"An Appeal for Divergence and Simplicity" by Mark Dubovoy

[Corto]

If you like simplicity . . .

Buy a common DSLR and install a microprism focusing screen ($100)

Set ISO at 320 (or whatever) when you get to the scene , like using a roll of film - leave it set there.

Attach your very favorite manual focus lens with the lovely focus ring and distance and DOF scales.

Set the camera on "Manual".

Use the thumb wheel to adjust shutter speed and the lens ring for aperture.

Make pictures.



EDIT: but maybe we all have different definitions of "simplicity" ?

+1

Pretty much how I shoot my Pentax K-5 IIs.
Except for the Focusing screen, I use the "Green Hexagon" in the VF.

I can not imagine it becoming any simpler.

 

[semilog]

To take a still photo on my X-Pro1:

1. Select aperture on the lens
2. Select shutter speed on the top dial (which is dedicated to this purpose)
3. Select ISO by pressing the the Fn button (which, admittedly, does have to be programmed as such via the in-camera menu) and selecting with the up or down buttons (all of which happens in the EVF so I don't have to take my eye away from the camera)
4. Focus via half press
5. Release shutter

There is an even faster way. You can set the down arrow to ISO. One press brings up the ISO menu, and your finger is already on the adjustment arrows.

I use the Fn button to activate (watch the getoffmylawners howl now) video mode. This is as fast and fluid in use as the NEX-7's setup.

 

[TXForester]

Manufacturers may ask back - if we deliver such cameras will this increases number of photographs, real photographs instead of test pictures, demo pictures, "I'm too!" pictures ?

I'm not sure they care as there will always be somebody showing off the quality through engaging photos. They just want photos, even if it is just to show off resolution or some other factor. Any picture, demo, test or work of art sales cameras and that what businesses do. Make money. I'm sure some in the biz care about the art, but the corporation they work for, if it were a thinking entity, cares about the money.

 

[Archiver]

The Canon G series had dedicated ISO dials, starting with the G7, moving to the G9,10,11,12, but losing the ISO dial on the G15 and G1x. It's a shame, because I found it so much more convenient to turn a dial than clicking a button and scrolling a wheel.