Type Division of Phase One Products Digital backs Founded 1991 | Industry Digital Imaging Headquarters Kfar Saba Parent organization Phase One | |
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Website www.leaf-photography.com | ||
Leaf, previously a division of Scitex and later Kodak, is now a subsidiary of Phase One. Leaf manufactures high end digital backs for medium format and large format cameras. In 1991, Leaf introduced the first medium format digital camera back, the Leaf DCB1, nicknamed ‘The Brick’, which had a resolution of 4 million pixels (4 megapixels). As of 2012, Leaf produces the Credo line of digital camera backs, ranging from 40 to 80 megapixels. Until 2010, Leaf also produced photography workflow software Leaf Capture.
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Digital camera backs
After Leaf's DCB, the digital backs evolved into two product lines, the Aptus and the (now discontinued) Valeo. The main difference is that the Aptus models have a 3.5-inch touchscreen, where the Valeos have no on-board display. The Valeos can still be used untethered by using the DP-67 software or the more recent WiView software on a Compaq iPAQ. The iPAQs are connected via Bluetooth with the digital backs. For untethered usage, you will need battery packs for both the Aptus and the Valeo, otherwise the back must be powered via a Firewire connection to a computer. The Valeo models need a Leaf Digital Magazine as well for untethered use, where the Aptus models have a Compact Flash slot.
Current models
Credo is the current generation of digital camera backs from Leaf, and the first Leaf back based on Phase One platform and not Leaf legacy platforms. Some of the changes are that the back no longer has a cooling fan, but instead makes use of passive cooling. Also to be noted is the new hi res capacitive touch screen which no longer require stylus pen. The back also boots in one second with Phase One OS. Previous Windows CE operating system took up to 10 seconds to reboot.
The differences between Credo and Aptus II:
Aptus II models are very similar to corresponding previous Aptus models, with the notable differences:
The following table shows the models which Leaf still shows on their website as current models.
Camera Mounts
The Aptus-II models are equipped with a specific mount to fit one of the following camera systems:
It is impossible to convert the mount of a digital back for a different medium format body via adapter or conversion plates, because the sensor would then not sit within the film plane (since the sensor needs to sit the same distance from the lens that the film would). Such conversion may be possible by sending the back to Leaf to be physically reconfigured, depending on the specific model.
Any mount can be used on view cameras by using the correct adapter plate, for example: Alpha, Arca, Cambo, Horseman, Kata, Linhof, Sinar, Toyo, Rollei X-Act2, and other via Leaf Graflok or third party adapters. This is because view cameras have an adjustable focal plane
The AFI backs (in the Discontinued Models) are specifically designed to work with Sinar and Rollei systems.
Leaf Digital Magazine
The Leaf Digital Magazine, or LDM, is a portable, small Firewire-powered hard drive that enables a digital back lacking a Compact Flash slot to be used untethered. There are three models, the 5GB, 10 GB and 20 GB. It can be mounted in the U-bracket, which can also contain two (smaller than normal) batteries. This U-bracket can then be mounted underneath the camera. There are short Firewire cables available to connect the LDM to the Leaf digital back.
Capture One / Capture One Pro
Capture One is a tethering software, Raw image format converter and workflow software which enables photographers to deliver ready-to-use images with adjusted color and detail. It is designed to create very high image quality and provides a series of tools created to match the professional photographer's daily workflow. Capture One replaced Leaf Capture as tethering and processing software for all Leaf Aptus and Aptus II backs.
Leaf Capture
Image capture workflow software, available for Apple Inc. OS X and Microsoft Windows. Leaf capture is no longer developed, and is Replaced by Capture One for all Aptus and Aptus II models.
Note: From v11.2.9 on only supports Aptus models
Leaf Capture Remote App / Server
Used together, allows browsing of your "Shots" folder on wireless devices (iPad, iPod Touch and iPhone). The app works via the device's wireless local area network connection with Leaf Capture Server running on a host computer
Leaf WiView
Leaf WiView is an update of the DP-67 software. It is an application that enables you to have wireless control (via Bluetooth) over your Leaf imaging module to view and edit images on an HP iPAQ Pocket PC as you shoot. Before you begin working with Leaf WiView you must install the corresponding application on the iPAQ Pocket PC. Follow the procedure for your operating system.
Leaf DP-67
The Leaf DP-67 application on an HP iPAQ allows wireless remote communication with the Leaf Valeo digital camera back via Bluetooth. The advantages of large storage space for your images and full control over the capture process are maintained by the Leaf Digital Magazine and Leaf DP-67 (iPAQ) display and control devices.