> -----Original Message-----
> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Ken Durling
> Sent: Friday, August 31, 2001 8:24 AM
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Subject: Re: EOS Bright white bothersome AF assist light of Elan 7
>
>
> I really don't know if this needs saying, but also remember that
> usually all the camera needs in order to acquire focus is some *edge*
> between objects, some contrasty feature. 9 times out of 10 in low
> light situations I can find a contrasty feature at the same or similar
> distance as the subject, or switch FP's, and focus lock. Hell, point
> the camera at a blank wall in EV 10 light and it won't focus.
The subject doesn't always cooperate, but the bottom line is the way the
camera actually performs. I was amazed at how poorly it worked in a
reasonably well lighted store. The ev range of the 7 is also worse than the
II by spec.
> Have we forgotten how to manual focus? Use hyperfocal distance?
> Dependence on auto focus should not be so absolute, and like any
> system you have to learn its particular methodology. Having owned a 7
> for nearly year now, these things simply have not been a problem.
> (Try using a manual focus camera with stop-down metering in low light,
> now you've got a problem.)
No, "we" haven't forgotten. What you say is true, but when you use autofocus
you lose something in manual focus capability, namely the viewfinder. With
my eyes and the dimmer viewfinder I find it much more difficult. I do use
manual focus in low light situations, as best I can. But I want to use a/f
whenever possible, especially in low light. The II gives me a whole ev
better range than the 7, because of the i/r assist light. I disagree that a
good m/f camera is no different than an a/f slr. The better ones have much
better focusing screens, split image spots and so on, and the image snaps in
and out much more clearly. I still remember my old Pentax Spotmatic. I
wonder if trying it again my opinion would change.
Bottom line is that I think the designers need to completely rethink the
whole matter of focus on these cameras and the interaction between manual
and auto focus. There is room for improvement there.
----------------------------------------------
Gerry Palo
Denver, Colorado
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