Manual focus is the direct control of a camera/lens's focus by the photographer. This is generally accomplished by turning a focus ring which is mechanically coupled to the lens's focus, but some cameras without focus rings allow manual control over the autofocus motor.
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4answers
2k views
Can manual focus be faster than autofocus?
Recently I've gotten into street photography, and I've noticed there are some situations where it is technically impossible to autofocus, to be precise, when you have moving objects and don't want to ...
6
votes
4answers
572 views
Which is better - autofocus and recompose vs. manual focus?
In some occasions autofocus doesn't focus what I intend it to. What is the better option - to use autofocus, focus what I want and recompose, or use manual focus in that situation?
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1answer
180 views
Photography concepts using SX20
I've bought a Powershot sx20 half a year ago and I'm quite happy with it although I know it doesn't compare to a DSLR.
I've learning photography on my own: bought a 58mm ring and some filters (cpl, ...
5
votes
3answers
788 views
How to I enable focus indication when focusing manually?
I've read that it is possible to have a lamp lit up when your picture is in focus when you are focussing manually. How do I enable this feature on a Canon 5D MkII?
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votes
2answers
263 views
Light meter adjustment for a manual focusing screen
Katz Eye has replacement focusing screens for semipro Canon cameras, but they do affect the light meter in some situations. I am rather fond of using my spot meter, but am annoyed by the effects of ...
12
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7answers
794 views
How can I improve focus using both manual and auto on a candle flame?
I got my new tripod and 50mm F/1.4 sigma on my Nikon D7000 and was testing it out doing some shots of a flame on a candle.
The below image is the sharpest i was able to produce. In review of my 50+ ...
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3answers
896 views
Problem in using 70-300mm non VR lens with Nikon D5000
I am finding it quite difficult to use my 70-300 Manual focus non-VR lens with D5000. Learnt it from experts that 70-300 non VR lens does not perform well with D5k though the lens mounts on this body!
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6
votes
3answers
2k views
How will old M42 lenses work on a Nikon camera?
I wanted to get some cheap old lenses to use on my Nikon DX DSLR (D3100).
However, Nikon has one of the greatest flange distances of all manufacturers, which means that most lenses I can buy (M42 ...
9
votes
2answers
551 views
What is manual-priority autofocus?
I have been looking at the Nikon AF-S 35mm f1.8 lens and it has two focus settings:
Manual Focus
Manual-Priority Autofocus
What is "manual-priority autofocus"?
7
votes
5answers
385 views
Precise focus in self-portraiture
I've been trying to take some self-portraits, but I often have to struggle with the auto/manual focus. I don't miss by a lot, but I really want sharp focus in the eyes. I'm using a 50mm/1.8 around ...
7
votes
3answers
1k views
How should I chose a manual focusing screen for my Pentax K10D?
I am considering buying a split focusing screen, replacing the original one. I would like to use some split/microprism screen to ease the focusing of the manual lenses. I own both kit lenses (18-55, ...
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votes
0answers
345 views
Need help focusing at night with DSLR [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
How to focus in complete darkness
I have a Canon 20D, when I shoot outdoors at night I have a very hard time getting images in focus. I primarily shoot landscapes, so ...
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6answers
4k views
How can I get everything in focus?
I have a Canon 550D with 70-200 f4 and 50mm prime lenses. Although the camera has built-in 9 focal points, I sometimes face a strange problem. Here's a sample photo:
In reference to the above pic, ...
8
votes
3answers
293 views
Which setup should I choose for taking pictures of Trick-or-Treaters tonight?
I've dug up my dad's old Pentax K1000 SE, along with his old lenses, and picked up some 400 film. I'm wondering which of these lenses I should go with to get the best shots tonight (outdoors, no ...
4
votes
1answer
461 views
How to manual focus Nikon Coolscan 4000 using Vuescan?
How to be sure that the scanner (Nikon Coolscan 4000) focuses correctly and if not, how can I manually focus it using Vuescan?
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2answers
806 views
Disadvantages of split-prism focusing screens?
I'm considering getting a microprism focusing screen for my Nikon d3000 (specifically, the KatzEye). Hopefully this will help tremendously with manual focusing, but I suspect there must be some ...
28
votes
6answers
1k views
When is manual focus better than autofocus?
We all know that autofocus is very convenient for everyday shooting, especially on cameras with tiny viewfinders that make manual focus difficult (like my Nikon d3000).
However, just like the ...
12
votes
4answers
758 views
Why buy an expensive manual focus lens?
What are the benefits of (expensive brand new) manual focus lenses? Why did you, for example, buy a manual focus Carl Zeiss 85/1.4 rather than an auto-focus Nikon 85/1.4? I'm not concerned with ...
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2answers
1k views
Why am I allowed to turn my focusing ring beyond infinity?
Is there a good reason why I can turn the focusing ring on my lenses beyond infinity mark on focusing scale? Following recent questions here and here, it sounds like a real usability issue.
...
24
votes
13answers
5k views
How does one get manual focus right with a fast-aperture lens?
I have got an old lens (f1.4) that I have to use only with manual focus on a DSLR. Well, it is difficult for me to get the subject on focus. Although on focus according to the viewfinder, the actual ...
10
votes
4answers
834 views
How do you manually focus accurately without a focusing screen?
I have a Canon 1000D and it doesn't come with a focusing screen. Sometimes my camera cannot focus in low-light. I'd like to manually focus, but without a focusing screen I haven't been able to do it ...
8
votes
7answers
399 views
Focusing an entry-level DSLR
I like really really sharp photos.
Even with a prime lens, I seem to be able to do noticeably better with my 450D by manually focusing using live view at maximum zoom than by using auto focus (even ...
5
votes
3answers
591 views
Nikon D50 and Nikkor AI manual focus lens
I have a D50 and I would like to use my manual focus lens (a Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI) from my analog SLR. It fits on the mount and all seems to be good, but the status on the LED display blinks F - - ...
