Hi there,
Very new user, and new to SLRs (as I'm sure this question will make clear
)
I got the K-m about a year ago, came with two zoom lenses which I had been using in AF almost exclusively. Picked up a 55mm 1.8 Super Takumar a couple of weeks ago and have had it out a few times, but am finding it extremely difficult to ensure I have proper focus, and although I'm sure the biggest thing I need is experience, I'm wondering what tools I should look at to help.
I'm shooting mostly pics of my kid, 2 years old, running around a lot, mostly outside, mostly head and shoulders/full body. The running around especially means that I have to get focus relatively quickly or not get the shot at all. So far I've found that about 50% are not within acceptable (to me
) focus, another 25% are reasonable, but clearly out of focus when looking at the pic on computer screen, 15% appear in good focus until zoomed in on, and only about 10% are actually in proper focus (if i did my math right)
From reading the accessories section and googling around, it seems that the two big tools would be focusing screens and eyecup magnifiers. The magnifier seems obvious, and I think I might get the O-ME53.
PENTAX Magnifier Eyecup O-ME53 - Pentax Accessory Review Database - Flashes, Grips, Camera Bags
The only doubt I have about that is how much a 1.18 magnification would really help. doesn't sound like much.
The other option I guess is focusing screens, and this is where I'm a bit confused
For one thing, I don't really understand how they work, but that's not nearly as important as whether they work. There is a whack of them
Focusing Screens (Genuine Pentax) - Pentax Accessory Review Database - Flashes, Grips, Camera Bags and they seem very expensive for such a little thing, after getting the Takumar for $30. As well, none of the screens on the link above have K-m listed as a compatible body. . .
So, I'm sorry for being so long-winded, but I'm hoping someone can steer me in the right direction. I would like advice on:
-which is more important: screen of magnifier (or something else?)
-which screen is good for the type of photography I have described above?
Thank you in advance to any kind souls who can help!