Should the next M have a Hybrid Viewfinder?

[SiggiGun]

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No

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[adan]

Would it be possible to have both OVF/RF and EVF in the same window for manual focus only?

 

Yes, but not quite as simple as the one Fuji makes. Due to retaining the transparency needed for the optical RF's secondary light path sideways through the camera from the small RF image window over by the shutter button.

 

I drew a diagram of one way to do it back when the X100 first came out, adding LCD framelines only.

 

Here's a really quick rough redo of that schematic, with the added things needed for a fully switchable hybrid EVF-OVF/RF.

 

(pale green lines are the reflected light path for viewing the LCD through the normal eyepiece)

 

You'd have to assume the mechanical optical framelines go away (slanted black line in the viewfinder "as it is"), replaced by X100-style computer-drawn framelines (which some people desire anyway) - because the current mechanical mask would block the LCD of the hybrid system. You'd also need two shutters to close off the OVF and the RF secondary window when in EVF mode (Fuji only needs one, since it has no RF).

 

The RF patch would also likely be somewhat dimmer and with less contrast, due to passing through a second semi-silvered prism surface.

 

It may also take up additional internal camera space - when people are already complaining the digital M's are too big as they are. Not a lot, since some of that space is already used by the (to be deleted) framelines mask system. But some.

 

And you'd need some extra processing capability to "draw" stuff on the LCD.

 

Do-able? Yes. Desirable? Enh.

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[lct]

[...] The RF patch would also likely be somewhat dimmer and with less contrast, due to passing through a second semi-silvered prism surface. [...]

Thank you Andy. Do you think the second mirror could be retractable in OVF mode?

[adan]

No - the mirror would still have to be in position to reflect framelines from the LCD when in OVF mode.

 

Plus, I would worry about effects on RF precision if the light (red line) is passing through a moveable mirror. I figured that the new "mirror" would be constructed just like the one in the current viewfinder - a solid block of optical glass, split diagonally, silvered on the split surface, and re-cemented together.

[LocalHero1953]

Strict answer: no, because I don't believe the technology is there yet.

Rephrasing the question to "would I like a M with a hybrid viewfinder": Oh yes, I'd jump at it, if it could be made to work instantly, smoothly and seamlessly.

[AlanJW]

I would like a better detachable EVF than the current EVF2. The Oly EVF4 which replaced the EVF2 is far superior, as is the T EVF. I would like to see better resolution, eye recognition and better speed. My reason is that if external there could also be upgradeability as EVF technology advances. That would be problematic if built in.