Settings, use and habits

[IWC Doppel]

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It struck me when I talk to other M users that we often get comfortable with our settings and then fail to consider other options or workflows. I do occasionally change but would like to hear how other people go about their camera settings and use. I hope this makes sense as I am sure some, hopefully including me will find something of ineterest that others do.

 

Okay here goes....

 

I pop a Lens on for the day and set the camera accordingly (hopefully !) I only ever take more than one lens if I am looking to compare lenses or have something really specific requiring two (ie very rarely), my camera is always SET to auto ISO, JPG fine B&W and DNG RAW. I prefer to look at a B&W preview on screen as I convert most pictures to B&W and like the B&W jpg's in any case. All standard jpg settings but I'm currently trying increased sharpening to see if this helps the slight jpg softness.

I set the ISO manually before I go, 160 for the daylight (Sometimes 320), 500-640 for evening and no more than 800-1000 at night

I set the aperture depending on what I intend to shoot and the required DOF/Look, I am usually either wide open or 1/2 to one stop closed or f4-5.6, I rarely venture past f5.6

I use the in camera light meter to set the speed manually (I do sometimes use a Gossen, but have lost the habit again...) and choose the speed manually, I often alter aperture and speed in conjunction using 1/2 stops

 

I have the auto review set to 1s/ histogram and just quickly check for under/over exposure after the first shot by tilting the camera after the shot, then check occasionally only. I do set the exposure compensation to -1/3 as I would rather crush black than blow highlights. Autopower off I set to 1s as it comes to life instantly and I try not to have the camera on if not needed.

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[swamiji]

My workflow starts earlier. I find out where I am going, what the lighting will be, what my subjects will be. From that information I decide what style I will shoot, realistic, impressionistic, surrealist.

 

Then I start selecting the body(s) and lens(es). Usually one body and two lenses. One lens for my purpose and one "just in case" lens. Often a 28/75 but sometimes a 50/90...

 

I preselect the ISO to the optimum for the media based on expectations . Tri-x 400/1600, MM 6400, M240 3200, more or less. Aperture is set for the DOF needed for the style, speed set likewise.

 

Other settings, preview set to Off. Auto shutoff set to 1 minute. Camera is always set to DNG uncompressed, no JPEG. If I want to shoot B&W, I shoot with the MM or Tri-X. I do use color filters on the MM, and with Tri-X, and always bring a Polarizer.

 

When I get to the location, I adjust accordingly to keep the style desired, but sometimes a rethink is in order, and I am grateful for my second lens choice.

 

I don't use exposure comp or histograms while shooting, I aim for correct exposure trying not to blow the highlights, but I focus on the subject, and environmental changes, rather than the camera it's self. I would rather get an interesting subject, than worry about absolute perfect exposure. Of course this is a balancing act, we must all do.

 

At night I tend to go fully manual, in the day often aperture priority, it depends on what is my goal. Like DOF, it varies.

[250swb]

I usually have a plan, but keep an open mind because ideas can change, and if necessary should change according to the conditions. Given the time I have go out and photograph is precious I wouldn't go anywhere without two or three lenses, there are no points gained by turning up to find a 'wide' would be better than the 'standard' or visa versa, and usually you only get one crack at a photograph. Often I will settle down to swapping between two lenses. I have a boring User Profile setting that I default to after re-formatting the card from the previous outing, but that is just to ensure I don't switch the camera on and discover to late I forgot about a massive exposure compensation I'd set etc. All other settings are decided depending on which way the wind is blowing.

 

Steve