gaelen_marsden

I've been shooting concerts occasionally for a school paper for the

last few years (see <A

HREF="http://www.physics.ubc.ca/~gmarsden/gallery">http://www.physics.ubc.ca/~gmarsden/gallery</A>

for a few older examples). I've generally been fairly happy with

them, but have found I have a real problem with focus. In particular,

I have a lot a sharp microphones with fuzzy faces in behind. I use HP5

at 1600, two older EOS cameras (Elan and 10S), 50/1.8, 85/1.8, and 20/2.8.

<P>

I find that I can't see well enough through the view finder to focus

manually, or even adjust the autofocus. Clearly a larger f-stop would

help, but I find I mostly need f/2 - 2.8 to get enough light onto the

film at hand-help shutter speeds. Any suggestions on what I can do to

improved my focus? Maybe I should practice more with adjusting the

autofocus? Or should I spend my time developing a steadier hand so

that I can shoot at lower shutter speeds and get a larger dof?

<P>

Thanks.

Hi Tim,

I'm sure you'll get more useful responses than this, but I figured I'd throw in my knowledge, from a fellow beginner.

I would suggest -- forget the slide film. Print film is a lot more forgiving for missed exposures. Since you will undoubtedly by shooting in very low light, I would recommend you use at least 800 speed film. I like to shoot b&w, so that I can print my own shots, and use Ilford HP5 (400 ISO) at 1600. Fast lenses really helps, too. I love my 85/1.8. See some of my shots at:

http://www.physics.ubc.ca/~gmarsden/gallery/

Also see:

http://www.photo.net/concerts/mirarchi/concer_i

I've read that a bunch of times.

I tried shooting Fuji NPH 400 (colour) pushed to 800, but didn't have a whole lot of luck. It was more that the photos were boring than improperly exposed, though.

Make sure to bracket lots. I unfortunately don't have a spot meter, so I generally set my aperture close to as low as it goes, then play around with the shutter speed.

Good luck!