SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

I watched a video recently, done by an "expert" photographer, on Youtube.
In this particular instance, he set the lens to 1:1 and then proceeded to use auto focus. How did he do this...?
Is there a particular type of macro lens that separates the ratio settings from the auto focus..?
I use a Sigma 150mm macro and the only way I can shoot 1:1 is by turning auto focus off and moving the lens/camera back and forth to focus.
If I use auto focus, the ratio is reset when it focuses..?
Any ideas...?

Orphoto Loc: Oregon

most serious macro enthusiasts rely on manual focusing when in really tight.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Depends on the camera/lens???

I have a bridge camera the auto-focuses down to 2cm from the subject.
(I have no idea what the x:y ratio is for the camera (and I don't care), I just get closer until I get the composition I want.)

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Are you asking how to use the LiveView Zoom feature for a DSLR?

Are you asking how to zoom to the 1:1 details of a mirrorless EVF?

Are you asking if you should just post your question as a comment to the utube video rather than asking the UHH community to make their typically wild guesses?

SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

NO, it's about how this guy used auto focus after setting 1:1 on his macro lens...as I said, if I set 1:1 on my lens and then press the shutter button to auto focus the 1:1 setting is lost and the lens focuses to the ratio required.
If you have a macro lens, try it and you will see what I mean...the only way I know of maintaining the ratio set is to turn off auto focus and move back and forward to focus...I know how to do it but I cannot understand how he did what he did...

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

see my other questions added to the reply ...

tcthome Loc: NJ

tcthome Loc: NJ

I agree or, provide a link to the vid.

JimH123 Loc: Morgan Hill, CA

Can you find that Youtube video again? And then share the link?

uhaas2009

Sometimes it belongs to certain camera body and lens combination. My d7000 couldn’t focus probably the Tokina 100 mm but my 810 isn’t a problem at all.

marciamyers Loc: Georgetown, In.

Which bridge camera do you have? I’m considering one for everyday travels as I usually have three dogs with me. Add a DSLR and a lens or two…not great results.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

IF you are asking me, a Sony H1.

BebuLamar

I think we need to see that video. I understand what you meant. Perhaps he used the AF sensor but not AF. That is he set the lens to 1:1 then moved the camera closer or farther from the subject until the AF sensor said it's in focus. That way he got 1:1.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

OF COURSE — If you are not at the exact DISTANCE required to achieve 1:1 magnification (meaning the subject appears the exact same size ON THE SENSOR as it does in real life), then the AF will adjust the lens to focus on the subject! You would do the same, manually.

If you want 1:1 AND your lens' close focusing limit is 1:1, then set the minimum focus distance and move the camera back and forth until the subject is in focus. HINT: it may be best to mount your camera on a rail system or tripod, or move THE SUBJECT closer or farther away to achieve focus.

Lots of folks put a flat-field enlarging lens on a bellows and use that as a macro setup. It can get past the 1:1 barrier, to get even closer (typically 6:1 or 8:1).

1:1 is merely a way of saying, "This lens focuses close enough to make the subject the same size on film or sensor as it is in real life." Only at ONE specific focus distance will you achieve exactly 1:1 reproduction ratio.

1:1 is relative to the sensor format! It is an area of coverage about 36mm by 24mm on full frame. It is an area of coverage about 17.3mm by 13mm on Micro 4/3. It is an area of coverage about 10" by 8" on an 8x10 view camera.

jackm1943 Loc: Omaha, Nebraska

I recently purchased a mirrorless just to use it's focus bracketing feature which, like all focus bracketing cameras I think, requires autofocus lenses. My macro lens does not do well when at maximum close focus. It starts hunting focus. I found that if I back off just a millimeter or two it works fine.