Transposure
New member
Hi Guys,
I wanted to start a topic about the use of the RZ67 (RZ67 Pro IID in my case) and solutions to achieve quick focus.
For background, I am shooting people (models) primarily. My main kit to do this is a Canon 1Dx and its AF engine is absolutely superb. I can achieve focus and release the shutter on a moving model in less than a half second. I have the camera set up with back button focus and the rear dial selection of a focus point around a sequentially chosen oval configuration. Rock solid, and the subject's eyes in every capture is in focus, period. Well, let's say 99.9% are in focus, just to be realistic. LOL
I also shoot with the Phase One 645 DF+ with a digital back and it requires focus>reframe, focus>reframe, etc. I have been speeding up my dexterity with that format and can achieve focus in about 2 seconds using the focus>reframe methodology. My "in-focus" percentage is less, let's say about 90-95% depending on ambient lighting.
I have hung the digital back on the RZ67 ProIID and I really like the results of the lens and back configuration, most especially when shooting at f2.8. Without getting technical, I surmise the larger image circle, and corresponding left-weighted positioning on the MTF chart for a given lens, is one of the reasons the rendering is to my liking. I have two Mamiya left hand grips (articulating and fixed) and hand holding is not a problem from a weight perspective. But, achieving accurate focus of the eyes is not easy, at all. I have also used a monopod with similar results. Also, I should note that I have the Mamiya brand spilt prism focusing screen installed, but the split prism is TINY (!!!), and largely useless. I use the RZ with either the waist level viewfinder or the prism.
So, since I like the bokeh and rendering of the RZ67 glass, I want to see what solutions others are using, if any, to achieve a quick, sharp, focus of people that are not necessary sitting "statue" still on a stool posing for an old-fashioned portrait. With this request, I want to set a few guidelines so the comments are meaningful...
1. Aperture is f2.8
2. Focus needs to be achieved within 2 seconds
3. Handheld or monopod only, no tripods
4. Subjects are people and will pause in their posing for a moment and would not ordinarily hold a pose indefinitely for me to focus
5. Loupes are not an option for fast moving environment.
As an aside, I remember talking to an employee at B&H Photo a while back and he told me he loved using his RZ67 and could focus on the fly effortlessly. I was intrigued, in a bit of disbelief, and yet wanted to know his secret.
So, please share techniques or advice!
Thanks!
Ken
I wanted to start a topic about the use of the RZ67 (RZ67 Pro IID in my case) and solutions to achieve quick focus.
For background, I am shooting people (models) primarily. My main kit to do this is a Canon 1Dx and its AF engine is absolutely superb. I can achieve focus and release the shutter on a moving model in less than a half second. I have the camera set up with back button focus and the rear dial selection of a focus point around a sequentially chosen oval configuration. Rock solid, and the subject's eyes in every capture is in focus, period. Well, let's say 99.9% are in focus, just to be realistic. LOL
I also shoot with the Phase One 645 DF+ with a digital back and it requires focus>reframe, focus>reframe, etc. I have been speeding up my dexterity with that format and can achieve focus in about 2 seconds using the focus>reframe methodology. My "in-focus" percentage is less, let's say about 90-95% depending on ambient lighting.
I have hung the digital back on the RZ67 ProIID and I really like the results of the lens and back configuration, most especially when shooting at f2.8. Without getting technical, I surmise the larger image circle, and corresponding left-weighted positioning on the MTF chart for a given lens, is one of the reasons the rendering is to my liking. I have two Mamiya left hand grips (articulating and fixed) and hand holding is not a problem from a weight perspective. But, achieving accurate focus of the eyes is not easy, at all. I have also used a monopod with similar results. Also, I should note that I have the Mamiya brand spilt prism focusing screen installed, but the split prism is TINY (!!!), and largely useless. I use the RZ with either the waist level viewfinder or the prism.
So, since I like the bokeh and rendering of the RZ67 glass, I want to see what solutions others are using, if any, to achieve a quick, sharp, focus of people that are not necessary sitting "statue" still on a stool posing for an old-fashioned portrait. With this request, I want to set a few guidelines so the comments are meaningful...
1. Aperture is f2.8
2. Focus needs to be achieved within 2 seconds
3. Handheld or monopod only, no tripods
4. Subjects are people and will pause in their posing for a moment and would not ordinarily hold a pose indefinitely for me to focus
5. Loupes are not an option for fast moving environment.
As an aside, I remember talking to an employee at B&H Photo a while back and he told me he loved using his RZ67 and could focus on the fly effortlessly. I was intrigued, in a bit of disbelief, and yet wanted to know his secret.
So, please share techniques or advice!
Thanks!
Ken
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