The LCDs in bright light

[Sapphie]

I have asked the same question over at getdpi but thought I'd repeat it here as you seem to be a dedicated, addicted group of Merrill users!

I can find the LCD screen hard to view in bright light. Having said that, quite often the photos turn out fine! I look at the scene, try to line up the LCD by recognising a shape that's a tree or whatever. I do wish it was more comfortable though, so am considering either the VF from Sigma or something like a Hoodman loupe for viewing the LCD. I am wondering if people here could share experiences. Do you just manage with the LCD? Has anyone tried either a VF or a Hoodman or both? I currently have a DP2M and try to use it on a monopod but am thinking of adding a DP3M to join her ...

Thanks
Lee

 

[wolves3012]

One reason I'd never have a digital with no VF of some sort, screens are useless in bright sunlight. At the least, some sort of shoe-mounted optical VF would be a requirement.

 

[mugent]

I was thinking of trying a Helios Multifinder with my DP2m, I don't mind the LCD most of the time, but I'd prefer to hold it to my eye, not sure I'd trust the AF though..

Anyone any experience with the Multifinder? It's very cheap, so it might just be worth trying it.

 

[GaryLH]

I rarely use a tripod when I am out shooting. W/ my dp Merrill's I have an ovf on both. The dp1m has a sigma ovf which I think is a bit squinty. On the dp2m I have a Rollei 40 ovf which looks to be made for them by CV. This one I like better.

I use both in LCD and ovf depending on the situation. I set up the af spot to be center only and just remember about where it is on the ovf. Af lock and reposition to shoot. If I am scale focusing (zone or hyper focal) then I always use the ovf.

A long time ago, I had one of those fold up ones that clipped to the LCD. The fold up hold was kind of like the ones that u used to c on large format cameras like the Graflex when u were focusing on the ground glass. Can't remember who made it, but one of the things I noticed was even though it did a good job of giving old viewing no matter what type of sunlight conditions, u need an extra step in the process of getting ready to take that shot if it is folded up.

Gary

 

[GaryLH]

Mugent

I have used multi finders into the past, but mainly the older one fom the 50 to 60s period for Nikon or canon rf cameras. I find them sometimes a bit squinty. I would suspect the newer ones to be better.

Keith uses one on his dp2m from Leica. I think he ended up replacing it w/ a sigma. He ordered a cv 75 for the dp3m he ordered.

Gary

 

[GaryLH]

The new LCD technology w/ the white pixel like the ones that Sony used on their rx1 and 100 are pretty good in very bright sunlight. Even in te worst situations, u can c enough. In the same situation, the dp Merrill LCD will end up washed out. I believe the new Nikon Coolpix A and Ricoh grd also use the type of LCD technology as in the Sony..

Gary