Comments on: Review of the Panasonic GF1’s Viewfinder LVF1

By: Percy

Percy — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:15:09 +0000

If you’re using the 20mm lens, just buy a Voigtlander 40mm viewfinder, it works very well, there are a few parallax issues close up but not too hard to overcome. The electronic viewfinder is quite frankly ghastly.

By: Mark

Mark — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 08:49:05 +0000

The RAW IQ is indeed excellent and Panasonic’s 20mm lens makes good use of the sensor. I’ve been experimenting with some of my M mount lenses but not totally successful. The metering is quite a bit off. Maybe I’m doing something wrong.

By: Magister Ludi

Magister Ludi — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:35:10 +0000

Having played with my GF1 and the EVF now for about a month, I’d concur with everything in the review. I’d also add that it’s not hard to get used to all of the EVF’s drawbacks with the exception of the wretched resolution (and the cost).

The color/contrast of the EVF can be adjusted via the camera’s menu so that it approximates the rear LCD, and manual focusing ability is greatly improved by using the MF assist feature, which zooms in on the center of the frame allowing critical focusing. Too bad the camera doesn’t allow you to dedicate a function button to this terrific feature.

BTW, raw IQ from this camera is outstanding, handling is quick to familiarize, and I can use all my manual focus Nikon and Pentax lenses with inexpensive adapters.

By: mario

mario — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:03:10 +0000

Does the lvf have magnification capability to allow for manual focusing? Im having a really hard time manual focusing using only the camera screen. Perhaps it’s the fact that you have to hold the camera far from your body (instead of bracing against face).

By: Icephoto

Icephoto — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:36:23 +0000

So, do you regret your GF1 because of this ? just curious…

I find viewfinder to be a must feature for perfectionist like me. I wonder if i can take picture without viewfinder. (im not a live-view fan). I doubt i can live without a viewfinder. And i need a viewfinder for focusing.

so is the GF1 still worth getting with this kind of tiny tunnel viewfinder?

By: wincros

wincros — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:00:48 +0000

I don’t really understand. How can it be so small it is like looking through a tunnel, but you have to press your glasses against it to see the whole screen?

By: Blue

Blue — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:02:13 +0000

Wow, that is a very harsh review and not really warranted if you compare it to other similar sized viewfinders out there (like the Ricoh GX series for example). Could it be better? sure, but I have not problems focusing with it as long as you select “full screen” in the menu options (vs. having the camera setting displayed in a black band at the bottom of the screen). I agree that colours could be more accurate, however what do you use this for? to frame your shot, not to review pictures you’ve already taken.

By: glenn

glenn — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:24:41 +0000

i am using the evf with a canon 50mm 0.95 and have no problems focusing with the lens wide open… the evf is not perfect, but it most certainly works for manual focusing.

By: Jaak Dell Estonia

Jaak Dell Estonia — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 10:28:13 +0000

Reminds me EVF od Digilux 2

By: Mark

Mark — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 12:24:51 +0000

Well to be fair, it has limited uses for me so I am willing to keep it, but I’d be a much happier camper if it was a better value.

I can imagine your 50 1.1 is a PITA to accurately focus though so if it works for you, then congrats on finding a suitable solution. Always nice to have the right tools for the job!