL

Yair - will the new backs allow for custom entry of exif data, like focal length etc. - useful for tech cameras?

Cheers, -Peter

Hi Peter, right now this feature remains unique to the Aptus-II

BR

[PeterL]

Thanks Yair.

[Reeb]

Hello Yair,

Actually using an Aptus II 7, I would like to know if the Credo 40 use a new censor ? Are the pictures less noisy at 400 or 800 ? Can we download raw test pictures ?

Thank you

Francois

[yaya]

Originally Posted by Reeb

Hello Yair,

Actually using an Aptus II 7, I would like to know if the Credo 40 use a new censor ? Are the pictures less noisy at 400 or 800 ? Can we download raw test pictures ?

Thank you

Francois

Hi Francois,

The Credo 40 uses the same sensor as the Aptus-II 8, which is a bit smaller than the one in your Aptus-II 7 (44x33mm vs 48x36), with smaller pixels (6µ vs 7.2µ)
The smaller pixels in combination with the higher pixel count, yield less "grain" in a given output/ print size/ iso setting

Hope this helps

yair