Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/07/30
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Hi Frank ... I must have missed your original question and finally quit reading the thread, so I'm glad you reposted your original question. I shoot Pentax SLR gear, and use some fairly fast lenses, although nothing longer than 300mm (or 600mm w/a TC). Some Pentax cameras (notably the LX and MX) allow for the use of interchangeable focusing screens, so I keep one designed for fast lenses in one of my LX at all times. This allows for more accurate focusing with faster lenses, especially with short to medium-long telephotos with apertures up to f2.8, although the screen works well even with normal and some wide lenses. Another great accessory is a right angle finder that slips over the viewfinder and allows for higher magnification. Using this accessory has allowed for much finer critical focusing. The difference is astounding, especially, and most importantly, with the proper focusing screen. A tripod has always been helpful, although some of the Pentax fast lenses (like their A*200/2.8) are light enough and easy enough to handle to allow for good focusing accuracy hand held. However, usually when I get into the 200mm range I'm in no hurry to shoot, so out comes the t'pod. Recently we had a very good thread on the Pentax list dealing ways to get finer, more accurate focusing and sharper pictures, especially when using telephoto lenses. Some of use even did some tests and determined that shutter speed can play a role in how sharp ones pictures can be. Go here: http://discuss.pentax.com/pipermail/pentax-discuss/2000/May/subject.html and search on "Sharpness, Slow Shutter Speeds" and you'll get some good information on using telephoto lenses. HTH, - -- Shel Belinkoff mailto:belinkoff@earthlink.net Frank Filippone wrote: > > I think my request for tips to focus got lost in the milieu of emotions. I > have been into RF cameras ( Zeiss Contax ) since 1963. SLR's since 1965. I > do use a tripod when possible. I do not expect my shots from long lenses to > be terribly successful without the tripod. Maybe because I shake too > much.... so....Having said that, Ted's advice on building up the upper body > is a good one. > > However, other than 1 writer who suggested the use of NO back and forth > focusing to get it right, I have not had too many suggestions. > > You might think a 300 F2.8 is bright... you are right, it is very bright in > the VF. But that does help the small DOF, but there nust be a few more > tricks the pros can give us..... > > VF screens? Since we are all Leica enthusiasts, a Leica recommendation would > be nice, but maybe something for us Nikon fans? > Ditto the Canon folk out there..... > > Are there other tricks to help us out? > > Frank Filippone > red735i@earthlink.net