Manual Focus on a canon DSLR

Julia Q

Julia Q

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Julia
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On my old film camera it had a small split circle in the middle of the viewfinder that was used for manual focus, now I've moved to a canon 650d, I am wondering how you go about doing the same sort of thing. Can you put in a new focus screen that would allow you to manual focus? But which would also allow you to use the autofocus when you need to?

What about higher end canon DSLRs like the 6d? Can you fit manual focus screens to these?

What is the tradeoff in doing so?

Thanks

J
 
Not sure re specifically your body, have a quick look on Canon's site re accessories available - but yes you can add a split focus screen to certain Canon bodies.

It's something I've thought about, but never got round to doing...
 
BUT

The reason modern cameras don't use split prism screens is because they play havoc with metering and AF. The price of that screen gives a clue as to the trade off.

I'm always confused by the whole MF mentality for modern cameras. I shot only MF for 20+ years and I find modern AF with good lenses to be better than I can do (by a long way).
 
I agree with Phil - also if you really must use MF (as I sometimes do with macro) I've never felt the need for a spit screen - just leave the AF indicate (forgotten what that's actually called) on and the focus point flashes when its right - simples
 
If the subject is static (the only time I use MF these days) you're much better off using a magnified live view. Much more accurate.
 
Personally, I only use manual focussing for macro and tend to set the focussing/reproduction ratio and move the camera back and forth rather than ply with the ring. Trying to get in the habit of using live view as well now that it's so much easier than it was! I'm not planning on replacing the focus screen on any of my DSLRs but IF I was using old MF lenses I probably would get one converted to a split/microprism screen since that would certainly help me!
It should also be pointed out that modern AF lenses aren't really designed with MF in mind. Yes, they tend to have MF rings so it's possible but the internals are designed to allow quick AF so they're comparatively short throw from close to infinity when compared to their MF ancestors. This tends to make accurate MF with AF lenses more awkward. I've used a couple of my older AF lenses on MF bodies and still find them a bit of a PITA to focus despite the older body's aided screen.
 
I use Magic Lantern with peaking and zebras. This is what TV cameramen use, it does however mean the image is no longer WYSIWYG.
 
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