Scola77 Posted April 3, 2011 Share #1 Â Posted April 3, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) I know the topic of viewfinders with the X1 has been discussed ad nauseum here among other places and I have tried to find a proper answer for my question. Â I have never used or tried the external viewfinder before but have always wanted one for my X1. I am just having a difficult time understanding how to properly focus when there is no "focus square" or dot at the center of the glass (for what it is worth, I always use the center focus on my X1). Possibly complicating matters, I use a thumbs up on my X1 which will raise the viewfinder by a few millimeters and make it even less accurate. Â So before I drop 200-400 bucks on a viewfinder, I would love to know from those of you who own one how you use it when auto-focussing. Also, for those of you who have one with a thumbs up, how easy is it to frame the shot and get the camera to focus on what you want when it is raised a bit. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted April 3, 2011 Posted April 3, 2011 Hi Scola77, Take a look here Adding a viewfinder, properly auto-focussing. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
jippiejee Posted April 3, 2011 Share #2 Â Posted April 3, 2011 When using my external optical viewfinder I set my focus to 11 point H and have the camera make a wild guess, which is right 95% of the time. When precise focus is needed, I tend to set it to 1 point focusing and keep my eye on the lcd. Since the viewfinder is expecially practical in a dynamic environment, I don't mind using the lcd for a static object that needs precise focus, whereas the viewfinder is great for scenery that changes constantly and demands broad overview. Â Another good option since the new firmware would be setting your camera to MF zone focusing and be done with it, so you could concentrate on your framing and enjoy the snappy respons needed for street and documentary style images. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scola77 Posted April 3, 2011 Author Share #3 Â Posted April 3, 2011 I often shoot in less light which means I live in the f/2.8 realm 90% of the time. My concern about shooting in 11 point is relying on the camera to focus on the one thing in the frame I want it to focus on. Admittedly, I really have not put the 11 point auto focus to the test so it may be sufficient (even when shooting wide open). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Le Samourai Posted April 3, 2011 Share #4 Â Posted April 3, 2011 I know the topic of viewfinders with the X1 has been discussed ad nauseum here among other places and I have tried to find a proper answer for my question. Â I have never used or tried the external viewfinder before but have always wanted one for my X1. I am just having a difficult time understanding how to properly focus when there is no "focus square" or dot at the center of the glass (for what it is worth, I always use the center focus on my X1). Possibly complicating matters, I use a thumbs up on my X1 which will raise the viewfinder by a few millimeters and make it even less accurate. Â So before I drop 200-400 bucks on a viewfinder, I would love to know from those of you who own one how you use it when auto-focussing. Also, for those of you who have one with a thumbs up, how easy is it to frame the shot and get the camera to focus on what you want when it is raised a bit. Â Listen for the beep that confirms auto focus has locked on. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert blu Posted April 3, 2011 Share #5 Â Posted April 3, 2011 I use external VF with autofocus (1 pointy). I guess where the centre of the frame is, point it on the subject I want to have in focus, press half way the shooting button and when I hear a beep (I can also see the green led) I know it is in focus, keeping half pressed the button I re-frame and press totally. Picture done! It easier to do than to describe ! I tried the 11 point but I do not like it because sometimes it focus something on the border of the frame and not the main subject. But maybe it is question to be used to it! Agai probably exercising is the key... robert Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scola77 Posted April 3, 2011 Author Share #6  Posted April 3, 2011 I use external VF with autofocus (1 pointy). I guess where the centre of the frame is, point it on the subject I want to have in focus, press half way the shooting button and when I hear a beep (I can also see the green led) I know it is in focus, keeping half pressed the button I re-frame and press totally. Picture done! It easier to do than to describe ! I tried the 11 point but I do not like it because sometimes it focus something on the border of the frame and not the main subject. But maybe it is question to be used to it! Agai probably exercising is the key...robert  Awesome. Thanks! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan States Posted April 3, 2011 Share #7 Â Posted April 3, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) I was concerned about the same thing but my dealer told me to try the finder for a week for free and then decide. I've found that centering the frame is actually quite easy and natural because of the bright line frame gaps on both the vertical and horizontal planes. Â I've found the finder to be a great aid for street shooting as it keeps my mind on the subject and not the tiny screen. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChiILX1 Posted April 4, 2011 Share #8 Â Posted April 4, 2011 I have the Thumbs Up and the Voigtlander Viewfinder. The 1mm raise of the viewfinder is not worth mentioning at all. Also, one day of shooting and you will be totally comfortable with where the center of the picture is in the viewfinder for both close and far shots. The Voigtlander makes it easy to find the center. Â I use 1point F. Half shutter on your focus subject and you will be able to see the green light blink or be solid through the TU form the corner of your eye. That tells you if it's in focus or not. Hold the shutter half pressed while you frame your subject and be careful not to increase the distance between the lens and the subject while you frame (which would of course change the focus). Then take your shot. Â I almost always compose in the viewfinder. The voigtlander is a great companion to the X1- the best viewfinder for it in my opinion. It's lines are as bright as the Leica's, it's size and circular design parallels the lens in an appealing way, and It's also better made than the Leica one (which is plastic). The whole voigtlander one is brass. Â There are two advantages to the Leica (and I don't consider the 1mm accuracy of 36mm an advantage, it's unimportant). 1) it sticks out further form the back of the camera so you can compose without head tilt (but all old cameras you used head tilt on the hotshoe viewfinder so it's just a luxury) and 2) it has a rubber seal around the back eyepiece. My glasses don't scratch on the Voigtlander though, althought I don't know how. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
michaelwildi Posted April 4, 2011 Share #9 Â Posted April 4, 2011 Just paint a small dot with a silver permanent marker on the center of your VF-glass. Â Best, Michael Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ivan Muller Posted April 4, 2011 Share #10 Â Posted April 4, 2011 Whatever you use, try it. It took me about 6weeks of shooting on different settings and learning the camera before I became confident with it. Unfortunately if you dont put in the time you wont reap the rewards. The camera has a longish learning curve that has to be mastered before one can get the most out of it.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted April 4, 2011 Share #11 Â Posted April 4, 2011 Scola, it is easier than it sounds. However, like most techniques, you need to practice. I use 1-point focusing and visualise the centre point in my OVF. Visible near the top-plate is an LED which glows when focus is set. I also rely on a mild sound effect too. (Set in menu options). Â For relative close range work, I switch to the LCD to avoid parallax problems with the OVF and to apply the focus point more precisely. Â Get used to toggling the INFO button as an additional aid when needed. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scola77 Posted April 5, 2011 Author Share #12 Â Posted April 5, 2011 Thanks everyone. Just ordered one today. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scola77 Posted April 20, 2011 Author Share #13 Â Posted April 20, 2011 My Leica viewfinder came in - I finally "get it." Wow, what a difference it truly makes! I keep it center focused and just aim for the middle -simple! Thanks everyone!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert blu Posted April 20, 2011 Share #14 Â Posted April 20, 2011 Glad you like it! robert Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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