best AF preset for X1 ?

[Anouk]

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I just bought an X1 after seeing all the beautiful pics on this forum.

I already own a DL4, a D2 and a V-Lux 1, but I'm really over the moon with this little gem.

However, I seem to be lacking the competence to get pictures in focus.

I don't have that problem with my other cams. I'm at a loss, and I was hoping someone here could enlighten me. I've mainly used the 1 zone mode, different apertures, all above f4 in good light.

I'm practically always excited when I review a picture on the lcd, but highly dissapointed when I download that same pic to Lightroom (I use a high res screen MBP).

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[ECliffordSmith]

Hi Anouk,

 

I am sorry to hear you are having troubles with your camera.

 

Personally I have found the AF macro mode with spot focus to be the most reliable if not the quickest.

 

Can you post an example of an image you are unhappy with? Is any of the image sharp? Are these in camera JPEGs?

[Anouk]

Hi Ed,

 

thanks for your reply.

I've attached one of my pictures. At first sight it looks fine, but as soon as I zoom in on my computer...not so much!

I shoot in RAW and JPEG. Both have the same problem, although the sharpening from the camera on the JPEG masks it a bit.

I'm convinced it's my fault and not the camera's.

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[ECliffordSmith]

Hi Anouk,

 

From the example you have posted the critical sharpness appears to be on the side of the face close to the ear. Is this area not very sharp when viewed at a larger size? What shutter speed was used here? Could there be some slight camera movement? I have had this at surprisingly short shutter speeds with my X1 (125/s).

 

It may be worth putting the camera on a tripod and doing some tests. Have you tried manual focus at all?

[Anouk]

Hi Ed,

 

I've only tried manual focus at infinity distance setting, which was OK.

I suspect you are right about the shutter speed.

The picture was taken at 1/50 sec with f2.8; reviewing some more files now, I notice that most of the problematic files are taken with shutter speeds of 1/125 and longer.

I would have never thought that this would cause blurry pictures, since I have had many succesful handheld pictures with my Digilux and D-Lux with speeds of 1/30 and even 1/15 sec!

That this isn't possible with the X1 is very inconvenient, since I really don't want to hoist a tripod with me all the time. It kinda kills the fact that the X1 is such a pocketable camera!

[ECliffordSmith]

Hi Anouk,

 

I think that now you are aware that you need to be careful below 1/125s you will be able to comfotably do so to 1/30s and 1/15s as with your other cameras. I think the fact the camera is so light and has no opitcal stabilisation is the cause of the issue. I did not think I would have an issue at 1/60s when I first got the camera but since I have noticed it I am more careful with at these speeds and the issue has gone. I have had a lot of success at 1/8s with the X1 since.

 

Please let us know how you get on. I hope you have the same experience I did.

[Anouk]

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I have had a lot of success at 1/8s with the X1 since.

 

And how did you accomplish that? With a tripod, I presume? Or is there a neat trick to stabilize your camera that I am unaware of?

[Anouk]

Uh, I just noticed that we both live in Antwerp...maybe I could take an X1 photography course with you?

[ECliffordSmith]

Hi Anouk,

 

I had not realised that we were both in Antwerp. You would be most welcome to an X1 course but I fear I have little knowldege to impart.

 

For the slower shutter speeds I find that by releasing the shutter on an out-breath and having a firm relaxed grip does wonders for the steadiness of my photographs. The actual shutter release is more like a grip tightening than a push of the button.

 

I agree with you that taking a tripod along with an X1 defeats the purpose of such a small camera a lot of the time.

[threeputt]

If you have a shoulder strap for your X1, one trick I use is to wrap it around my right wrist to take up slack, then pull the strap tight against my back. That helps to steady it when you don't have anything to lean against. Picked up this tip from an old "Leica manual" from the 1950's and it works with any camera without stabilization. Also, the optical viewfinder provides another bit of stabilization when you press it against your eye.

 

Jeff

[Anouk]

Hi Jeff,

 

I'll give that a try. I have the strap that came with the camera, but I'm currently using the wrist strap, since I find the neck strap to bulky to put away in my (small) bag.

I've just received my new Thumbs Up. I'll see what that does for stability, although its main purpose is to get a better grip. (I dislike the Leica grip, it adds to much bulk to the camera, I find, although it's OK on my DL4).

Seems I'll be learning to hold my breath to take sharper pictures

[JOM51]

I have the same problem below 1/100 s. But I found than adding the Leica Hand Grip and the "thumbs up" for X1 has improved the stability of handling the camera. But even so I prefer to increase ISO than go below 1/100 hand held.

High ISO noise can be cleaned easily in LR4.

 

greetings

[prk60091]

a tip i learned 50 years or so ago still works today

 

feet hip width apart

both elbows tucked to the chest with both hands on the camera (even with the thumbs up)

depress shutter

exhale

then release shutter