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Archive 2013Sony A7/A7R Setup
p.10 #1Sony A7/A7R Setup
- - - FM error post
Edited on Dec 10, 2013 at 02:20 AM · View previous versions
Edited on Dec 10, 2013 at 02:20 AM · View previous versions
Dec 10, 2013 at 02:07 AM
p.10 #2Sony A7/A7R Setup
carstenw wrote:
Nope. This question is probably the most asked question in this thread. Sony, pay attention, please!
Darn. Yes Sony, please do!
Nope. This question is probably the most asked question in this thread. Sony, pay attention, please!
Darn. Yes Sony, please do!
Dec 10, 2013 at 02:14 AM
p.10 #3Sony A7/A7R Setup
naturephoto1 wrote:
Carsten,
That isn't totally true; as far as I can tell there are some exceptions. With the Phigment Leica M to NEX adapter and a Leica M-mount lens and I believe native lenses, when the camera is set to MF when you move the camera? or adjust the lens focus (providing the camera is set for this) the camera automatically enters the magnified mode. Once in that mode you can move the area with the arrows on the back of the camera and adjust the magnification.
Rich
Sad thing is that this adapter is currently not available.
carstenw wrote
Nope. This question is probably the most asked question in this thread. Sony, pay attention, please!That isn't totally true; as far as I can tell there are some exceptions. With the Phigment Leica M to NEX adapter and a Leica M-mount lens and I believe native lenses, when the camera is set to MF when you move the camera? or adjust the lens focus (providing the camera is set for this) the camera automatically enters the magnified mode. Once in that mode you can move the area with the arrows on the back of the camera and adjust the magnification.
Rich
Sad thing is that this adapter is currently not available.
Dec 10, 2013 at 02:16 AM
p.10 #4Sony A7/A7R Setup
charles.K wrote:
Another question, is there a quick way to review shots, and check for the focus accuracy. I am finding this is a three step process. Play, C2 and scroll to reduce the magnification. The scrolling is very slow. I would appreciate any setting changes here that might help!
I am not 100% sure why you reduce the magnification, I usually dont and think the preset one-step magnification tells enough. On an A7 that is, the A7r might be slightly different.
So when I do it it's a one step thing. I have auto-preview set to 2 sec. While auto-preview still showing, press C2. If center-focus is what's to be checked that's enough for me. Otherwise it's time to move the rectangle making it a many-step thing. Oh how I miss the joystick on the 5D2 in that situation :-)
Then there's a fairly neat undocumented (?) feature. If you take a series of images with off-center focus at the same area, while in the zoomed-in preciew, you can switch between the images by rotating the wheel to check sharpness through the series.
I find the A7 processor slow in doing this (again compared to an ancient 5D2), but it is way better than exit magnified view and the redo the full procedure.
If I recall correctly there's a setting for preview quality which may enhance the speed, I will check that out, maybe I am just mixing up ACR with the A7 here.
Another question, is there a quick way to review shots, and check for the focus accuracy. I am finding this is a three step process. Play, C2 and scroll to reduce the magnification. The scrolling is very slow. I would appreciate any setting changes here that might help!
I am not 100% sure why you reduce the magnification, I usually dont and think the preset one-step magnification tells enough. On an A7 that is, the A7r might be slightly different.
So when I do it it's a one step thing. I have auto-preview set to 2 sec. While auto-preview still showing, press C2. If center-focus is what's to be checked that's enough for me. Otherwise it's time to move the rectangle making it a many-step thing. Oh how I miss the joystick on the 5D2 in that situation :-)
Then there's a fairly neat undocumented (?) feature. If you take a series of images with off-center focus at the same area, while in the zoomed-in preciew, you can switch between the images by rotating the wheel to check sharpness through the series.
I find the A7 processor slow in doing this (again compared to an ancient 5D2), but it is way better than exit magnified view and the redo the full procedure.
If I recall correctly there's a setting for preview quality which may enhance the speed, I will check that out, maybe I am just mixing up ACR with the A7 here.
Dec 10, 2013 at 02:19 AM
p.10 #5Sony A7/A7R Setup
Thanks Wilhem
Sometimes the ability to quickly zoom in and out, helps reviewing important focus areas. I have been on the streets at night, and I have run a series of shots which seem fine, but then to find later I have missed critical areas of focus. Usually center focus is enough. I sometimes, when running a series of shots, I review after, and usually the 2 sec review time has passed. I may need to just change my work flow.
Sometimes the ability to quickly zoom in and out, helps reviewing important focus areas. I have been on the streets at night, and I have run a series of shots which seem fine, but then to find later I have missed critical areas of focus. Usually center focus is enough. I sometimes, when running a series of shots, I review after, and usually the 2 sec review time has passed. I may need to just change my work flow.Dec 10, 2013 at 02:29 AM
p.10 #6Sony A7/A7R Setup
I was very surprised at the weekend on a bright but not über-bright day to find the EVF view was so dark as to be almost unusable. It was in the Auto setting so I changed it to Manual +1 which improved matters no end. I prefer to leave Effect On so that I can see the impact of exposure compensation (I double check this against the histogram I keep in the VF). Of course, fiddling around with EVF illumination does mean that WYS is not necessarily the same as WYG but it's better than having it too dark for accurate manual focusing; if you get it wrong you can always adjust exposure in pp - and I've had to do this quite a bit - but the raw files seem pretty forgiving.
charles.K wrote:
Do you have setting effect on?
GrahamHi Graham, the settings effect have been set to OFF in the menu, and with the other A7r, I did the same and see if there much difference. Both were relatively dim in bright light.Charles, that's your problem.
One of the big advantages of the EVF is the ability to offer one an accurate preview, before you take the shot. It's literally a WYSIWYG image. I don't bother with a histogram, or with auto image review. I might add a little positive EV, depending on the lens, but one can count on the image in the EVF being very similar to the exposed raw.
Turn setting effect on, and shoot with it for a week or so. Unless you're using flash, or studio lighting, I doubt you'll go back to a "dumb" vf image.
Graham
As a PS, the ability to actually see (and well), with an alternative lens stopped down to f/11 is one reason I'd hate to go back to an OVF. Thanks to "setting effect" on.Hi Graham,
This maybe my issue, and I continue to use both settings. Low light, inside, and lower ambient lighting it is great. Then of course, there are times where you wish to turn the setting to OFF. The point here was that with the setting to OFF, and even adjusting the EVF to maximum brightness, the image lacks brightness IMO. This may well have the do with the very harsh lighting we have in Australia. I am finding this a problem in the midday sun, and even late afternoon shots. I have tested two A7r's, and both are the same....Show more →
charles.K wrote:
grahamb3 wrote
charles.K wrote
grahamb3 wrote
charles.K wrote
I have mentioned previously, the illumination of the EVF during the day is low, and even with adjustment it difficult to compose and focus, when lenses are set at f/4 or 5.6. I have set all the in camera settings preview to OFF, and it is relatively dim in bright ambient light.Graham
One of the big advantages of the EVF is the ability to offer one an accurate preview, before you take the shot. It's literally a WYSIWYG image. I don't bother with a histogram, or with auto image review. I might add a little positive EV, depending on the lens, but one can count on the image in the EVF being very similar to the exposed raw.
Turn setting effect on, and shoot with it for a week or so. Unless you're using flash, or studio lighting, I doubt you'll go back to a "dumb" vf image.
Graham
As a PS, the ability to actually see (and well), with an alternative lens stopped down to f/11 is one reason I'd hate to go back to an OVF. Thanks to "setting effect" on.
This maybe my issue, and I continue to use both settings. Low light, inside, and lower ambient lighting it is great. Then of course, there are times where you wish to turn the setting to OFF. The point here was that with the setting to OFF, and even adjusting the EVF to maximum brightness, the image lacks brightness IMO. This may well have the do with the very harsh lighting we have in Australia. I am finding this a problem in the midday sun, and even late afternoon shots. I have tested two A7r's, and both are the same....Show more →
Dec 10, 2013 at 04:12 AM
p.10 #7Sony A7/A7R Setup
charles.K wrote:
Then of course, there are times where you wish to turn the setting to OFF. The point here was that with the setting to OFF, and even adjusting the EVF to maximum brightness, the image lacks brightness IMO. This may well have the do with the very harsh lighting we have in Australia.
Charles,
I'm curios why you need to turn the setting effect off (unless using flash)? Is it your contention that strong light overwhelms the EVF with setting effect on?
I'll grant you, with the inclement weather my locale has experienced since I've received my a7r, I haven't had a chance to use the camera in strong light. I have used my Sony a77, with an older design EVF, for better than 2 years. In strong light and dim, I never encountered a condition (using ambient light) where the setting effect on wasn't the preferred option.
According to the manual (Sony a7(R) help guide, page 256)
"Note
When the shooting mode is set to [Intelligent Auto], [Superior Auto], [Sweep Panorama], [Movie] or
[Scene Selection], [Live View Display] cannot be set to [Setting Effect OFF].
When [Live View Display] is set to [Setting Effect ON], you may have difficulty checking the
composition, as the Live View Display may seem too dark or too bright. If such a phenomenon occurs,
set [Live View Display] to [Setting Effect OFF]. When [Live View Display] is set to [Setting Effect
OFF], the brightness of the shot image will not be the same as that of the displayed Live View."
With full auto modes, the operator doesn't have the option of turning setting effect off.
Graham
Then of course, there are times where you wish to turn the setting to OFF. The point here was that with the setting to OFF, and even adjusting the EVF to maximum brightness, the image lacks brightness IMO. This may well have the do with the very harsh lighting we have in Australia.
Charles,
I'm curios why you need to turn the setting effect off (unless using flash)? Is it your contention that strong light overwhelms the EVF with setting effect on?
I'll grant you, with the inclement weather my locale has experienced since I've received my a7r, I haven't had a chance to use the camera in strong light. I have used my Sony a77, with an older design EVF, for better than 2 years. In strong light and dim, I never encountered a condition (using ambient light) where the setting effect on wasn't the preferred option.
According to the manual (Sony a7(R) help guide, page 256)
"Note
When the shooting mode is set to [Intelligent Auto], [Superior Auto], [Sweep Panorama], [Movie] or
[Scene Selection], [Live View Display] cannot be set to [Setting Effect OFF].
When [Live View Display] is set to [Setting Effect ON], you may have difficulty checking the
composition, as the Live View Display may seem too dark or too bright. If such a phenomenon occurs,
set [Live View Display] to [Setting Effect OFF]. When [Live View Display] is set to [Setting Effect
OFF], the brightness of the shot image will not be the same as that of the displayed Live View."
With full auto modes, the operator doesn't have the option of turning setting effect off.
Graham
Dec 10, 2013 at 06:03 AM
p.10 #8Sony A7/A7R Setup
Hmm, I just discovered a little oddity. I have a Zeiss 24mm A mount lens that I just mounted with the LA-EA4 adapter onto my A7R. When I use Direct Manual Focus on this lens, and move the focus ring, the image does not enlarge in the viewfinder. On the other hand, when I use a regular E mount lens in the same way, the image does enlarge. Does anyone know why this is? I really like the enlarging!
I did find, though, that if I use regular manual focus with the A mount lens, then the enlarging works by pressing C1, just as it does with any other manual lens. At last I can do it that way.
I did find, though, that if I use regular manual focus with the A mount lens, then the enlarging works by pressing C1, just as it does with any other manual lens. At last I can do it that way.
Dec 10, 2013 at 10:29 AM
p.10 #9Sony A7/A7R Setup
partitura wrote:
Hmm, I just discovered a little oddity. I have a Zeiss 24mm A mount lens that I just mounted with the LA-EA4 adapter onto my A7R. When I use Direct Manual Focus on this lens, and move the focus ring, the image does not enlarge in the viewfinder. On the other hand, when I use a regular E mount lens in the same way, the image does enlarge. Does anyone know why this is? I really like the enlarging!
I did find, though, that if I use regular manual focus with the A mount lens, then the enlarging works by pressing...Show more →
Thats the way it works. Sony's method of engaging the focus zoom is tied to their lens. I wish they used a simalr method as the Leica M240 that would not require a button push to enable the feature.
Hmm, I just discovered a little oddity. I have a Zeiss 24mm A mount lens that I just mounted with the LA-EA4 adapter onto my A7R. When I use Direct Manual Focus on this lens, and move the focus ring, the image does not enlarge in the viewfinder. On the other hand, when I use a regular E mount lens in the same way, the image does enlarge. Does anyone know why this is? I really like the enlarging!
I did find, though, that if I use regular manual focus with the A mount lens, then the enlarging works by pressing...Show more →
Thats the way it works. Sony's method of engaging the focus zoom is tied to their lens. I wish they used a simalr method as the Leica M240 that would not require a button push to enable the feature.
Dec 10, 2013 at 12:36 PM
p.10 #10Sony A7/A7R Setup
wfrank wrote:
I've been seeing some strange behavior like this (not just magnified view but also exposure lock and playback). It's like a button is being pressed that is "canceling" the current operation, but no button is actually being depressed. I actually think I've narrowed it down to my M-mount adapter (Hawks M Helicoid v1). I could be seeing things though Any chance you're using an adapter?
-DustinThanks. Actually the question was solved some posts earlier but worth repeating: the slightest unintentional touch on the shutter button removes the magn view - and this is very easy to do in particular if you have C1 set to magn.
I still think there's something else going on with this. I'll keep playing around, but when I was testing a few days ago, it was happening even when there was no movement near the shutter button, and I could not replicate when I had no lens on, compared to having the Hawks on there. Additionally, when using the Nikon mount, I can wobble the shutter button lightly and have it not cancel the magnify, so I don't think the button itself is to blame.
Dustobub wrote
wfrank wrote
Is it just me or has anybody else noticed that while focusing (MF) in magnified view the camera sometimes exits the magnified view by itself? Very annoying. Any chance you're using an adapter?-Dustin
I still think there's something else going on with this. I'll keep playing around, but when I was testing a few days ago, it was happening even when there was no movement near the shutter button, and I could not replicate when I had no lens on, compared to having the Hawks on there. Additionally, when using the Nikon mount, I can wobble the shutter button lightly and have it not cancel the magnify, so I don't think the button itself is to blame.
Dec 10, 2013 at 12:59 PM
p.10 #11Sony A7/A7R Setup
I don't think it is possible, but is there any way to toggle peaking on/off with a single button press? I've got C3 set to peaking, but I have to "toggle" by selecting peaking off or one of the peaking levels, I would like to simplify to a single button press.
Dec 10, 2013 at 01:09 PM
p.10 #12Sony A7/A7R Setup
Hey, I finally got my camera after waiting 9 days of ground shipping from UPS (will never pick that option again). I read most of this thread, but I don't recall if anyone found this little gem in the menus. I did a google search on FM and couldn't find mention of it.
pre-AF
It's basically like the NEX constant pre-AF to speed up autofocusing. I'm willing to bet if you turn this setting off, battery life will go up a good amount. In theory, it may slow down autofocusing a little, but in my testing with the FE 35, I couldn't really tell a difference.
pre-AF
It's basically like the NEX constant pre-AF to speed up autofocusing. I'm willing to bet if you turn this setting off, battery life will go up a good amount. In theory, it may slow down autofocusing a little, but in my testing with the FE 35, I couldn't really tell a difference.
Dec 10, 2013 at 03:21 PM
p.10 #13Sony A7/A7R Setup
AGeoJO wrote:
Can someone help me how to enter copyright info/owner info into my Sony A7r, please? I tried and tried but couldn't figure it out. I downloaded PlayMemories Home and connected my camera to my Mac and still no luck. Thanks!
BTW, the Mac version of the PlayMemories Home is very buggy. It started out OK but after the file download, my MBP froze a few times, even after the restart. It simply froze too many times for may taste.
Are you sure that it is PMH which is buggy? My experience with Apple software and hardware in recent times has not been as good as it was a few years ago. My iPhone 5S and iPad Air will both spontaneously reboot for no reason at all, for example.
For this reason, I have kept my MBP on Mountain Lion for now, and I have had no stability issues with PMH.
Can someone help me how to enter copyright info/owner info into my Sony A7r, please? I tried and tried but couldn't figure it out. I downloaded PlayMemories Home and connected my camera to my Mac and still no luck. Thanks!
BTW, the Mac version of the PlayMemories Home is very buggy. It started out OK but after the file download, my MBP froze a few times, even after the restart
. It simply froze too many times for may taste. Are you sure that it is PMH which is buggy? My experience with Apple software and hardware in recent times has not been as good as it was a few years ago. My iPhone 5S and iPad Air will both spontaneously reboot for no reason at all, for example.
For this reason, I have kept my MBP on Mountain Lion for now, and I have had no stability issues with PMH.
Dec 10, 2013 at 03:56 PM
p.10 #14Sony A7/A7R Setup
carstenw wrote:
My experience with Apple software and hardware in recent times has not been as good as it was a few years ago.
Unfortunately this is my experience too
My experience with Apple software and hardware in recent times has not been as good as it was a few years ago.
Unfortunately this is my experience too
Dec 10, 2013 at 04:04 PM
p.10 #15Sony A7/A7R Setup
Dustobub wrote:
I've been seeing some strange behavior like this (not just magnified view but also exposure lock and playback). It's like a button is being pressed that is "canceling" the current operation, but no button is actually being depressed. I actually think I've narrowed it down to my M-mount adapter (Hawks M Helicoid v1). I could be seeing things though Any chance you're using an adapter?
-DustinThanks. Actually the question was solved some posts earlier but worth repeating: the slightest unintentional touch on the shutter button removes the magn view - and this is very easy to do in particular if you have C1 set to magn.I still think there's something else going on with this. I'll keep playing around, but when I was testing a few days ago, it was happening even when there was no movement near the shutter button, and I could not replicate when I had no lens on, compared to having the Hawks on there. Additionally, when using the Nikon mount, I can wobble the shutter button lightly and have it not cancel the magnify, so I don't think the button itself is to blame.
I cannot replicate it have tried a couple of times now. And why would the mount/adapter have anything to do with it?, I fail to see that.
EDIT: I have only dumb adapters. Kiwifotos is a brand I've learned to trust.
Edited on Dec 10, 2013 at 04:15 PM · View previous versions
wfrank wrote
Dustobub wrote
wfrank wrote
Is it just me or has anybody else noticed that while focusing (MF) in magnified view the camera sometimes exits the magnified view by itself? Very annoying. Any chance you're using an adapter?-Dustin
I cannot replicate it have tried a couple of times now. And why would the mount/adapter have anything to do with it?, I fail to see that.
EDIT: I have only dumb adapters. Kiwifotos is a brand I've learned to trust.
Edited on Dec 10, 2013 at 04:15 PM · View previous versions
Dec 10, 2013 at 04:09 PM
p.10 #16Sony A7/A7R Setup
joakim wrote:
Unfortunately this is my experience too
Agree on apple stability deterioration. But what is MBP?
carstenw wrote
My experience with Apple software and hardware in recent times has not been as good as it was a few years ago.Agree on apple stability deterioration. But what is MBP?
Dec 10, 2013 at 04:10 PM
p.10 #17Sony A7/A7R Setup
I must have missed something obvious, however I cant seem to engage the magnify option with the following setup:
Sony A7R; Metabones Mark III adapter, Zeiss Canon Mount Distagon 21mm lens
Any ideas?
Sony A7R; Metabones Mark III adapter, Zeiss Canon Mount Distagon 21mm lens
Any ideas?
Dec 10, 2013 at 04:12 PM
p.10 #18Sony A7/A7R Setup
carstenw wrote:
BTW, the Mac version of the PlayMemories Home is very buggy. It started out OK but after the file download, my MBP froze a few times, even after the restart. It simply froze too many times for may taste.Are you sure that it is PMH which is buggy? My experience with Apple software and hardware in recent times has not been as good as it was a few years ago. My iPhone 5S and iPad Air will both spontaneously reboot for no reason at all, for example.
For this reason, I have kept my MBP on Mountain Lion for now, and I have had no stability issues with PMH.
I haven't had any problems with it on Mavericks. I have an irrational fear of OS upgrades, so I was still running Snow Leopard, but LR5 forced my hand. I'm pleasantly surprised at how seamless the transition's been, particularly since both the MBP and MP are from mid-2009.
AGeoJO wrote
Can someone help me how to enter copyright info/owner info into my Sony A7r, please? I tried and tried but couldn't figure it out. I downloaded PlayMemories Home and connected my camera to my Mac and still no luck. Thanks!BTW, the Mac version of the PlayMemories Home is very buggy. It started out OK but after the file download, my MBP froze a few times, even after the restart
. It simply froze too many times for may taste.For this reason, I have kept my MBP on Mountain Lion for now, and I have had no stability issues with PMH.
I haven't had any problems with it on Mavericks. I have an irrational fear of OS upgrades, so I was still running Snow Leopard, but LR5 forced my hand. I'm pleasantly surprised at how seamless the transition's been, particularly since both the MBP and MP are from mid-2009.
Dec 10, 2013 at 04:13 PM
p.10 #19Sony A7/A7R Setup
wfrank wrote:
Unfortunately this is my experience tooAgree on apple stability deterioration. But what is MBP?
MacBook Pro.
joakim wrote
carstenw wrote
My experience with Apple software and hardware in recent times has not been as good as it was a few years ago.MacBook Pro.
Dec 10, 2013 at 04:14 PM