[Leica] Canon Introduces 2 new digital SLRs NOW SCREENS

[tedgrant at shaw.ca (Ted Grant)]

Steve Unsworth said:
Subject: RE: [Leica] Canon Introduces 2 new digital SLRs NOW SCREENS


> Ted
>
> I too have a 20D. The only R lenses that I have are 50mm, 180mm, and
> 250mm. I find that the longer the lens the easier it is to focus.<<<<

Hi Steve,
No question, as I shoot with the 280 & 400 and I also use the 2X extender on 
the 400 to make an 800mm off tripod or monopod. And if I want a hand 
holdable 800 I use the 1.4 & 2X extenders with the 280, wide open it makes 
an f8.0 800mm! And works quite nicely, on the 20D.

That's why I like the 80-200 on the 20D. It's easy to handle as I use it at 
f4.0 most of the time due to it's wide open separation effect where it's 
sharp, it pops sharp with excellent in-out of focus areas.

>One advantage of the new 5D is that the focussing screen is user changeable
>there are split screen finders available for the 20D, but they seem very 
>fiddly to >install.<<<

Well I've never been one for fiddling inside cameras and changing screens. I 
tried it once with an R7 and it just freaked me out that I'd screw something 
up and then have to pay a fortune for repair or replacement. So screen 
changing is out for me unless a qualified fixer person knows how to do it. 
Just call me "chicken!" ;-)

>Perhaps one of the alternative 5D screens would make focussing easier at 
>the >wide end.<<<<<

I always use my wide angle focusing trick to make focussing easier with SLR 
wide lenses and super wide glass. Very easy.. before you put the camera to 
your eye turn the lens to it's closest focus point, then look in the view 
finder, things are absolutely totally out! Like way out! :-)

Start your focus action from that point, in other words from close toward 
infinity. What happens is because the subject is so wildly out of focus your 
eye will read the in-focus area much easier as it comes to sharpest point. 
Rather than starting with the lens at infinity and turning from there with 
everything in focus and trying to find the point you want in focus. Works 
like a dream "doing it my way." ;-)

I've used it for years with all my wides and super wides. Obviously only on 
the SLR cameras.

The only wide I don't bother focusing is the new Canon 20D, 10 - 22 
auto-focus lens. It's incredible for sharp crisp detail. I'd put it up 
against any of my Leica wide glass any day. Not that I do that kind of lens 
fiddling simply because there's so many variables to deal with, and 
generally it proves little in the end quality and value of the photograph.

I mean when you shoot with it and sand grains on a Mexican beach stand out 
individually sharp with the tiny bubbles of wave froth twinkling in the 
sunlight, why waste time fiddling around doing tests? Unless of course one 
is paid to do that kind of thing. ;-)

My feelings have always been..."Shoot the pictures!" If you like what you 
see, then the lens is great! :-) However I do know some folks like doing 
that kind of thing, good on them, to each his own.  Me? I'm a photographer 
and that means I take pictures as much as I can with the least amount of 
fiddling. :-)

Better still when the client thinks you've been shooting with your Leica 
glass and makes a comment "Boy those Leica lenses you use are incredible!" 
Only because they know I'm a Leica shooter I'm sure. ;-)  However, you sure 
as hell don't tell them that it isn't a Leica shot! Until you have their 
cheque in the bank, Then you can elaborate. :-) You know Leicanon whatever. 
;-)

Bottom line is always keep the guy who pays the bill happy, even if you use 
coke bottle bottoms for a lens. :-)

ted