Jump to content

Portrait focussing with M8


Questions

Recommended Posts

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Hey Folks!

 

After 2 Weeks with the M8 i got quite used to focus with my first Rangefinder.

 

When shooting architecture focussing is quite fast when having structures and lines.

 

How do you focus quickly when shooting portraits? 

 

I find it difficult to find focus in the face of the person.

 

What works best for you?

 

Thanks!

Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello Questions,

 

With M8 and from 50mm and up lens for portrait, I use one or more "tricks":

 - I use a magnifier as x1.25 (mainly almost or wide open)

 - find some straight line in the clothing (simple if the sitter wears a hat or cap) and not much moving

 - when possible I tell my wife to raise her index near her face to focus on it (not kidding :p)

 

  - more with experiences, like using closed down the lens and rely on dof if moving subject

 

With practices, you would discover what works or not ;).

 

Practice a lot :rolleyes: and find your "tricks"...

Link to post
Share on other sites

First thing: the golden rule for portraits is that the eyes must be in focus so I always use the iris to focus on.  

 

If I find that I'm having trouble deciding if I have focus or not (particularly in low light) I'll turn the camera through 45 degrees, which immediately tells me whether I have it because if I have correct focus the image will rotate around the iris - if not, the iris will move.

 

Pete. 

Link to post
Share on other sites

Focusing on the eyes works fine generally.

(M8 Instruction manual page 104)

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 4 months later...

Focus on the catch light in near eye.  With 90 mm lens,  set focus to 5 feet and move in/out until catch light merges.  Do not move focus ring. 5 feet will get a nice head shot.  

Do similar with 1/2 & 3/4 body & 50 mm lens.

If no catch light,  use eye glasses, collar, coat lapel.  Feel free to rotate came for focus, then rotate to compose.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...