Manual Focusing
Jun 27, 2015 09:41:22 #
John_F wrote:
This is a general question and I realize there will be variations amongst different cameras. Here it is. If I have the camera set to any one of the various auto-ficus options, would I damage the lense mechanism by rotating the lens barrel in the event I am dissatisfied with the auto-focus result. Should the camera software reassert its focus.
I think what you're referring to is lens specific. For instance, I shoot Canon, and my 55-250 STM lens will let me over ride the Auto Focus at any time, but with the 18-55 kit lens I have to turn AF off to manually focus. It evens warns not to try to manually focus with AF turned on. So read your manual!
Jun 27, 2015 09:42:51 #
Jun 27, 2015 09:45:01 #
on a nikon if you are set to auto focus , you cant rotate the barrel to hand focus .i manual focus at all time , it is part of taking pictures .
Jun 27, 2015 09:58:47 #
mwsilvers
Loc: Central New Jersey
John_F wrote:
This is a general question and I realize there will be variations amongst different cameras. Here it is. If I have the camera set to any one of the various auto-ficus options, would I damage the lense mechanism by rotating the lens barrel in the event I am dissatisfied with the auto-focus result. Should the camera software reassert its focus.
It might be easier if you told us which specific lenses you have in mind.
Jun 27, 2015 10:00:31 #
mwsilvers
Loc: Central New Jersey
agillot wrote:
on a nikon if you are set to auto focus , you cant rotate the barrel to hand focus .i manual focus at all time , it is part of taking pictures .
That is true only for lenses that do not have Full Time Manual Focus, mostly the lower end kit lenses.
Jun 27, 2015 10:20:37 #
agillot wrote:
on a nikon if you are set to auto focus , you cant rotate the barrel to hand focus .i manual focus at all time , it is part of taking pictures .
Not true.
Jun 27, 2015 10:39:31 #
John_F wrote:
This is a general question and I realize there will be variations amongst different cameras. Here it is. If I have the camera set to any one of the various auto-ficus options, would I damage the lense mechanism by rotating the lens barrel in the event I am dissatisfied with the auto-focus result. Should the camera software reassert its focus.
Aside from the possibility of damaging the lense, there is a practical problem with trying to manually override the auto focus. The minute you manually set the focus with the lens still in auto focus mode, and you start to press the shutter button, the auto focus will re-engage and override your manual focus setting. You need to set the lens to manual focus to make use of manual focus.
Jun 27, 2015 10:57:24 #
lowkick wrote:
Aside from the possibility of damaging the lense, there is a practical problem with trying to manually override the auto focus. The minute you manually set the focus with the lens still in auto focus mode, and you start to press the shutter button, the auto focus will re-engage and override your manual focus setting. You need to set the lens to manual focus to make use of manual focus.
What you state is lens manufacturer-dependent. From Nikon's own pages:
"AF-S NIKKOR lenses feature Nikon's exclusive M/A mode, that allows switching from autofocus to manual operation with virtually no time lag - even during AF servo operation and regardless of AF mode in use."
http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/lens/glossary.htm#am
But what they don't tell you is that there are pro AF-S lenses and kit AF-S lenses and that they behave differently.
The pro lenses have full manual override and you don't have to switch the body to MF in order to focus manually. The kit lenses require that you switch the camera to manual to disengage the drive system in the camera, or risk damaging the camera.
Jun 27, 2015 10:58:41 #
John_F wrote:
This is a general question and I realize there will be variations amongst different cameras. Here it is. If I have the camera set to any one of the various auto-ficus options, would I damage the lense mechanism by rotating the lens barrel in the event I am dissatisfied with the auto-focus result. Should the camera software reassert its focus.
I am pretty sure it is a lens by lens question. Check your manual or with manufacturer or ask with specifics the UHH.
Jun 27, 2015 10:59:38 #
lamiaceae wrote:
I am pretty sure it is a lens by lens question. Check your manual or with manufacturer or ask with specifics the UHH.
:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
Jun 27, 2015 11:02:54 #
With Minolta AF, Sony SSM, Sony G, and Carl Zeiss lenses, Sony A mount and FE mount cameras allow DMF; Direct Manual Focus... with either the camera OR lens set to AF.
DMF works this way; with a half shutter press the camera will autofocus on the subject first, then after the focus lock, it allows you to turn the focus ring of the lens to focus/defocus the subject as much as you like.
Sony SAM lenses are the only lenses that don't allow this function; they have to be manually set to MF, either on the lens or through the camera. But SAMS are the least expensive Sony lenses, usually sold as "kit" lenses on entry level cameras.
The good thing is, you can use this function on a 30 year old Minolta AF lens as easily as you can a brand spanking new Sony GII lens. :thumbup:
DMF works this way; with a half shutter press the camera will autofocus on the subject first, then after the focus lock, it allows you to turn the focus ring of the lens to focus/defocus the subject as much as you like.
Sony SAM lenses are the only lenses that don't allow this function; they have to be manually set to MF, either on the lens or through the camera. But SAMS are the least expensive Sony lenses, usually sold as "kit" lenses on entry level cameras.
The good thing is, you can use this function on a 30 year old Minolta AF lens as easily as you can a brand spanking new Sony GII lens. :thumbup:
Jun 27, 2015 11:08:12 #
John_F wrote:
This is a general question and I realize there will be variations amongst different cameras. Here it is. If I have the camera set to any one of the various auto-ficus options, would I damage the lense mechanism by rotating the lens barrel in the event I am dissatisfied with the auto-focus result. Should the camera software reassert its focus.
There one general comment that can be made. If the focus doesn't feel like it can be turned, don't force it to turn. It can damage the lens.
And if it turns as easy as it does in manual focus, it is OK to turn it.
Jun 27, 2015 11:24:52 #
John_F wrote:
This is a general question and I realize there will be variations amongst different cameras. Here it is. If I have the camera set to any one of the various auto-ficus options, would I damage the lense mechanism by rotating the lens barrel in the event I am dissatisfied with the auto-focus result. Should the camera software reassert its focus.
Some lenses will become damaged, and some won't. It depends on the lens.
Jun 27, 2015 11:53:35 #
It looks to be a mixed bag depending on camera and lens. In my case it was the Sony a6000 with kit lens. To be safe I suppose use manual focus before fiddling with the lens barrrel. Thanks for all the reolies.
Jun 27, 2015 11:59:31 #
John_F wrote:
It looks to be a mixed bag depending on camera and lens. In my case it was the Sony a6000 with kit lens. To be safe I suppose use manual focus before fiddling with the lens barrrel. Thanks for all the reolies.
John, your A6000 also has DMF. If you are using one of the SAM kit lenses, you won't be able to turn that feature on... but if it's one of the OSS or SSM lenses you will.
Check your kit lens. If it says "SAM" on it, the answer is no. If on the other hand it doesn't, then all you'll need to do is go into your menu and activate "DMF" and viola; you're good to go!
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