2012 is going to be an interesting year for photographers as a whole. Cameras like the Nikon D800e bring very high pixel densities to the mainstream, and to get the most out of the sensor in terms of sharpness and resolution, photographers will need to use tripods, mirror lock-up and remote release. In some ways it will not much different than shooting with a medium format rig, thought, the dSLRs will be easier master since they have better auto-focus, Live View and a smoother shutter. The Phase One DF kit has moderate shutter vibration with the focal plane lenses. Recently I added the Phase One 110mm F2.8 LS and 80mm F2.8 LS and the DF feels much smoother with the leaf shutter lenses.

With the LS lenses, vibration is somewhat mitigated, but focus accuracy still haunts me. In particular the 80mm focal length is causing the most headaches. The Brightscreen Super Microprism arrived about a month ago, and it really has not helped much because there is a range where the prism goes clear, not an absolute point. And that range is not much different than what I was seeing with the standard focus screen. I had high expectations for the focus screen, but it is proving not to be a game changer. The most effective tool thus far has been the tripod, but even a tripod has limits. Seeing focus at infinity or at night is very difficult. It is becoming clear that auto-focus accuracy and dependability is very important (for me), and I am beginning to contemplate whether the Phase One bodies are the best choice.

The centerfold issue is showing its ugly head from time to time as well. Centerfold is NOT appearing in consecutive frames, so I think it has something to do when the back goes into power save mode and/or the Phase One DF body goes into its power save mode. There is no way to spot centerfold in the field, so connecting the cause-effect dots is not easy. Also the DF will not fire sometimes and I think it is auto orientation sensor or the FP / LS auto mode. Again, I have not been able to establish a clear cause-effect sequence. And since this rant is gathering momentum, here are some more woes - the DF will drain batteries if left in the camera. It is not nearly as bad Mamiya 645AFD II, but the problem is still there. And the Phase One P65+ burns through its batteries pretty quickly - somewhere in the 100-200 click range per charge.

Bitching and moaning aside, the Phase One DF and P65+ are very capable of stunning captures. There is still that “wow” sensation when looking at a picture where everything came together. The Phase One DF body is the weak link in the system. Phase One is recognized for making outstanding digital backs, and Mamiya lenses have a good reputation for sharpness and contrast. The Schneider-Kreuznach 110mm F2.8 LS is my favorite lens at the moment. The lens has a nice draw and in-focus keeper rate has been noticeable higher with it. So my grievances seem to be mostly related with the Phase One DF camera body itself.

While the Phase One DF body is causing some headaches and grimaces, the pictures that work out are easily a step or two above the quality from the Canon 1Ds Mark III. As for the Leica M9, I do not miss it all. I love handling the M9 and its lenses, but the colors were simply wrong. The colors from the P65+ have a bold look, perhaps not totally accurate, but I like the look. But I am still “on the fence” with the Phase One kit as a whole because I do not trust its focus performance. What good is having a high end system if the in-focus keeper rate is rubbish? Recently I have been researching the Leica S2 system and may arrange a demo. Before plunking down more money on the Phase system, such as an IQ160 upgrade, I need to do my due-diligence with the S2. I expect the Leica S2 to completely trounce the Phase One DF in terms of handling, but I am not nearly as confident about the Leica S2 colors.