I am using 3 different zuiko lenses with my Canon 5D (Zuiko f/2 21mm, Zuiko f/2.8 24mm, Zuiko f/2 28mm). Recently I have been on Mount Pulag (2922 m - 2nd highest peak in the Philippines). For hours I have been using the three zuiko lenses alternately. A day later I started post-processing the images. Of course the exif-data will not tell me what lens was in use (it shows always av = f/1.8 at 50mm). I start guessing which image scene belongs to which lens. Sometimes it can be detected, but sometimes I am not so sure. Even worse if among those hundreds of images I shoot panoramas. How do you handle this problem? Does it make sense to carry a piece of paper and a ball-pen along and make notes? Any suggestions?

If it's important to you, then yes make notes. I take lots of notes when I'm doing an intentional comparison of IQ between two or more lenses, but I really don't care when I'm out taking photos, as it's only the final image that counts, not what you used to take it.

We all had to do this for film. It's no different if the exif doesn't exist. I have a small notebook in my pack that I use. If I'm lens testing I just copy the file number down opposite the settings and go from there....

Mike

Actually I want to know it, since I am still trying these lenses and I like to compare them regarding IQ, bokeh, etc. So next time I will take notes.
Thanks for your replies.
Rudi

Don't know about the 5D, but my 1Ds (and I think 10D) can record an audio message with an image...you could just tell the camera what you're doing. I've thought about doing this with alt. lenses for the same reason...

Scott Clark wrote:
Don't know about the 5D, but my 1Ds (and I think 10D) can record an audio message with an image...you could just tell the camera what you're doing. I've thought about doing this with alt. lenses for the same reason...

I used to do this before I sold my 1Ds. Felt like a bit of a jerk talking into the camera, but at least it got the job done. The 5D doesn't have this feature.

Find an AF confirm seller who does custom EXIF data programming and have a dedicated adapter for each lens.

How is that possible? Those manual lenses have no electronic chip. I am not expert in this, but is it not like that, that the camera will get the lens-ID from the chip, which has been build into the lens?
Right now I am using one single AF-confirm adapter for all three lenses (made in China, but seems to good quality).

The AF confirm adapters have a chip and the chip can be programmed to report specific EXIF to the camera. As you said, your current adapter reports 50mm f1.8. It is possible for that to be programmed for the focal length and aperture you wish, AFAIK.

Oh, I understand. I live in Guangzhou - 2 hours away from Hongkong -. Don't know if I can find somebody here, who can do it.

typically i am shooting 'sets' of images ... for example i might put my 21 on and take several shots at different Fstops ... then put a different lens on ... etc. Also, i try to follow the same pattern when shooting different sets ... start at F5.6 and then stop down one stop at a time to F11 or F16 ... you can then tell from the shutter speed what the f stop was ... often I shoot a 'blank' image (eg, stick my hand in the FOV) to help me demarcate the sets. i find this helps me most of the time remember what I did.

i also carry pad and take notes mostly to help me remember the sets. my notes might say something like "set 1 - CZ21 focused at 3', F5.6 - F11'. Of course I mostly shoot things that don't move from a tripod. I don't know that this works for a wildlife shooter.

Technique I use when I'm out testing things that won't show up in the EXIF data - when changing take a blank shot of the ground. Or, a blank shot of the sky, your hand, trees, the road. You can work out a "code" of combos (like ground, then sky means next pix are from ______ lens.) I don't always have a notebook handy.

Two ways:

1- have a small portable digital audio recorder with you - they can be bought very cheap.

2- have a notebook in your camera bag with the name of your lenses pre-written, one per page. At every change of lens, take a quick photo of the page with the name of the next lens.

Hi Orio,
I think your suggestion I may follow. I will prepare small cards with the name of the lens (maybe laminated in plastic). Whenever changing a lens I will take a shot of the "name plate". On the back of the "name-plate" I might record more specific things, like aperture, iso, etc. Problem solved.

But another question comes to my mind about exif-data. Is it possible to revise an exif-data of an image on my computer. Is there a software for it?

yep, i use the chip coded exif data. much more usefull. you can get it from happypa? (i dont know about the forum rules), but hope you can find out. i have ordered 2 adapter with code, and both work very well.

Now that I'm shooting film again, I always have a small notebook & pen on my bag (also holds a supply of business cards). I've found it's really nice to have something to write on/with along on your shoots all the time, you never know what kind of reminders you'll want to make for yourself.

The last time I purchased an adapter from HappyPageHK (Ebay Seller), he said he custom coded all adapters to the customer's preference. I love it on the Contax lenses and it's big time saver for situations such as IDURITA's.

Take a photo of your feet from your belt height when you start a new set.

You should be able to tell which lens it is from what is included. I hate all the clutter and fuss of notes, etc. even with my 4x5. I just like to make images.

Best,
Michael

IDURITA wrote:
Hi Orio,
I think your suggestion I may follow. I will prepare small cards with the name of the lens (maybe laminated in plastic). Whenever changing a lens I will take a shot of the "name plate". On the back of the "name-plate" I might record more specific things, like aperture, iso, etc. Problem solved.

But another question comes to my mind about exif-data. Is it possible to revise an exif-data of an image on my computer. Is there a software for it?



I do something similar, but simpler. I just take a picture of my hand, holding up one finger or another. Maybe one finger for my 28mm, two for my OM 50/1.8, three for my Pentax 50/1.4, etc. Works great.

only thing that is missing is that even with a focus confirm adaptor you wont know what aperture you shot at.

Everyone around here is such bokeh-maniacs, I'm sure they can tell exactly what stop and lens are used based on background blur alone! :P