GH2 AF100 to GH2 - Any focus aids

[dtzfilms]

Hi,
How do you chaps get great focus from the GH2?
Are there any AF100 focus aids like EVF detail, red EVF detail or a focus bar?
I'm planning to use some dead lens - nikon 85mm and voigtlander 25mm .95 to supplement some shots I missed with the AF.
If there aren't any aids, I'm just going to chicken this one out and go for boring but safe with a lumix 14-42mm and forget about focus.

 

[scorsesefan]

There is a magnified focus assist that works for both lumix lenses and non-panasonic. There may be other assists but I don't use them.

 

[Cole]

There is a magnified focus assist that works for both lumix lenses and non-panasonic. There may be other assists but I don't use them.

This works great unless you have an external monitor plugged in which disables the magnification assist. I use a 27" monitor for framing but still opt to unplug it to get critical focus before rolling using the magnification on the lcd screen.

 

[Victor Nhat Nguyen]

@Cole I'm thinking of buying an external monitor for focus assist (for my canon DSLR actually, waiting for gh3 to come out before switching) do you think it helps that much or is it just a waste of money?

 

[Cole]

@Cole I'm thinking of buying an external monitor for focus assist (for my canon DSLR actually, waiting for gh3 to come out before switching) do you think it helps that much or is it just a waste of money?

I find it helpful seeing the full frame to make adjustments to the background and lighting. It's also a nicer presentation when showing the client the framing or playing back a take. It's a bit silly crowding 3-5 people around the lcd. It is especially helpful when the camera is up on my jib.

 

[mcbob]

I've tried using a DP6 monitor, but then that just about doubles the size of the whole setup, at which point it makes more sense to use my AF100 instead... plus the external monitor completely disables ETC and 720p modes, so I never use it and instead use the camera's EVF.