X1 + external viewfinder: any best practices?

[carlosecpf]

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Hi all,

 

I bought a X1 3 days ago and I am liking it A LOT. The IQ is out of this world.

I am using Leica's 36mm Viewfinder as I don't like composing on LCD and hope this will help me to save battery by not using the LCD at all.

 

Yesterday it was my first day using this setup and I was able to get 330 shots (DNG+S.Fine Jpgs), 30% than the reported official battery life. Not bad.

 

However, the only caveat that I had was focusing efficiently and accurately on on the subjects. I used the 1 AF Center point as I thought it would be easier to lock focusing and recomposing through the external viewfinder. When I got back home and check the pictures on my 24" screen, I noticed that several of my subjects where OOF to my surprise.

 

Does any of you guys uses an external finder with your X1? If so, is there any best practice or tip regarding focusing precisely you could share with me?

 

Thanks!

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[PasMichiel]

know what the range is with every diaphragm. In that case you don't have to focus.

[carlosecpf]

Thanks for the reply. Do you know if anyone has came up with a hyper focal scale for the X1?

[PasMichiel]

Online Depth of Field Calculator

 

Select your X1 and the 24mm (the x1 has a crop of 1.5)

 

 

 

And perhaps a bit of http://en.leica-camera.com/assets/file/download.php?filename=file_1773.pdf

 

page 5

[PasMichiel]

As you can see is the Subject distance is also very important.

 

when you use f2.8 and you subject is 1 meter from you the total depth of field is only 0.22m.

but if your subject is 5 meters away the total depth of field is allready 8.21m with the same diafragm.

 

When you can use f16 it doesn't matter:

Depth of field

Near limit 0.88 m

Far limit Infinity

Total Infinite

 

So will always be sharp. Sometimes you can play with your ISO to get to those higher diafragm.. It's a game of catching light.

[PasMichiel]

But that is exactly why I use the M8 with 28mm (M8 has a crop of 1.33 so a 28 is a 37 and almost that 36 of the x1)

 

When I look on top of the lens I can see what will be sharp or not with each diafragm and focus point.

[jsrockit]

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Carlos, nice to see you in the X1 section. I only use my VF when I can't see the LCD in bright sun. It really seems to be a guessing game without the LCD.

 

John.

[carlosecpf]

Thanks for the info PasMichel.

 

It was super helpful.

 

I found this post helpful too:

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-x1-forum/115911-hyperfocal-distance-manual-focus.html

[carlosecpf]

Hi John,

 

Good to see you here too!

I am a VF lover and I will try my best to use it with my X1 the majority of the time. I am facing this limitation as a challenge to improve my skills and knowledge about photography! Let see how it goes. If everything goes wrong, I will use the LCD!

[wda]

But that is exactly why I use the M8 with 28mm (M8 has a crop of 1.33 so a 28 is a 37 and almost that 36 of the x1)

 

When I look on top of the lens I can see what will be sharp or not with each diafragm and focus point.

Depending on your ultimate output, depth-of-field scales are not really all that accurate. Experienced photographers recommend building in an inflation factor of at least one stop. So, if f/8 seems about right, set f/11.

 

If you have the time you should search for Thorsten Overgaard's website dealing with his experience with the M9. Ignore the fact that he is currently using that model, the principle applies to any prime lens, but concentrate on his approach to using his lenses constantly at full aperture. It is very revealing. I realise that is an extreme view of how to use Leica lenses but it is worth consideration. Of course there are times when you do want more depth of field. I find that the best way is to experiment and learn from your experiences. Each focal length lens has its own character.

 

Returning to the X1. it is a useful exercise to set your X1 at full aperture (f/2.8) and spend an hour or two shooting a variety of subjects. You may well be surprised and pleased with your results. I think you will discover that they have much more impact!

[wda]

Hi all,....

 

Does any of you guys uses an external finder with your X1? If so, is there any best practice or tip regarding focusing precisely you could share with me?

 

Thanks!

Do search for other threads in this forum for this subject. I have written about my approach in one thread where one contributor has the centre point etched for permanent reference. I haven't found that necessary, but do resort to using the LCD for critical close range subjects. I will try and post the link given time.

[PasMichiel]

Thanks. True, with the stop.

 

I think the X1 is perfect. It don't change the 35mm view that much. Very often I don't even bring my 50mm or 90mm with me.

 

The M9 is my dream. I will buy one. Perfect.

 

Depending on your ultimate output, depth-of-field scales are not really all that accurate. Experienced photographers recommend building in an inflation factor of at least one stop. So, if f/8 seems about right, set f/11.

 

If you have the time you should search for Thorsten Overgaard's website dealing with his experience with the M9. Ignore the fact that he is currently using that model, the principle applies to any prime lens, but concentrate on his approach to using his lenses constantly at full aperture. It is very revealing. I realise that is an extreme view of how to use Leica lenses but it is worth consideration. Of course there are times when you do want more depth of field. I find that the best way is to experiment and learn from your experiences. Each focal length lens has its own character.

 

Returning to the X1. it is a useful exercise to set your X1 at full aperture (f/2.8) and spend an hour or two shooting a variety of subjects. You may well be surprised and pleased with your results. I think you will discover that they have much more impact!