[LRflex] Re: open for comments
- From: David Young <dsy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: leicareflex@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Wed, 06 Aug 2008 21:25:08 -0700
At 06/08/2008, you wrote:
I've been reading the forum comments for quite some time while
getting back into photography after a many year hiatus, learning to
use a new digital SLR and attempting to utilize my Leica glass on
it. The camera (Canon D40) is an auto focus with a matte ground
focus screen and I am looking for a split image or micro prism
screen to help with focusing when using my Leica lenses to improve
my focusing abilities.
I've read the comments of how many views per photo vs. how few
comments, perhaps it is because many of us may not feel qualified to
comment on other's work as we are still in the newbie or re-learning
mode. After viewing the many great shots I felt it best to leave my
shots on the hard drive.
I'd appreciate any comments as well as tips on shooting wildlife,
birds, reptiles, etc. A few shots can be seen at
http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/EAB/ .
Regards,
Ed
Good Evening, Ed!
Good to "hear your voice"!!
As for your shots ... you're off to a rousing start, I'd say!
Comments:
Cattle Egret: The only real problem with this shot is the grass
between you and the Egret. Getting a clear view of your "victim"
is always a real challenge in wildlife work.
Potential improvements: Either a tighter crop, or getting closer, or
using a longer lens would be a real advantage here. The only
problem with the tighter crop is the lowered resolution of the
remaining image. Last point ... I'd use the curves or Black Level
control (depending on your software) to darken the black bits of the
image, thus increasing contrast without blowing the highlights in the bird.
Blue Heron 1 - Turtle 0: Essentially, what was said above, applies here.
Garter Snake: Though I'm not a fan of snakes, this shot is well
composed, well exposed, and there's really not much anyone could do
to improve it. Well done!
You don't mention what lens you're using ... but my guess is
something of the 200mm or less... If so, you will need a 400mm to
really do what you want, in wildlife work.
If you can afford a 400mm Telyt (the 6.8 is my weapon of choice), but
don't have one, consider the Telyt 400/5.6 which Doug is offering for
sale. If the budget is tight, consider the Novoflex lens that he has
on offer. Not as good as the Telyt's, but very good, and very
reasonable. (I keep mulling that one, as a backup lens, but my budget
it tight, too!)
If you are using a 400mm, then you simply need to get closer to your
subjects. If this is the case, the usual MO is to shoot when you
first see your target. Move a bit closer, shoot again. Repeat. That
way, if your "prey" takes off, you'll still have something to work with.
To improve focusing with any MF lens on a Canon, consider one of the
inexpensive Shanghai Special Leica to Canon adapters with the focus
confirm chip installed. Though not perfect, they work remarkably
well if you're finding it difficult to focus on the Canon screen.
More on this at: http://www.main.furnfeather.net/Links/OFC-1.htm
Thanks for sharing your work with us. Too many here tend to keep
their shots on the hard drive, but showing your stuff is one of the
fastest and best ways to improve your skills.
I hope this helps ... if you have any questions, you have only to
ask. :-) Somebody here is bound to have the answer!
And please do tell us the technicals on these three shots. I, for
one, am interested in what you used.
Cheers!
---
David Young,
Logan Lake, CANADA
Limited Edition Prints at: www.furnfeather.net
Personal Web-site at: www.main.furnfeather.net
Stock Photography at: http://tinyurl.com/2amll4
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