How to Know You are Focused Using MF

smackitsakic · May 31, 2010

I have been meaning to ask this for a while now.

As i'm progressing into learning more and more about the wonderful world of photography, I am starting to find that I need to use manual focus more than relying so heavily on auto focus.

My question is, how do you know if you're focused or not in MF? I can obviously adjust the focusing ring all that I want, and make it so that it looks focused through the viewfinder, but i've often been finding that when I get back onto the computer and view the pictures in full screen, they appear to be slightly off-focus almost every time. Is there a sure-fire way to use MF and know that you're going to get a crisp, clean exposure? Or is the success of your exposure when using MF heavily dependent on your aperture choice?

Big Mike · May 31, 2010

These modern, entry level DSLR cameras have rather tiny viewfinders, which makes it harder to see & focus, than it used to be with most film SLRs (and the big pro bodies).

I'm not sure if you can change the screen the the rebels, but some people replace the focus screen with a split screen, which makes it a lot easier to manually focus.

Also, does it look to you, that your AF is accurate? Because it could be possible that your viewfinder diopter is not adjusted accurately, so that what you are looking at in the viewfinder, isn't accurate.

How close are you looking (on the computer monitor) when you judge the images? You can't expect them to remain sharp as you zoom past 100%, 200%, 300% etc. Especially as you are using lenses that are nearer to the bottom of the barrel, than the top.

How do the images look when printed out and held at an appropriate viewing distance?

Big Mike · May 31, 2010

I forgot to mention, that even when using manual focus, I believe there is a light that comes on in the viewfinder, to tell you the active focus point it in focus.

pbelarge · May 31, 2010

I also have been struggling with focus issues, manual focus more so.

I remember the 'split screen' focus viewfinders of years past. Is it possible to install something like this on a modern digital camera...maybe a 7D? Or should I keep ploddng along until I get it right or...die? :mrgreen:

Big Mike · May 31, 2010

KatzEye Optics - Custom Focusing Screens

ghache · May 31, 2010

there is a small light that become hard when you are in focus

pbelarge · May 31, 2010

Mike
Do you know anyone who has had this installed on their camera?
The skeptic in me is always leary of the 3rd party add-ons.

Will this void the Canon Warranty?

Thanks for all your help!

Big Mike · May 31, 2010

There were a couple members here who had it done, I don't think they're active around here anymore though.

They liked it, I do remember that.

KmH · May 31, 2010

Katz-eye has great products and they are used my many photographers.

Adding any 3rd party parts, including lenses, is mentioned as an issue in most camera body warranties.

It usually doesn't void the entire warranty but if you have issues related to the non-standard part(s) a warranty repair is usually not going to happen.

Many of the prosumer bodies allow for changing the focusing screen and the camera makers usually has those other screens available.

Sw1tchFX · May 31, 2010

The only times i use manual focus is when i'm on a tripod, and I use live view, zoom in at 100% and do it then.

smackitsakic · May 31, 2010

My camera does have a focusing light that will illuminate when i'm adjusting my manual focus, but only when it reaches the 'focus' on the center dot. I guess, from now on, any time I need to use MF i will manually focus using this centre dot until it indicates that i'm 'focused', then recompose and fire away. I'll try that and see what happens.

Thanks for the suggestions!!

Big Mike · May 31, 2010

I'm a little bit curious as to why you 'need to use manual focus more'. :scratch:

Sebastian Riel Ph. · Jun 7, 2010

Are you shooting with a Nikon ? Depending on your camera you may have different options in the camera to select different points. Personally I use manual focus a lot, but that's only because the lens I have right now is hard to work with, really hard....

iflynething · Jun 8, 2010

The technique I use when having a zoom lens is zoom all the way in, focus and then set zoom out to wherever you need to be, other than that I use live view and zoom in 100%. Too bad not everyone can have that luxury.

~Michael~

FattyMcJ · Jun 8, 2010

pbelarge said:
I remember the 'split screen' focus viewfinders of years past. Is it possible to install something like this on a modern digital camera...maybe a 7D? Or should I keep ploddng along until I get it right or...die? :mrgreen:

Split Screens are far more popular among Pentaxians due to the availability of legacy glass (manual focus only), and yes, it is possible. I have done it

Big Mike said:
KatzEye™ Optics - Custom Focusing Screens

Indeed quality products, but a bit expensive for my taste, and a lot of Pentax users. Focusingscreen.com is another source or...the old stand-by eBay. I chose the latter and paid a mere $24 for a dual 45 degree split prism focusing screen. It's flawless and works perfectly.