Street Photography

HOW TO SET UP BACK BUTTON FOCUS ON A SONY FX30

March 13, 2024 by infomatique

STREET PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILLIAM MURPHY

Here’s how to set up Back Button Focus (BBF) on your Sony FX30:

Decouple Focus from the Shutter Button

Menu: Go to the Camera 2 tab (Red Camera Icon) -> [AF2] -> [AF w/ shutter] -> Set to [Off]. This prevents the half-press of your shutter button from activating autofocus.

Assign AF to a Back Button

Menu: Navigate to the Gear Icon Tab -> [Operation Customize] -> [Movie Custom Key Setting]
Choose Your Button: The most common choice is [AEL Button], but you could also use [C5] or [C6] depending on your preference.
Set the Button: Select the button you want to use, scroll down to [AF On] and select it.

(Optional) Customize Your Focus Behavior

The FX30 offers several focus settings to tailor BBF to your liking:

AF Mode: Go to the Camera 2 tab -> [Focus Mode]. Choose the autofocus mode suitable for your shooting (for example, [Continuous AF] for moving subjects).
AF Area: Under [Focus Area], select your preferred area mode. Consider [Flexible Spot] or [Tracking] options for precise subject tracking with BBF.
Practice Time!

Now, to focus:

Press and hold your chosen back button.
Release the back button to lock focus.
Press the shutter button to take the picture.
Additional Tips

Focus Magnifier: Pair BBF with Focus Magnifier (assignable to another button) to zoom in for precise manual focus when needed.
Practice: BBF takes some getting used to, so practice in various scenarios to build muscle memory.

A PERSONAL DISCUSSION ABOUT ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDERS AND REAR SCREENS

March 11, 2024 by infomatique

THIS IS NOT A REVIEW

I started out with the Sony NEX-5 and had no real problem with the fact that there was no EVF. Later I purchased a Sony A7R and loved using the EVF and never used the screen for photography. Eventually I decided that I would never get a camera that did not have a top class EVF. As soon as it became available I purchased a Sony FX30 and until it arrived I did not realise that it did not have an EVF. After using it for more than a year I have formed the view that Using an EVF and depending only on a back screen/back-panel encourages two different styles, equally valid, of photography.

The choice between using an electronic viewfinder (EVF) versus relying solely on the rear screen for photography is a fascinating topic. Let’s explore the nuances of these two approaches and how they impact your photographic experience.

Electronic Viewfinder (EVF): The Eye-Level Connection

What Is an EVF?
An EVF is a small display located at the top of the camera body, where you would typically find an optical viewfinder in traditional film cameras.
It provides a real-time preview of the scene, showing exactly what the camera sensor captures.
EVFs simulate exposure, white balance, and other settings, allowing you to compose and adjust your shot without taking your eye off the viewfinder.

Advantages of Using an EVF:
Precision: An EVF offers precise framing and composition. You see exactly what the sensor sees, including exposure adjustments.
Stability: Holding the camera to your eye provides stability, reducing camera shake.
Brightness and Clarity: EVFs are bright, even in low light, and offer high resolution.
Focus Aids: Features like focus peaking and magnification assist with manual focus.

Drawbacks of EVFs:

Battery Drain: EVFs consume power, affecting battery life.
Lag: Some EVFs have a slight lag, especially in low-light conditions.
Disconnect from the Scene: When using an EVF, you’re less aware of your surroundings. It’s like looking through a tunnel.

Rear Screen (LCD): The Versatile Canvas

What Is the Rear Screen?

The rear LCD screen is the large display on the back of the camera.
It serves as both a viewfinder and a playback screen for reviewing images.

Advantages of Relying on the Rear Screen:
Versatility: The screen is flexible—you can tilt it, swivel it, or even use it for selfies.
Connection to the Environment: By using the rear screen, you remain aware of your surroundings. It’s like having an open window to the world.
Touch Controls: Many screens are touch-sensitive, allowing quick adjustments and menu navigation.

Drawbacks of the Rear Screen:
Visibility in Bright Light: Sunlight can make the screen hard to see.
Stability: Holding the camera away from your body can lead to more camera shake.
Composition Challenges: Framing can be less precise, especially when shooting at odd angles.

Two Valid Styles of Photography

EVF-Driven Style:
Focused Precision: EVF users tend to be meticulous about composition, exposure, and focus.
Immersive Experience: The EVF isolates you from distractions, allowing deep concentration.
Ideal for Critical Work: Portrait, macro, and studio photographers often prefer EVFs.

Rear Screen-Driven Style:
Fluid and Reactive: Rear screen users adapt quickly to changing scenes.
Documentary and Street Photography: Capturing candid moments, street scenes, and dynamic events.
Embracing Imperfection: The rear screen encourages spontaneity and experimentation.

Conclusion
Both styles are valid—it’s a matter of personal preference and the context of your photography. Some photographers switch between them based on the situation. Ultimately, the best camera is the one that complements your creative vision, whether you’re peering through an EVF or framing shots on the rear screen

ROYAL VICTORIA EYE AND EAR HOSPITAL

February 13, 2024 by infomatique

ADELAIDE ROAD DUBLIN

I cannot remember photographing this building before. Many years ago a woman on Leeson Street asked me for directions to the Royal Victoria Hospital and I was somewhat confused as I had believed that the Royal Victoria was in Belfast. Anyway, I explained that the only hospital was the Eye And Ear of Adelaide Road and she decided that must be what she was looking for.

Known as the ‘Eye and Ear’, this hospital presents a grand façade to the public, reflecting the status of the institution.

The mansard roof with spired towers along with the breakfront and projecting end-bays give a strong sense of symmetry, and endow it with an air of authority. Casey (2005) describes it as ‘a long and relatively shallow hospital building with a Queen Anne-cum-neo-Georgian entrance front of brick and Portland stone.

Busy pedimented centrepiece with arcaded quoined porch and overscaled Venetian window above lighting the stair hall. Advanced and pedimented end blocks with nicely massed tower-like elements at the junctions with the principal range. Large wards open off long spinal corridors. Plain interiors, except the stair hall which has long columnar screens on three levels and attractive Georgian-Revival detailing’.

This plot on Adelaide Road was bought by the Council in 1899 for £3600. The new eye hospital in Utrecht, The Netherlands, formed the inspiration for Caroll and Batchelor’s design of the hospital as it was a leading centre of ophthalmology. Although it is dated 1897, building started on the plot in 1901 and the hospital opened in 1903. Building on the west wing commenced in 1912 but was not completed until 1927. The memorial to Swanzy, the chief founder and prominent ophthalmologist, was executed by Albert Power and unveiled in 1916.