Leaf History, Leaf Credo and Leaf Aptus
Mamiya Leaf is camera company which was previously a division of Scitex, then it became part of Kodak, and currently Mamiya Leaf is a subsidiary of Phase One. Leaf main business is manufacturing of high-end digital backs for medium format and large format cameras. Leaf introduced the first medium format digital camera back Leaf DCB1 in 1991, nicknamed by many photographers as ‘The Brick’, which had a resolution of 4 Mpx. Currently /2015/ Leaf produces the Credo line of digital camera backs from 40 to 80 megapixels but as per 08.2015 they are not compatible with newest Phase One XF Camera. Until 2010, Leaf was also producing photography workflow software called Leaf Capture.
1. Products
1.1 Digital camera backs
After Leaf’s DCB, the digital backs evolved into two product lines, the Aptus and the (now discontinued) Valeo. What differentiates Valeo and Aptus models is that the Aptus models have a 3.5″ low-resolution touchscreen, where the Valeos have no display. Valeo digital backs can still be used untethered by using the DP-67 software or the more recent WiView software on a Compaq iPAQ Pocket PCs and Leaf Digital Magazine /specialized external disk/. Pocket PC are connected via Bluetooth with the digital backs. For untethered usage, you will need batteries for both the Aptus and the Valeo. There is also option that back can be powered via a Firewire connection to a computer. Aptus models have a Compact Flash slot.
1.1.1 Current models
Information and Specifications on Leaf Credo Digital Camera Backs in the following page: Leaf Credo Digital Backs
1.1.2 Leaf Aptus II
Information and Specifications on Leaf Aptus II Digital Camera Backs in the following page: Leaf Aptus II Digital Backs
Camera Mounts
The Leaf Aptus and Leaf Aptus-II models are equipped with a specific mount to fit one of the following camera systems:
| Brand | Type |
|---|---|
| Phase One | 645AF, 645DF (Same mount as Mamiya) |
| Mamiya | 645DF, 645AFD (I+II+III), RZ67 (Pro II), RZ Pro IId, RB67 |
| Hasselblad | H-system |
| Hasselblad | V-system (not 200 or 2000 versions) |
| Leaf AFi | Also known as "Rollei Hy6" |
| Contax | 645AF |
| Fuji | GX680II, GX680III - not a Leaf mount; adapter available from 3rd party |
| Bronica | SQA, SQAi, ETRSi (No longer made) |
Accessories
Leaf Digital Magazine
The Leaf Digital Magazine called also LDM is small portable hard drive powered by Firewire that enables a Leaf digital backs 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 batteries. This U-bracket is usually mounted underneath the camera. It is connected with firewire cable the Leaf digital backs.
Software
Capture One / Capture One Pro
Capture One is a Raw image format converter and tethering software. It is a workflow software which allow photographers to deliver straight from the camera images which are ready-to-use and have adjusted colors and detail. It is designed to produce very high image quality output and provides different tools created to match the daily flow of professional photographer’s. From 2010 Capture One software have replaced Leaf Capture as tethering and processing software for all Leaf Aptus digital backs.
Leaf Capture
Leaf Capture was image capture workflow software available for Window OS and Apple OS X. It is no longer developed and was replaced by Capture One for all Aptus digital backs.
- Image comparison
- Camera control
- Loupe tool, focus preview
- Real-time live view display
- Grid and layout overlay
- Color temperature and tint sliders
- Adjustable histogram
- Moiré removal tool
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 application is an update of the DP-67 software. It allows you to have wireless control (via Bluetooth) over your Leaf digital back to view and edit images on an HP iPAQ Pocket PC as you shoot. For working with Leaf WiView, you must install the corresponding application on the iPAQ Pocket PC.
- Following iPAQ models are supported: hx2100, hx2400, hx2700, hx4700, rx5900, 110, 210. It is important that the pocket PC to have 240×320 or 480×640 screen resolution. Models with different resolution will have a portion of the screen which will be digitally masked off.
- Supported Leaf Digital backs are Leaf Valeo 17wi, Valeo 22wi
Leaf DP-67
The Leaf DP-67 was an application for HP iPAQ pocket PCs which allows Bluetooth remote communication with the Leaf Valeo digital backs. It was possible to do full control and settings of a digital back from DP-67 (iPAQ) display and store images on Leaf Digital Magazine.
Official Website
You can read history of Leaf company here: Leaf History
Details about Aptus Credo Digital backs : Leaf Credo Digital Backs
Details about Aptus II Digital backs : Aptus II digital backs
Specifications of all Leaf Digital backs : Leaf Digital Backs Specs
