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For what it's worth... I have a Canon 5D Mark 4 and I almost exclusively shoot in manual mode. Leica, Canon, Nikon, Sony... a camera is just a tool. Learn how

For what it's worth... I have a Canon 5D Mark 4 and I almost exclusively shoot in manual mode. Leica, Canon, Nikon, Sony... a camera is just a tool. Learn how to use it properly and you'll get great results.

hypertexthero 8y ago
> Leica, Canon, Nikon, Sony... a camera is just a tool. Learn how to use it properly and you'll get great results. This is true, but the nice thing about manual cameras is the tactile feedback which makes the experience of using the tool more pleasant and also helps the person using it learn more quickly (see The Hand by Frank R. Wilson). Also, rangefinder cameras are faster to focus because, with experience, by the time you bring the camera to your eye, you will already have the focussing knob at correct distance. In low light this is more difficult, but it is the reason why I [consider rangefinders][1] the best cameras for [action, street and candid photography][2]. [1]:https://www.simongriffee.com/notebook/what-camera/ https://www.simongriffee.com/notebook/what-camera/ [2]:https://www.simongriffee.com/notebook/GRS-20150320-162137/ https://www.simongriffee.com/notebook/GRS-20150320-162137/
- wtallis 8y ago
  > with experience, by the time you bring the camera to your eye, you will already have the focussing knob at correct distance. What's special about rangefinder cameras that makes this true?
jdswain 8y ago
I also have a 5D. Whenever I try manual mode I use the exposure meter to get the correct exposure, so it feels like I should have just used Aperture Priority mode and let the camera match up the exposure for me. Is there any real benefit in using manual mode?
- nickbarnwell 8y ago
  Having full control over aperture, shutter speed, and ISO allows you to create shots in-camera that would otherwise require extensive post-processing or compositing. Sometimes you want some motion blur in the scene while maintaing shallow depth of field, e.g. when shooting a stationary subject against a busy city background.
- maurits 8y ago
  For me the benefit is mostly tactile and muscle memory. I find the diaphragm ring / shutter dial easier and faster to turn, then to dial in exposure comp. Secondly if you shoot in a static environment, you set up your camera once, and then just focus on what you want to shoot.

hypertexthero 8y ago

> Leica, Canon, Nikon, Sony... a camera is just a tool. Learn how to use it properly and you'll get great results. This is true, but the nice thing about manual cameras is the tactile feedback which makes the experience of using the tool more pleasant and also helps the person using it learn more quickly (see The Hand by Frank R. Wilson). Also, rangefinder cameras are faster to focus because, with experience, by the time you bring the camera to your eye, you will already have the focussing knob at correct distance. In low light this is more difficult, but it is the reason why I [consider rangefinders][1] the best cameras for [action, street and candid photography][2]. [1]:https://www.simongriffee.com/notebook/what-camera/ https://www.simongriffee.com/notebook/what-camera/ [2]:https://www.simongriffee.com/notebook/GRS-20150320-162137/ https://www.simongriffee.com/notebook/GRS-20150320-162137/

wtallis 8y ago
> with experience, by the time you bring the camera to your eye, you will already have the focussing knob at correct distance. What's special about rangefinder cameras that makes this true?

jdswain 8y ago

I also have a 5D. Whenever I try manual mode I use the exposure meter to get the correct exposure, so it feels like I should have just used Aperture Priority mode and let the camera match up the exposure for me. Is there any real benefit in using manual mode?

nickbarnwell 8y ago
Having full control over aperture, shutter speed, and ISO allows you to create shots in-camera that would otherwise require extensive post-processing or compositing. Sometimes you want some motion blur in the scene while maintaing shallow depth of field, e.g. when shooting a stationary subject against a busy city background.
maurits 8y ago
For me the benefit is mostly tactile and muscle memory. I find the diaphragm ring / shutter dial easier and faster to turn, then to dial in exposure comp. Secondly if you shoot in a static environment, you set up your camera once, and then just focus on what you want to shoot.