Do you RTFM?

Do you Read The Fine Manual?


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Ah Pao

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Nov 7, 2003
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RTFM = Read The Fine Manual
I realise people don't like to read the manual for their equipment, photography-related or otherwise.

I personally find manuals interesting and lets me know my gear better. Even though I know how to operate something I look out for the manual for things that are not so obvious--if it's a feature I get a pleasant surprise. Otherwise it's good to know what are the potential pitfalls/limitations when using the equipment.

Am I a majority or a minority?
 

Ah Pao said:
RTFM = Read The Fine Manual
I realise people don't like to read the manual for their equipment, photography-related or otherwise.

I personally find manuals interesting and lets me know my gear better. Even though I know how to operate something I look out for the manual for things that are not so obvious--if it's a feature I get a pleasant surprise. Otherwise it's good to know what are the potential pitfalls/limitations when using the equipment.

Am I a majority or a minority?


Depend on equipment. If you say HIFI system, or equipment wih lotsa functions, yes confirm I will read.

But for camera usually you fiddle for a while, you will know how to use the basic function, like shutter, aperture, +/- for flash/exposure, flash.

I've tried the Olympus E1 before, only read the how to set image resolution. I believe most people here will be able to identify the universal icons on the camera. But flash need to fiddle longer for me.

But I read through the whole manual of my own camera. :bsmilie: .....unless the camera is P&S.
 

I think it's a very good idea to read the manual. You'll be surprised at the amount of information some manual contains... for example my F100 manual contains a list of troubleshooting tips.. no need to panic if I see 'Err' or what not, cost most of the time, the information to solve it is right in the manual. And also, there are lots of specialised information you can only find from reading the manual and not from playing around with the camera... :D
 

I dun think RTFM is Read The Fine Manual...
I think it's Read The F*beep* Manual...
Coz when a person gets angry, he'll say that... :think:
 

Yep, if AReality hadn't said it, I would have had to add it in...
 

yes i did..im stupid i have to do that so my new things wont go to trash bin within hours...hehehe~ :p
 

i usually read it as bed time reading...

sometimes read already.. then find out something, then will go try try.. then next day late for work.. happens all the time. ;p
 

I usually read manuals only after toying around with new equipment I bought... Too excited and impatient to read the fine lines... I only read the manual on a need basis, or when I want to find out more functions about the equipment... ;)
 

A good consumer reads the manual and safety instructions.

For me, I tend to read manuals first. In fact, I usually get too excited with the new gadget that I bought and I will tear out the manual from the box and read it while on the way home. :D
 

read once know everything then enuff already
 

Any (ok, most) equipment that cannot be operated without reading the manual is not friendly enough. :devil:

For me, I usually figure out the device myself. Only refer to the manual if I can't figure it out, or if I run into a problem. Applies to software as well.

Regards
CK
 

jOhO said:
i usually read it as bed time reading...

sometimes read already.. then find out something, then will go try try.. then next day late for work.. happens all the time. ;p

hehe me too. Like to read it at bed time. When I find something interesting I will get out of bed and fiddle with the equipment. If not cannot sleep.
 

First I play with my new toy. Usually discover most of the basic functions this way. If really unsure about any buttons/settings, I leave those alone.

As bedtime reading, as a few of you have mentioned, I read the manual to discover what I've missed out/shortcuts/specific functions. Also might turn theory in practice if possible i.e. play with new toy using the knowledge gleaned from the manual.
 

i read it to get useful infomation like apple's "do not expose laserwriter to fire."

i also learnt that a camera is a precision instrument. Do not drop it or suject it to physical shock. like the time i brought back a nikon box, it suffered a mild heart attack. =)

erm on a better note.. custom functions and functions are other the main bulk of my readings... and rereferings...
 

i'm an instruction manual freak, always read the manual for any form of equipment. i even read the instructions at the back of instant noodle packets. :)

i think it stemmed from the time i tried to use a generator and spoiled the engine coz i forgot to use the choke.

car manuals are actually the most interesting manuals to read, followed closely by vcr/tv manuals.
 

No I dun...unless I got stuck with a problem
GOt once I actually forgot how to do bracketing and read te manual for that...stupid rite.
 

jbma said:
hehe me too. Like to read it at bed time. When I find something interesting I will get out of bed and fiddle with the equipment. If not cannot sleep.
ahhaahah. i TOTALLY understand..

but after the "san xi hang" (new toilet bowl in cantonese) feeling wears off.. then no more liow. :bsmilie:
 

I like to read them because they make my product sound more impressive than it really is.

" This equipment has to made to the highest standards.. blah blah. and complies to EU standards blah blah.. and is covered by the following 15 patents.."
 

NiVleK said:
A good consumer reads the manual and safety instructions.

For me, I tend to read manuals first. In fact, I usually get too excited with the new gadget that I bought and I will tear out the manual from the box and read it while on the way home. :D

I will say, 'A smart consumer reads the manual and safety instructions'. This is because the warranty does not usually covers defects caused by mishandling or for not observing/following the safety instructions in the manual.
 

Yes I would... But then return 3/4 of what I read back to the manual 2 weeks later! ;P
 

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