shutter lag

[mouren]

Something I noticed, thought I share. You might not notice this if you are using auto-focus or auto-exposure, as you tend to half press shutter anyway.

The shutter has a very noticeable lag if you press the shutter all the way from the top. The lag is virtually non-existent if you press it half way, then go.

This is true even if you are using a manual lens, ie a 40mm with Kipon adapter, a set shutter speed, a set iso setting. Basically, all manual. Try to take a shot by pressing the shutter button in one go, vs press the shutter button halfway first, hold, then press all the way down.

I originally thought this is an issue with the 35mm fuji, but after I switched on the 40mm with Kipon adapter, same thing.

Just thought I share.

 

[jsirevaag]

I will be shooting legacy glass and this worries me a bit. My regular subject matter doesn't require ultra-fast shutter response. That said, I would like to practice Bresson's "Decisive Moment" method of shooting in the future and I really hoped this camera could help me in the process -not hinder me.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[Nikulin]

too bad...
I loved my Leica X1 but sold it because of shutter lag

 

[mouren]

Well, the shutter lag is not that bad if you know the quirks. You just need to get into the habit of half-press shutter after each shot when in single shot mode.

Next up, I want to get an EOS -> M adapter, so I can put a 50mm zeiss off of a pentacon six. Can't wait to see the color comes out of that.

 

[Mlehrman]

I found the x100 to have the same issue but, again, one gets accustomed to the half-press and the lag is essentially gone.

 

[gavinlg]

All digital cameras do this. Every DSLR I've used is the same. Slight lag on full press, no lag on half press primed release.

 

[jsrockit]

Another reason why the digital m is such a wonderful camera. I love the fujis, but Leica is the only one who seems to have gotten this right.

 

[john_s]

All digital cameras do this. Every DSLR I've used is the same. Slight lag on full press, no lag on half press primed release.

They do in a sense, but they are not all the same. I had for about a week a film P+S by Leica (not DSLR) with a very good zoom lens. I don't remember its name unfortunately. Even if I half pressed to get the focus-achieved light, there was still a delay that made no sense to me. The lens, even after half-pressing, still moved to the correct focus position AFTER the shutter was fully depressed. In that time one child would look away, and the other would stick a finger up its nose. Give me a mechanical camera anyday.

 

[jippiejee]

Another reason why the digital m is such a wonderful camera. I love the fujis, but Leica is the only one who seems to have gotten this right.

Yes, I was even shocked to see how my Leica M8 responded immediately after pressing the shutter. Without delay, ha. I was so used to shutter lag on other non-dslr digital cameras that I assumed it to be part of the feature list. Until the digital M.

 

[Spyro]

this is because the M is the only digital camera without autoaperture ie the camera does not control aperture. Therefore the aperture is already stopped down. All other cameras with autoaperture keep the lens open for a number of reasons and when you press the button they have to stop it down first.

It does suck a little bit, you have to work around it (half press).

 

[gavinlg]

this is because the M is the only digital camera without autoaperture ie the camera does not control aperture. Therefore the aperture is already stopped down. All other cameras with autoaperture keep the lens open for a number of reasons and when you press the button they have to stop it down first.

It does suck a little bit, you have to work around it (half press).

Bingo!

All dslrs and TTL digital cameras require the technique of 'priming' the shutter button with a half press. just when you're framing, hold the shutter button down half way. Easy.

 

[jsrockit]

Exactly Spyro. I've gotten used to the x100 so I'm sure I won't mind the X–Pro1. The half press is why I prefer to use autofocus on these cameras... Half press takes care of the focus and apeture.

 

[daveisbest]

this is because the M is the only digital camera without autoaperture ie the camera does not control aperture. Therefore the aperture is already stopped down. All other cameras with autoaperture keep the lens open for a number of reasons and when you press the button they have to stop it down first.

The R-D1 is the same, and it was doing it well before any digital Leica M.

 

[Spyro]

Dave, that's correct. I should have added the only digital camera currently in production.

 

[Keith]

All digital cameras do this. Every DSLR I've used is the same. Slight lag on full press, no lag on half press primed release.

Exactly ... if I aim my D700 at something with one of Nikkon's finest G series AF lenses on it and the camera set to full auto and just mash the shutter button down ... there is a delay!

How can there not be? ... the thing has to focus and stop down after all!