depth of field preview and exposure lock

I have been using an Elan 2E for macro flower photos. Using the custom function 4 set to 2 I can use the exposure lock button as a depth of field preview button. I use manual focusing for most of my close-up shots. My problem is, suppose I want to use both d.e.p AND exposure lock? Does the eye controlled d.e.p square in the viewfinder work with manual focus? It doesn't seem to work with my present set up. Any ideas?

Jerry W.

Gerald,

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I use the Elan IIE and 50mm f/1.8, 85mm f/1.8 lenses with extension

tubes when doing these kinds of close-ups.

What I do is set the lens on manual (always), the meter for "partial

metering" and set the camera exposure control on manual mode. Then I

use either a gray card or my hand (+ 1.0 EC) to set the appropriate

exposure. If the lighting is difficult to judge and the shot is

important, I bracket at least +/- 0.5 (slide film).

<p>

If I'm using flash (380EX with off-camera cord and Lumiquest Pocket

Bounce), then I set Manual exposure for the background, and try to

get the selected partial metering point on the flower. Then I use

FEC to bracket what I think will give me a well-balanced shot (or for

whatever I'm trying to accomplish).

<p>

Anyway, that's my method; you may figure out a better way. The key

is to try everything and use what works.

<p>

Good luck,

<p>

Kevin M. Allen

Thanks Kevin. That was helpful. What do you use for depth-of-field

preview?

Jerry W

Jerry, to answer your last question, eye control DoF Preview does not

work in manual focus. I wish it did. I've been taking quite a few

landscapes this summer and it's real dissapointing to manually focus

to the hyperfocal distance, then try to double check with eye control

DoF Preview. It doesn't work. You have to set the lens to AF and

then try to look at the tiny square without hitting one of the three

AF spots and changing focus. This would be my number one choice for

modifying the elan iie if I were king for a day. If there's a better

way I'd like to hear it. I guess like you, I could set the CF but I

don't want to muck with the exposure lock button. I think this might

be a "live with it" situation. Ted

Gerald,

<p>

I set Custom Function 4 to put depth-of-field preview on the "*.CF"

button, on the back of the camera (set it to "2"). Then I contort my

arms and hands and head in order to press the DOF button while

adjusting the focus and aperture. This works fine for me. Some may

say it's too difficult, but you have to work with the tools available.

<p>

If you still want to use exposure lock, the same button you use for

DOF should lock it for you. I just tried it on mine in Av mode, and

it worked.

<p>

Of course, as I stated earlier, I always use manual exposure mode for

closeups anyway (even if the light is changing). It just seems more

natural to me. Most of the time, I leave the auto focus on, and set

autofocus on the back and exposure lock on the front, use manual

mode, and focus manually (I have a couple of old FD cameras and have

gotten used to it). In low light, I usually hit the AF button.

<p>

Well, I'm rambling, so I'd better shut up now.

<p>

As always, listen to the advice, try it for yourself, and then do

what feels right to you.

<p>

KMA

Jerry,

<p>

Sorry about that first paragraph. I neglected to look back at your

original question in order to remind myself that you're already using

the manual DOF button.

<p>

I guess the answer to your original question is, "Use the DOF preview

button on the back of the camera to both check DOF and to lock

exposure." Let me know if your camera doesn't do this.

<p>

Of course, a downside to this is that you (probably) need to release

the DOF button before making the exposure, and you will only have 4

seconds to make that exposure before you lose E Lock. This could be

a disappointment when trying to catch a spider catching a meal (as I

was doing this morning), or waiting for moving flowers to stop

moving, etc. I don't know what subjects you're shooting, or how

close you are getting, so I don't know if this will be a problem.

<p>

The other downside is that if you lock exposure while checking DOF,

then recompose your shot, your DOF check is probably no longer valid.

<p>

This is all too complicated for me, and that's why I set the exposure

manually (and use a tripod, except when using flash or shooting

extreme closeups with large apertures in direct morning/evening

sunlight with fast shutter speeds, which can be pretty interesting).

<p>

Well, I'm rambling again.

<p>

KMA

And that sentence that started with "Most of the time..." applies to

when I'm not shooting closeups. Hope I've thoroughly confused you.

<p>

Boy, am I tired. I think I'll go to bed.

<p>

KMA