Why Would Anyone Need...

tabl10s · 05-22-2014, 08:46 PM

an aftermarket screen if you have focus peaking? is it possible to have back/front focusing issues with a screen?

**jatrax** · 05-22-2014, 09:03 PM

Because focus peaking is only available on the LCD screen, not in the OVF?

---------- Post added 05-22-14 at 09:08 PM ----------

And yes you can have front/back focus issues with the focusing screen. Shims are provided to make adjustments to bring the new screen into proper position to provide good focus.

OregonJim · 05-22-2014, 10:34 PM

Many reasons. Personal preference for one. The LCD sucks the battery down quickly. In some environments, a bright LCD would be disturbing. You can't follow action on an LCD screen because of the lag time. Unless you're on a tripod, tripping the shutter while holding the camera out in front of you (while looking at the LCD to focus) will introduce much more camera shake than holding it securely against your eye/head.

abmj · 05-22-2014, 10:45 PM

Why would anyone buy a good DSLR and then use it like a glorified point and shoot, composing via the LCD. There are a few situations where composing and focusing through the LCD is necessary - focus peaking is one, macro shooting is another. Otherwise it is just poor technique.

bdery · 05-23-2014, 05:13 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by abmj

Why would anyone buy a good DSLR and then use it like a glorified point and shoot, composing via the LCD. There are a few situations where composing and focusing through the LCD is necessary - focus peaking is one, macro shooting is another. Otherwise it is just poor technique.

I don't agree. It's a different technique, that's all. OVF has its uses, LCD has its uses too.

Many people make fine images with their compacts or cellphones, after all. I say go with what works for you, not what feels more pro...

stevebrot · 05-23-2014, 11:36 AM

Because I prefer to have the camera at my eye and not wobbling around at arm's length? Oh, and I also shoot a fair amount outdoors and like to actually see what is in the frame. You may also be interested in noting that the camera may stop the lens down in live view unless you are using the magnified view. What you see is not always what you get. (Ever notice how "broad" the area of peak focus is?)

As for focus screen calibration, this is easily addressed by, "Ta Da!", using magnified live view, a flat target, and focus peaking to confirm and/or adjust the screen shimming. Usually no changes are needed.

In practice, I use both techniques with live view being most useful with the camera on-tripod.

Steve

05-22-2014, 08:46 PM	#1
tabl10s Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Sacramento(formerly from B'Ham, England). Posts: 1,424	Why Would Anyone Need... an aftermarket screen if you have focus peaking? is it possible to have back/front focusing issues with a screen?

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05-22-2014, 09:03 PM	#2
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Because focus peaking is only available on the LCD screen, not in the OVF? ---------- Post added 05-22-14 at 09:08 PM ---------- And yes you can have front/back focus issues with the focusing screen. Shims are provided to make adjustments to bring the new screen into proper position to provide good focus.

05-22-2014, 10:34 PM	#3
OregonJim Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Willamette Valley, Oregon Posts: 1,327	Many reasons. Personal preference for one. The LCD sucks the battery down quickly. In some environments, a bright LCD would be disturbing. You can't follow action on an LCD screen because of the lag time. Unless you're on a tripod, tripping the shutter while holding the camera out in front of you (while looking at the LCD to focus) will introduce much more camera shake than holding it securely against your eye/head.

05-22-2014, 10:45 PM	#4
abmj Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Central California Posts: 600	Why would anyone buy a good DSLR and then use it like a glorified point and shoot, composing via the LCD. There are a few situations where composing and focusing through the LCD is necessary - focus peaking is one, macro shooting is another. Otherwise it is just poor technique.

05-23-2014, 05:13 AM - 1 Like	#5
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	Originally posted by abmj Why would anyone buy a good DSLR and then use it like a glorified point and shoot, composing via the LCD. There are a few situations where composing and focusing through the LCD is necessary - focus peaking is one, macro shooting is another. Otherwise it is just poor technique. I don't agree. It's a different technique, that's all. OVF has its uses, LCD has its uses too. Many people make fine images with their compacts or cellphones, after all. I say go with what works for you, not what feels more pro...

05-23-2014, 11:36 AM	#6
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Because I prefer to have the camera at my eye and not wobbling around at arm's length? Oh, and I also shoot a fair amount outdoors and like to actually see what is in the frame. You may also be interested in noting that the camera may stop the lens down in live view unless you are using the magnified view. What you see is not always what you get. (Ever notice how "broad" the area of peak focus is?) As for focus screen calibration, this is easily addressed by, "Ta Da!", using magnified live view, a flat target, and focus peaking to confirm and/or adjust the screen shimming. Usually no changes are needed. In practice, I use both techniques with live view being most useful with the camera on-tripod. Steve