An autofocus question: For a relatively closeup shot of an encased model, the question is: does autofocus target the clear Optix acrylic window, or does it "see through it" and focus...

DerBiermeister Loc: North of Richmond VA

For a relatively closeup shot of an encased model, the question is: does autofocus target the clear Optix acrylic window, or does it "see through it" and focus on the actual model itself -- the center of which would be around 7" deeper?

The first pic was done with autofocus - the second manual.

(Download)

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

Both. It will try to find the best contrast. Manual focus is an easy fix in this situation.

Bill_de Loc: US

haroldross wrote:

Both. It will try to find the best contrast. Manual focus is an easy fix in this situation.

:thumbup:

With AF the results could change based on how the light hits it.

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dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

I think it would help if we could click on download for both pictures rather than just the top picture to get a close up of the focus for each but they both look similar in focus to me. I do agree with HaroldRoss though that Manual is a good way to go.

Dennis

willaim Loc: Sunny Southern California

DerBiermeister wrote:

For a relatively closeup shot of an encased model, the question is: does autofocus target the clear Optix acrylic window, or does it "see through it" and focus on the actual model itself -- the center of which would be around 7" deeper?

The first pic was done with autofocus - the second manual.

Auto focus will pick up the reflection in the glass. Best to use manual focus when shooting through glass.

DerBiermeister Loc: North of Richmond VA

dennis2146 wrote:

I think it would help if we could click on download for both pictures rather than just the top picture to get a close up of the focus for each but they both look similar in focus to me. I do agree with HaroldRoss though that Manual is a good way to go.

Dennis

Ok, I redid the attachments and now you can zoom in on both. I have to agree - the manual focus is ever so slightly better. Inside the model, I am specifically looking at the two launches, one on top of the other. Also for some reason, switching to manual focus improved the overall image color.

Bill_de Loc: US

DerBiermeister wrote:

switching to manual focus improved the overall image color.

Or a cloud passed by somewhere in between changing the light.

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DerBiermeister Loc: North of Richmond VA

Bill_de wrote:

Or a cloud passed by somewhere in between changing the light.

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In auto mode, I cycled back and forth several times between autofocus and manual focus and noticed the same effect each time. I had my flash attached and reflecting off the ceiling.

I probably ought to try either A or S mode instead of automatic and see if I see the same effect. I might be slowly convincing myself to start using manual focus much more often. :thumbup:

Bill_de Loc: US

DerBiermeister wrote:

In auto mode, I cycled back and forth several times between autofocus and manual focus and noticed the same effect each time. I had my flash attached and reflecting off the ceiling.

I probably ought to try either A or S mode instead of automatic and see if I see the same effect. I might be slowly convincing myself to start using manual focus much more often. :thumbup:

That's interesting. When using AF, are you using the AF/AE button? I don't doubt your results, just trying to figure out how focus mode could affect exposure and color.

Things sure were simple when everything was manual and you knew what to expect from Kodachrome 25. :)

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DerBiermeister Loc: North of Richmond VA

Bill_de wrote:

That's interesting. When using AF, are you using the AF/AE button?

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No, I didn't think to add that feature into the equation.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

DerBiermeister wrote:

In auto mode, I cycled back and forth several times between autofocus and manual focus and noticed the same effect each time. I had my flash attached and reflecting off the ceiling.

I probably ought to try either A or S mode instead of automatic and see if I see the same effect. I might be slowly convincing myself to start using manual focus much more often. :thumbup:

There are a lot of variables, including how many auto focus points you are using and what they are being triggered by. Checking that out in your original files would be worth doing. Once you have locked the focus, either with auto or manual in the place(s) where you want it, it shouldn't change or make too much difference, but if the autofocus is dynamic and continuously adjusting then anything could happen.

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

wall is lighter on 2nd one

Psergel Loc: New Mexico

Your focus question has been answered but I'd like to know if you built that ship. I've been working on one for a couple of years (on and off).

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

DerBiermeister wrote:

For a relatively closeup shot of an encased model, the question is: does autofocus target the clear Optix acrylic window, or does it "see through it" and focus on the actual model itself -- the center of which would be around 7" deeper?

The first pic was done with autofocus - the second manual.

I just did a six-shot test with a little Sony WX9, and it focused through the glass and onto the subject each time. I was shooting through both a door and a storm door - two pieces of glass. The little green focusing square picked out a subject beyond the glass each time.

In the old days, the camera sent out an IR beam (or something), and it would bounce back, like radar. The time from the camera to the subject and back again would tell the camera how far away the subject was. Those days are gone (I think).

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

Can changing focus modes increase or decrease lighting, photo 2 is lighter than 1. I just don't understand, would someone please explain.

Thanks