chez wrote:
But the LCD on the back of the 5D is so bad you cannot check the histogram in bright light. Personally, I feel like I am always battling this camera outdoors and it really does take a lot of the pleasure out of photography. Will be looking at the new 5DMKII and if things don't improve, maybe the D700 will be in my future. I just have quite a lot invested in lenses, but that is just money and if I don't get the pleasure out of using Canon, I will have no problems moving to Nikon. It is just a hobby, and hobbies should be fun. ...Show more →
Are the LCDs in daylight better for the Nikon?. I know their resolution is better, but it has more to do with the ability to view in strong light. The G9 LCD, which is supposed to be one of the better, is still awful in good light. Just curious--guess I need to read a review of the Nikon (not that I'll be switching--I'm usually able to read the histo in bright ambient light, just not the VF settings at the bottom)
JDSA wrote:
Hmmm---I don't have problems with focus marks--generally use center only, but occasionally I will move them if I feel that I could get good focus there with an off center. That doesn't seem to correlate with my dimmer settings (LED) in bright light at all. Really---only the settings at bottom of my VF are any problem at all with the VF--otherwise I love it (and that's in brighter light only--but then its a struggle and I usually have to use the top LCD).
I just got a 30D and was shooting in the full sun today. Didn't even try to look at the VF exposure info. Since I was setting EC I wanted to see it but oh well
I've owned 2 5D's, shot somewhere around 100,000 exposures in just about every possible light condition, and never had an issue anything like what you're describing. My only complaint w/ the 5D is the focusing screens suck.
bluebomberx wrote:
I'm sure he read that you returned it for warranty repair. He asked why you didn't return the body to the retailer since you noticed it right out of the box. And he didn't imply that you thought the 5D was crap. He asked if you thought the entire viewfinder, HUD and optics were crap, or just the HUD at the bottom.
No, I never said I noticed it out of the box. The illumination on the first 5D didn't fail until after a few months, after the "return for exchange" period, and within the warranty period. And the "crap" reference to which I took exception is an general, non-specific, ambiguous, non-technical term without meaning. He used the term, I didn't.
Really, this whole thread is becoming meaningless.
To summarize:
SOME 5Ds have a dimly illuminated VF display; others do not. It is rude and boorish for those who have not experienced the problem to claim that the problem is imaginary. Some people love the VF (in all its aspects); others have related specific issues with dim illumination of the information display at the bottom under bright ambient lighting (outdoor) conditions. This is not to disparage the camera, but to tell others that the issue MAY exist on their camera. It may be fine in the beginning and fail at some point. If you have no problems with the display on your one or two 5Ds, that does not mean that others do not have the issue.
All I wanted from this thread is to see how many other people shared my problems with the 5D and if there were any solutions to this problem. It seems like I stepped on some people's toes here by insinuating the 5D might just not be perfect. For me, it is not perfect and in fact a pain in the a** in bright conditions. That said, I still love the images it produces. Again, thanks for those who actually responded with helpful ideas and shared their experiences with me.
harrygilbert wrote:
Yes, I read his post, and was commenting on the the other group of respondents who were saying there is no problem with the illuminated information in the VF (not the VF itself). YOU obviously haven't comprehended my posts. I did not "seem" to be saying the data display below the focusing screen is too dim. On my 5D (and those on other units) IT IS. Is it "all crap"? No, my experience and investigation indicates that about half of 5Ds I have PERSONALLY EXAMINED (about a dozen, including my two) have the problem with dim illumination of the information in the VF outdoors. I did not say it was too small, just dim outdoors, and I related no problems with any other feature of the camera. I related that, because I personally have one 5D with the problem, and one 5D without the problem, that it is a real problem (not imagined), and (at least in my case) is not a result of my glasses, and was not (for me) corrected by a 3rd party eyecup.
I DID return the camera for warranty repair, which was not performed as I explained in detail (but you failed to read). And I judged the defect minor (I do not claim the 5D is "crap" as your hyperbole suggests). In fact, I bought a second body (which does NOT have the problem). If I thought the 5D was "crap", why would I have bought a second body? Which I reported did not have a problem. Really, sir, you must improve your comprehension skills.,...Show more →
Sorry you're so angry Harry. It's not worth getting hot under the collar over (stress is bad for photography). Plus, this ain't real life for goodness sake. It's the internet! However, it is obvious from your remarks you either didn't read the posts referred to or simply misunderstood them. It's okay, we all do that from time to time. I forgive you. I merely asked why you didn't return the defective 5D to the dealer as soon as you realized the VF data display was unreadable? I would have at least swapped it for another 5D before asking for my money back.
And, still, your topic title continues to imply the 5D VF is useless and not the VF data display...
Gochugogi wrote:
Sorry you're so angry Harry. It's not worth getting hot under the collar over (stress is bad for photography). Plus, this ain't real life for goodness sake. It's the internet! However, it is obvious from your remarks you either didn't read the posts referred to or simply misunderstood them. It's okay, we all do that from time to time. I forgive you. I merely asked why you didn't return the defective 5D to the dealer as soon as you realized the VF data display was unreadable? I would have at least swapped it for another 5D before asking for my money back.
And, still, your topic title continues to imply the 5D VF is useless and not the VF data display... ...Show more →
Sorry, but you got me mixed up with the other Harry that posted to this thread. I bought my camera 2nd hand and except for the viewfinder, it is in excellent condition. I am not mad but just amused at some people's replys to the thread. It is almost like I insulted their mother. In reality, I was looking to see if there was a solution to my problem. I guess there is not and my only recourse is to:
a) suck it up and live with it. Don't like this one.
b) wait and see what the 5dMKII brings to the table.
c) sell my 5D and buy another. Don't like to gamble
d) look into the Nikon camp. Many fellow shooters seem to be very pleased with Nikon. Might be worth looking.
Gochugogi wrote:
Sorry you're so angry Harry. It's not worth getting hot under the collar over (stress is bad for photography). Plus, this ain't real life for goodness sake. It's the internet! However, it is obvious from your remarks you either didn't read the posts referred to or simply misunderstood them. It's okay, we all do that from time to time. I forgive you. I merely asked why you didn't return the defective 5D to the dealer as soon as you realized the VF data display was unreadable? I would have at least swapped it for another 5D before asking for my money back.
And, still, your topic title continues to imply the 5D VF is useless and not the VF data display... ...Show more →
To Gochugogi:
1. I'm not angry, or "hot under the collar", or "stressed" -- but you seem to be
2. I explained above that the defect didn't occur until months had passed, and so I did return it to Canon under warranty. You (mis)read into my original post or assumed that it occurred immediately upon purchase - I never stated that.
3. I never called the 5D or its VF "crap" -- you used the term
4. It wan't my topic title at all - I just posted a response to the OP
5. Yes, it's real life. I have thousands of dollars invested in equipment and expect it to function properly. The internet is a means of communications. This forum is dedicated to real people exchanging real information about real experiences
You must be really full of yourself to think that I need or want your forgiveness. I'm not upset in the least, just concerned about having my words misconstrued and misunderstood.
Edited by harrygilbert on Jul 20, 2008 at 03:30 AM GMT
Actually Chez, I was mainly addressing Harry Gilbert's posts, not yours. But, yeah, the original title is yours and is misleading. Sorry, this topic is too long and I'm getting mixed up. Your name is Harry too? Nevertheless, I thought you were pretty reasonable. And I know the feeling you're describing. A few years back I had a bum 70-200 4L--blurry on the left side only--and asked for a little advice here and at photo.net and was tarred, featured and rolled in oats for such blasphemy. Basically I was called a liar, whiner and/or clueless. Oddly I got a dozen or so emails from guys with the exact same lens and problem but were afraid to post about it. Incidentally Canon fixed it although out of warranty. I was too dull to notice when I first bought it as I only had a 8x loupe to view my sildes. A couple years later I bought a 10D and sure noticed it then...
It is obvious from your remarks you either didn't read the posts referred to or simply misunderstood them. Lighten up - you are obviously hot under the collar and all stressed out.
Actually feeling pretty good (Hoegaaden Weiss bier) and have far too much time on my hands or wouldn't be posting so much about nothing (off for the summer). The stress starts in the fall.
Gochugogi wrote:
Actually feeling pretty good (Hoegaaden Weiss bier) and have far too much time on my hands or wouldn't be posting so much about nothing (off for the summer). The stress starts in the fall.
That's a good idea - time for me to log off and have a few brews as well. I very well recall the stress of school years. Of course, I was younger then.....
I have the same problem with my cameras, especially when I am wearing glasses. So, I usually try to wear my contact lenses when I am out taking photos. Also, I look at the viewfinder with my left eye (I am left-handed and seemingly left-eyed ) : I can hardly read any info in the viewfinder when a lighsource comes from my left and slightly behind me, I then have to use my left hand to block it. A solution would be a larger eyecup.
) : I can hardly read any info in the viewfinder when a lighsource comes from my left and slightly behind me, I then have to use my left hand to block it. A solution would be a larger eyecup.