X1 Brightline Finder

[Guest X1FORME]

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Just curious but as I put together the items i am going to purchase for my X1 I was wondering how useful the X1 Brightline Finder would be? For that price I would hate to fork out the pesos and never use it. So if anyone out there has one of these finders I ask; How much are you using it? Is it worth it?

 

Thanks!

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[richam]

It's attached all the time, and I use it perhaps 95% of the time. I personally don't like any LCD as a finder, but I use the LCD when I want to capture from a slightly different viewpoint (i.e. high, low, left, right).

[fotografr]

I use mine far more than I use the LCD. In low light, I find it impossible to hold a camera steady when it's extended at arm's reach. It's much easier and less obtrusive when you can cradle the camera and hold it close.

[jsrockit]

I own one and don't really use it much... only on the brightest of days. In fact, I use it so infrequent that I am thinking of selling it...

 

However, I'm one of those rare people that are serious about photography, but likes to compose through an LCD. I hold the LCD about a foot from my face and it works great for me.

[Guest X1FORME]

That may be the case with me as well. Thanks!

[fotografr]

I'm one of those rare people that are serious about photography, but likes to compose through an LCD. I hold the LCD about a foot from my face and it works great for me.

 

We're going to end up with a generation of photographers who only know how to do that and can't figure out why the photos they took with their dSLR and 300/2.8 are blurry.

[wda]

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Mike, welcome to the Forum! My finder is fitted permanently and is my preferred method of framing an image. It aids stability and the bright clear picture positively encourages selection with direct involvement with my subject. The exception is in close-up mode where the LCD is superior, not the least because of elimination of parallax error. If you are uncertain, try before you buy - if possible!. Even if you make a mistake and have to sell it, you will hardly lose much money because they are hard to find to buy. But don't make the mistake of trying it indoors in a shop for example. The true benefits come from outdoors in bright ambient lighting.

[Mr_Jones]

I have one and use it a lot, but it doesn't give any focus feedback which has lead to a few surprises when using 11 point focus. So sometimes I wonder if it's helping. Wouldn't be without it though.

[tcrown]

I am definitely considering a DL4 optical viewfinder instead of X1 kind.

Two folds, X1 VF is expensive, secondly, DL4 VF is easier to find these days.

 

But what I am really wondering is if VF really helps stabilizing the camera?

 

I understand X1 does not have true image stabilization either on lens or the sensor.

 

I know I know... most of us here will say the best stabilization is your steady hand...

 

Sincerely

[wda]

I have one and use it a lot, but it doesn't give any focus feedback which has lead to a few surprises when using 11 point focus. So sometimes I wonder if it's helping. Wouldn't be without it though.

It is for that reason that I never use multi-;pint focusing. By default it will pick the nearest point for sharp focus; not often what you want. I use spot or 1-point and train myself to imagine the centre point in the optical finder. With practice it works very well. Anything critical, such as closer range, and I revert to using the LCD.

[wda]

....

 

But what I am really wondering is if VF really helps stabilizing the camera?....

 

Sincerely

Use of an eye-level viewfinder brings the camera close to your head, thus minimizing camera movement during exposure. It is the old-fashioned method which has stood the test of time. Those who use the LCD for framing are more inclined to move the camera unless braced by the neck-strap.

[jsrockit]

We're going to end up with a generation of photographers who only know how to do that and can't figure out why the photos they took with their dSLR and 300/2.8 are blurry.

 

That's not fair at all... that's making the assumption that anyone who uses an LCD can't possibly know what they are doing, what shutter speed to use to stop shake, and that AF is inaccurate i.e. it's a bullsh*t assumption. I'm a firm believer of using whatever method works for each individual and that people of every era make worthy additions to photography's history...and they will continue to regardless of the tools used.

[Mr_Jones]

It is for that reason that I never use multi-;pint focusing. By default it will pick the nearest point for sharp focus; not often what you want. I use spot or 1-point and train myself to imagine the centre point in the optical finder. With practice it works very well. Anything critical, such as closer range, and I revert to using the LCD.

 

I could be wrong, but I use 11 point focus when I'm shooting closer subjects who might move around a bit. It's not ideal but it stops the autofocus from picking up the background behind two people with a space between them. I've found face recognition can be useful in this situation.

 

Ultimately your approach will probably work more reliably more often, all the same visual feedback of focus in the viewfinder is very useful if you're switching between modes.

[NZDavid]

Lots of previous posts on the OVF. The Voigtländer version is also excellent, and cheaper than the Leica one. I keep it on most the time -- absolutely impossible to see the subject in our bright light on the LCD, especially when wearing sunglasses, and others find the same. Plus, as noted, the camera is much more stable when braced against your forehead. The accessory finder is also nice and clear and uncluttered with no distracting numbers and other hieroglyphics. Only trouble is you don't know where the focus point is, but AF is tricky and hit and miss anyway compared with the precision of RF focusing.

[fotografr]

That's not fair at all... that's making the assumption that anyone who uses an LCD can't possibly know what they are doing, what shutter speed to use to stop shake, and that AF is inaccurate i.e. it's a bullsh*t assumption. I'm a firm believer of using whatever method works for each individual and that people of every era make worthy additions to photography's history...and they will continue to regardless of the tools used.

 

You know, you really need to get a grip. You're not under attack here. Shoot however you want to shoot. And as far as the next generation of photographers go, I doubt they need you to defend them.

[Wiggi]

The next generation of the X1 has an electronic viewfinder like the D-LUX 5, I suppose. Then there is no more problem with focusing.

[cheewai_m6]

i'd put a viewfinder on it purely because it looks so dam good with one. for once, paraphernalia is adding to a simple design.

[phancj]

We're going to end up with a generation of photographers who only know how to do that and can't figure out why the photos they took with their dSLR and 300/2.8 are blurry.

 

I think I'm in the middle. For a heavier camera like a DSLR with heavier lenses, I find the VF indispensable.

 

For the X1, small and light, I think for me the LCD works better. I do not see the convenience of going back and forth LCD and VF since the VF is passive. The X1 is so light anyway you can put it behind your back one-handed and take good pictures haha, anyway using 35mm lenses handshake is not an issue.

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Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[phancj]

i'd put a viewfinder on it purely because it looks so dam good with one. for once, paraphernalia is adding to a simple design.

 

A little honesty goes a long way...thanks!

[Guest]

i use the voigtlander ,it´s amazing to work with it,and it looks so much better than the leica one. i only use the one spot focus,after some time of using it´s easy to find the focus .

IMO the leica changes it´s character if you use the grip and a finder,it feels more like a photographic tool ,perfect in my eyes.