EVF10.............Did I waste my money? I think so!

First, I used to hang-out on DPR all the time, but not lately. I started on the Oly forum, then Canon, then Sigma and lastly Samsung. Opps, I forgot my Fuji S2 Pro. Yes, I had/have all of those cameras, but for the last couple of years have decided to shoot mainly film again. Why film? Well, it's for my own personal enjoyment and the fact that I have a fully functional darkroom for any format from 1/2 frame 35mm to 8x10 film.  I still use digital for color and low light shooting on the move.  Also use digital along with film for a scene test shot.  The last part, test shot, is what brought me to Samsung.  I bought a very nice NX100 with 20-50mm zoom that was a store return for under $100.00 and made it my carry along for film shooting.  I liked it so much that I bought a Leicaflex R series, Nikon, Minolta adapters to use some of my best lenses on the NX100.  I was not disappointed with the results either.  What I didn't care for was focusing manually on the screen.  Being from the "old school" it seemed cumbersome for me.  I longed for the old SLR pentaprism type of focusing.  I put up with the screen long enough and finally thought my solution would be to try and find a EVF10 finder for the NX100.  I finally found one and shelled out more than I paid for the camera for it.  It just arrived and what I've found is that it's a bigger disappointment than manually using the cameras screen for focusing.  The resolution of the EVF10 "SUCKS" big time.  It works very well with the little 20-50mm zoom, but is terrible with my manual focus lenses.  Has anybody had a similar experience?  I have no other EVF10 to compare it to, but would assume mine is no different in resolution from others.  Well, live and learn I guess.  I still really like my handy little NX100.  John W

the NX100 is a 4 year old camera in the first generation of Samsung Mirrorless and among the early generation of APS-C mirrorless. It was from a time when a EVF wasn't great. 
The EVF10 is a 320x240 resolution opposed to modern EVFs which are 1024x728 plus better screens, refresh rates, and the like. 
you were never going to get a OVF quality from a EVF designed in 2010.

Wolfini wrote:

Yeah, well, it is really not that much of an improvement for manual focusing., I agree. But with a bit of practice one can get used to it. You have to look for pixelation - when that appears, things should be in focus. And I suppose you are using the loupe function of course? (pressing ok button on manual lenses) Because without that I think it is impossible to use manual focusing on the EVF10.

Yes, using the loupe function and do see the "pixelaation", but it still ain't easy for these old eyes.  I'll just limp along I guess.  I still like it for quick framing and studiness while taking a shot.  Oh well, live and learn.  John W

you were never going to get a OVF quality from a EVF designed in 2010.

I didn't expect it to be this bad.  I remember seeing some EVF's around that time that were better than this thing is.  Maybe my memory might be clouded, but I don't think so.  Doesn't matter now since I own the thing.  Thanks,  John W

Olympus had a good one.. I believe it was at a higher resolution then the NX11s EVF. There is a reason it wasn't continued with. 
The EVF10 was not a good viewfinder.

Thanks Kaziklu and if I remember right it was an Oly EVF I look through, but not sure.  I will agree that the Samsung EVF10 is a dog especially by todays standards.  Oh well, like I said, live and learn I guess.  Still impressed with the humble NX100 for what I use it for and it really comes alive with some of my manual lenses.  Biting sharp!  John W

Only thing I can suggest particularly with the legacy (I hate using that term) NX accessories do a quick review check. Samsung was all over the place for a while there. NX100 had basically the same sensor as my old NX11 and I loved that little camera.

JW PHOTO wrote:

Thanks Kaziklu and if I remember right it was an Oly EVF I look through, but not sure. I will agree that the Samsung EVF10 is a dog

you got what you paid for. how much did you pay?

especially by todays standards. Oh well, like I said, live and learn I guess. Still impressed with the humble NX100 for what I use it for and it really comes alive with some of my manual lenses. Biting sharp! John W

I have the NX100 and the EVF10, but don't really use the EVF10 for more than some convenience for taking shots in bright light, or just something to allow composing with the camera to my eye, and seeing camera settings. I got my EVF a couple of years back when a vendor in Korea offered them for only $60 shipped to me in the USA.  It was worth the risk, knowing it was not very high resolution.

Prior to buying the EVF10 I bought a Clearviewer to use with the NX100.  I prefer to use this since it magnifies the screen. I think it works better for manual focusing, and tired old eyes appreciate the magnified image of the LCD. The diopter adjustment for my NX20 EFV came loose, and Samsung wanted $190 to repair it. I've only had the body for 15 months, so the 12 month warranty has expired, and I did not buy an extended warranty. I opted to buy a Clearviewer for the NX20 ($60), and get by with that. I also use a Clearviewer with my Canon G9 that has an optical tunnel viewfinder (no information displays, and only ~78% of shot is displayed).

I had to dig out my NX100 while my NX20 was at Samsung for repair evaluation. It helped me renew my appreciation for this "old" camera.  It is fun to use, and a little smaller due to no EVF hump. It still takes great photos, but not as good at higher ISOs when compared to the NX20. I also appreciate the swivel LCD of the NX20.  I will miss not having the convenience and quality of the EVF, but hopefully the Clearviewer will be good enough for my needs.

Dennis

arbuz wrote:

you got what you paid for. how much did you pay?

I really don't know if I could say, "I got what I paid for" or not.  I certainly isn't working for what I really wanted it for and that's manual focus assist.  John W

I guess I'll just use it on bright days and for framing. I also really like the little NX100 and while I have cameras like a Canon 5D I find myself slipping the NX100 in my pocket instead.   I surely wouldn't say it's the best $119.00 I ever spent, but I'll get by I guess.  John W