Auto Power Off/Auto LCD Off Question

[edvatza]

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Okay, I just bought an X2 and took it out for the first time today on the streets of New York for a shake down cruise. All works well except the Auto LCD Off, in particular, was driving me crazy. It keeps shutting off the LCD after just a minute and when I want to get a quick street shot, I was missing it because the LCD had to first turn back on. But I am sure you all know that.

 

I am used to shooting with Ricohs (GRD IV & GXR) where I can leave the camera on continuously and it is always ready. Is there a way to turn off the Auto LCD Off?

[elgenper]

Well, so that´s the same with the X2....

 

This behaviour is what bugs me most with the second-hand X1 I bought a month or so ago. The auto shutoff as such I can accept as a necessity, given the small battery, but this infernal LCD darkening can be set to at most 30 sec, meaning it´s dark every time one sees a new picture opportunity. And, it doesn´t just light up when pressing the button, it takes at least 10 seconds for it to come on. Why this delay, if the rest of the camera is still awake? It should be instant.

 

Hearing it´s the same with the X2 will keep me from even considering an upgrade.

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[edvatza]

10 seconds seems exaggerated but there is a noticeable delay which caused me to miss some shots.

 

I know this issue has been around since the beginning of the X1. I've read some of the early posts. If, indeed, there still is no "fix" for it, I am wondering what those of you who use this camera on the street have come up with as a work-around? Or is it just something you get used to with time. Remember this was my first time out with the X2.

 

Regards,

 

Ed

[symmetron]

Another option is to get an external viewfinder, either OVF or EVF.

[CalArts 99]

Another option is to get an external viewfinder, either OVF or EVF.

 

imho, the EVF makes the X2 a completely different tool. I highly recommend using one (either the Olympus version or the Leica one.)

[vcs700s]

imho, the EVF makes the X2 a completely different tool. I highly recommend using one (either the Olympus version or the Leica one.)

 

Yes. I use the Olympus and it rocks! Highly recommended!!

[edvatza]

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Thank you for the suggestions.

 

So I assume you are talking about using a VF and shutting off the LCD. I actually have the Leica OVF for this camera (X2). So I can do that. The problem though is that I prefer using the LCD when I am shooting street with my compact cameras.

 

I also use Ricohs (GRD IV and GXR). I have the EVF for the GXR and rarely use it preferring to compose with the LCD. I do that because it allows me to compose without lifting the camera to my eye and therefore making me just a little bit more inconspicuous. I can lift the camera to chest level, glance down at the screen, compose and shoot.

 

Ed

[edvatza]

I am looking forward to getting out with the X2 again this weekend. I will give it a whirl with the OVF as well as trying to become more efficient with keeping the screen up.

 

Ed

[wda]

Okay, I just bought an X2 and took it out for the first time today on the streets of New York for a shake down cruise. All works well except the Auto LCD Off, in particular, was driving me crazy. It keeps shutting off the LCD after just a minute and when I want to get a quick street shot, I was missing it because the LCD had to first turn back on.... Is there a way to turn off the Auto LCD Off?

Do you have a copy of the manual? For the X1 page 93 addresses Monitor Timeout Mode and its setting.

 

Do you have a viewfinder attached? If an EVF, does that have a switch on it to select EVF or LCD? I guess the problem is with understanding the settings rather than a camera fault. On the X1 I only have the excellent Leica OVF, so I must go into the menu. Even if set to be off, you can always flick it on by pressing the INFO button. (Writing from memory. Camera not with me at the moment) I have no troubles whatsoever regarding use of either finder method.

[edvatza]

Thanks for the advice, David. For the record, it is page 115 in the X2 manual. The issue remains that I can't switch the Monitor Timeout Mode OFF. I can only choose how long it will stay on before switching off - 30 sec or 1 minute. Now that all assumes I want to use the LCD screen for composing the shot in which case I want to screen to stay on!

 

I also have the Leica OVF. And I understand that I can use the viewfinder and switch the monitor off thereby eliminating the problem when using the VF. The "problem" would not exist is I always used the viewfinder. BUT given my particular street photography style, I use the LCD monitor probably 90% of the time.

 

Technically, having the monitor switch off isn't the problem. The lag in having it come back up when you press the shutter release is the problem.

 

I hope that is clearer.

 

Ed

[wda]

Ed, I see your point. Why not select viewfinder on and accept that the LCD will go blank. Just before you shoot, flick the INFO button to bring the LCD alive and do so just before you shoot having selected your target mentally just before raising your camera. With a little practice that procedure might solve your problem.

[zenonzinonos]

Ed, I see your point. Why not select viewfinder on and accept that the LCD will go blank. Just before you shoot, flick the INFO button to bring the LCD alive and do so just before you shoot having selected your target mentally just before raising your camera. With a little practice that procedure might solve your problem.

 

I have the opposite problem - with the OVF mounted and selected in the menu, I have to switch off the LCD manually after every shot! Is this normal or does my X1 have a problem?

[symmetron]

If the image is appearing on the LCD after each shot, I believe that's a "Review" setting and not OVF setting for the LCD.

[zenonzinonos]

If the image is appearing on the LCD after each shot, I believe that's a "Review" setting and not OVF setting for the LCD.

 

I have 'Auto Review' set for 3 seconds and 'Ext Viewfinder' set to ON, but the LCD remains illuminated permanently after each exposure, unless I go into the menu and reset 'Ext Viewfinder' or keep pressing the INFO button until it goes blank...

[symmetron]

Try setting the Auto Review to "Hold". You will have to touch "any" button to clear it after shooting and viewing, but it's only one touch.

[zenonzinonos]

Try setting the Auto Review to "Hold". You will have to touch "any" button to clear it after shooting and viewing, but it's only one touch.

 

Excellent - After taking the photograph, I just depress the shutter button slightly without taking my eye away from the viewfinder and LCD clears! Thanks very much for the tip...

[symmetron]

Great !

[gnuyork]

I just constantly half press the shutter to keep the camera active... It's now a habit...but every now and then I I forget and it still gets me...

 

positively the most annoying thing about the camera.