21/3.4 viewfinder or live view focus

[leica1215]

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I am considering the 21 on my M240, can I use live view to focus instead of external view finder?

[jdlaing]

Yes.

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[CheshireCat]

Indeed. I use the RF to focus and then Live View to frame.

[jaapv]

Anything goes. RF focusing and a viewfinder  Optical or EVF works fine, I prefer to use just the EVF, but if I don’t feel like mounting an external viewfinder I will just use the camera RF and estimate the field of view.

I only use Live View on a tripod. I strongly dislike waving  a camera around  at arms-length.

[keithlaban.co.uk]

As much as I love using the EVF to focus longer lenses I find the rangefinder more accurate when using the 21/3.4 and then use liveview for framing. 

[jaapv]

That is certainly true. But how precise does the focus need to be on a 21/3.4 ?

[MarkP]

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I use the EVF more now than I did because of the all-in-one of focus and more accurate framing, and it's faster.

Having said that nothing beats a prefocused WA and framing with those beautiful expensive Leica external optical VFs. 

[keithlaban.co.uk]

That is certainly true. But how precise does the focus need to be on a 21/3.4 ?

 

As precise as I can get it.

[ayewing]

While focusing such a wide angle lens is not really a problem using the optical viewfinder is quicker and more accurate. Checking the framing is easy with liveview on the LCD or, as I prefer, with the EVF. I like holding the camera to my eye rather than at arms length.

[bocaburger]

The only time I use the EVF instead of a brightline finder with wides is if I'm carrying an additional lens needing an auxiliary finder, like 12mm or 15mm.  Saves space and time, but I much prefer the brightline finders to the EVF from a viewing standpoint.

[semi-ambivalent]

Semi-off topic, but has anyone used both the Leica 21mm VF and another brand? What's the comparison? I use a 21 by C-V but after Mark's remark up-thread I'm starting to want a Leica VF (again), if only for how nice they look. Better optics would be quite the icing.

 

s-a

[Jennifer]

I tend to use the OVF to focus and the EVF to frame. Can't get on with live view and the LCD.

[fotofool]

I'm surprised to see claims that RF focusing the 21/3.4 is more accurate than using the EVF or live view.  When I am shooting hand held and focusing fast I use the RF.  But when I am shooting slowly from a tripod or shooting with a shallow DOF I always use the EVF with 10x magnification... regardless of the lens.  I am convinced it is the most accurate and precise way to focus regardless of focal length.  I do the same with my Canon SLR... turn off autofocus and manually focus with live view at 10x magnification.

 

To the OP:  I almost always focus and frame my 21 SEM with the EVF.  On rare occasions, when shooting fast, I focus with the RF and guess at the framing.

[jrp]

I think that the theory is that while the EVF / Liveview might give the most accurate focus centrally, the rangefinder is calibrated to take account of the curved field of focus that lenses have, which results in sub-optimal central focus, but better overall focus.  That said, I normally focus electronically for faster lenses wide open, closer up, and use the rangefinder for wider angle, slower lenses.

[dunhoy]

I use the optical finder to focus and frame with an old Leica 21 plastic external finder - I find holding a camera at arms length and using the LCD to frame or focus feels lame

[Nordvik]

With M9 I have to use the rangefinder, but I would not have used an EVF for focusing even if I could. I also only use the OVF in M9 for framing. At infinity it is perfect for my eyes if I scan around the viewfinder. At closer distances I have to guess/compensate, but there I prefer a looser framing anyway.

[lct]

If you want to frame and focus with the same viewing device, live view (LCD/EVF) is the only solution. Doesn't allow to shoot fast with the M240 but image magnification and the (optional) horizon are useful implementations.

[rob_w]

I don't own a 21 but with my 28 I really like live view for composition and I can only imagine the need is increased with the wider view.  For getting verticals and horizontals right, and exact boundaries, the full picture is immensely helpful.  It is a benefit of upgrading to the M240 which I had not anticipated.  For focus I still prefer the OVF over the EVF -- maybe just habit.  So workflow is: focus on main subject using OVF then use then use live view on the rear screen to adjust the composition as I want.

[thighslapper]

well I do what most of the above do ........ focus with RF then compose with EVF ........ focus peaking is pretty useless as there is just a sea of red splotches as DOF is so great .... and focussing by eye on the EVF is slower and just feels more inaccurate as you are hunting for the elusive'shimmery' effect when it is spot on..... although in reality being off by even a fair margin is going to make little difference...

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[luoyiigsnrr]

On 4/26/2015 at 3:38 PM, jaapv said:

I only use Live View on a tripod. I strongly dislike waving  a camera around  at arms-length.

Agree, 100%.😀. I want to know how about the intrusion of the 21/3.4 in the RF.