pgk Posted November 16, 2011 Share #1 Â Posted November 16, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Yesterday I realised something which whilst it is both obvious and has been discussed before, is what (subconsciously) attracts me to the M camera. It is the context in which the viewfinder places the subject - at least with the 'mid' focal length lenses. Â I have realised that when I compose my images with the M, I tend to not only view the subject matter within the framelines but also the surrounds and this influences my final composition in a way that shooting through other cameras does not. The M viewfinder does not isolate the subject in the same way as other viewfinders do, or at least not with the 35 and 50mm lenses which I use most of all. It actually contextualises the subject matter and adds influences which shift my perception of the subject matter. Â I am not sure just what changed my perception of composition from subconsciously taking the surrounds into account to a conscious realisation that this is what I do, but something did and this made me realise that I compose differently with RF and SLR (or digital compact). Â Obviously I am stating the obvious but it does no harm to do so if it acts as a reminder. However next time I see a comparison review of a Leica M vs. the latest, greatest dSLR I will probably consider that it is missing a vital point...... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted November 16, 2011 Posted November 16, 2011 Hi pgk, Take a look here About the M Viewfinder. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
giordano Posted November 16, 2011 Share #2 Â Posted November 16, 2011 However next time I see a comparison review of a Leica M vs. the latest, greatest dSLR I will probably consider that it is missing a vital point...... Â If you use your right eye to look through the DSLR, just open the other eye to see what's happening outside the frame - though it's a trick that works better with the slimmer lenses of yore than with today's big fat ones. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpattison Posted November 16, 2011 Share #3 Â Posted November 16, 2011 Paul, This is (one of the many) features of the DMR which makes it so special. An DSLR with an M like finder.... bliss! Â Regards, John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pgk Posted November 16, 2011 Author Share #4 Â Posted November 16, 2011 If you use your right eye to look through the DSLR, just open the other eye to see what's happening outside the frame - though it's a trick that works better with the slimmer lenses of yore than with today's big fat ones. I often do, but my right eye is my dominant eye and its just not the same I'm afraid. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Messsucherkamera Posted November 16, 2011 Share #5 Â Posted November 16, 2011 I have realised that when I compose my images with the M, I tend to not only view the subject matter within the framelines but also the surrounds and this influences my final composition in a way that shooting through other cameras does not. The M viewfinder does not isolate the subject in the same way as other viewfinders do, or at least not with the 35 and 50mm lenses which I use most of all. It actually contextualises the subject matter and adds influences which shift my perception of the subject matter. I have found that being able to see what's going on outside the bright line in my viewfinder is a huge plus - it enhances my ability to anticipate and to compose the image when I can see what's going on outside the area that will be recorded on the negative. Yes, I can look thru the viewfinder with my right eye and watch the scene as a whole with my left eye - but for me, dong so is visually unsettling and distracts from my concentration. Â Perhaps I just need more practice at the "looking with one eye, photographing with the other" technique. Do many others out there employ this method when photographing? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted November 16, 2011 Share #6 Â Posted November 16, 2011 It matters not to me, I compose by sight, that is I see the image I want before any camera is put to my eye (or held out a la zombie). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted November 16, 2011 Share #7 Â Posted November 16, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hard to shoot both eyes open with (d)SLRs & wide or tele lenses. Best experience is 1:1 rangefinders from this viewpoint. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamey Posted November 16, 2011 Share #8 Â Posted November 16, 2011 Not with me, When looking through the range finder I am always trying to match or fill the frame lines with the subject unlike the SLR what I see is what I get and want. Â But I must admit most M users are ONE EYED especially with the M9....... lol. Â Â Ken. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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