p.1 #1 · Easy Manual Focus: LV, NO tripod, viewfinder
(Sorry for the ALT and Canon forum cross posting, but I think this is interesting for both groups)
Every now and then I read in the forums that people are struggling with Manual Focus: not sure if they should go down the MF path or not, insisting on using a tripod, not really liking the Canon Focusing Screen (Eg-S in the case of the 5D2), missing critical focusing too often etc.
Well, when I started out with Zeiss someone (sorry, I forgot who) told me to use the Zacuto Z-Finders (or similar), and I have never looked back. If you don't know what I'm talking about, this is a test: http://ninofilm.net/blog/2010/07/01/dslr_viewfinder_review/.
(yours truly, with Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 2.5, Canon 5D2 and Zeiss ZE100 MP2)
A very stable way to hold the camera, AND halfway to a Canon mirrorless <something>
Once you get used to this setup, it works quite quickly: move the focus point with the joystick to the desired point of focus, zoom in 5 or 10 times, focus, shoot. Success guaranteed, all the time!
(Of course you need a tripod if the shutter speed drops below 1/<some factor>*focal length)
p.1 #2 · Easy Manual Focus: LV, NO tripod, viewfinder
Seems that this would prevent the use of an L-bracket for tripod shooting? And at nearly $400 a pop, the cost-benefit ratio wouldn't be favorable for me. Since 99% of my shooting is done on a tripod, Live View at 10x works the best for me if I need critical focus.
p.1 #4 · Easy Manual Focus: LV, NO tripod, viewfinder
I have a Z Finder that I use for video purposes. I never think to use it with still photos because it does drain the batteries excessively (for video you don't have a choice unfortunately)
But I can confirm that it DOES help, and the ZFinder is a worthy investment.
Oh and Mike, I use L-Brackets on both of my cameras and the Z-Finder does not inhibit the use of them in any way, you can just rotate the eyecup to suit a vertical shooting position. (Edit: On second thought, I just remembered that the newer version of the Z-Finder has that gorilla plate which would block the bottom of the camera. I have the older version which is mounted by using an adhesive frame on the back of the camera. Just a thought.)
p.1 #5 · Easy Manual Focus: LV, NO tripod, viewfinder
Mike, it doesn't seem a solution for you if you work on tripod, except for blocking light from falling on the LV screen. There are cheaper solutions for that, like a Hoodloupe.
As far as I know, an L-bracket is "custom made" for each camera model; anything mounted under the camera will move the bracket away and probably cause a problem in portrait orientation.
Mescalamba, I've seen some user report somewhere from somebody using such a viewfinder on a Canon S90...can't remember where though.
AbramG, my Z-Finder is "passive", so only the LV screen drains the batteries. As far as I know there is also an "active" Z-Finder with it's own electronics, to be plugged into a HDMI socket on a camera, like an external monitor.
I also have the version with the frame that is mounted in the tripod socket.
p.1 #10 · Easy Manual Focus: LV, NO tripod, viewfinder
Neat! So my $200 GH1 comes with a $900 "EVF". Kinda...
EDIT:
Or not.. The videos here are pretty interesting: http://www.zacuto.com/zfinderevf I think totally not useful for still photography and probably overpriced for video considering the alternatives that have existed for years already. But if you're rich enough to afford one and stubborn enough to insist on shooting video with your DSLR then this looks pretty neat!
p.1 #11 · Easy Manual Focus: LV, NO tripod, viewfinder
Sony is making external LCD (5" if I remember correctly), which is fed by HDMI and supposedly allows focus peaking. It should be compatibile with any HDMI source. Tripod or hotshoe mounted.
Sony CLM-V55 in case you want to find it. And its not super expensive.
p.1 #12 · Easy Manual Focus: LV, NO tripod, viewfinder
AbramG wrote:
I have a Z Finder that I use for video purposes. I never think to use it with still photos because it does drain the batteries excessively (for video you don't have a choice unfortunately)
But I can confirm that it DOES help, and the ZFinder is a worthy investment.
Oh and Mike, I use L-Brackets on both of my cameras and the Z-Finder does not inhibit the use of them in any way, you can just rotate the eyecup to suit a vertical shooting position. (Edit: On second thought, I just remembered that the newer version of the Z-Finder has that gorilla plate which would block the bottom of the camera. I have the older version which is mounted by using an adhesive frame on the back of the camera. Just a thought.)
Thanks for the info. Seems that "upgrades" always seem to have compromises. If it gets a bit bright to make using the rear screen difficult in LV, I've been resorting to covering up with a jacket or windbreaker to block the light. Not as sexy as a cool looking piece of gear, but it does work.
p.1 #13 · Easy Manual Focus: LV, NO tripod, viewfinder
While I primarily use mine for video work, I can say that it is a great piece of kit. I'll have to bring it with me on landscape shoots next time!
I'm sure if one was so inclined, and uses L-brackets like I do, they could order the mounting frame from any Zacuto supplier. I just picked up a spare from Samy's Camera in Los Angeles for $5, so they should be available
):
The videos here are pretty interesting: 