question to X1 or X2 users with optical viewfinder

[jlindstrom]

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I'm a bit curious on how the OVF works with X-series in practise. I mean what settings do you use for AF and how well do you nail focus where you want it to be?

 

Somebody already mentioned using face detection and I can understand that working quite nicely for people shots. But say you're using 11-point AF, how do you know where the focus point is with OVF? Does it "just work" or is this one of those hit&miss Zen It kind of things? And I guess same goes if you use 1-point AF.. One can propably guestimate allright'ish where the focus point is, but guess it's not good for critical or semicritical things.

 

Somebody should make CV 28/35 type of OVF with a X-series central focus point kind of marker bang in the middle of the VF :-)

 

Anyway, maybe my "worries" are pointless and in practise none of this really matters but would like some user input on this one.

 

Thanks, Juha

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[JOM51]

The way I use my OVF (an Olympus viewfinder for the EP system) on my X1 is:

- I use manual focusing

- aperture priority

- I set the aperture to F1 or f16

then I use the focusing wheel, the green bar on the distance scale shows minimum and maximum distance the image will be in focus.

After that you just aim and shoot all day without having to refocus.

Easy and effective.

[Guest]

you have to mark the center of the front glas(black marker),and use the 1point af...that´s it;)

 

lambda......

[SproetS]

I use the OVF as much as the screen on the back. It depends on the moment. Sometimes I don't use them at all. Than nobody notice you taking the picture.

 

I use one point focus all the time.

[jlindstrom]

you have to mark the center of the front glas(black marker),and use the 1point af...that´s it;)

 

lambda......

 

But that doesn't account for parallax :-P

 

Or should one optimize between 1-2 meters depending on which Leica digital M is the "main weapon"?

 

--Juha

[wda]

Juha, much has been written about this issue. Well worth a search. For me, an OVF was essential. I set 1 Point in focus mode and have learned to visualise, quite accurately, where the central spot is in my OVF. For close subjects I use the LCD for framing and focusing accuracy. Perfection comes from practice. Face detection is good when it latches onto the prime subject you have in mind, but it doesn't always happen. So I reserve that mode for loose groups and using the LCD to improve accuracy.

[Guest]

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But that doesn't account for parallax :-P

 

Or should one optimize between 1-2 meters depending on which Leica digital M is the "main weapon"?

 

--Juha

 

right,practical knowledge is necessary,but it works

 

lambda....

[jlindstrom]

 

right,practical knowledge is necessary,but it works

 

lambda....

 

That's a good thing to know. Maybe my thinking is a little screwed up. I kind of thought you were taking a crack at my question :-) Sorry about that..

 

Suppose combining this with wda's advice on using lcd or close-up is the key. Starting to make sense.

 

--Juha

[robert blu]

I use AF one point focus and it seems me with a little exercise it is not difficult to visualize in the frame (VF) where the center is. Sometimes I use the lcd and, if the distance does not change I switch to manual focus and lock the focus at that distance. It works, noly need is dome practicing.

robert

[NZDavid]

I find RF focusing much more precise than any kind of AF. I don't trust "face recognition". I tried it and it turned out to be "handbag recognition". Manual focusing is fiddly and impossible in bright light. I would just use spot focusing and make sure the main subject is bang in the middle of the finder, semi depress the shutter to focus and recompose if need be. However, although the OVF is essential in bright light and helps with camera stability, live view is also very useful for precise composition. Btw, the metal Voigtländer 35mm finder is excellent.

[Mixalis]

I agree entirely with NZDavid after trying both the OVF and EVF during the past week. The OVF is cosmetically nicer, more Leicaish, and is great for composition (but not for accurate focus) in bright light. It comes into its own for street photography when using zone focusing.

 

That said, I find that I get more out-of-focus shots with the OVF unless I follow David's advice and use spot. Even then it isn't ideal. But, at least, with spot you have a fairly accurate knowledge of where the focus is falling. The EVF, on the other hand, makes it much easier to get successful, properly focused shots in almost all situations. I also agree on face recognition; better to use spot and decide for yourself.

 

I am still getting used to my X2 and, no doubt, I will soon be able to get the best from the automatic focus system. After M9s and M8s, we've all been spoiled by accurate focus. Manual focus on the X2 is a very poor relation to the traditional Leica rangefinder. That enlarged focus window helps but there is no absolute indication of focus as there is with a rangefinder. Perhaps it is my eyesight and others could have better experiences.

 

I've more or less resigned myself to sticking to auto focus for general use and to select manual only for specific zone-focus situations where no judgment is necessary.

[sharookh]

I am attaching an image shot in AF on the X2 along with the Leica EVF, a couple of hours after purchasing it. The EVF was in its 90 degree position and the view point helped me take this image of a moving constable, obviously hot under the collar. I think the EVF is superb, and far more responsive than I earlier imagined. I doubt if I could have captured it in focus (in AF mode), had it been shot with an OVF.....

 

My two cents....!

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