JimGoshorn Posted October 9, 2011 Share #1  Posted October 9, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) I posted this question over at GetDPI as well but haven't gotten any replies yet so I am posting this here:  While doing research on the M9, I saw a link to Leica's site:  LEICA M9 rangefinder  where they illustrate how the camera focuses. I understood the mechanics before looking at the site but I had never seen the size relationship between the focusing patch and the frame lines.  What I would like to know is how do you isolate specific subjects like tree branches with Summilux lenses and a patch that is so big?  Jim Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted October 9, 2011 Posted October 9, 2011 Hi JimGoshorn, Take a look here Focusing Question. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
bybrett Posted October 9, 2011 Share #2 Â Posted October 9, 2011 Hi Jim, my honest response is don't research M9, go and experience it, then you will get your answer. Cheers Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted October 9, 2011 Share #3 Â Posted October 9, 2011 You look at the part of the patch that contains whatever you want to be in focus. It doesn't work like one huge AF focussing spot where everything in the patch is in focus. As Brett says, try to get a dealer to show you and all will be clear. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted October 9, 2011 Share #4 Â Posted October 9, 2011 Questions like these can't help but irritate me! Not blaming Jim - it just highlights how overly complicated most current cameras are, and how that complexity conditions people to thinking in similarly complex terms! Â Leica M is pure simplicity. Â As others advise, try one out and you'll 'get it' immediately. You'll either love it or hate it! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted October 9, 2011 Share #5 Â Posted October 9, 2011 If you want to isolate a subject, you also need to understand the depth of field at the distance and aperture you are using. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobey bilek Posted October 9, 2011 Share #6  Posted October 9, 2011 Put an object in the patch, focus until two images merge. Horizontal lines are difficult as a split image on reflex cameras. Turn the camera to portrait mode to focus.  Dots work well like catch lights in eyes.  vertical lines are super easy.  A man`s shirt collar or lapel are good targets  Because lines work so well, run a line in the pic thru the patch. When in focus, the line will straight and continuous right thru the patch.  When doing head shot portrait work, I set the lens to 5 feet and move in or out until the catch lights in the near eye merge. Do not focus, move. Moving is faster. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bpalme Posted October 9, 2011 Share #7 Â Posted October 9, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Like said above you usually try to pick a vertical line. The patch moves horizontally so when the lines line up you're in focus. For a horizontal tree branch you may have to turn the camera sideways focus on the branch then recompose. It's not a perfect system. Some people don't like it and some people love it. I love it. Also in dark light it's harder to focus. But still usually better than any autofocus camera. There are many trade offs so keep an open mind. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimGoshorn Posted October 9, 2011 Author Share #8 Â Posted October 9, 2011 Questions like these can't help but irritate me! Not blaming Jim - it just highlights how overly complicated most current cameras are, and how that complexity conditions people to thinking in similarly complex terms! Â Earley, Â Thank you for pointing that out. You are right, I was thinking in terms of the patch being like an AF point in my 1Ds3. The demo on Leica's site even made it look that way. Â Having never used rangefinder (have used micro-prism and split-image) and using digital for the last 8 years, I fell into the digital mentality. That is one of the main reasons I am thinking of an M. I want something simple and direct without all the buttons, wheels and menus. Â Jim Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter H Posted October 9, 2011 Share #9  Posted October 9, 2011 Earley, Thank you for pointing that out. You are right, I was thinking in terms of the patch being like an AF point in my 1Ds3. The demo on Leica's site even made it look that way.  Having never used rangefinder (have used micro-prism and split-image) and using digital for the last 8 years, I fell into the digital mentality. That is one of the main reasons I am thinking of an M. I want something simple and direct without all the buttons, wheels and menus.  Jim  Give it a try. It sounds as though you'll love it! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.