EVF. Should I buy one?

[CheshireCat]

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An additional point: the EVF is indispensible for M lenses that suffer from focus shift such as the 35 Summilux asph. I have a fast Zeiss Sonnar with focus shift that has returned to use with the EVF.

 

+1

And don't forget the Noctilux f/1.

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[farnz]

+1

And don't forget the Noctilux f/1.

My Noctilux has rarely caused me a problem with focus shift because I normally use it wide open but I agree with you for smaller apertures.

 

Pete.

[CheshireCat]

My Noctilux has rarely caused me a problem with focus shift because I normally use it wide open but I agree with you for smaller apertures.

 

Yup, I would buy a cheaper version without aperture blades

Jokes apart, the rangefinder is perfectly calibrated for wide open and a pleasure to use, but EVF can be useful anyway.

 

In any case, it must be noted that the EVF hardware is a generation or two behind and Leica's implementation of focus peaking is useless without a way to calibrate the sensibility for each lens (which could even be done automatically for coded lenses, but I would appreciate a manual setting).

[01af]

... useless without a way to calibrate the sensibility for each lens (which could even be done automatically for coded lenses, but I would appreciate a manual setting).

For coded lenses, it's not required anyway. For those which actually require EVF focusing (and hence, focus peaking), it is working perfectly fine.

 

For M lenses—don't buy an EVF. For adapted non-M lenses—get one as soon as possible!

[fotographis]

I agree with a lot of what has been said in the posts above, but there are a few things that have not been said that I feel are very important. I have been using the EVF on my M240 for a few weeks. In casual shooting I thought is was really cool. However, when I started to use it on jobs, I found some very annoying traits.

 

There is a definite shutter lag when using the EVF that is not there when using the rangefinder. It's really evident if you are shooting people talking, trying to catch an expression, invariably the fleeting moment is gone when the shutter trips, or the eyes are closed.

 

If you don't set the auto review to "off" in the menu. then after every exposure the review image pops up in the finder, and you can't shoot until it goes away. If you have shot several images, and decide that you want to switch to the range finder, then the camera locks up and you can't shoot until the buffer is clear after you switch from the EVF and LV. If you are shooting an event or press conference, this can be very frustrating as you wait and wait for the blinking red light to stop flashing. It's a learning curve thing, as I learn the camera and the EVF, I am feeling more comfortable with the timing of the shutter lag. The buffer is much better than the M9, but clearing the buffer seems to take longer.

 

Is the EVF worth it, absolutely! I am shooting the m240 with a Nikon 180mm f/2.8 ED wide open at ISO 1600 with great results. The focus peeking is a real joy to use, as it loves the straight lines of the eyelashes, which stand out easily in the magnified view mode.

 

Oh, and the 135mm Elmarit f/2.8 that I have always wanted to love, but just never could, is now a favorite... After I took a Dremel tool to the no longer necessary Goggles and cut them off...

[digitalfx]

For M lenses—don't buy an EVF.

 

I use my EVF on M lenses frequently

[digitalfx]

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There is a definite shutter lag when using the EVF that is not there when using the rangefinder. It's really evident if you are shooting people talking, trying to catch an expression, invariably the fleeting moment is gone when the shutter trips, or the eyes are closed.

 

This is because you are in LV.

 

 

If you don't set the auto review to "off" in the menu. then after every exposure the review image pops up in the finder, and you can't shoot until it goes away. If you have shot several images, and decide that you want to switch to the range finder, then the camera locks up and you can't shoot until the buffer is clear after you switch from the EVF and LV.

 

I have my camera set to review only when holding down the shutter, which IMO is the best option short of off. This eliminates your issue and has the added benefit of giving you control over how long and if you even want to review. If you want to review the image, simply continue holding the shutter and review as long as you like. If you don't care to review the image just shoot normally and the image isn't displayed. Its the best of both worlds and gives you total control.

 

The EVF really should only be used in instances when the rangefinder is difficult to find the focus...once you adopt this method of shooting the EVF becomes so much more valuable.

 

I find I use the rangefinder for 80-90% of my shots and only switch over to the EVF occasionally as needed.

[Albert Andersen]

It is very useful. I am left eyed, and it makes it much more easy for me to focus in difficult situations. Great with the M240.

[paulsydaus]

Surely it depends on the lenses you're using. IMHO, if you're not using wider than 28 or longer than 75 the EVF doesn't add much value. If you're using >90 or wider than 28 you need it. If you're using R lenses, other long or wide glass, you also need it.

Depends how well calibrated your lenses are. But yes very true if calibrated correctly which is very hit and miss with Leica lenses unfortunately. Still, it’s worth the patience needed to get everything in sync.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[LocalHero1953]

Er - this is a 4 year old thread

 

Er (2) - why is a thread in the M9/ME forum discussing EVFs? 

[tobey bilek]

Refresh rate is way to slow with electronic viso, SL, and two other cameras I looked at a Leica dealer.  If you move the camera,  the image goes in jumps like a slow motion movie.  I find it extremely annoying and you can not time a shot very well.

 

The LV image on the back of the M10 does not suffer this,  but them you have a tripod camera or a zombie camera.  My opinion.

[Ko.Fe.]

It is 2017 and I still have no clue why EVF thread is here. I get M-E in 2016, because it was one of the few cameras with OVF only... I get what some use EVF, but it has nothing to do with rangefinder cameras and M9, M-E in particular.

[tobey bilek]

Try b/4 you buy.   I tried an SL  and M10 with viso and while they work with static subjects,,  the refresh rate is too slow giving jerky movements.   Timing is impossible for sports.   Buy a real viso .