Adjusting the aperture value on Digilux 3 using with an R lens

[cfc247]

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Hello everyone,

 

I have been looking all over the internet after I failed to find an answer in the instruction manual on adjusting the aperture value on the Digilux 3 manually while using an R lens with the adapter. Is there a way to input the aperture manually? Which metering option do you use when using your R lenses? The tendency seems to be to underexpose in my experience when using AP mode.

[Ruhayat]

On my Olympus E-1 the only way I can change the aperture value is by using the manual dial on the lens. I tend to use ESP multi-point focus mode as I found it to be more accurate more of the time compared to centre-weighted. And when using the 50mm Summicron-R I also prefer to underexpose by -0.7EV, since the lens is quite bright and often results in flat-looking photos in daylight conditions (I use -0.3EV with the 28mm Elmarit-R).

 

Hope more people will pitch in and share the way they use/set up their R lenses... I'm new to these lenses and would be interested to learn more.

[stuny]

mark -

 

I've not used the system, but other users and the LFI article indicate that you adjust the aperture control on the lens, which moves the iris to shooting aperture in order to both meter and shoot. This darkens the viewfinder image, which probably makes focusing more difficult. This suggests that the idea method is to focus at full open, meter at shooting aperture, and shoot.

[cfc247]

thank you both for your comments. I guess I should have been more clear on my question. I have been able to manually adjust aperture with the aperture ring on the lens. But I find that using AP mode doesn't get me the best metering results. So I was wondering if I could actually input the aperture setting into the cpu of the camera when shooting for better metering accuracy. I know that when using a Oly lens on the D3, one has to use the dial for aperture control. But you also have AF with oly lenses.

 

I am basically wondering is a manual override available so that I could change the f0 to the set aperture on the LCD info window.

[cnguyen]

You can't input focal length and f-stop like you do with the Nikon or Oly. With a non-AF confirm adapter I use selective metering and it seems to work best. If you can get the AF confirm Leica R to 4/3rds from one of the chinese sellers on Ebay that would be best . It will let you use all metering modes. Have fun putting different lenses on the Digilux 3.

[cfc247]

i'm using the Leica R adapter and have updated to firmware 2.0 so the AF confirm light does work when in focus. Perhaps it is a low-light issue. I have only had the chance to test the lens indoors. Have any of you using the D3 noticed performance drop in metering in low-light indoor situations? I'm still trying to get better acquainted with this camera.

[lmr]

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Mark:

 

Which lens are you using? I have the same issue with the exposure & focus..hit or miss. Using spot metering is more accurate for me, but if you are using some fast lens, the exposure goes over and under really quick. Search this forum under "digital", folks has written up things about exposure on the Digilux 3/ L1 and how to compensate.

 

My best lens for the L1 is the R80-200 f4 on a sunny day outdoors. Indoors, I use the Pana 25 f1.4.

 

Good luck.

Robert.

[cfc247]

Robert, thanks for the tip. I am using the R 35-70f4. I actually considered getting the 80-200. How is it focusing with IS on the telephoto end, since with crop factor its reaching 400?

 

I will read up on the posts on "digital" and see what I can find. Perhaps outdoors the metering may be a bit more accurate. Just to add to the conversation, the metering seems to usually underexpose so far when indoors using all three metering modes. Spot is definitely the least underexposed.

[rsolomon]

i use the Digilux 3 with the Leica R adapter. i tend to use AP mode with spot or matrix metering. In low light I find best results are to open the lens - focus (using the AF confirmation that comes with the firmware update mentioned above) and then stop the lens down to get desired results. i do find using R lenses on the D3 offeres fantastic results. Unfortunately even with ROM R Lenses there is no electronic comminucation between the lens and the camera body - i wish they did so you could pick up valuable info in the EXIF data.

 

Rich

[roguewave]

Mark, here's what I do. You can use the exposure compensation which is a setting you can vary in the menu setup. You can control it physically with the wheel that's just to the right & above the PLAY button on the back. Make some test shoots at various exposures in various settings and you will get a sense what EV compensation works best in different lighting conditions. Also, try the same exercise with the different program modes of metering. The camera is both sensitive & versatile. These are GOOD features. Take the time to really understand how this system works. BTW, check out page 40 in your manual. They explain how to compensate the exposure in several ways.

 

Don't expect a camera like this to render a "consumer perfect" image. One can get that for $200 with any Pannaleica, Coolpix or just about any small factor P&S.

[rsolomon]

 

Don't expect a camera like this to render a "consumer perfect" image. One can get that for $200 with any Pannaleica, Coolpix or just about any small factor P&S.

 

 

Gee why not !

 

i expect when i put everything in automatic mode it should perform similar to any pannaleica, coolpix or any P&S

 

ofcourse the good news is that you can acheive better results and be much much more creative - this tool offeres so much more then a typical p&s, But it also offeres "no thinking mode"

[cfc247]

Ben, thanks for your comments. I am not unfamiliar with tweaking exposure, my initial question was whether it was possible to get the D3 to meter with the R adapter as accurately as it would say using the Kit lens.

 

I just read a thread on using R lenses on the Canon ff bodies and someone mentioned how on the 1D there is a feature that allows for manual aperture input (without lens). So that with the aperture value inputted the metering was as precise as with an L lens. The feature is however not available on the 5D.

 

I was basically wondering if I could do the same on the D3. Based on what everyone has shared so far, this does not seem possible with the digilux.

[rsolomon]

Mark,

this would be a good feature for a digilux 4....... unfortunately it appears clear to me there will be no such camera

[cfc247]

rsolomon, yes, it's really sad that Leica will not build on this line. I think Leica needs a product that would sit between the M8 and the S2 and soon coming R10. The D2 has filled that role, and the D3 as well, in slightly different ways of course.

 

I think they overlook the fact that there are quite a few people who want to get into Leica glass and bodies who either don't want the manual driven controls of a rangefinder or the hefty cost of a S2 and probably R10 with the new AF glass. The digilux line seems to fill the gap for the semi-pro amateur group who don't want to or are unable to spend 10k on a system.

 

With my current Leica D and R glass, I am wondering what the future will hold for me when its time to move beyond the D3. I can go with a 4/3 system or the R10. Neither are very appealing at the moment. The latter strictly due to price concerns in the AF system.

[rsolomon]

Mark,

interesting comments - i feel the same way. over the past few yeaw i owned an R8, then upgraded to R9 & DMR - wonderful but heavy and really does require considerable post processing - finally when version 3 of the firmware came out jpegs were acceptable, but the system was designed for raw format and post processing. more computer time was not in my interest. I then brought a Digilux 2 as my point & shoot - exceptional camera really !, then i decided to sell my DMR and get into the Digilux 3 line and leverage my R lenses. i am very happy with the Digilux 3 and R lenses

 

in thinking about the R10, because i do want it, BUT i really don't think i can justify it beyond just wanting it - The R10 will need to be an exceptional camera - honestly i rather have a Digulux 4 with a few feautures added - just like the one you mention above

 

so adding to my list -- i figure why not

 

A Digilux 4 could include:

1. An "in camera" image stablization system - really extenting the use or R glass

2. An upgraded Leica adapter that allows for communication between the Digilux camera and R lens to:

 

a. Provide lens and exposure data to the EXIF

b. Remove the need for stop down metering in AP mode

3. Ability to manually set and control aperture setting without lens

4. A bit cleaner at higher iso, and increase to 3200

5. 5 fps

6. Another lens or 2 in the line-up, perhaps including a 50-200 f/2.8-3.5 (similar to the oly)

 

 

well i can hope ......

[cfc247]

7. a brighter and larger viewfinder

[Ruhayat]

I should think investments in R lenses would be pretty safe and future-proof for as long as Canon supports the EOS mount -- that (almost) guarantees you will still have a new camera to mount them on, even if Leica doesn't deliver a D4 or R10 Jr. Not sure about the D lenses, though, as they have disappeared even from Leica's site last time I checked, and the whole 4/3 system is in doubt now that M4/3 seems to be a much more compelling proposition.

[rsolomon]

.....Not sure about the D lenses, though, as they have disappeared even from Leica's site last time I checked..... .

 

its there today and has been ...

 

Leica Camera AG - Digilux