Heresy?

[sps]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I might be committing some kind of heresy, but here goes.

 

Remembering the automatic focus bracketing of the Contax N line, I decided to try to create the effect on the M8. In low light (especially with the Noct at 1.0 I was shooting), focusing has been tough for me. So I have been setting the camera on "continuous" and moving the focus ring to the first point at which focus appears correct. Then while shooting three shots I slightly rotate the focus ring continuing in the same direction. It the shutter speed is really slow, I leave it on single shot and release the shutter after each incremental focus change so that my hand can be steadied.

 

Sometimes I hit the write buffer, but at least I have one picture out of the bunch that is "nailed". I shot almost 200 pics last night in an hour, handheld, and got some good results.

 

I hope this works for others too.

[DaveEP]

It's an interesting short term solution that I have used with other brands of cameras in low light for exposure and/or sharpness at slower shutter speeds.

 

However, it really is worth while persevering with the practice for focusing. It usually only gets better....

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[johnbuckley]

I think this is an innovative idea. Never would have thought of it. I can focus quite well with all lenses but the Nocti... and this would save certain shots. Thanks.

[wparsonsgisnet]

Savvas, thanks for the suggestsion. It's a great idea.

 

I can see that in addition to using it to nail the focus, one could also be creative with it. It would be fun to play and see if the picture can be smeared, and so on.