LX100 Controls Part 5 Holding and Operating the Aperture Ring

Illustration courtesy of Panasonic

On Page 53  of the operating instructions there is a little picture with a caption “Holding the camera”.  

This appears quite simple but in practice holding the camera and operating the aperture ring proves to be less straightforward particularly if you want to use Aperture Priority or Manual Exposure Modes.

One issue is that the aperture ring does not have lands and/or serrations all the way round its circumference. It has just two raised, serrated lands, the remainder being smooth.  The fingers wanting to turn the aperture ring (usually the index finger and thumb of the left hand) must be placed on those lands.

Another issue is that there is very little space between the third and fourth fingers of the right hand on the mini handle and the lens.

There are four basic camera holds:

* Landscape orientation left hand under, as illustrated in the operating instructions.

* Landscape orientation left hand over.

* Portrait orientation left hand under.

* Portrait orientation left hand over.

I will illustrate some of the issues I have with the LX100 with reference to the photographs.

Landscape orientation left hand under. This is the position the left hand and fingers must take for low f numbers. As the left hand rotates for higher f numbers the left index finger impinges on the right middle finger. In addition I find the position of the left wrist and fingers uncomfortable. A younger more flexible person might have no trouble at all.

Landscape orientation left hand over. I find this more comfortable. My left wrist and fingers are in a more natural position. The EVF eyepiece is small and thin. This creates two issues. First I need to get my eye a little distance away from the eyecup. Second I need to protect the eyecup from excess stray light. I do this  by holding the left index finger and thumb as shown  creating a sort of bionic accessory eyecup.  Now I can see clearly and my left hand feels comfortable but of course I am unable to turn the aperture ring. I could get my left index finger and thumb onto the raised lands of the ring with the left hand over position  but  that takes away the finger eyecup effect.

Neither of the two hold/operate positions shown above is altogether satisfactory for me.  

Problems continue in Portrait orientation. Left hand over position is difficult as the fingers of the left hand impinge on those of the right hand at smaller f numbers. In addition I find it difficult to center my right eye correctly on the viewfinder. 

In the photo above I am trying to use the portrait version of a left hand under hold. This looks awkward and uncomfortable and it is.

This is a more comfortable hold for portrait orientation. The left hand is supporting the camera from beneath. The left thumb is forming a little accessory eyecup and eyeline guide. The camera is steady and I can see clearly. But I am unable to rotate the aperture ring. If I bring my left index finger and thumb onto the aperture ring I am still unable to rotate it as my fingers fall onto the smooth parts of the ring.

This little series of photos illustrates some of the problems I am experiencing as I try to form a working relationship with the LX100. 

Most of the time I find the camera works very well in Programme AE Mode [Aperture ring and shutter speed dial both on A] and that is what I generally use. 

Much of the promotion of and enthusiasm about this camera has been centered on the aperture ring.

I find it ironic that I am finding the most ergonomically effective way to use the camera for general hand held  photography is to allow the camera to set the aperture automatically thus rendering the aperture ring without function most of the time.