Photography

Questions tagged [manual-focus]

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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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1answer
344 views

How to figure out the order of lens elements in the rear group?

I bought a second-hand Canon 100D after I got into photography this summer, and got to use a vintage lens that was still attached to my dad's Pentax ME Super (Asahi Pentax-M 50mm 1.4 SMC, a great step ...
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2answers
295 views

Are electronically parfocal RF lenses parfocal enough for fireworks photography with zoom?

Within a month or so, it's the first time I'll see fireworks as an owner of a good camera and naturally I'm planning to take photographs of them. By researching various fireworks photography sources, ...
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3answers
122 views

Focus in Analog and Digital Cameras [duplicate]

Why a subject not in focus in the viewfinder of an analog camera is seen as two misaligned half circles, while in that of a digital camera is evenly blurred?
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2answers
87 views

How to focus old manual viewfinder cameras?

I recently got two really old cameras, and I'm lost. The cameras are an Agfa Silette, and a Welta Weltax. I expected the cameras to have a focusing mechanism similar to rangefinger cameras, or split-...
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1answer
42 views

Are front lens focusing and unit focusing equivalent in triplet/tessar style lenses?

Some vintage tessar or triplet type lenses (eg such intended for viewfinder cameras) implement focusing by merely moving the front element or front cell. When adapting such lenses to other cameras, ...
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3answers
89 views

Is it possible to use a follow focus to add AF to MF lenses?

I recently switched from a EOS 7D to a Sony a6400 and since I have to buy new lenses I saw the huge difference in price between compatible AF and manual focus lenses. I also stumbled upon this: ...
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2answers
129 views

How do I find infinity focus with a kit lens when there's not enough light for optical verification? [duplicate]

I have a D7200 which I want to use at long distances in low light photography. The kit lens, a 18-140 does not have focus markers on it. Furthermore, the focus ring does not stop hard at any point. ...
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2answers
152 views

With an old manual lens and modern digital camera, sharp image on the matte focusing screen, blurred one on the sensor

I tried to use an old Practicar lens 50mm/1.8 with Canon 450D, using an appriopriate adapter ring Practica B/Canon EF. Of course, this lens is completely manual in this configuration. Via the ...
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2answers
121 views

How to handle frequent, uncontrolled lighting changes?

I was taking photos of birds in a sanctuary. There I experienced few challenges. I want to know how to handle these. There were frequent daylight variations as it was partly cloudy. It was a bright ...
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4answers
293 views

How do fixed lenses “focus” on things at different distances? [duplicate]

I'm trying to understand depth of field and I'm struggling. If I'm playing with a 50mm fixed lens, and I alter its focus using the little ring around the lens, what is actually changing in terms of ...
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2answers
94 views

Is minimum focus distance (MFD) really minimum?

On my prime lense the barrel shows the "minimum" focus distance (MFD). According to the definition you find on internet you cannot focus an object closer to this distance (measure from the sensor ...
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1answer
72 views

Auto-focus in Nikon D3100 doesn't work and i can't take pictures

When on autofocus my camera will not focus. The lens will do the twisting movement, go in and out of focus and then stay out of focus. Then it won't even take a photo. In addition, when on manual ...
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1answer
181 views

How to nail focus with Digital Split Image on FujiFilm X-Series cameras?

FujiFilm X-Series cameras offer Digital Split Image focus assist mode. The manual provides inadequate usage instruction, stating: Digital Split Image: Displays a split image in the center of the ...
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3answers
418 views

How to nail focus with Peak Highlight on FujiFilm X-Series cameras?

FujiFilm X-Series cameras offer Focus Peak Highlight assist mode. However, the manual provides inadequate usage instruction, stating: Focus Peak Highlight: Highlights high-contrast outlines. Rotate ...
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2answers
220 views

How to perform non-center focusing using common film SLR camera?

I have a Nikon FM2 camera with Nikkor 50/1.4D lens. Is there a way to focus on the area that is not center? This can be easily done with digital camera as Nikon D750, where we can just use focus ...
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1answer
73 views

How do adjustments to flange focal distance affect front focal distance?

I am using a Nikon Micro-Nikkor F-mount lens with 105mm fixed focal length in a custom optical set-up (F-mount adapter to custom optics). This means that my flange focal distance is only an ...
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2answers
272 views

Is it normal for EF 24-105/4L IS to autofocus when switched to manual focus?

I'm using a Canon 6D mark II. I recently got a Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L. I wanted to try using manual focus, so I switched the lens to manual focus, but it keeps auto focusing when I half press shutter ...
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1answer
72 views

How to set manual focus lens when asking others to take pictures for me?

I've been using manual focus lenses. In a few cases, I wanted to be in a picture, but it takes too long to explain how to focus. Even people who have used manual-focus lenses in the past, who should ...
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1answer
103 views

What focal-length setting to use for in-body image stabilization with manual zoom lenses?

The FujiFilm X-H1 has in-body image stabilization that requires the focal length to be set on the camera when using manual-focus lenses with adapters. This is a bit cumbersome with zoom lenses, and I ...
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4answers
193 views

What does focusing past infinity look like?

Would it nearly instantly become unfocused, or would it be more or less gradual?
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5answers
1k views

Can you determine if focus is sharp without diopter adjustment if your sight is imperfect?

I've already encountered this question about wearing glasses as a photographer. A more specific question I have is as follows. If your eyesight is not perfect, or your glasses and/or contact lenses ...
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1answer
87 views

Why does some lenses have red focus points on their focus rings? [duplicate]

A typical lens have white focus indicators on their lenses [5m 50m and infinity] but some have red points for 85m and farther and some lenses have a red curve instead of numbers. What are these red ...
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3answers
240 views

Can I get a manual focus lens for my Canon PowerShot camera?

I have recently bought myself a camera, a Canon PowerShot SX530, and I noticed that the focus on this camera is difficult to adjust and clarify. I am looking to buy a low priced manual focus lens, I ...
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0answers
848 views

Sony A7iii how to permanently display focus distance in MF mode

I'm doing mostly landscape photography and the manual focus is a thing for me. Since the native Sony lenses all have focus by wire, the MF experience is poor. I never know if my focus is still at ...
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1answer
82 views

Will a split prism indicator still work if installed well off center?

There are known hacks about retrofitting trimmed-to-size surplus full-frame split prism screens to modern DSLRs. However, problems with spot metering are also commonly reported with such setups. The ...
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2answers
2k views

What makes the difference on partially and fully visible moon?

While I'm satisfied (despite the fringe) with shoots from a partially visible moon with a cheap 500 mm lens: 1/100 ISO 100 f/? I cannot understand why the image quality is extremely diminished when ...
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2answers
595 views

Focused properly and microadjusted lens give blurry image on Canon 80D and quite fine detail on 350D

I'm an unhappy owner of brand new Canon 80D. I still have 350D which served me for nearly a decade. I use the same 24-105 1:4 L IS lens with both of them. It turned out that lens is blurry. I've ...
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1answer
532 views

Why doesn't manual focus work with my Nikon D7200 and AF-S 300mm f/4 ED?

I have finally gotten myself a D7200 (2.017 & 1.04 firmware) and a 300mm f4/D AF-S (non VR version). My lens's serial number is 33xxxx. AF works, but manual focus does not work. I have tried ...
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1answer
267 views

How to prevent autofocus but retain tethered focus control?

I'm using Darktable (on Linux) with Canon 1100D in tethered shooting mode. I found out that from live view section I can control focus in big or small steps. This all works nicely, and I can see the ...
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3answers
109 views

Why doesn't the focus stay intact after I change the lens setting to manual on my Canon 77D?

My Canon 77D exhibits a strange behaviour with any lens: I half press the shutter button to trigger auto-focus I then change the lens switch from Auto to Manual, while holding the trigger button ...
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2answers
348 views

Manual focus in A mode can harm my lens? [duplicate]

I use 18-140 Nikkor . This lens have two A & M focus mode and this lens is AF-S that mean when auto focus is enable the focus ring dose't move. If i do manual focus when the lens is at A mode , ...
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1answer
352 views

Manual focus lens on fixed focus camera?

Hello i have bought this camera: It is a lens type camera, but it has a FIXED focus. I read on the internet that if I buy and put a manual focus lens it will work? Is that true ? If it is true ...
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3answers
2k views

How can I effectively manually focus a Nikon D3300 using the viewfinder? [duplicate]

I'been having a bad time trying to shoot photos with manual focus. When I'm trying to shoot a picture, using the viewfinder it's really hard to see how sharp is the picture you see through the ...
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2answers
459 views

What settings should I use for a Tamron manual focus lens on a Nikon DSLR?

I have a Nikon D5100 (which has no AF motor in the body) and a Tamron 90mm SP macro lens. The lens has no AF focus motor either (or at least it doesn't seem to be compatible with the body), and has an ...
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1answer
92 views

How to turn on manual focus for Sony α7R II?

There is an AF/MF | AEL switch on my Sony α7R II. If I switch this to AF/MF, and then press the button inside the switch, nothing happens on the viewfinder screen or back panel screen. How do I turn ...
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3answers
204 views

Does an offset split-focus screen exist?

I shoot a Nikon F3 SLR with a split-focus screen, and I do a lot of portraits with very shallow depth of fields (e.g. 50mm f2.8 at 0.5m). When I shoot a portrait I focus on the eye first, then ...
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2answers
979 views

Canon EF 24-105 IS L manual focusing - is it a problem?

I never really used manual focusing before, so I only noticed it now: when I switch to MF and slowly turn the focusing ring, nothing happens at all. The ring turns and turns but nothing else happens. ...
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1answer
3k views

Tamron lens focusing problems?

I own a Tamron 18-270mm F/3,5-6,3 Di II VC PZD lens - a fabulous lens, but since I got it (around Christmas time), the autofocus has been playing up; see below image. EXIF is as follows: 270mm, ...
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2answers
224 views

Is there an adapter to allow a camera to control focus or aperture of a manual focus & aperture lens?

I recently bought the Sony Alpha a7. In a bid to get an affordable portrait lens, I rushed to get the Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 only to realize that there is no communication between the camera and lens. Now ...
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1answer
505 views

Focus distance and infinity

When I play with M12 lenses (board lenses. Fixed fl. Aperture) , I can focus them to a distance and they have a certain depth of field. Objects within the Delta of field looks sharp. Can these lenses ...
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1answer
500 views

Is there any Fuji X to Nikon F adapter that works with AI-s lenses and doesn't require stop-down metering?

I am interested in an adapter that would allow me to use my Nikkor AI-s lenses on my Fuji X-series cameras. There are many such adapters, but they all seem to require stop down metering. I don't want ...
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1answer
376 views

Adjust manual focus for sharper images with Sony RX0,for aerial photography

I am taking photos around 80m altitudes (with Sony RX0) with a moving drone,Shutter Speed is set to 1/1000 to prevent blurs,I want to take sharp images with manual focus,how should I adjust settings ?
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2answers
3k views

Why won't my Nikon D5500 autofocus?

Total newbie here! I have a Nikon D5500 - when I bought the camera I had no clue there was a difference between auto focus and manual focus so I have ALWAYS manually focused the camera. I want to ...
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1answer
208 views

Is the 20mm f/3.5 AI-s NIKKOR focus well damped?

I have a 20mm f/4 AI-s. Personally I do not like the feel of the focus ring. It is not well damped and not silky smooth like my other AI-s lenses. It feels like my older non-AI lenses. I have no idea ...
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3answers
2k views

Understanding focus distance of Nikon f/1.8D lens with D5600 Camera

I took some sample photos using my Nikon D5600 camera with Nikon f/1.8D lens. I had to set the focus manually since this lens doesn't provide AF with my camera. My Question: The album of my sample ...
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5answers
602 views

Can viewfinder type make an appreciable difference in manual focus?

I have a few old vintage lenses that I love to shoot with on my Canon T3. The obvious disadvantage is the challenge of getting sharply focuses images while focusing manually. I have great vision, but ...
2
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1answer
126 views

Determine the optimal dioptric correction

I just got a DSLR (a Nikon D610). On it, a dioptric correction is available, apparently ranging from -3 to +1 (cf. page 297 in the D610 manual). I'm wearing glasses, so I'm thinking: "Yay, I'll be ...
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1answer
2k views

Can I use focus point on manual mode?

I just got my first DSLR Canon 6d and Canon 50mm f1.8 lens . Because im begginer on photography i dont know anything but im tring to learn by watching youtube, but there are some questions i have, i ...
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3answers
1k views

My Nikon D50 refuses to take pictures after I disabled auto focus

I just got a second hand Nikon D50. This is first reflex camera I ever had. I am trying to take macro of an electrical component in relatively dark room. These are the settings on my top display: I ...
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2answers
257 views

How to correctly use magnification for focus assist on FujiFilm X-E1?

I have a FujiFilm X-E1 mirrorless digital camera that has a magnification feature designed to assist with manual focusing. The documentation tells me the following: Manual Focusing Methods In ...

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