NEX-5n: possible to turn off screen/display completely?

[sleepyhead]

Hello, I tried to search the internet and threads in this forum for the answer to my question, but no luck. I'm hoping some experienced RFF'er can help me:

I'm contemplating buying a second hand Sony NEX-5n to use with a 28mm Leica lens and a Cosina 40mm accessory view finder as a compact, scale focused camera for discrete shooting "from the hip". I'm not interested in using the optional EVF.

My question is: can the rear screen/display of the NEX-5n be turned off completely, thus being less conspicuous and also saving battery power whilst roaming the cold, dark streets of Denmark?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[segedi]

Unfortunately I don't think they implemented that in the display modes. The only way I've been able to turn it off is by using the EVF and and have it only display info in the EVF.

 

[Michalm]

I would find the way to turn display off / turn the brightness all the way down, and or black tape it rather than tamper with the the camera making it even smaller.

 

[sleepyhead]

Thank you both for answering my question so quickly.

Now I'm sitting on the fence regarding the 5n. What I REALLY want is an NEX-6, but I've decided that it is out of my budget for this "small experimental foray" into digital...

Perhaps one option is to tape a rectangular piece of black velvet to the back of the camera, that I can peek under when I need the display...

 

[btgc]

Isn't this a must as LCD is considered one of major power consumers in digital camera? Recently I learned here on RFF such cameras exist - to my big surprise.

 

[segedi]

You might be able to use some rubber bands on the velvet. The way the screen is built, you should be able to band the top and bottom or sides and not use tape. The NEX 6 is a much nicer camera, but it wan't nice enough to make me get rid of the 5N and get it...

 

[lam]

I just sold my 5n for $400, compared to a 6 which has a EVF and a phase detect sensor and that dial on top it's not worth twice the amount.

it's a wonderful way to enter digital adaptation, and unfortunately you can't disable the screen completely but like said reducing brightness to the max seems to be the best solution, either way you should experiment with it; before buying into arguably more expensive systems.

 

[Stockman]

Hello, I tried to search the internet and threads in this forum for the answer to my question, but no luck. I'm hoping some experienced RFF'er can help me:

I'm contemplating buying a second hand Sony NEX-5n to use with a 28mm Leica lens and a Cosina 40mm accessory view finder as a compact, scale focused camera for discrete shooting "from the hip". I'm not interested in using the optional EVF.

My question is: can the rear screen/display of the NEX-5n be turned off completely, thus being less conspicuous and also saving battery power whilst roaming the cold, dark streets of Denmark?

Thanks in advance for your help.

I don't think that having the rear screen on when shooting from the hip makes you stand out in any way, nobody is likely to see it. As far as battery use goes, carry a couple of spare batteries.

The 5N is a really good little camera. give it a try, I don't think the issues you have raised will be a problem once you get going with it.

Rich.

 

[zuikologist]

I use a flip up cover on my 5n, which can fully cover the lcd for protection. It also serves as a sun shade for the screen when you want to use it. They cost around £5 on the auction site. You might also consider using the camera like a tlr, looking down on the screen - this is also fairly discrete.

 

[sleepyhead]

I use a flip up cover on my 5n, which can fully cover the lcd for protection. It also serves as a sun shade for the screen when you want to use it. They cost around £5 on the auction site. You might also consider using the camera like a tlr, looking down on the screen - this is also fairly discrete.

flip up up cover sounds interesting - will look for one. Thanks

 

[zuikologist]

here 🙂

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LCD-Hood-...raphy_DigitalCamAccess_RL&hash=item337f3f9821

 

[sleepyhead]

I just sold my 5n for $400, compared to a 6 which has a EVF and a phase detect sensor and that dial on top it's not worth twice the amount.

it's a wonderful way to enter digital adaptation, and unfortunately you can't disable the screen completely but like said reducing brightness to the max seems to be the best solution, either way you should experiment with it; before buying into arguably more expensive systems.

Thanks to all for their help and suggestions.

I have an NEX-5n now, and I think that simply reducing the screen brightness to the minimum is good enough for me. I also have the screen background color set to black.