M100 and no viewfinder

20 years ago, I had no problem whatsoever with a rear screen camera with no viewfinder, even using one of the teeny tiny (1.8") rear screens that they used to put on the early generation digital cameras.

However, about 15 years ago, when I was in my mid-40s, age related presbyopia set in, and from about 10 years ago on I simply could not see the rear screen well enough, even with my progressive lenses, to shoot the way I wanted to. So, for me, I must have an EVF. Sure, I do use the rear screen for some shooting, and current screens are quite good, but for more critical composition, or use in bright sun, or for reviewing images, for me an EVF is essential.

Now, if I had the same eyesight I had when I was 40, I would be fine with a non-EVF camera. But, that's not how the cookie has crumbled

-J

Alastair Norcross wrote:

I grew up with cameras with viewfinders (film SLR's), and, like you, used to think of real cameras as having viewfinders you hold up to your eyes. I still have a DSLR (7DII), but do almost all my shooting with an M (M6II). Since getting my first M, the original, I have become more and more used to, and appreciative of, shooting with the screen. The tilting screen of the M6 (my second M) opened up whole new worlds for me. Now I much prefer shooting with the screen, and even though I have the EVF for my M6II, I only use it with long lenses. The assumption that eye-level shooting with a viewfinder is somehow the norm is just an artifact of the popularity of SLR's and rangefinders, from the 1950's through the 1990's. I have found my shooting to be much more enjoyable, and varied, now that I'm not locked in to the camera-to-the-eye perspective.

How do you deal with glare issues? I enjoy shooting from the screen and would love to leave the EVF at home, but regularly find myself in situations where the glare makes it impossible to compose an image. 
--
Joe

Alastair Norcross wrote:

Hoka Hey wrote:

Alastair Norcross wrote:

I grew up with cameras with viewfinders (film SLR's), and, like you, used to think of real cameras as having viewfinders you hold up to your eyes. I still have a DSLR (7DII), but do almost all my shooting with an M (M6II). Since getting my first M, the original, I have become more and more used to, and appreciative of, shooting with the screen. The tilting screen of the M6 (my second M) opened up whole new worlds for me. Now I much prefer shooting with the screen, and even though I have the EVF for my M6II, I only use it with long lenses. The assumption that eye-level shooting with a viewfinder is somehow the norm is just an artifact of the popularity of SLR's and rangefinders, from the 1950's through the 1990's. I have found my shooting to be much more enjoyable, and varied, now that I'm not locked in to the camera-to-the-eye perspective.

How do you deal with glare issues? I enjoy shooting from the screen and would love to leave the EVF at home, but regularly find myself in situations where the glare makes it impossible to compose an image.
--
Joe

I have an anti-glare screen protector, and I have set the record button to brighten the screen. Between those two things, I can always see the screen. I live in Boulder, which is one of the sunniest cities in the US (300 days of sunshine per year), but haven't had any problems. Also, sometimes just tilting the screen a bit one way or another will eliminate glare.

Thanks. Would you have a link to the anti-glare screen protector that you use?

Bob in NV wrote:

The M100 with a kit lens seems like such a bargain at $350 from most vendors. My worry is using a camera with no EVF. Of course I use my iPhone as a camera all the time and don't really think about the lack of a viewfinder. But my more "serious " camera, a Nikon DSLR has an optical viewfinder, and I just think of cameras as having viewfinders.

I just am looking for a portable camera with better IQ and more control than my phone. And one that I can carry with me most of the time. Are M100 owners happy even without an EVF?

TIA,
Bob

Hi!

I'm not a m100 owner. Of M cameras I have M and M6. I do have other cameras, too. With OVF, some with EVF and some with only LCD. I don't miss EVF or OVF, when shooting with LCD-only camera. It is just nature of thise cameras. I must add having some difficulties with very near objects due age sight (even being very young person!)  I don't use LCD- only cameras "arms lenght. If/when that time should come, I would need glasses far earlier... You can have sturdy shooting position with LCD- only cameras, too, you just have to try, how to achieve that.

A s l a

jalywol wrote:

20 years ago, I had no problem whatsoever with a rear screen camera with no viewfinder, even using one of the teeny tiny (1.8") rear screens that they used to put on the early generation digital cameras.

However, about 15 years ago, when I was in my mid-40s, age related presbyopia set in, and from about 10 years ago on I simply could not see the rear screen well enough, even with my progressive lenses, to shoot the way I wanted to. So, for me, I must have an EVF. Sure, I do use the rear screen for some shooting, and current screens are quite good, but for more critical composition, or use in bright sun, or for reviewing images, for me an EVF is essential.

I find an EVF or even an OVF is a bit difficult to use with progressive lenses, as the viewfinder information tends to be in the close up part or the fuzzy bits either side of the sweet spot.  Bifocals may be a bit obvious but are generally sharper and easier to see the whole viewfinder with.  Newer and more expensive progressive lenses have larger sweet spots, but that's not always an advantage with a big viewfinder.  Taking your glasses off for the viewfinder can help if you're not too bothered about dropping them, getting hair grease on the lenses or are not too long-sighted or astigmatic.  It just gets miserable when your arms start getting too short.  Personally, I'm happy with my Varilux glasses for my EOS Ms, and bought bifocals for my EOS R and going out on photographic expeditions, but that's expensive.

Now, if I had the same eyesight I had when I was 40, I would be fine with a non-EVF camera. But, that's not how the cookie has crumbled

-J

Sittatunga wrote:

jalywol wrote:

20 years ago, I had no problem whatsoever with a rear screen camera with no viewfinder, even using one of the teeny tiny (1.8") rear screens that they used to put on the early generation digital cameras.

However, about 15 years ago, when I was in my mid-40s, age related presbyopia set in, and from about 10 years ago on I simply could not see the rear screen well enough, even with my progressive lenses, to shoot the way I wanted to. So, for me, I must have an EVF. Sure, I do use the rear screen for some shooting, and current screens are quite good, but for more critical composition, or use in bright sun, or for reviewing images, for me an EVF is essential.

I find an EVF or even an OVF is a bit difficult to use with progressive lenses, as the viewfinder information tends to be in the close up part or the fuzzy bits either side of the sweet spot. Bifocals may be a bit obvious but are generally sharper and easier to see the whole viewfinder with. Newer and more expensive progressive lenses have larger sweet spots, but that's not always an advantage with a big viewfinder. Taking your glasses off for the viewfinder can help if you're not too bothered about dropping them, getting hair grease on the lenses or are not too long-sighted or astigmatic. It just gets miserable when your arms start getting too short. Personally, I'm happy with my Varilux glasses for my EOS Ms, and bought bifocals for my EOS R and going out on photographic expeditions, but that's expensive.

I just look over the top of my glasses when I use the EVF.  Works great, no need to take them off; my eye sits fine at the viewfinder when the glasses are low on my nose

Hoka Hey wrote:

Alastair Norcross wrote:

Hoka Hey wrote:

Alastair Norcross wrote:

I grew up with cameras with viewfinders (film SLR's), and, like you, used to think of real cameras as having viewfinders you hold up to your eyes. I still have a DSLR (7DII), but do almost all my shooting with an M (M6II). Since getting my first M, the original, I have become more and more used to, and appreciative of, shooting with the screen. The tilting screen of the M6 (my second M) opened up whole new worlds for me. Now I much prefer shooting with the screen, and even though I have the EVF for my M6II, I only use it with long lenses. The assumption that eye-level shooting with a viewfinder is somehow the norm is just an artifact of the popularity of SLR's and rangefinders, from the 1950's through the 1990's. I have found my shooting to be much more enjoyable, and varied, now that I'm not locked in to the camera-to-the-eye perspective.

How do you deal with glare issues? I enjoy shooting from the screen and would love to leave the EVF at home, but regularly find myself in situations where the glare makes it impossible to compose an image.
--
Joe

I have an anti-glare screen protector, and I have set the record button to brighten the screen. Between those two things, I can always see the screen. I live in Boulder, which is one of the sunniest cities in the US (300 days of sunshine per year), but haven't had any problems. Also, sometimes just tilting the screen a bit one way or another will eliminate glare.

Thanks. Would you have a link to the anti-glare screen protector that you use?

Buy a matte screen protector (film). The matte finish makes a huge difference outside and you will not have the glare. I have this exact film on all my cameras and smartphones. It works great.

Armorsuit Matte Screen Protector

This is a matt screen protector for an iPhone. Cut it to fit your camera. Doesnt matter whether its for an iphone, android, whatever... What I care about is that its matt. Measure, make a template out of cardboard before you cut it. Than do the real cutting.

I used to have to have the viewfinder on all my cameras but am now over it. Thanks to my smartphone it no longer bothers me. Shooting off the back is now my normal. I actually prefer all the camera controls on the screen now. Granted I am an amateur so it may not a make pro happy that is used to the viewfinder.

Frankly I like shooting off the big screen on the back.

Its like everything else in life, the key is flexibility and the willingness to adapt.

Alastair Norcross wrote:

Hoka Hey wrote:

Alastair Norcross wrote:

Hoka Hey wrote:

Alastair Norcross wrote:

I grew up with cameras with viewfinders (film SLR's), and, like you, used to think of real cameras as having viewfinders you hold up to your eyes. I still have a DSLR (7DII), but do almost all my shooting with an M (M6II). Since getting my first M, the original, I have become more and more used to, and appreciative of, shooting with the screen. The tilting screen of the M6 (my second M) opened up whole new worlds for me. Now I much prefer shooting with the screen, and even though I have the EVF for my M6II, I only use it with long lenses. The assumption that eye-level shooting with a viewfinder is somehow the norm is just an artifact of the popularity of SLR's and rangefinders, from the 1950's through the 1990's. I have found my shooting to be much more enjoyable, and varied, now that I'm not locked in to the camera-to-the-eye perspective.

How do you deal with glare issues? I enjoy shooting from the screen and would love to leave the EVF at home, but regularly find myself in situations where the glare makes it impossible to compose an image.
--
Joe

I have an anti-glare screen protector, and I have set the record button to brighten the screen. Between those two things, I can always see the screen. I live in Boulder, which is one of the sunniest cities in the US (300 days of sunshine per year), but haven't had any problems. Also, sometimes just tilting the screen a bit one way or another will eliminate glare.

Thanks. Would you have a link to the anti-glare screen protector that you use?

I did a quick search on Amazon, but I'm not sure if I found the one I bought. When I got my M6 I bought a 2-pack. I used the 2nd one for my M6II, so it's been a while since I bought it. I remember that the 2-pack was around $10, maybe a little less. I think they are all pretty much the same, so if you do a search for anti-glare screen protector for M6 or M6II, you should find a suitable one.

Thanks!