Depth of field preview button rant.
Apr 16, 2019 15:25:09 #
My old film SLR's all had depth of field preview buttons that would close down the aperture to the selected setting. The image in the viewfinder got dark , but you could visually judge your DOF. I rarely snapped the shutter without first doing a DOF preview.
My new DSLR's also have a DOF preview button. The Electronic image in the EVF viewfinder doesn't darken and you can visually judge your DOF. Sounds like the best of both worlds right?
Well the "Darned" DOF button is located in a place on the bulge for the lensmount that is inaccessible when holding the camera to my eye and even when not at my eye , is very uncomfortable to use. If I cannot look through the viewfinder while pressing the DOF preview button it isn't usable for me. I often, due to brightness glare, cannot see the image on the LCD screen on the back of the camera body. Is the presence of a DOF button in the modern DSLR such a throwback to the past that it's functionality is as lost in the past as my appendix? It seems to me that it was and should again be a useful tool for use in composing an image. (yes- even in the age of autofocus) None of the "how to" You Tubes by the camera gurus (at least the one I've seen) talk about DOF preview. They are full of advice about controlling DOF for visual effect but they never mention previewing what the DOF will actually be.
Is there a practical solution to my DOF preview dilemma?
My new DSLR's also have a DOF preview button. The Electronic image in the EVF viewfinder doesn't darken and you can visually judge your DOF. Sounds like the best of both worlds right?
Well the "Darned" DOF button is located in a place on the bulge for the lensmount that is inaccessible when holding the camera to my eye and even when not at my eye , is very uncomfortable to use. If I cannot look through the viewfinder while pressing the DOF preview button it isn't usable for me. I often, due to brightness glare, cannot see the image on the LCD screen on the back of the camera body. Is the presence of a DOF button in the modern DSLR such a throwback to the past that it's functionality is as lost in the past as my appendix? It seems to me that it was and should again be a useful tool for use in composing an image. (yes- even in the age of autofocus) None of the "how to" You Tubes by the camera gurus (at least the one I've seen) talk about DOF preview. They are full of advice about controlling DOF for visual effect but they never mention previewing what the DOF will actually be.
Is there a practical solution to my DOF preview dilemma?
Apr 16, 2019 15:32:36 #
Supposedly, the mirrorless bodies restored the DOF preview to some level of usefulness. Otherwise, it functions on DSLRs with the same effectiveness as an appendix ...
Apr 16, 2019 15:49:23 #
photogeneralist wrote:
My old film SLR's all had depth of field preview b... (show quote)
On the Sony A99, the DOF preview is programmable to different button locations ....
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Apr 16, 2019 15:56:22 #
My camera is a Pentax K-x and its DOF button is a "green button" located directly behind but a little to the right of the shutter button. Pressing it actually closes the aperture and provides a slightly darkened view with the DOF. Not sure what other makes or more up to date Pentax cameras do.
Apr 16, 2019 15:57:12 #
It would be helpful to know what camera your now using. That being said I would see if your camera allows you to customize buttons. If it does then just reprogram to a new button. My EOS R is very customizable in this regard.
Apr 16, 2019 16:16:24 #
Apr 16, 2019 16:41:07 #
Apr 16, 2019 16:54:40 #
Bill_de wrote:
For possible solution:
RTFM!
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RTFM!
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Is that the pack of paper that was included with my camera?
hehehehe
Apr 16, 2019 17:43:07 #
The DOF button on my Df works about the same as the one on my F3. It's lighter because it's electrically operated.
Apr 17, 2019 05:58:43 #
As with film cameras, experience will teach you what your DOF will be at a given aperture, distance and lens. You won’t be needing or wanting a DOF button.
Apr 17, 2019 07:38:58 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
Supposedly, the mirrorless bodies restored the DOF preview to some level of usefulness. Otherwise, it functions on DSLRs with the same effectiveness as an appendix ...
LOL. I've never found a use for the DOF button.
Apr 17, 2019 07:50:46 #
On the contrary, DOF preview on a non EVF viewfinder is the cat's Meow.... why all the carping ? Placed perfectly on my Canon bodies. BTW, what ever happened to DOF mode on the Canon cameras; select close and far points and everything in between will be in acceptable focus.
Apr 17, 2019 08:25:20 #
photogeneralist wrote:
My old film SLR's all had depth of field preview b... (show quote)
Do you have the image in the viewfinder enhanced (a menu option). In that case it will be bright no matter the light. I can't say for sure it would make a difference to turn it off because I have mine on.
Also, if you snap the shutter, you will instantly see the result (unenhanced) and know if it was too dark. All you waste is a - uh - well nothing!
Apr 17, 2019 08:41:12 #
photogeneralist wrote:
My old film SLR's all had depth of field preview b... (show quote)
I think it time you went mirrorless. WYSIWYG. DoF in the EVF will vary as you change the aperture. Also, if you turn on the 'blinkies' you can see the areas that are in focus.
However, I recently saw a video on YouTube complaining that the new Nikon Mirrorless cameras won't give DoF preview with an aperture smaller than f5.6.
Apr 17, 2019 08:53:04 #
Kiron Kid wrote:
As with film cameras, experience will teach you what your DOF will be at a given aperture, distance and lens. You won’t be needing or wanting a DOF button.
All well and good for those with the “experience”, but how about those without it and who want to learn?
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