Most accurate focusing

[algrove]

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whats focus peaking?

I use the vf2 on the X-Vario, the only time I have used it on the M was to check if my lenses are focusing correct…they do. I much prefer the optical viewfinder/rangefinder for focusing and for framing.

I might use it if I had lenses which are not calibrated correctly or which suffer from focus shift, but I don't own such lenses any more.

 

Keep in mind there are those of us where the EVF is the only way to effectively use R lenses on the M240.

[tom0511]

Keep in mind there are those of us where the EVF is the only way to effectively use R lenses on the M240.

 

Sure - if you use R-Lenses or third party non rangefinder lenses its the way to go. (And great that we have the option to use an EVF if we want to).

[lanetomlane]

I've only just taken delivery of the M but would expect the EVF will be extremely useful when used with the WATE. If not for improved focusing, it should be better than the Frankenfinder for accurate composition.

___________________

Cheers, Tom

[JimKasson]

I've only just taken delivery of the M but would expect the EVF will be extremely useful when used with the WATE. If not for improved focusing, it should be better than the Frankenfinder for accurate composition.

 

All true, and you can use the intermediate (between the clicks) focal lengths as well.

 

I find it impossible to focus the WATE with the EVF, since, even wide open, it has so much DOF. It's easy to focus with the RF, and since you don't want to use it wide open unless you don't care it the corners go soft, you can just guess the distance and set the scale.

 

More generally, I find that focus peaking doesn't help me focus with the EVF, since it depends on the contrast of the subject so much. What I do is open the lens up all the way, focus with the EVF, and stop the lens down to the working aperture. This is a fairly slow operation, best performed on a tripod. It works well since almost all Leica lenses, being designed for RF use, have very little focus shift.

 

Another EVF advantage is that you can tilt the finder up, and look straight down and frame. This lets you use a shorter tripod, and allows photo angles that are normally awkward. However, tripod mounted, it only works for horizontals.

 

Jim

[algrove]

However, tripod mounted, it only works for horizontals.

Jim

 

Jim

 

I use a QR L bracket with tripod work and often shoot verticals for future stitching. The EVF works with verticals, alibi with no chance to get the EVF in true vertical position.

[JimKasson]

Jim

 

I use a QR L bracket with tripod work and often shoot verticals for future stitching. The EVF works with verticals, alibi with no chance to get the EVF in true vertical position.

 

Right. I use the RRS bracket for that purpose. But when the camera is vertical, tilting the EVF 90 degrees just moves it from one horizontal orientation to another, and you lose the ability to comfortably use a short tripod. That's what I meant.

 

Jim

[flyalf]

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The RF beats EVF without breaking a sweat for all my lenses ( M 16 - 90mm). The EVf is good for composition of UWs, but is imo less useful for all other usage. The resolution is like all other EVF a few magnitudes to low for real focus, and the peaking not accurate enough.

 

Still, a good option from Leica

[jaapv]

I don’t agree. I found the EVF and focus peaking extremely accurate on tele lenses. About 50 cm of focussing play at twenty meters using a 400 5.6 lens. That is better than I can do with an R8.

As for focussing accuracy on ultra-wides, you are certainly right, it is the same thing on an SLR, but who cares? DOF makes even scale focusing adequately accurate.

[algrove]

+1

[Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS]

With the Noctilux 0.95 In good light I use the RF, at night in the pub with a belly full of beer I use the EVF..................I hope this helps

[algrove]

It's very nice to have the choice between RF and EVF.

[tobey bilek]

I am sure the RF is as good as it can be made. But if you have the time and guaranteed perfection is required, live view or focus peaking is as good a it gets. Almost like an optical bench.

[jaapv]

With the Noctilux 0.95 In good light I use the RF, at night in the pub with a belly full of beer I use the EVF………………I hope this helps

Not for the hangover..

[bocaburger]

Definitely the option of the EVF increases the versatility of the system, and it is tons more convenient than a Visoflex. Plus it obviates carrying a handful of accessory finders for wide angle lenses having no in-camera frame lines, and what it lacks in clarity it makes up for in less distortion than those clip-on finders. The low-angle capability is also a plus. I have used the M240 with the EVF and readily concur that it is certainly more effortless to compose accurately. However I did not find it that easy to focus accurately. I find my ancient Canon 5D (despite the finder being optimized for AF and having no focus aids) easier to focus with adapted manual lenses, including the wonderfully lightweight 400/6.8 Telyt despite its modest aperture.