Focusing with trigger wind Canons

[kevin m]

I just figured out how to follow focus while shooting with my VI-T, so I thought I'd pass it along. If it's old news to all you Canon trigger-wind shooters, then sue me for wasting your time. 😀

When shooting with Leica M's, I would use my left forefinger to focus the lens by pushing the lens barrel to the left and right from below. But since the left hand is on the trigger-wind of the "T" cameras, that won't work. I changed my grip today from placing the left thumb on the side of the body to placing it on the side of the lens. To follow focus, I push the lens up and down using the thumb while the fingers of the left hand grip the trigger wind. It's very stable and works well, particularly now that I've had the lens re-lubed.

Picture credit goes to my 6-year old daughter on this one!

 

[Bill58]

You need a Tom A. softie for that shutter release! It makes a significant improvement in "trigger control".

 

[kevin m]

I didn't know they fit the Canons, I'll have to try one.

 

[payasam]

Can't recall now what I did with my VT Deluxe, but I don't think I had problems.

 

[Bill58]

I didn't know they fit the Canons, I'll have to try one.

If your VI-T is like the Model P and L1, you have two choices for the softie: big and small. The big one gives you more control in my opinion, but you must remove it to move the rewind release ring. The small one doesn't give you as much control, but you can move the rewind release ring with it intact.

 

[Mackinaw]

Somebody on RFF, forgot who, is a big fan of the Canon accessory grip which screws into the tripod mount. Supposedly makes a night-and-day difference when it comes to handling all trigger-wind Canons.

Jim B.

 

[airds]

grip

grip

Canon accessory grip

There is a generic table top tripod with legs that fold into the knurled handle that can do the same job.

Very similar to item #190210009415 on ebay at present but my model is smaller and does nothave the ball & socket head - so is more useful for this application.