NEX-7, viewfinder and manual focus

I own (and enjoy) a NEX-5N, but had an opportunity to use my manual focus CV lenses on a friend's NEX-7. I really enjoyed the camera but had some trouble getting used to the ergonomics of using the left side viewfinder and manually adjusting the focus and aperture on my lenses. I was thinking of getting a NEX-6 (because it is better suited for my 15 and 21 CV lenses), but now I'm not so sure. The ergonomics with a viewfinder on the 5N seem to make more sense to me.

Do others similar observations? Do you just live with it? Do you adjust?

Jon

I guess I'm simply old enough to remember that every small camera with a view finder in my lifetime generally had the viewfinder to the left of center. Some more so than others, and a very few in the center so to the left seems very natural to me.

Once you learn how to use peaking the focus gets very fast with manual. For critical focus I use the magnifier, but I'm finally beginning to realize that once I see "yellow" in their eyes while peaking....take it!

Thanks...I overnighted the EVF for my 5N yesterday, and your suggestion reminded me that I should make sure to turn peaking back on. I really can't wait; I think an EVF will work wonders with manual focusing (could be wrong). Basically I'm evaluating whether or not to go NEX-6 or 7 at Christmas.

Fine tuning focus is easier using DMF for suitable lenses. MF for manual legacy lenses depends on the lens in use , some have bigger focus rings & smoother focus mechanisms.

It takes a while to get used to usng MF & finding which type & level of peaking suits you. It goes without saying that lenses which have easily read focus markings are easier to use & rough pre-focussing helps to speed up the process
.

Wide angle lenses make it more difficult to judge focus but are also more forgiving , having greater DOF. MF gets easier with more practice.
--
Keith C

I think this is the way to go with the CV lenses, for the time being





When and if we get a FF NEX (9?) I'll jump at that

Jon Polish said:

I own (and enjoy) a NEX-5N, but had an opportunity to use my manual focus CV lenses on a friend's NEX-7. I really enjoyed the camera but had some trouble getting used to the ergonomics of using the left side viewfinder and manually adjusting the focus and aperture on my lenses. I was thinking of getting a NEX-6 (because it is better suited for my 15 and 21 CV lenses), but now I'm not so sure. The ergonomics with a viewfinder on the 5N seem to make more sense to me.

Do others similar observations? Do you just live with it? Do you adjust?

Jon

Click to expand...

Reverse the situation, and there I am.

I don't care for the optional EVF placement on a NEX-5N or other similar implementations. I am much more comfortable with it built-in to the upper left corner of the body like my film RFs.
--
Ken in Illinois
http://www.pbase.com/kjford

I have both 5N and 7 with EVF and CV lenses, and alhough I do not use the CV lenses on the 7, I do concur with your finding, the placement of the EVF at the left side makes it more difficult to use your left hand.

The 5N is more natural to operate, as you can not only use both hands more effectively in manual mode, but you can also tilt the EVF for an easier viewing position.

Having said all that, the CV lenses are easily adjustable with one finger, and sliding it across the focus point, whether in focus peaking mode or in zoom assist magnification mode is rather easy and well controlled. Also, the camera/lens combo is very light, it is easy to hold.

Focus peaking works well for smaller apertures, I would rely on zoom assist for wider apertures.

The EVF does help with MF because a) it has a higher resolution which shows the effect of focus peaking a bit more subdued, as opposed to the LCD which shows a lot more peaking and b) its higher resolution helps in seeing more of the detail than the LCD which does help, and of course it is easier to see in bright daylight.

Jon Polish said:

I own (and enjoy) a NEX-5N, but had an opportunity to use my manual focus CV lenses on a friend's NEX-7. I really enjoyed the camera but had some trouble getting used to the ergonomics of using the left side viewfinder and manually adjusting the focus and aperture on my lenses. I was thinking of getting a NEX-6 (because it is better suited for my 15 and 21 CV lenses), but now I'm not so sure. The ergonomics with a viewfinder on the 5N seem to make more sense to me.

Do others similar observations? Do you just live with it? Do you adjust?

Jon

Click to expand...

--
Cheers,
Henry

Jon Polish said:

I own (and enjoy) a NEX-5N, but had an opportunity to use my manual focus CV lenses on a friend's NEX-7. I really enjoyed the camera but had some trouble getting used to the ergonomics of using the left side viewfinder and manually adjusting the focus and aperture on my lenses. I was thinking of getting a NEX-6 (because it is better suited for my 15 and 21 CV lenses), but now I'm not so sure. The ergonomics with a viewfinder on the 5N seem to make more sense to me.

Do others similar observations? Do you just live with it? Do you adjust?

Jon

Click to expand...

I've adjusted. I do miss the tilt feature of the 5N's EVF, but having the more streamlined NEX-7 body is worth the sacrifice, to me. I will say that, since the 5N's EVF is further from the body and tilts, it's easier to get a seal around your eye. I actually removed the eyecup on my NEX-7 altogether, because, with my eye shape, that works better.