kinetic Posted March 24, 2023 Share #1 Posted March 24, 2023 Advertisement (gone after registration) How does everyone shoot in portrait orientation? If I shoot with right hand on top, when I start focusing with my left, I'm blocking the viewfinder and can only see the patch. So I really have to move my left hand down to get the focus ring (I use the summilux 50mm black chrome, so there's no tab so I just grab the focus ring wherever it is). And then shooting the other way with my right hand on the bottom just feels weird. I've never really had this issue before as I've always used autofocus cameras (this is my first manual and rangefinder). Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 24, 2023 Posted March 24, 2023 Hi kinetic, Take a look here How do you shoot portrait orientation? Hand on top or bottom?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
DenverSteve Posted March 24, 2023 Share #2 Posted March 24, 2023 (edited) Deleted Edited March 24, 2023 by DenverSteve Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kinetic Posted March 24, 2023 Author Share #3 Posted March 24, 2023 3 minutes ago, DenverSteve said: Both. Supported with the body/face and a solidly held lower hand and the upper hand gripping the body and index-finger on the shutter release. Similar to this photo. 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! This fully blocks the viewfinder on a rangefinder camera like the M11. The image you're showing is a DSLR, so you're looking through the lens. I find it awkward to manual focus since your hand is really blocking the viewfinder. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DenverSteve Posted March 24, 2023 Share #4 Posted March 24, 2023 Okay, move your thumb……..😁 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kinetic Posted March 24, 2023 Author Share #5 Posted March 24, 2023 Just now, DenverSteve said: Okay, move your thumb……..😁 So are you saying you don't block the viewfinder at all? I just find it difficult, but I wonder if I'm doing it wrong. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anbaric Posted March 24, 2023 Share #6 Posted March 24, 2023 Depends if I'm 'wearing a hat with a broad brim', but my camera is a bit older than the M11. 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! 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/374581-how-do-you-shoot-portrait-orientation-hand-on-top-or-bottom/?do=findComment&comment=4736160'>More sharing options...
kinetic Posted March 24, 2023 Author Share #7 Posted March 24, 2023 Advertisement (gone after registration) 1 minute ago, Anbaric said: Depends if I'm 'wearing a hat with a broad brim', but my camera is a bit older than the M11. 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! This is helpful Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Siriusone59 Posted March 24, 2023 Share #8 Posted March 24, 2023 If I'm not using the visoflex, I'll focus in horizontal as it's easier for me to see the separation with the focusing patch, then I'll rotate the camera with my right hand to the top and reframe to take the shot. Other conditions like moving subjects may require a more creative approach but this seems to work most often for me. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pippy Posted March 24, 2023 Share #9 Posted March 24, 2023 (edited) With an M it is almost always right-hand over; left hand under. There is some sense(*) in utilising the opposite method when using slower shutter-speeds as the face can act as a brace against which the camera can be stabilised but, as you say, in this fashion (*again) focus would have to be carried-out first then the camera-position reversed for the actual image-capture. Philip. * For the way I hold a camera and the way I shoot. Other members, of course, may well employ a very different technique. Edited March 24, 2023 by pippy Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted March 24, 2023 Share #10 Posted March 24, 2023 Jeff 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anbaric Posted March 25, 2023 Share #11 Posted March 25, 2023 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! 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/374581-how-do-you-shoot-portrait-orientation-hand-on-top-or-bottom/?do=findComment&comment=4736190'>More sharing options...
Nimar Posted March 25, 2023 Share #12 Posted March 25, 2023 I wanted to avoid responding for fear of raising more accusations of persecution but tried to replicate the problem and I don’t understand how to do this wrong. I typically shoot horizontally with my right eye, and vertically with my left with the ranger finder window at the top. I tried every permutation but couldn’t see how you would block the viewfinder. Is it a problem of being left handed? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
drew.saunders Posted March 25, 2023 Share #13 Posted March 25, 2023 I’m left eye dominant, so right hand on the bottom in order to not smash the camera on my nose. I always assumed right eye people rotated the other way for the same reason. Drew Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Photoworks Posted March 25, 2023 Share #14 Posted March 25, 2023 this is the image from the M6 original manual but some photographers will tell you to keep both arms down for better stability. I found it easier to see to focus patch when holding it like in the photo. 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! Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/374581-how-do-you-shoot-portrait-orientation-hand-on-top-or-bottom/?do=findComment&comment=4736320'>More sharing options...
Bikie John Posted March 25, 2023 Share #15 Posted March 25, 2023 Generally speaking I find it more comfortable with right hand on top (I am extremely right-handed and -eyed) and don't get problems with viewfinder blockage. But this can be awkward in crowds because it is difficult to avoid having the right elbow sticking out so I turn it to left hand up. Right hand up is also awkward with a hat with a brim as @Anbaric points out. Best bet is just to play with it and practice until you find out what is comfortable for you. John 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bikie John Posted March 25, 2023 Share #16 Posted March 25, 2023 PS Holding "right hand up" I find the additional handgrip really useful. It means that the fingers on the right hand can support the camera's weight easily without having to squeeze, giving more leeway for what you do with the left hand. John Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ianforber Posted March 25, 2023 Share #17 Posted March 25, 2023 Focus horizontally then right hand up. If I try it the other way I don’t like the need to change grip and often press the shutter button when I don’t mean to. I never wear a hat though. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DadDadDaddyo Posted March 25, 2023 Share #18 Posted March 25, 2023 (edited) Yup. As above. I'll generally focus horizontally then rotate to vertical. The camera body rides in my left hand while being moved to vertical by my right hand. My hat's a wide-brimmed Tilley I've been wearing for more than twenty years. It was a gift. Never thought it would turn into such a long-term companion. Kind of goes with the older bodies and lenses (some of which go back to the 50's), but practical with the digital gear as well. Edited March 25, 2023 by DadDadDaddyo Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdlaing Posted March 25, 2023 Share #19 Posted March 25, 2023 Bottom. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herr Barnack Posted March 25, 2023 Share #20 Posted March 25, 2023 (edited) @kinetic, Hand on top. As for the rest, please see my post #16 here: https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/373537-leica-grip-is-a-lot-nicer-than-expected/#comment-4731382 And welcome to the forum. I hope you won't abandon us based on one comment. Edited March 25, 2023 by Herr Barnack Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
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.