Autofocus for lowlight dance?

[jim_jeblee]

I have been doing some stage events (part time)with 35mm film &

manual focus cameras (leica M2/6 & R8). This works pretty well for

most events except dance, my number of keepers for close ups is low.

The whole stage & group action shots w/ 28 & 50 lenses are fine, 90mm

ok, but when I get to the 135 & 180mm shots it gets much harder. The

135 is an older 2.8 vers that I don't use much. The 180 is a F2.3. I

also do not have a motor drive (I could use one for dance but not

most of the other events). I am considering buying a EOS 1n & 135

f2.0 lense just for dance. I have read comments that sometimes people

have to turn off autofocus for events like dance. Should I get a

motor drive for my current camera & maybe upgrade my 135mm lens (but

would still be a f2.8) or is autofocus usable enough in low light

stage to make it worthwhile to buy this setup for 2-4 events per year?

Thanks so much!

Jim

[robert lee]

You should try digital.

 

Rent a current generation EOS 1 series digital camera (or maybe a 5D) and couple that to a 70-200 f2.8L zoom. Shoot at ISO 1600 or higher. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how many more keepers you get.

[andrewlamb]

"to make it worthwhile to buy this setup for 2-4 events per year'

 

No! Surely you'd be better off just shooting a heck of a lot more film to increase your

chances of getting some acceptably sharp shots? A motor drive or winder for your R8

would also be a cheaper option.

 

The autofocus on the 1N and 1V is terrific but it does seem like a lot of money to shell out

just to grab one shot. The EOS 5D is a terrific camera but my personal feeling (and a lot

fashion runway photographers I know) is that the AF works better on EOS film cameras.

 

IMHO, get a motor drive for your R8.

[jim_jeblee]

Thanks for the comments! I still need to decide if I will try to upgrade my 135 lens which would impact my cost. I'm holding off of digital for now because film works fine for most of my needs & I will wait and see if an affordable digital camera shows up that can use the full range of Leica M lenses.

Thanks, Jim.

[kin_lau]

2 to 4 events a year, how about just renting?

 

Rent both a EOS 1n & a 1DMkII or 1DsMkII & the 135/2.0 for an event and give it a try.