Using manual focus

bsmotorsport

bsmotorsport

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Stephen
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Ive never used a manual focus lens and always relied on AF. Ive got a 50mm f1.4 coming my way but its manual, the problem is that I wear glasses and find it a real pain to focus through the viewfinder with them on. Any tips from people experienced with MF?
thanks
Steve
 
Many modern cameras have a dioptre adjust on the eyepiece, effectively giving you your glasses on the camera

If yours hasn't got that adjustment, it may also be possible to slide a small corrective lens over the eyepiece too (I saw someone do this years ago, but obviously have no idea where they got it from)

Then there's that screen that fits over the eyepiece and allows you to see the image as per on the back of your camera - usually used for low level macro work where you'd be laying in mud, puddles or just can't lie down

Failing that... errr

Swap it for an auto-focus ??? :shrug:

DD
 
It used to be understood that you bought really fast glass for the light gathering in dim conditions when focusing, but would have the aperture set at f/2 or smaller.

So, firstly, don't use f/1.4 unless you really want to minimize the DOF.

Next step, buy a Pentax with a pentaprism ;)

Honestly, with my f/1.4 (on a Pentax) recently, I seemed to be back-focusing by 0.2m with subject at 2m under artificial light. :bang:
 
I wear glasses and use manual focus for all my macro work, as DD says i 've adjusted the diopter adjustment on the view finder and then take off my glasses when taking a photo and focus using the image in the view finder, after a while with practice you will find that you nail the focus on most shots.
 
beardboy said:
Is the Dioptre the little adjustable ring, by the viewfinder on the 400D?
Click to expand...

Not sure about specific cameras - but it's usually either a small knob that rotates or a slider right on the side of the viewfinder

If in doubt, focus on something then slide/rotate yours and see what happens

DD
 
So obvious but never realised, mines a d200 and yep it has that aduster on it. Will give it a go when I get home
thanks :thumbs: :thumbs:
 
I read that contrary to popular belief, (which is turn the dioptre ring till you see your subject in focus best) you are supposed to look at the figures for the aperture/speed/iso etc in the bottom of your viewfinder and when these become clear you have it spot on.

Now I am only repeating what I read.... and it wasnt Ken Rockwell! :D :lol:

So it could be true! ;)
 
Most manuals suggest you adjust the diopter until the focus indicator points are sharpest. I guess the info on the bottom of the VF would do just as well though.
 
What camera?

If your body can take a DK-17m I highly recommend them - I use one on my D700 and compared to one without it makes quite a big difference.
 
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