GF1 Viewfinder

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mugent

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Is the GF-1 viewfinder any good? Could I focus manually with it, or is just for composition. I've used a Ricoh GX-200 with the viewfinder, and it was useless, is the GF-1 finder any better?

Cheers!

Moray
 
I like it. What is it's most endearing feature for me is that since it is adjustable you can turn it into a "stove pipe" which enables you to look down into it. This helps alleviate any problems looking into the light, etc.

I can focus well with it. The diopter adjustment also facilitates manual focusing.

It was worth the $150 or so I paid for it.
 
It couldn't be worse than the VF on the original Minolta Dimage 7! As pixelated as the Minolta EVF was, it was still usable for manual focus. I haven't purchased the EVF yet, but I am thinking about it. I guess I will check it out before buying.

Mike
 
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I'm in a bit of a time warp which means I just can't/won't use a camera with only an LCD screen. Used to using the Bessa RF's which have superb viewfinders. Bought the GF1, played with it and put it aside until the EVF arrived.
Results? Feels like a 'proper' camera now and I use the EVF 95% of the time with the LCD turned off. The image is not as sharp or clear as the LCD (obviously it's a much smaller screen and has fewer pixels) but it's great for composition and framing. I can focus with it but it's not quite as sharp as I'd really like. I leave the camera on autofocus most of the time - it's fast and effective. That could also have something to do with old eyes not being as sharp as they once were, too. :)
 
I should add, I'm using the kit zoom on the GF1 and so the EVF is very useful. If I had the f1.7/20 prime lens I'd probably just fit a CV accessory viewfinder. But then I have an R3A with the f1.4/40 Nokton so why bother with a similar lens on the GF1?
For me the GF1 is a convenient alternative for situations which better lend themselves to rapid and automatic operation and/or just needing three or four shots to immediately print or email. Otherwise I'd still use one of my film RF's.
 
Link to Experience of GF1 + EVF

Link to Experience of GF1 + EVF

I have been using it 'permanently fitted' to my GF1 with the 20mm f1.7 lens and a Nikon 50mm f1.4 AI-s Manual Focus Lens.

I find it essential for 'hand held' manual focusing (with magnification) but the LCD is better for tripod work.

I have kept a diary of my experiences with the GF1 and those lenses.

Link:

http://www.lawrencephotographic.com/Articles/Downsizing/downsizing.htm


Regards


Richard.
 
Aurance said:
I find it essential for 'hand held' manual focusing (with magnification) but the LCD is better for tripod work.

I have kept a diary of my experiences with the GF1 and those lenses.


Regards


Richard.
Click to expand...

Thanks for posting this, Richard. I have decided to purchase the EVF.

Mike
 
And being in Hong Kong, I just went downstairs and bought it. Fully impulsed. It's not bad at all. I can't see pixels. The focus is definitely not as sharp as the LCD but I needed it just so I can shoot normally like a camera.
 
Thanks for the report on the viewfinder Lawrence, it's always helpful to see real user reports... online reviews mean nothing for things like that.
 
It's day and night compared to the E-P2 EVF. I tried it 2 days ago and the difference is huge. Basically, the E-P2 EVF is like viewing the GF1 LCD. It's THAT GOOD! You don't even need to zoom in to fine focus with that.

With the GF1 EVF I have to focus 1 notch to make sure. Yes the EVF on the GF1 not as good as the one on E-P2 but it gets the job done. Just make sure you fine tune the diopter when you get yours. I think it's half step clicks of +/- 4.0. I keep mine at -1.0.
 
I haven't seen the EP2 EVF but I hear its the equivalent (though a bit different) to the G1/GH1's. I have had the G1 for over a year and love the EVF--the GF1 since Sept. and while I use its EVF all the time, its not nearly as good as G1's. Nonetheless, its still 'good' and I MF all the time with it--as poster said--be sure to set your diopter--and check it each time you pull your camera out of bag or however you carry it. It will be knocked out of set. I really like the ability to angle the EVF--it reminds me of my anglefinder C for my 5D/45 TSe--though easier to use LOL.

Diane

bronney said:
It's day and night compared to the E-P2 EVF. I tried it 2 days ago and the difference is huge. Basically, the E-P2 EVF is like viewing the GF1 LCD. It's THAT GOOD! You don't even need to zoom in to fine focus with that.

With the GF1 EVF I have to focus 1 notch to make sure. Yes the EVF on the GF1 not as good as the one on E-P2 but it gets the job done. Just make sure you fine tune the diopter when you get yours. I think it's half step clicks of +/- 4.0. I keep mine at -1.0.
Click to expand...
 
Hi just received the voightlander adapter for my gf1. Could you please elaborate on the fine tuning of the adapter. What is the procedure. Thank you
 
we're talking about fine tuning the doipter. Not adapter. The VM Adapter doesn't need fine tuning. It works with my rigid, j8, heliar 15, summarit, summaron out of the box.
 
I just picked up the GF1 EVF. I tried a few shots with a CV 50/1.5 and found that the lens is much easier to focus with the lens set to f/1.5. It is very difficult to focus with the lens stopped down as the DOF becomes a factor and there is no snapping in and out of focus when viewed through the EVF. The EVF has something akin to automatic gain control and keeps the brightness at a more or less constant level. The only indication that the manual lens has been stopped down is a very slight increase in noise in the EVF display. This is only noticeable at f/11 or smaller as far as I could see. So far, I like the manual focus capability with the 50/1.5 and EVF. I will post some results after I finish with the RAW conversions.

Mike
 
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I just got mine tonight. I decided to buy it after getting tired of bright sun light making the LCD unusable. Just finished testing it with my Konica 50 F2. I have to agree with biomed on how much easier it is to focus the manual lens using the EVF compared to the LCD. Plus using the EVF puts you back in a situation where you have a three point hold (cheek, and both hands to help steady the camera).

Hopefully this week end I can go take some pictures with it... :)
 
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taffy said:
will the EP2 finder work on the GF1?
Click to expand...

While the GF1 EVF is not as high resolution as the EP2 EVF or the G1, I find it to be very good and more than adequate for manual focussing. I used to manual focus with the Minolta Dimage 7. That EVF was no beter than the finder on old VHS camcorders. If you are going to be using other lenses via an adapter on the GF1, then you will want to pick up the GF1, IMHO.

Mike
 
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I find some comment about EVF's amusing, surely you'll adjust RAW & unsharp mask in photoshop on an LCd screen.

I think am sold on the viewfinder for my GF1, now where to buy the cheapest? :)
 
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