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Hi There LloydContrary to what Jono suggests, I've had no problems focusing wider lenses, and most use my 28, 35, and the CV 21mm and 15mm. I've also used three different 50mm M-mount lenses on the X-Pro1, including the Nocti f1.0, as well as the 75mm, and the 90 Elmarit. All with good results.
Beth's example shots with the 12mm CV are even more telling.
I tend to use EVF, but have mounted a 21mm external VF for use with the CV 15mm a couple of times. Not really needed, but it worked.
I have used the optical VF with some of the wider lenses when I've used Zone Focus. (And in those same circumstances used the external VF.) However, I adapted fairly quickly to using the EVF, especially with the ability to zoom in to 100% for focusing (although with the wides that is not always necessary), so using the EVF is now my preference.Hi There Lloyd
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So, Lloyd - I'll now ask you an oblique question. with the earlier firmware, focusing M lenses with optical VF was really not a viable option - is that still the case with firmware 2?
Thanks for that - I wouldn't like to be misleading people - So, is it actually possible to focus manually on somebody's eye (for instance) at 5ft with, say, a 50 M lens at f4 with the OVF? (I don't mean zone focus). I'm seriously interested here, because for me it's the OVF which defines a rangefinder type camera, and whilst I'm quite happy using an EVF . . . . I'd rather use one on an OMD or a Sony NEX 7, with very fast refresh rates, high resolution and no tearing. . . . . and after much practice I've learned that I can't be bothered using M lenses with either of these cameras - the corollary being that I wouldn't use them on an XP1 with it's less good EVF either . . .but if the IQ is good, and you can focus properly with the OVF, then that might be different!I have used the optical VF with some of the wider lenses when I've used Zone Focus. (And in those same circumstances used the external VF.) However, I adapted fairly quickly to using the EVF, especially with the ability to zoom in to 100% for focusing (although with the wides that is not always necessary), so using the EVF is now my preference.
And, to your original point, I still think the M9/M8/MM are superior places for the M-glass to reside, but the XP1 is certainly growing on me.
No, sadly not with the OVF. Only with the EVF. It works well, but it's not a rangefinder, for sure.Thanks for that - I wouldn't like to be misleading people - So, is it actually possible to focus manually on somebody's eye (for instance) at 5ft with, say, a 50 M lens at f4 with the OVF? (I don't mean zone focus). I'm seriously interested here, because for me it's the OVF which defines a rangefinder type camera, and whilst I'm quite happy using an EVF . . . . I'd rather use one on an OMD or a Sony NEX 7, with very fast refresh rates, high resolution and no tearing. . . . . and after much practice I've learned that I can't be bothered using M lenses with either of these cameras - the corollary being that I wouldn't use them on an XP1 with it's less good EVF either . . .but if the IQ is good, and you can focus properly with the OVF, then that might be different!
I think all this is a really interesting subject (outside of camera loyalties). There was an interesting discussion about focus overlays in optical rangefinders - but of course, registration becomes a real issue with lenses which have no electrical contacts.I own the XPro1.. and used only an M lens for the first 2 weeks I had it.
Using the ZM25/2.8, being relatively slow & wide, I did a lot of zone focus.
In slow moving situations I checked focus on EVF and shot away with OVF.
In general, I do I find myself using the EVF more than I expected
I think being w/o the OVF, and forced to use EVF 100%, I would still miss it.
Certainly look forward to improved EVFs, as while the XPro1 is one of the best EVFs I've used, I know its not state of the art anymore.
Not sure which is more or less ideal for M lenses, honestly.
While the improved EVF of the X-E1 may make focussing a bit easier, I don't think focus is that hard on the X-Pro1 as it is. The OVF does allow one to pretend the XPro1 is a Leica when zone focussed.
It's not going to get substantially better unless they introduce firmware features like focus peaking or other focus assistance.