TL2 depth of field preview

[xrogers]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I'm a long-time Leica M user (currently M240) considering a TL2 to complement it. I regularly use the M  in manual exposure mode, and use the evf to preview depth of field---set expected aperture, magnify in the evf, check focus for near and far items, tweek aperture and focus until acceptable, unmagnify, then use exposure preview to fine-tune the shutter speed, and finally frame and shoot. It may sound involved, but is actually direct and quick.

 

Looking at the TL2 instructions, I think this same method would work with an adapted M lens, using either the screen or evf. Please correct me if I've missed something.

 

Would this method work with a native lens, with or without the evf? How do I control magnification, aperture and shutter speed when in manual exposure and manual focus modes simultaneously? I've read that a half-press previews depth of field and exposure...will that cancel magnification?

 

Thanks!

[earleygallery]

If you use an M lens it will show the depth of field regardless because there's no link between camera and lens to control the aperture. What you see is what you get!

[Guest]

Magnification can be toggled on and off through one of the programmable dials on top, and the other dial could perhap be used to change aperture.

 

Both the screen and EVF do a good job with a live DOF preview. Heck, the T/TL2's LCD is pretty much at the top of its class for its size and resolution, so you should enjoy that preview.

[JPP1]

Keep in mind that the T's EVF is far better than the M240's one. It makes magnification less essential. 

[aufderlauer]

So there is no magnification possible when you work in manual mode with the T-Line AF lenses?

[JPP1]

So there is no magnification possible when you work in manual mode with the T-Line AF lenses?

 

Never said that. In fact, with "Focus aid" set to "On", you get automatic magnification as soon as you start turning the focus ring.

 

My point is: in a lot of situations you don't need magnification because you can focus precisely without it?

 

See this thread for more details: https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/230350-manual-focus-with-the-leica-t-an-article/

[xrogers]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Thanks for the replies. 

 

So when using native lenses with manual exposure and manual focus (whether or not using evf) the left dial is aperture, right dial is shutter speed and your chosen magnification (off, 3x or 6x) is activated only when the lens focus is adjusted? And I gather there is no way to combine depth of field preview with focus magnification? If that's true, I'll have to find somewhere to try a camera to see how it works for me without magnification.

[Belle123]

Thanks for the replies.

 

So when using native lenses with manual exposure and manual focus (whether or not using evf) the left dial is aperture, right dial is shutter speed and your chosen magnification (off, 3x or 6x) is activated only when the lens focus is adjusted? And I gather there is no way to combine depth of field preview with focus magnification? If that's true, I'll have to find somewhere to try a camera to see how it works for me without magnification.

I think there is some confusion. What you see in the EVF or back screen is showing depth of field already and always, or what you see is what you get. Same on the M. Right? You can magnify either to fine tune depth of field but there is no depth of field button like you would see on an SLR.

 

But, if you are saying you want to be able to fine tune focus, I.e. Magnify, and check depth of field at the same time I think what you are asking is how to undo magnification while rotating a native lens temporarily. At least on my T, I can hold the shutter button down half way and still turn the focus ring without magnification while the focus aid is set to ON. This is when in manual focus and with the focus aid turned on.

[xrogers]

I think there is some confusion. What you see in the EVF or back screen is showing depth of field already and always, or what you see is what you get. Same on the M. Right? You can magnify either to fine tune depth of field but there is no depth of field button like you would see on an SLR.

 

But, if you are saying you want to be able to fine tune focus, I.e. Magnify, and check depth of field at the same time I think what you are asking is how to undo magnification while rotating a native lens temporarily. At least on my T, I can hold the shutter button down half way and still turn the focus ring without magnification while the focus aid is set to ON. This is when in manual focus and with the focus aid turned on.

 

Thank you for this information. I had read somewhere (I don't recall where) that the lens aperture on the TL2 would not stop down until the shutter button was half pressed. If it is always stopped down when viewing, then I think my usual method would work just fine. So the lens is always stopped down to working aperture on a TL2?

[Belle123]

Thank you for this information. I had read somewhere (I don't recall where) that the lens aperture on the TL2 would not stop down until the shutter button was half pressed. If it is always stopped down when viewing, then I think my usual method would work just fine. So the lens is always stopped down to working aperture on a TL2?

I believe this is correct.

[xrogers]

Sounds like it could work for me. Thanks for the information, all!

[vikasmg]

Thank you for this information. I had read somewhere (I don't recall where) that the lens aperture on the TL2 would not stop down until the shutter button was half pressed. If it is always stopped down when viewing, then I think my usual method would work just fine. So the lens is always stopped down to working aperture on a TL2?

I am not sure but I think it steps down to working aperture with the shutter-button half pressed. While I had the T I remember a momentary darkening of the view when I half-pressed the shutter before the EVF adjusted to the lighter and brightened the view again.

 

- Vikas

[Belle123]

Just to be clear, in full manual mode you set the aperature setting to Manual, you set the ISO to anything but Auto, and you set focus mode to MF or manual focus. Any other combination isn't full manual and will behave differently with a T or TL lens.

[Louis]

Could someone with TL2 please confirm that TL2 has a focus peaking, inded?

[Ingo]

Could someone with TL2 please confirm that TL2 has a focus peaking, inded?

 Confirmed .

 

Have a look into the instructions, page 156.

http://us.leica-camera.com/Photography/Leica-TL/Leica-TL2/Downloads

[RickP]

oops!

[vikasmg]

Could someone with TL2 please confirm that TL2 has a focus peaking, inded?

Yes it does.

[FlashGordonPhotography]

Thank you for this information. I had read somewhere (I don't recall where) that the lens aperture on the TL2 would not stop down until the shutter button was half pressed. If it is always stopped down when viewing, then I think my usual method would work just fine. So the lens is always stopped down to working aperture on a TL2?

 

This is true for TL and SL lenses. For M lenses the aperture will be where you set it mechanically all the time. Therefore the method you use on your M will work on the TL2 as well.

 

Gordon

[dkCambridgeshire]

The 'Focus Peaking' and 'Focus Magnification' functions are not explained well in the TL2 instruction manual. Personally, I cannot see / use the 'red outline' focus peaking at all … either because I'm colour blind, or because it's not working. I need to ask a friend with normal colour vision to check my camera to make sure the focus peaking is available. However, the Focus Aid  options should be accessible as follows:

 

1 Access and touch/tap FOCUS icon in main menu to then: 

2 Access FOCUS AID icon and touch/tap to select one of the 4 possible modes via each of the 4 DOTS appearing in the top of the window : 

2.1 Focus Aid: OFF

2.2 Focus Aid: MAGNIFICATION 'ON' (with no focus peaking) 

2.3 Focus Aid: FOCUS PEAKING 'ON' (with no magnification) 

2.4 Focus Aid: FOCUS PEAKING 'ON' with MAGNIFICATION 'ON'

 

… and when one of magnification modes is selected i.e. 2.2 or 2.4, actual magnification can be alternated between 3x and 6x.

 

When ON, and with the TL lens in manual focus mode, as soon as the TL lens' manual focusing ring is turned the image is 'magnified' &/or 'peaked' 

 

With legacy manual focus lenses, the magnification switches between 3x and 6x when the left setting dial is turned.

 

dunk 

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Leica L-Mount