GF-1 External view finder for manual focus

[paisatge]

Has anyone tried manual focusing with the external view finder on the GF-1?
Would like to hear your experience please.

 

[Fred K]

The GF1 external viewfinder is remarkably good for manual focus. Whe I first put it on I thought it looked quite grainy, compared to the LCD. But I have got used to this and I have discovered that it is actually better than the LCD for manual focus - and with the magnification turned on it is much easier to hold the camera steady when you look through the EVF.

 

[polarabbit]

Has anyone tried manual focusing with the external view finder on the GF-1?
Would like to hear your experience please.

not quite as good as using the LCD in terms of clarify, due to size of screen as well as diff in resolution. but it is much easier because it will be done normally at eye level. i have been able to focus quite well using the magnified mode. naturally a bit harder for wide lenses than standard/tele due to much smaller focusing target usually.

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[david martyn]

I agree with Fred K. It was better than I thought it was going to be, after reading initial reviews of it. There's a "tunnel" effect looking through it but when the image is magnified you get a precise snapping in & out of focus.

Usual conditions apply, wide angles are harder to focus than longer lenses, the faster the lens the better the image, the sharper the lens the easier to see the focus point.
It works.

However it must be said that it is nowhere near as good as the built in EVF's on the G1/GH1. For manual focus these are just terrific.

The GF1 external viewfinder is remarkably good for manual focus. Whe I first put it on I thought it looked quite grainy, compared to the LCD. But I have got used to this and I have discovered that it is actually better than the LCD for manual focus - and with the magnification turned on it is much easier to hold the camera steady when you look through the EVF.

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[Dr Hal]

I use the Clearviewer and it is great in manual focus and 1/4 the price. It gives the same extra stability.

 

[Diane B]

I've used it quite a bit for manual focus. It is not as good as the G1's, but unless I go back and forth between the 2 bodies, emphasizing the difference, it doesn't really bother me. I leave it on all the time and use it for almost every shot--and I always have at least one MF lens with me.

Diane
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Diane B
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[ricko5]

I have a D300 and a D700 and I wear glasses. I cannot manual focus any of my lenses (mostly fast primes) - I find it insanely difficult.

I can manual focus the GF1 with MF assist and 20mm - and I much prefer doing it at eye level through the EVF.

12 months ago if someone had suggested a manual focus lens I would have instantly dismissed it, the fact is now that the only thing stopping me buying a Nikon adapter for my GF1 and using all my primes as MF lenses is that the MF assist has to be activated manually which (I may be wrong) seems like a faff too far for me.

 

[jaeaetee]

the MF assist has to be activated manually which (I may be wrong) seems like a faff too far for me.

Hey Panasonic or Olympus, here we go again, please fix the manual focus assist problem!

It seems that the MF function really was designed by someone not doing any photography but instead having a hobby with Nintendos.

I hope they really release a "pro-spec" µ4/3 cam where this would be fixed among other things, like more external controls etc.

 

[Diane B]

Two small button pushes---or a thumb roll on the G1/GF1 isn't awful. I read a suggestion of pushing the left button/okay button as you bring the camera to your eye--and its ready to focus. That works pretty well for me, though I tend to use the thumb roll from the left button to OK more--its really quick and easy. One button would be better, but right now on the Panasonics, it isn't really much annoyance at all. I shoot a great deal with MF lenses and find it extremely easy to work with.

Diane
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Diane B
http://www.pbase.com/picnic
G1 gallery http://www.pbase.com/picnic/temp_g1

 

[Steven-T]

I use CV 50/1.1 with the GF1. When there is favorable lighting condition, where the LVF1 is not needed, using the LCD, with or without the magnified mode, is much easier and better, and very accurate. Of course, under bright sunlight, especially when the sun is directly behind you, using the LVF1 is the only choice, and I would say subpar, but doable.

Others' milage may differ.

-Steve

Has anyone tried manual focusing with the external view finder on the GF-1?
Would like to hear your experience please.

 

[Steven-T]

The good thing here is: Then when you half-push the shutter button, it returns to full screen mode, which give you that "millisecond" to frame (again) before taking the picture. Not for the e-p1, though; you need to push the OK again for full screen mode (if memory serves; haven't use my e-p1 for some timwe since getting the GF1 with LVF1 now).

-Steve

Two small button pushes---or a thumb roll on the G1/GF1 isn't awful. I read a suggestion of pushing the left button/okay button as you bring the camera to your eye--and its ready to focus. That works pretty well for me, though I tend to use the thumb roll from the left button to OK more--its really quick and easy. One button would be better, but right now on the Panasonics, it isn't really much annoyance at all. I shoot a great deal with MF lenses and find it extremely easy to work with.

Diane
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Diane B
http://www.pbase.com/picnic
G1 gallery http://www.pbase.com/picnic/temp_g1

 

[paisatge]

Great to hear that Steve. That was what I had in mind (M-lenses) when I asked that question. I probably would wait for the E-P2 and see.

I use CV 50/1.1 with the GF1. When there is favorable lighting condition, where the LVF1 is not needed, using the LCD, with or without the magnified mode, is much easier and better, and very accurate. Of course, under bright sunlight, especially when the sun is directly behind you, using the LVF1 is the only choice, and I would say subpar, but doable.

Others' milage may differ.

-Steve

Has anyone tried manual focusing with the external view finder on the GF-1?
Would like to hear your experience please.