Magic Lantern Forum

Using Magic Lantern => Tutorials and Creative Uses => Topic started by: garry23 on March 21, 2014, 10:55:43 PM

Title: Tilt+Shift Lenses and ML
Post by: garry23 on March 21, 2014, 10:55:43 PM
I think most people who post here are well aware that an ML-based workflow greatly helps the photographer 'get the best' data for post-processing.

Like many these days, especially using a FF DLSR (I have a 5DMkIII as well as an IR-converted 50D), I find myself drawn to using ETTR, and when it is useful Dual-ISO.

One particular area where an ML-based workflow really helps is when you are using a Tilt+Shift lens as the normal in-camera Canon metering is only effective for a zero tilt and shift. As soon as you tilt and/or shift the camera's metering can not be relied upon.

Magic Lantern to the rescue. How? Well this is my typical TS-E 24mm F3.5L workflow:
- Put the camera in manual – note the TS-E has no auto-focus, obviously;
- Visualize the scene and, if require, explore/estimate the required shift range;
- Estimate the hinge height you need, ie for a tilt in degrees I use 9/2J, where J is the required hinge height in ft;
- Set the base focus, eg at slightly beyond the hyperfocal distance is not an unreasonable starting point, and as the TS-E is a prime, this number never changes for a given aperture, ie easy to remember!;
- Check the focus along the plane of sharp focus and adjust the tilt and focus accordingly, change focus rotates the plane of sharp focus around the hinge and adjusting aperture changes the focus wedge angle;
- Shift as required;
- Now the real Magic occurs. Simply invoke ML's Auto-ETTR (I use the SET method) and the exposure is adjusted to ensure your data capture is maximized, ie to the right according to your settings.

In other words, using ML, you have one less thing to worry about, ie exposure!

Bottom line: If you have a Tilt-Shift lens, then I strongly suggest you try out the ML ETTR exposure setting in your workflow.
Title: Re: Tilt+Shift Lenses and ML
Post by: dubzeebass on March 21, 2014, 11:57:22 PM
Great post! Innovative ways to use this amazing software are always appreciated.