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Welcome back DP2s and goodbye SD1 Merrill

Started Nov 14, 2016 | Discussions
abijake
abijake Regular Member • Posts: 148
Welcome back DP2s and goodbye SD1 Merrill
9

My journey with Foveon started with a Sigma DP1s and then a DP2s. I sold these on an upgrade path through DP2 Merrill then to SD1 Merrill. I have used the SD1 Merrill extensively as an infrared camera and have posted here regarding its use. It was a successful camera for me until I scratched the sensor whilst cleaning some dust away.

I loved my SD1 Merrill but have always pined for a certain quality from the DP2s. I regretted selling it!
The colour, small size and a very special monochrome feel when shot at ISO 50 were for me hallmarks of the DP2s.

I could have kept the SD 1 but I chose not to. Its big and the 18-35mm makes it a big duo. In my view the achilles heel of that camera is the impression that the sensor is easily scratched. When using this camera as a non IR camera that does that not matter. But taking the dust cover off (to do IR) means sensor cleaning.

Why was the sensor scratched so easily? Did I use too much force or did Sigma not figure that IR users would need to clean the sensor often and made its glass cover too soft? I don't have the answers.

Repairing the SD1 was not economically feasible. And if easily scratched it will happen again anyway. Buying a Quattro was another costly solution and the weight and size, and the poor EVF were not tempting.

But I could not leave Foveon behind. In the end I sold out my Merrill gear and have gone back to what I miss by repurchasing a DP2s.

Maybe that era was the heyday of Foveon ?? That is debatable but I feel lucky to have found another of that model. And for IR I have bought a Panasonic GX1 dedicated to IR.

Below are some images from my previous DP2s (new one yet to arrive) which I hope demonstrates the magic of that camera.

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The Future Shall Make Fools of All of Us

 abijake's gear list:abijake's gear list
Pentax 645D Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 Sigma DP1s Sigma DP2 Merrill Sigma DP2s Sigma SD1 Sigma SD1 Merrill
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Scottelly
Scottelly Forum Pro • Posts: 18,028
Re: Welcome back DP2s and goodbye SD1 Merrill

I agree with you about the old sensor. At low ISO settings, it is wonderful. I really hope Sigma makes a full-frame Merrill sensor with 30 MP per layer (or maybe about 26 MP per layer, just to try to keep the noise levels down more).

 Scottelly's gear list:Scottelly's gear list
Sony SLT-A65 Nikon D810 Sigma sd Quattro H Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G ED-IF VR Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM +27 more
TClair
TClair Veteran Member • Posts: 4,628
Re: Welcome back DP2s and goodbye SD1 Merrill

They say proof is in the pudding and you have demonstrated that with your images, very nice.  Can't wait to see more when your DP2s arrives.

abijake
OP abijake Regular Member • Posts: 148
Re: Welcome back DP2s and goodbye SD1 Merrill

Thank you !

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The Future Shall Make Fools of All of Us

 abijake's gear list:abijake's gear list
Pentax 645D Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1
abijake
OP abijake Regular Member • Posts: 148
Re: Welcome back DP2s and goodbye SD1 Merrill
1

Received my 'new' DP2s about a week ago. Struggled to get time out of the mad pre Xmas rush. Certainly this camera lives up to its magic ::

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The Future Shall Make Fools of All of Us

 abijake's gear list:abijake's gear list
Pentax 645D Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1
xpatUSA
xpatUSA Forum Pro • Posts: 23,017
Re: Welcome back DP2s and goodbye SD1 Merrill

Nice shots which show off your new DP2s nicely . . .

. . . time to update your gear list?

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"What we've got hyah is Failyah to Communicate": 'Cool Hand Luke' 1967.
Ted

 xpatUSA's gear list:xpatUSA's gear list
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 Sigma SD9 Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm F2.8 ASPH OIS Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM +11 more
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