[jpzk]

Indeed I have found that out just posting this thread, and I have learned a few more things about manual-only lenses, screens, LiveView ...etc.

The Canon screen (ee screen) is on my list of "needs" so I can test that, and my ability to install it, on my K7 first.

That, with possibly a magnifier could be be final solution to my dilemma of trying to accurately focus those lenses, particularly the Zeiss 85/1.4 which has focus shift.

I am not crazy about LV, although it does make manual focusing very accurate, because it is not very handy in most situations when I don't need a tripod.

Thanks for the input.

JP

[eddie1960]

i have to admit i nail more shots with my 1.4 tak in LV than i do using my split screen (a nikon variant), so the ee is on my list as well.

[lytrytyr]

The Canon screen (ee screen) is on my list of "needs" so I can test that, and my ability to install it, on my K7 first.

That, with possibly a magnifier could be be final solution to my dilemma of trying to accurately focus those lenses, particularly the Zeiss 85/1.4 which has focus shift.

New screens, a magnifier, or live view
are unlikely to help deal with the focus shift issue directly,
however much they might help you focus accurately at f/1.4.

You still won't know how much you have to shift
back from an accurate f/1.4 focus point
in order to reach the correct focus point
for a large working aperture, like f/2, say.


There are two ways that might work for you.
The easier, sensible way
is to have the lens aperture ring at "A,"
set the aperture electronically from the wheel,
stop down with the green button,
like I suggested in the earlier post,
and then focus with whatever aids you need.

If that doesn't work, there might be a goofy alternative,
although I haven't had time to experiment with it:
Set the aperture (like f/2) manually with the ring,
and then do your focusing with the lens only partially mounted,
so the aperture lever on the lens's mount has not yet locked in.
That way, the lens will actually be at f/2 or whatever,
not pushed over to f/1.4
like it usually is on the completely mounted lens
(except at the moment of exposure, of course).
The focusing aids could help you nail this focusing at f/2.

You'd need to be careful not to drop the lens,
and the stiff focus ring of the ZK85 won't be helping any.
But with this method, it would be like using
an old M42 lens without an automatic aperture control.

Focus bracketing is still a workable alternative, anyway,
especially for hand-held use,
and it won't need the extra focusing aids.

[jolepp]

Using DOF preview (power switch to the right from ON) to focus should work for focusing at the aperture set on the body (?).

[lytrytyr]

Using DOF preview (power switch to the right from ON) to focus should work for focusing at the aperture set on the body (?).

Right, that's what I meant by the "green button,"
which is what it's called on the K-x at least.

If the green button is being used for a different purpose,
then an alternative procedure might be needed.

[jpzk]

New screens, a magnifier, or live view
are unlikely to help deal with the focus shift issue directly,
however much they might help you focus accurately at f/1.4.

You still won't know how much you have to shift
back from an accurate f/1.4 focus point
in order to reach the correct focus point
for a large working aperture, like f/2, say.


There are two ways that might work for you.
The easier, sensible way
is to have the lens aperture ring at "A,"
set the aperture electronically from the wheel,
stop down with the green button,
like I suggested in the earlier post,
and then focus with whatever aids you need.

If that doesn't work, there might be a goofy alternative,
although I haven't had time to experiment with it:
Set the aperture (like f/2) manually with the ring,
and then do your focusing with the lens only partially mounted,
so the aperture lever on the lens's mount has not yet locked in.
That way, the lens will actually be at f/2 or whatever,
not pushed over to f/1.4
like it usually is on the completely mounted lens
(except at the moment of exposure, of course).
The focusing aids could help you nail this focusing at f/2.

You'd need to be careful not to drop the lens,
and the stiff focus ring of the ZK85 won't be helping any.
But with this method, it would be like using
an old M42 lens without an automatic aperture control.

Focus bracketing is still a workable alternative, anyway,
especially for hand-held use,
and it won't need the extra focusing aids.

Thanks for the info !

Much appreciated too.
I need to get this right before Christmas as I plan to take quite a few colourful "Bokeh" shots.

I note that you are mentioning about the "stiff focus ring" on the lens ... which is something I have wondered all along as to whether this was "normal". I suppose it is so.

JP

P.S.: so now I wish for a selectable focus-bracketing option on the next Pentax camera.