Q:X100T MF in OVF or just maybe I need to learn how to use AF

[rogazilla]

I am probably one of the few that can't get along with AF in cameras. From DSLR to Mirrorless.

Problem has always been similar but here is a generic situation:
My kid is walking around in the park. I know she's walking towards me but I am waiting for her to get in the right spot to compose for the shot. With my 5D, AF is fast enough I can hit the AF button or use servo and hope the camera keep tracking my kid. I bought the X100 and the AF is no where near the level I can do this.

I know I could use the EVF prefocus but I don't get along with the EVF... I feel so disconnected to the world when I use EVF... Feel like one of those virtual world when I use EVF...

With my RF or film camera, I would focus on my kid and move the focusing ring a tab further and wait for her to get into the position. Simple and nail the focus every time...

Am I doing something wrong with the AF? Seems like everyone wants it in their camera.

I saw X100t has the little evf screen inside the OVF where I could use it for focusing like I do in the RF? Can you do the split image on that? Most review on the x100t, people don't talk about the experience using MF... most regard it as a gimmick and go on to talk about the AF performance... Can the X100t users on here share some experience of using the hybrid mode?

I would really appreciate your opinion or advice on this one! I would not mind to sell the X100 for upgrade if the setup in x100t actually works!

Thanks in advance,
Roger

 

[KM-25]

Maybe call Lensrentals.com and see when they expect to have an X100T in to rent.

I now keep my X100T in MF mode with the focus aide on but in peaking mode, not split as I feel the RF effect is low in contrast and a bit weak, especially in low light. Also, the manual focus action is improved but is still choppy or "stuttery" in overall feel so I think in most cases it is still faster to assign the AEL/AFL button to focus while in MF. I'm still under 500 frames in the T so I can't really give a solid opinion on it yet....

 

[rogazilla]

So you have the little screen on focus peaking. And in my situation is this what you would do?

1. hit the AEL/AFL button to get a lock.
2. turn the focus ring to move it closer or further
3. wait for the subject to get in position
4. shutter

Def a bit different work flow but reasonable... Am I describing it correctly?

 

[KM-25]

So you have the little screen on focus peaking. And in my situation is this what you would do?

1. hit the AEL/AFL button to get a lock.
2. turn the focus ring to move it closer or further
3. wait for the subject to get in position
4. shutter

Def a bit different work flow but reasonable... Am I describing it correctly?

I'd say that you really need to rent it when it becomes available. Yes, you can get it in the zone with AF but given what you are wanting to do you could very well use MF for the whole thing. It's not inconsistent so it might work for you.

 

[willie_901]

Using the AF manually via the AEL/AFL button as mentioned above is a viable solution. It will take a while to learn the method and optimize the AF options in the menu system. But even with the OVF, this method works.

 

[borge]

I would never want to use MF only on a camera that is built for AF use. Yes, the X100T has many manual focusing aids, but it is still a AF camera. I would rather learn to use the AF system (which is quite easy and straight-forward) rather than try to adapt to all the sometimes quirky MF aids that are available for it.

 

[jsrockit]

I would never want to use MF only on a camera that is built for AF use. Yes, the X100T has many manual focusing aids, but it is still a AF camera.

While I agree... have you used the MF aids on the T? They are some of the best I've seen.

 

[willie_901]

I have not had the opportunity to try focusing the X100T using just the lens collar. Of course this can only be done in EVF mode. Unless time is of the essence or DOF is razor thin, one use the lens collar in EVF mode and compose after switching to OVF. WIth a bit of practice t takes less than a second to switch.

One of the best aspects of the X-T1 is its manual focusing system. With newer XF lenses that have improved fly-by-wire collars, I don't find MF frustrating or annoying. The earlier XF lenses are tolerable. The faster CPU makes a difference even with the less sophisticated older XF focus collars. While I don't use adapted lenses, I can't see how a mechanical focus collar wouldn't be even better.

 

[jsrockit]

I have not had the opportunity to try focusing the X100T using just the lens collar. Of course this can only be done in EVF mode.

The T allows focus aids in OVF mode. However, it is still fly by wire.

 

[nongfuspring]

I haven't used the X100T but the X100S is already lightyears faster in AF than any previous fuji and comparable to a DSLR so long as the light is good. Manual focussing with EVF using peaking or the split imaging thing is genuinely useful and the focus by wire system is better, but still needs a bit of practice to get decent at. I understand your reservations about the EVF though I've at times picked up the camera and used the EVF thinking it was actually the OVF, it's really that good; But then again you might be more observant than I am.

 

[froyd]

Problem has always been similar but here is a generic situation:
My kid is walking around in the park. I know she's walking towards me but I am waiting for her to get in the right spot to compose for the shot. With my 5D, AF is fast enough I can hit the AF button or use servo and hope the camera keep tracking my kid. I bought the X100 and the AF is no where near the level I can do this.

I know I could use the EVF prefocus but I don't get along with the EVF... I feel so disconnected to the world when I use EVF... Feel like one of those virtual world when I use EVF...

With my RF or film camera, I would focus on my kid and move the focusing ring a tab further and wait for her to get into the position. Simple and nail the focus every time...

I don't use the manual focus tracking in these situations. Generally my approach is the following and it should work well on an X100 in OVF --though, for full disclosure, I don't own one.

You have already pre-visualized where the shot will come together, that what I'm assuming based on your comment that you are "waiting for her to get in the right spot".

Set the aperture to at least 2.8 or 4, to get a few feet of extra DOF at mid-distance.

Tilt the camera to the ground and focus on the spot on the same focal plane where you expect the subject to be when the picture comes together.

Lock focus and recompose, then trip the shutter when all the elements of the image fall into place.

I do this all the time with my AF Contax G, which has crappy manual focus capability and below-average AF tracking. I've been able to capture great shots of my kids playing soccer by anticipating where the action would come to a head and pre-focusing on that spot using other players or even just grass blades as focus targets.

 

[borge]

While I agree... have you used the MF aids on the T? They are some of the best I've seen.

Yes. I have written and published a review of the X100T here: http://indergaard.net/2015/01/05/fujifilm-x100t-review/

Using the X100T side-by-side with mechanical manual focus rangefinders and manual split-prism SLR's makes me feel that the X100T, even with all the manual focusing aids, is not suited for primarily using the camera as a MF camera. MF can be used, in many ways, when needed, but the camera still operates best as an AF camera.

 

[jsrockit]

I agree Borge, but I was impressed with its latest efforts.

 

[rogazilla]

Thanks everyone for great information and good discussion! Thank you Borge for the review. It is great to hear your experience and you create some great pictures that you posted during the review.

I see lensrental has one to rent and option to buy but I might wait a little bit longer and use my x100 just a bit longer and see if the AF still bothers me as much to upgrade for faster AF and some MF aid. Seems like not much complain about the AF on the x100s and now x100t compare to when x100 came out.