I've read where so many people prefer having their exposure lock button initiate focus. I have tried it, and I'm trying to figure out why people like this. I can see that it would be nice if you perhaps have trouble focusing in some conditions.
What I like to do is lock my exposure using partial metering with the EL button, then use the shutter button to focus using ECF, perhaps touchup with MF, and shoot. Since the EL button turns the metering on without having to touch the shutter half way on this camera, I find this extremely nice for shooting. My reasoning is I think exposure should be the first thing one locks in, then the focus just before tripping the shutter. Perhaps in some conditions, where focus is more of a problem, CF4=1 would make focus easier without the shutter button messing it up. After all, even if you're manually focused, once you touch the shutter, focus may change. However, I have NO problem locking exposure instantly, using ECF, in any lighting conditions, so this is not a problem for me. A slight touch up with the MF ring just before shooting is the best way for me to ensure exact focus. I shot with an EOS 10qd for 4 years, and it died, so I can compare this EOS 55 to that camera. First of all, it's a bit lighter. Secondly, the controls of the 55 make it much easier to use all the functions of the camera, even if most of them are the same as the 10. ECF is now something I could never live without, and I really like that the EL button doesn't need to be held, but locks the exposure with a slight touch. Also that it actually turns on metering, unlike the 10. Lastly, I love the way it remembers my chosen shutter and Fstop, even after turning the camera off, and/or changing to another mode like Av or Tv after using manual. I hated always going to the default with the 10. It did remember some settings, but most of the time I was starting with defaults on it. I also bought a used EOS 1000qd, and a 1000S, and had the shutter bumper replaced on both very cheaply. They are nice cameras, and I like the metering scale, the quiet drive of the 1000S, and the lightness and simplicity of them both. However, they could not lockup their mirrors, use a remote control, or do a mid roll rewind. The EOS 55 has a really quiet drive, the metering scale, mirror lockup, uses the RC-1, and I love the focusing screen on this camera. It's really nice to focus manually on. The only nit I can pick with this camera, is by setting mirror lockup as default, which I always do, the self timer only works at 2 seconds. I dunno what they were thinking, but if I want to use the 10 second timer, I'd have to change the CF back. Oh well, I can use the RC-1 if I want to be in a photo. I am always using mirror lockup. I'd love to hear from anyone who prefers to have their focus locked on the EL button, and a good explanation of why, and what sequence you use for shooting that way, and in what situations you find it really necessary. I would find it difficult to get used to that, but I can see some situations where it'd be the way to go. Jim Davis Hey my camera's got Panorama! The best thing about this is the two horizontal lines on the focus screen! One thing I have always had trouble with is making sure the horizontals are right on a panorama shot, or any shot for that matter. These lines really help. What do you guys think about those little levels you can clip onto the hotshoe? * **** ******* *********************************************************** * For list instructions, including unsubscribe, see: * http://www.a1.nl/phomepag/markerink/eos_list.htm ***********************************************************
