Reikan Focal AFMA Software

hollis_f said:
I'm lost. Are you still talking about AFMA calibration? Because AF is done woth the lens wide-open. So the setting you use is irrelevant.
Click to expand...
Irrelevant to the focus, but not the DOF/sharpness in the taken image.
BillN_33 said:
isn't the DOF always the same in front of and behind the focus point - i.e. the distance is always the same, no matter what you do
Click to expand...
No. DOF is ~ 50/50 at short/minimum distances (very little DOF)... it will then go to ~40/60 near HFD, and then it will go to 1/99 beyond HFD (max DOF). But for your concerns, 50/50 is good enough.
 
Last edited:
BillN_33 said:
what does this tell you



Nikon 600mm - 1/1000th sec - f4 - ISO140 at 7.5meters ............... I think the MFD on this lens is around 5 to 6 meters
chart.jpg
Click to expand...

Assuming technique is decent, it looks like a bit of back focus. One thing to remember is that AF is not "exact." Multiple focus attempts will result in slightly different focus points multiple times. You're looking for the "most consistent acceptable setting."

If you are having trouble seeing/reading the shots, convert to B&W, increase contrast, emboss. (with stronger/brighter image emboss may be enough)
Untitled-1.jpg
 
Last edited:
as usual Steven, very useful - thanks

I increased the contrast and clarity - but that embossed idea really shows it
 
Last edited:
Roger have you purchased the full boxed edition with targets? Or just downloaded and printed your own? I have a target like in bills photo and not sure if that can be used albeit small for long lenses?
 
AdamSi said:
Roger have you purchased the full boxed edition with targets? Or just downloaded and printed your own? I have a target like in bills photo and not sure if that can be used albeit small for long lenses?
Click to expand...

Adam

just download the targets and print them, (ink jet recommended), on say 100 or 120 gsm paper - the image I put up is a photo of the plastic thing sold by SpyderCal ........ if you do not have the links - I have them somewhere - but there are a few other charts on the web that are good

It is a plastic contraption that you stick on a tripod

you could probably make one of these with a ruler and some cardboard - it is angled at 45 degrees
chart_Adam.jpg
 
Last edited:
BillN_33 said:
Adam

just download the targets and print them, (ink jet recommended), on say 100 or 120 gsm paper - the image I put up is a photo of the plastic thing sold by SpyderCal ........ if you do not have the links - I have them somewhere - but there are a few other charts on the web that are good
Click to expand...
Thanks for the quick response bill it's appreciated
 
I find the printed targets from FoCal much better than the numerous printed ones I did.. I found they gave better results, hope it helps..
 
BillN_33 said:
Adam

just download the targets and print them, (ink jet recommended), on say 100 or 120 gsm paper - the image I put up is a photo of the plastic thing sold by SpyderCal ........ if you do not have the links - I have them somewhere - but there are a few other charts on the web that are good

It is a plastic contraption that you stick on a tripod
chart_Adam.jpg
Click to expand...
Sorry internet in this hotel is bad didn't see the image at first, that's the one I have at home, was you able to use that with focal! Or you have to use their target / own printed one from their site ?
 
AdamSi said:
Roger have you purchased the full boxed edition with targets? Or just downloaded and printed your own? I have a target like in bills photo and not sure if that can be used albeit small for long lenses?
Click to expand...
I downloaded the software Adam but bought the targets ... they are 'laminated' on a solid base so very stable, I trust using them more than I would a flat piece of paper. :)
 
AdamSi said:
Sorry internet in this hotel is bad didn't see the image at first, that's the one I have at home, was you able to use that with focal! Or you have to use their target / own printed one from their site ?
Click to expand...

Not got round to focal yet - but if you use their software you will have to use their targets

plan to do it next week

I usually stick them to a door on the front terrace with cellotape
 
gramps said:
I downloaded the software Adam but bought the targets ... they are 'laminated' on a solid base so very stable, I trust using them more than I would a flat piece of paper. :)
Click to expand...
Think I might set it downloading in hotel it might be done tomorrow so I can take a look then sort out target for when I get home later in week
 
AdamSi said:
Think I might set it downloading in hotel it might be done tomorrow so I can take a look then sort out target for when I get home later in week
Click to expand...

If you have a problem PM me with you email address and I will email you the pdf's
 
AdamSi said:
Think I might set it downloading in hotel it might be done tomorrow so I can take a look then sort out target for when I get home later in week
Click to expand...

What I like is that it doesn't rely on my eyes to decide on focus. :)
 
crofter said:
There's a new update today that includes support for El capitan (whatever that is)
Click to expand...

Just updated but cannot get the programme to start now, everything installs but whether I create a Desktop shortcut or try the Start Menu the programme won't start!


Had to uninstall and roll back to get the software working again.
 
Last edited:
crofter said:
Strange,mine starts OK, haven't used the new version yet though.
Click to expand...

Sounds like a contradiction in terms! pondering-smiley-emoticon.gif

My 'original' starts okay but the updated version that you posted about does not start for me :)
 
gramps said:
Sounds like a contradiction in terms! View attachment 50264

My 'original' starts okay but the updated version that you posted about does not start for me :)
Click to expand...
Uninstall V2 and reinstall from just the latest update,I think it's the full installer,see if that works,I'll have a go with the software over the weekend when I have more time to sod about.
 
Seems a Windows specific problem, a number of reports now :)
 
Placed my order late last night including the 2 targets so will be spending next weekend calibrating I think :)
 
what has FoCal done to my D750

did quite a few tests this morning

I realise it changes the settings in the camera - e.g. RAW to fine, sometimes WB .......... but since I have used it in the test I seem to be in a semi-bulb mode or a second shutter speed - when I press the shutter release - mirror comes up for maybe three seconds before it falls back ..... I have looked at the MU settings etc., but I cannot figure out what has happened

I just wish that FoCal would return the camera to the original settings once it has finished testing

It seems to be still in the shutter speeds settings used when FoCal did the tests

any ideas - can I put the camera back to factory settings - I have tried resetting the shooting menu but no joy
 
Last edited:
BillN_33 said:
what has FoCal done to my D750

did quite a few tests this morning

I realise it changes the settings in the camera - e.g. RAW to fine, sometimes WB .......... but since I have used it in the test I seem to be in a semi-bulb mode or a second shutter speed - when I press the shutter release - mirror comes up for maybe three seconds before it falls back ..... I have looked at the MU settings etc., but I cannot figure out what has happened

I just wish that FoCal would return the camera to the original settings once it has finished testing

It seems to be still in the shutter speeds settings used when FoCal did the tests

any ideas - can I put the camera back to factory settings - I have tried resetting the shooting menu but no joy
Click to expand...

Can't you go into Focal and revert to previous settings?
It prompts you to save the settings before you start the test.
Did you close the programme down properly?
 
Last edited:
gramps said:
Can't you go into Focal and revert to previous settings?
It prompts you to save the settings before you start the test.
Click to expand...

I did save my settings before I started and it said that they would be returned at the end of the test

the only funny that I had was the programme stopped because of poor light and that interrupted it's flow

maybe I should email FoCal and ask them how to get the camera back to normality - surely there must be a reset

as I said - as far as I can see, now the camera is not connected to my computer, it is still in the shutter speed mode used by FoCal in the test
 
BillN_33 said:
I did save my settings before I started and it said that they would be returned at the end of the test

the only funny that I had was the programme stopped because of poor light and that interrupted it's flow

maybe I should email FoCal and ask them how to get the camera back to normality - surely there must be a reset

as I said - as far as I can see, now the camera is not connected to my computer, it is still in the shutter speed mode used by FoCal in the test
Click to expand...

Try just doing another test but see it right through and click on 'Disconnect' at the end before removing the camera cable or switching the camera off.

In fact it might work by just clicking on 'Connect' and after it connects click on 'Disconnect'.
 
Last edited:
gramps said:
Try just doing another test but see it right through and click on 'Disconnect' at the end before removing the camera cable or switching the camera off.

In fact it might work by just clicking on 'Connect' and after it connects click on 'Disconnect'.
Click to expand...

no joy
 
Connect the camera and start the software, once it recognises the camera go to Tools > Camera Settings and see if you can restore the settings.
 
gramps said:
Connect the camera and start the software, once it recognises the camera go to Tools > Camera Settings and see if you can restore the settings.
Click to expand...

when I connect - click on restore setting and the list of saved settings comes up - then click on the last lot I saved - same camera and lens - just get a long error message saying that it does not recognise the body and then the revolving "beachball" comes into play and it hangs my MacBook
 
I have just restored the D750 to it's factory settings and that has solved the problem

Thanks Roger
 
Well had a play tonight only printed targets until proper ones come but results were as follows:

D7200 + 300mm F4 PF : 0 fine tune required
D7200 + 300mm F4 PF + TC14E II : +4 fine tune required

D810 + 300mm F4 PF : +4 fine tune required
D810 + 300mm F4 PF + TC14E II : +4 fine tune required

Interestingly the D810 seemed to be slower to calibrate but that could be the recharable light source getting dimmer as was done last so will try again but wanted to have a play with the software :)
 
I know this is a bit of an old thread but I've just been looking at buying this software to check my D500/300 f4 PF with and without the 1.4 tc.
I'm leaning towards this after getting the new cam and lens near Christmas and wanting to be sure it's all at its best.
That's a good enough reason for me after the cost of the gear initially :)
 
munchycarrot said:
I know this is a bit of an old thread but I've just been looking at buying this software to check my D500/300 f4 PF with and without the 1.4 tc.
I'm leaning towards this after getting the new cam and lens near Christmas and wanting to be sure it's all at its best.
That's a good enough reason for me after the cost of the gear initially :)
Click to expand...
Stef...this may save you some money. I've got a feeling the D500 has the same option as my D5. You can do this with a two button press. It's totally different to the other Nikon cameras fine tuning. I own Fo-Cal but I also own the D5, D810 and D750. I only use Fo-Cal on the D810 and D750 as the in-menu focus fine tune on the D5 is like using Fo-Cal. Just double-check the D500 hasn't got this feature before shelling out.
 
Jesus Quintana said:
Stef...this may save you some money. I've got a feeling the D500 has the same option as my D5. You can do this with a two button press. It's totally different to the other Nikon cameras fine tuning. I own Fo-Cal but I also own the D5, D810 and D750. I only use Fo-Cal on the D810 and D750 as the in-menu focus fine tune on the D5 is like using Fo-Cal. Just double-check the D500 hasn't got this feature before shelling out.
Click to expand...

The D500 does have this facility but it is not getting the sort of reviews from many users to indicate reliability ... I have tried it and just having to do the two-button bit risks affecting the focus adjustment figure unless the camera is fixed dead steady and in most users experiences (including mine) the results vary almost every time.
 
Thanks for the replies guys :)

I've tried the Nikon way and get such varying results. Might give it a whirl later today with a solid tripod that Ben has his telescope on and see if it makes a difference.

I do think there's room for error if you're like me and your eyesight isn't 100% :rolleyes:
 
Just to update this... I bought Focal today after getting poor results from my D500/300mm pf combo and it suggests -14!
 
munchycarrot said:
Just to update this... I bought Focal today after getting poor results from my D500/300mm pf combo and it suggests -14!
Click to expand...

And did the adjustment have the desired effect?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top