Tilt Shift Help

[aklukash]

I'm leaving on a trip next week, and I'm renting the 45mm tilt shift. I'm hoping to have a lot of free time to play with it. I understand there is a steep learning curve for this lens.

Does anyone know of any good online tutorials or website that would help?

Thanks!
/Anna-Karin

[venchka]

For pure theory, you could read volumes online and in print explaning the mechanics as they apply to view cameras.
Shift is very straight forward. The effects are visible in the viewfinder or on the LCD. The effects of tilt are less obvious. I find that a little tilt goes a long way.
If you want to imitate the "miniature" effect, that's a whole different can of worms.
Good luck.

ps: Tell us what plan to photograph and how you intend to use the lens.

[aklukash]

Thanks Wayne. I was going to use it for people and environment. Not architecrutal, which I guess is the "real" reason for a tilt shift...

[Tom]

I've got it and it is a steep learning curve. A high accuracy focusing screen will help tremendously.

[aklukash]

OK, I have that focusing screen installed. I was also thinking about using live-view for focusing...

[Tom]

Life view would be a bad idea. You probably wont see the changes in the tilt.

[venchka]

Originally Posted by aklukash@ethosgroup.com

Thanks Wayne. I was going to use it for people and environment. Not architecrutal, which I guess is the "real" reason for a tilt shift...

Hmmmmmmmmmmm........ok. As you wish.

[aklukash]

"Life view would be a bad idea. You probably wont see the changes in the tilt."

OK, I see. Thanks Thomas. Do you know of an online tuturial or did you learn by trial and error?

"Hmmmmmmmmmmm........ok. As you wish."

Aha, I take it you don't like that look?? I see it everywhere and I needed to try for myself...

[Tom]

Trial and error, and I am not that good at it. Pretty difficult piece of equipment to use properly.

[aklukash]

OK, thanks for your help. Glad I'm just renting it to start with.

[carrbowl]

Just learn to ignore Wayne : ) he old and cranky : ) he still thinks people should use this think called film??? like anyone knows what that is??? please... and everyone knows tilt shift lenses are only meant for people....why would you use them for architecture??? WAYNE??????? *sarcasm deeply imbedded in this note*

[venchka]

Originally Posted by aklukash@ethosgroup.com

"Life view would be a bad idea. You probably wont see the changes in the tilt."

OK, I see. Thanks Thomas. Do you know of an online tuturial or did you learn by trial and error?

"Hmmmmmmmmmmm........ok. As you wish."

Aha, I take it you don't like that look?? I see it everywhere and I needed to try for myself...

No likes or dislikes.
Seems like a waste to not use the lens for some of the purposes for which it was designed.
For people and landscapes a longer focal focal length may have been better. Like the 90mm version. 45mm is a bit long for architecture anyway. 24 & 90 would cover a multitude of situations and uses.
If you want a real tilt and shift and swing and rise and fall experience, get behind a 4x5 or larger camera someday.