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The Sony A7 thread [Merged]


dmclalla

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Does anyone know if these cameras provide "focus confirmation" using the focus points (contrast detection, phase detection), like, say, my Canon 5dII does with manual focus lenses.

 

As I understand it, this would be different (and independent) from focus peaking which is basically contrast detection done by in-camera image processing software, but without the aide of af points on the sensor. Or does the focus peaking on these cameras somehow leverage the CD/PD points on the sensor?

 

Focus with Leica visoflex lenses on the 5DII was quite positive with the focus confirm feature.

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It will never exist, and you and I probably agree as to why. Wherever aspirations exist, regardless of their merit, there will be makers of solutions to problems that exist outside of the paradigms, or solutions to problems that only exist in the minds of people who cannot make a difference anyway. Simple is better.

 

Which leaves us only with the problem of defining 'simple'.

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This is great news ! However, 16mm and infinite should be tested too before claiming victory.

Still crossing fingers for the retrofocus-like SEM21.

 

Huh? This was kind of a fluff piece that was linked. The WATE is telecentric. It is the only current telecentric Leica M lens, I know of. I would expect it to work on the A7R. The WATE is in a group that works well on the M and the M9... telecentic. The WATE is just an amazing lens in my experience and IMHO.

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Focus with Leica visoflex lenses on the 5DII was quite positive with the focus confirm feature.

 

Focus confirmation is not an option for me on the 5D2, especially with teles (Zeiss glass), it is extremely unreliable.

My current solution is a Zacuto finder to simulate an EVF, and the Magic Lantern extended firmware for intelligent focus peaking and zoomed pip. Will never go back. ML firmware is a hack, yet years ahead of Canon and... centuries ahead of Leica ;)

Software really makes the difference.

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Focus confirmation is not an option for me on the 5D2, especially with teles (Zeiss glass), it is extremely unreliable.

My current solution is a Zacuto finder to simulate an EVF, and the Magic Lantern extended firmware for intelligent focus peaking and zoomed pip. Will never go back. ML firmware is a hack, yet years ahead of Canon and... centuries ahead of Leica ;)

Software really makes the difference.

 

I didn't even know the 5D2 gave focus confirmation when manually focusing!?!

 

I just put in the bright focusing screen (used fast primes only on the 5D2) and focused manually with out problem except that it took a bit of work ie time to focus the lenses especially when compared to the RF. I never did get along with the 5D2.

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Huh? This was kind of a fluff piece that was linked. The WATE is telecentric. It is the only current telecentric Leica M lens, I know of. I would expect it to work on the A7R. The WATE is in a group that works well on the M and the M9... telecentic. The WATE is just an amazing lens in my experience and IMHO.

 

I am afraid there is a big difference between a telecentric design and a retrofocus design that tries to keep rays as perpendicular as possible to the sensor.

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I didn't even know the 5D2 gave focus confirmation when manually focusing!?!

 

Yup, it works with ZE lenses or with a proper focus confirmation adapter for non-EF mount.

 

I just put in the bright focusing screen (used fast primes only on the 5D2) and focused manually with out problem except that it took a bit of work ie time to focus the lenses especially when compared to the RF. I never did get along with the 5D2.

 

I also have the Eg-S high precision focusing screen, but the ML firmware is so much better. I went from frustration to joy using the 5D2 with the Apo Sonnar 135 (I love that lens).

EVF is the future; we just need "retina" resolution and proper firmware. The former will come before the latter :)

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This is great news ! However, 16mm and infinite should be tested too before claiming victory.

Still crossing fingers for the retrofocus-like SEM21.

 

In fact the 16mm example was already "almost" infinity. At this focal length I would not expect significant differences if something in 30m distance is focused or something at "infinity". Something else that may be important here as well is a very precise adapter.

 

As far as I remember, the SEM 21 performs well on the NEX-7 so chances are good for the A7R.

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Focus confirmation is not an option for me on the 5D2, especially with teles (Zeiss glass), it is extremely unreliable.

My current solution is a Zacuto finder to simulate an EVF, and the Magic Lantern extended firmware for intelligent focus peaking and zoomed pip. Will never go back. ML firmware is a hack, yet years ahead of Canon and... centuries ahead of Leica ;)

Software really makes the difference.

 

Does Magic Lantern support focus confirmation on the 5DII?

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Does Magic Lantern support focus confirmation on the 5DII?

 

To my knowledge (outdated by now), Magic Lantern doesn't get rid of features- they add much needed ones instead. I'm sure Cheshire will soon confirm the correct answer to your query.

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Yup, it works with ZE lenses or with a proper focus confirmation adapter for non-EF mount.

Ha...that may have come in handy when I had the system!

 

I also have the Eg-S high precision focusing screen, but the ML firmware is so much better. I went from frustration to joy using the 5D2 with the Apo Sonnar 135 (I love that lens).

The guys (gals?) at Magic Lantern are doing a fantastic job. I dunno why they haven't been bought out by Canon yet? Or at least why Canon isn't following ML's lead?

 

EVF is the future; we just need "retina" resolution and proper firmware. The former will come before the latter :)

Wouldn't that be something? I suppose it's just a matter of time, no? I think (guessing) the batteries are the limiting factor. Small displays with High resolution, (relatively) high gamut are available, as are the required processors. But small batteries with capacity seemingly aren't.

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Does Magic Lantern support focus confirmation on the 5DII?

 

It supports all standard firmware features, and adds:

- Magic Zoom (only in LV): see a zoomed in PIP with focus confirmation (contrast based, does not need a special lens adapter). Just adding this function to the M would dramatically improve usability.

- Focus trapping: shoot automatically each time focus is achieved. A bit invasive, but can be useful.

- Realtime zebras and histograms (only in LV).

- Alternative AF sensor patterns (I don't use them, as the 5D2 has only one reliable focus point...).

 

... and many others.

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