civilized ku # 2041-42 ~ like holding a baby with a wet diaper(?)
Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 11:29AM ;)
Dolphins ~ National Aquarium - Baltimore, MD • click to embiggen;)
Dolphins and handlers/trainers ~ National Aquarium - Baltimore, MD • click to embiggenRe: using the Zuiko M 45mm f1.8 lens, John Linn wrote/asked:
....you have written in the past that you detest electronic viewfinders, so how do you compose images with the 45mm lens? Your clip-on optical finder is probably only good for 20 or 25mm (50mm equivalent). Are you using the rear panel? Someone described using the rear panel was like holding a baby with a wet diaper, and that has kinda stuck with me. Often not an ideal way to frame an image.
To be accurate, I never wrote that I "detest electronic viewfinders". What I did write, if memory serves correctly, was that I didn't need no stinkin' EVF. Which, I admit, could be understood to mean that EVFs are stinkin' useless. However, I do believe EVFs do have their uses and one of those uses could be when using a tele lens on a mirrorless camera, or, as some might think, when using any lens on a mirrorless camera.
IMO, EVFs are not a piece of gear which is required for making pictures with a mirrorless camera. And, in fact, even though I do have an optical VF on my E-P1 for use with my 17mm and 20mm lenses, I use it only about 10% of my picturing time - most often when I am using a very slow shutter speed and I want the additional security (in addition to IS) of bracing the camera against my face. I also use it when making pictures of fast action subjects.
When it comes to the 45mm lens, out of current necessity (I don't have no stinkin' EVF), I use the LCD to compose and make pictures, to include the dolphin pictures in this entry.
Using the LCD was actually, IMO, an advantage in the making of the dolphin pictures. Holding the camera away from my face, allowed me to see the entire venue and all of the action therein. What this enabled me to do was to pre-frame and pre-focus on areas of the pool where I anticipated an action would be happening. When that action actually happened, I was able to make an exposure at just the right moment to capture peak action because I was seeing the actual event rather than the event on the LCD or, worse yet, through the tunnel vision of a viewfinder (electronic or not).
One of the disadvantages of using the LCD for picture making, any picture making, is the fact that many in the picture making crowd think it makes you "look like an amateur". To which I would respond, "Get a life." Who cares what you look like as long as you get the picture? Hell, I mean, if I cared what I look like when making pictures, I'd cut my hair, trim my eyebrows, and lose a little weight - all of which would be cheaper than buying an EVF.
All of that said, I may end up adding an EVF to my E-P2 but can't really say at this point. I haven't yet encountered a situation where I felt the need for one, which is not to say that I won't. In any event, I'll be adding a lens shade first.
And BTW, John, I hope you get over the "holding a baby with a wet diaper" thing soon simply because using a mirrorless camera, as opposed to a DSLR, is such a joy. They are light weight and very portable. Fast primes, again small and light weight, are becoming quite common and are relatively cheap. And currently, there are great deals to be had with previous model cameras - $299.00US + free shipping for an Olympus E-PL1 w 14-42mm lens at Samy's Camera (E-P2s - manufactorer refurb - w the same lens can be had on eBay for $369.00), and, $345.00US + free shipping for a Panasonic Lumix GF2 w 125-42mm lens at Amazon. I'm not saying those deals are chump change, but if you're at all curious about mirrorless camera picture making, the cost of entry is really low - less than decent lens for a DSLR.
I'm inclined to state, Mikey-like, "Try it. You'll like it." In fact, with the addition of the 45mm lens to my µ4/3 system, I am getting very close to selling my Oly E-3 body + 3 Zuiko lenses and my Pentax K20 + 2 Pentax DA lenses. At this point, I'm just keeping them around so, whenever the need or desire arises, I can look like a professional.
Reader Comments (7)
For some strange reason, I enjoyed reading this post… I don't know what the hell you're talking about… but I enjoyed reading it. That being said, in any event, IMO… Nice pictures.
Unfortunately, my arms are not long enough to allow me to use the LCD unaided. Similar effects might also be apparent in the case of a stinking diaper (or a wet EVF)! However, carrying an EVF, fitted and at the ready, is much more convenient than continuously fitting and unfitting my reading glasses.
Thanks for the response.
Just for the record, I do frequently use a LCD panel... my always-with-me camera is a Canon S90... the only option is the LCD. It's not a mirroless camera (well actually it is, but not what you meant). I am attracted to the idea of a larger sensor with a prime lens. It may be in my future.
I see you are still in your "Blue Period".
First of all: Well balanced images, with perfectly captured action, and fine, clean colors coming from a certainly difficult mixed light situation.
Re. the viewfinder: Additionally to my SLR I use a small LX3 - and like it very much, especially as I can *see* the square format - but I admit having difficulties with it outside under bright conditions. Are the PEN screens really bright enough to be usable even in full sunlight?
I am on the verge of delving into the m4/3 adventure, with a PEN probably, as it offers in-body-stabilisation, but the prospect of having only a screen for framing or alternatively spending a substantial amount for a clip-on EVF is not encouraging.
After a nine months with a Panasonic LX5 and now some weeks with the E-P2, both with an EVF attached, I can say that I really enjoy composing with the back LCD. It's somehow really natural and it makes me try angles that would be impossible with the face attached to the camera. The result is more compositional freedom.
I use the EVF in two cases: in bright sunlight and in cases when I feel the need to use a very low shutter speed, to give the camera that bit more stabilization that comes from having the viewfinder pressed to your face.
The "more compositional freedom" mentioned by Andreas certainly is there, and sometimes I wish for a tiltable LCD on my LX3. But I do miss the EVF especially in the first situation mentioned by Andreas: bright sunlight, where I could check my hairdress in the screen. Also quick action in the street comes to mind, where a HCB like posture might be less conspicuous - but then, rear screen usage could make you look like a tourist, offering some camouflage, too.
Yes, I doo see the advantages of the LCD. It's only that I prefer to have the choice when to use the VF or the LCD.