noimmunity
scratch my niche
One of the principal reasons I love RF photography is because of the mechanics of focusing the RF patch. Obviously the G1 has no patch, but that's not what I'm asking.
I'd just like to know from people who really enjoy using RFs: is it fun (in a subjective way) to use the G1 with an M-mount lens? How satisfying is the experience of using the camera?
I'd just like to know from people who really enjoy using RFs: is it fun (in a subjective way) to use the G1 with an M-mount lens? How satisfying is the experience of using the camera?
bmattock
Veteran
I do not speak from the experience of having (yet) seen the manual focus capabilities (or lack thereof) of the G1. But I have been a manual focus fan for decades.
I have found that I prefer to control my own focus whenever possible, unless AF makes a compelling case, such as for event photography.
I like the RF patch because I trust it. For that reason, I also like the micro-collar and split-image "RF" that some film SLR cameras have. When my eye agrees with the split-image, I feel confident that my focus is where I want it to be. It isn't about 'liking it' for me as much as it is about 'trusting it'. It is for this reason that I put an aftermarket split-screen focus screen in my Pentax dSLR - I need it, I want it, and I feel better about having it to use for manual focus.
I have discovered, upon reflection, that when I use a TLR, I don't use a split-image rangefinder or micro-focus collar. I tend to use the pop-up magnifying glass instead. Perhaps if I look at the G1 as a sort of TLR, I'll feel less concerned about the manual focus it has.
I have found that I prefer to control my own focus whenever possible, unless AF makes a compelling case, such as for event photography.
I like the RF patch because I trust it. For that reason, I also like the micro-collar and split-image "RF" that some film SLR cameras have. When my eye agrees with the split-image, I feel confident that my focus is where I want it to be. It isn't about 'liking it' for me as much as it is about 'trusting it'. It is for this reason that I put an aftermarket split-screen focus screen in my Pentax dSLR - I need it, I want it, and I feel better about having it to use for manual focus.
I have discovered, upon reflection, that when I use a TLR, I don't use a split-image rangefinder or micro-focus collar. I tend to use the pop-up magnifying glass instead. Perhaps if I look at the G1 as a sort of TLR, I'll feel less concerned about the manual focus it has.
back alley
IMAGES
i have only used the kit lens so far and i have tried it with manual focus as well.
i can't believe how simple and easy a process it is with the g1.
the image is magnified as soon as you turn the focus ring making it so easy to focus.
joe
i can't believe how simple and easy a process it is with the g1.
the image is magnified as soon as you turn the focus ring making it so easy to focus.
joe
scho
Well-known
Hi Joe, Yes, I love manual focusing on the G1 with both the EVF and LCD. The latter is very nice to have when using a tripod as you can rotate the LCD panel to a waist level configuration. I think focusing is much more precise than with an optical RF, particularly with longer lenses.
Regards,
Carl
cmogi10
Bodhisattva
I wish the panasonic G1 looked like the L1. What's with the pseudo SLR hump?
Goldorak
-
Question: How does the aperture close when using M lenses? Is it stopped down metering and focusing?
back alley
IMAGES
panasonic did the focus group thing and found out that most people prefer the 'look' of the slr.
bmattock
Veteran
You have to close down the aperture manually for both metering and focusing, as well as for making the exposure, if you are going to use manual-focus lenses.
bmattock
Veteran
Most people think Skittles are a food group.
back alley
IMAGES
i should make it clear that i was not part of that focus group
i don't care for skittles but i am pretty sure that m&m's are a food group.
joe
Not really. Unless you are shooting in a dungeon it's pretty easy to focus at the actual shooting aperture. The LCD will 'gain up' and become a bit grainy, but precise focus is still possible even under those conditions.
This works with DSLRs in stop down mode too, if you are a cat.
Goldorak
-
This is what I wanted to know. Thx
bmattock
Veteran
What I meant was that the camera does not stop down your Leica M-mount lens for you, which is what I understood the question to be. Sorry if I misunderstood the question.
I think I may have mis-read too.
The camera does not automatically stop down adapted lenses, correct.
However unlike DSLRs, except in extremely dim conditions it's possible to focus at the shooting aperture, as opposed to focusing wide open and stopping down before the exposure.
Hope that makes things a bit brighter to follow.
The camera does not automatically stop down adapted lenses, correct.
However unlike DSLRs, except in extremely dim conditions it's possible to focus at the shooting aperture, as opposed to focusing wide open and stopping down before the exposure.
Hope that makes things a bit brighter to follow.
noimmunity
scratch my niche
Well, I guess it's inevitable that we were not the focus group. But I do remember reading somewhere that Panasonic chose the faux-slr styling partly as an introductory gesture, implying that future iterations might be left to mutate into something more autonomous. Plus, there is the impending Oly version, a kind of D-Pen.
How about we start an MFTDLF = Micro Four Thirds Design Liberation Front
Heck, Olympus ought to name their camera the "Independent"! (there's a D and a PEN in there, get it?!)
But seriously, my question was directed at this focus group: how satisfying it is to use the darn thing, especially in manual mode?
How about we start an MFTDLF = Micro Four Thirds Design Liberation Front
Heck, Olympus ought to name their camera the "Independent"! (there's a D and a PEN in there, get it?!)
But seriously, my question was directed at this focus group: how satisfying it is to use the darn thing, especially in manual mode?
Avotius
Some guy
I have been using this camera in manual focus mode and have found it to be quite nice actually, the image snap in an out of focus much better then I thought especially when I guessed it might be a little mushy to manual focus especially DOF characteristics of 4/3 sensors. Lucky for us the system works really well. I dont know if Panasonic had adapted lenses in mind when they made the system but it sure worked out awfully well.
kuzano
Veteran
OLY and Panasonic learned a hard marketing lesson on the E300 and the L1...
The marketplace demands the hump. So much for the Rangefinder look. Both companies found that the sales did not meet expectations because the majority of consumers relate "real" and "professional" cameras to the prism roof on the top of the camera. Hence all ensuing 4/3rds cameras have had the "hump".. pseudo or not.
Many think the sideways mirror configuration leading the image to the eyepiece may have been problematic and led to the return to the "hump"...... not so. For the most part the more complicated mirror linkage in the e300 and L1 is not related to the change.
Blame misled consumers once more.
kuzano
Veteran
Legacy lenses....
Legacy lenses....
I've used OM Zuiko, Tamron and Vivitar Series 1 lenses on my Olympus e300 and e520 cameras. Works very well, and a cheap way to get bokeh. I use the Oly 50mm 1.4 lens with the Oly to 4/3rds adaptor. The results are excellent. My Vivitar Series 1 zoom is Macro and phenomenal.
Process is:
Set the lens to large (sometimes full) aperture
Focus
Stop Down
Recompose (if needed)
Shoot - metering is automatic
Or, one can use full manual controls as well.
In normal daylight situations, even stopping down is not necessary if you are using midrange apertures.
Katzeye makes split image and other focus style screens for almost the full range of Olympus 4/3, except the live view, which works better with legacy lens focusing already.
Legacy lenses....
I've used OM Zuiko, Tamron and Vivitar Series 1 lenses on my Olympus e300 and e520 cameras. Works very well, and a cheap way to get bokeh. I use the Oly 50mm 1.4 lens with the Oly to 4/3rds adaptor. The results are excellent. My Vivitar Series 1 zoom is Macro and phenomenal.
Process is:
Set the lens to large (sometimes full) aperture
Focus
Stop Down
Recompose (if needed)
Shoot - metering is automatic
Or, one can use full manual controls as well.
In normal daylight situations, even stopping down is not necessary if you are using midrange apertures.
Katzeye makes split image and other focus style screens for almost the full range of Olympus 4/3, except the live view, which works better with legacy lens focusing already.
djonesii
Well-known
MF at night
MF at night
I have used my G1 w/ Kit lens at night in MF mode, and it works quite well.
From all I have read, in all but the darkest of settings, it will not be necessary to use the stop down shooting methods as the EVF will just gain up the scene. It does get grainy, but it works.
Dave
MF at night
I have used my G1 w/ Kit lens at night in MF mode, and it works quite well.
From all I have read, in all but the darkest of settings, it will not be necessary to use the stop down shooting methods as the EVF will just gain up the scene. It does get grainy, but it works.
Dave
Terao
Kiloran
Great fun. Manual focus is precise and easy to use once you get into the routine (and take the v1.1 firmware update). But beyond that what I love is being able to see the shot precisely on the LCD screen or EVF, including the DoF (and therefore bokeh). Something very cool about being able to look through the lens - in fact I would risk saying that this camera is the best platform ever for manual focus, "seeing" the image, and visualising depth of field. Its an amazing teaching tool for the latter in particular given that it has been several generations since anyone used stop-down metering/composition on an SLR. The only thing that lets it down is that the EVF will not accurately represent the final image taken, particularly in low light - as others have mentioned the EVF ups the gain which makes the finder image much brighter than the captured one will be...