DOF preview: the other worthless button?

does anyone actually use the DOF preview button or do they also find it completely worthless?

is this yet another button to whine about incessantly or am i missing something here ?

ed rader

I use it to light up my flash for a few seconds when I drop something in the dark.

I've used it a few times. More often than not it's too dark to tell, though. It is fun to blind annoying people with.

I use it. Have used it on all the SLR cameras I have ever owned. It helps to determine if everything you want to be in focus actually is.

Of course the viewfinder gets dark. That's the point.

I think I used it once by accident when I was familiarizing myself with the camera. Otherwise, I think it is useless.

Like the OP have mentioned, I have used it to strobe my speedlite, but that sound my speedlite emits makes me nervous for some reason.

Absolutely yes. Makes it possible to see if filters are vignetting or not or if the dividing line of a grad ND is where I really want it.

Yes Ed, I use it as designed.., and yes, you are missing something.

It has its uses, and doesn't take up valuable space such as the worthless print button on the rear panel.

I think maybe us old 35mm film users are more likely to use it.

Well the DOF button on my Nikon is loud enough to make people think i've taken a picture when i dont..

canonphotog wrote in post #4250644
Yes Ed, I use it as designed.., and yes, you are missing something.

Sorry to hijack the thread, but just seen your gear list. I used to have an OM1n and OM2n, I always wanted either the Om3 or Om4, I never did get one.

But out of interest, don't you think the highlight and shadow buttons would be a great feature on todays digital Slr's, I'm surprised they have missed it off?

I use it for what it was intended for...

steveathome wrote in post #4250649
It has its uses, and doesn't take up valuable space such as the worthless print button on the rear panel.

I think maybe old 35mm film users are more likely to use it.

right, coming from a F1n and FD lenses I still use it on my new 40d.

It should be noted that the quality of the viewfinder plays a big role here. The DOF is a lot easier to see in a big, bright VF like the 5D and next to impossible in a small, dim VF like the Rebel series cameras.

Hardly useless, It serves a definite function.
If you shoot manual or AV, then this button is very useful indeed.

It is definitely not useless,. and if you think it is, your missing something I'm afraid.

I'd complain if there was no DOF preview... Should not be left out.