Slow to focus

[crumpledhero]

I've been using the M8.2 for nearly a year now. Its a great camera but I'm finding it rather slow when it comes to focussing. I wonder if its just me who's facing this problem or perhaps I'm just used to the auto focus of my other DSLRs. Therefore, I'm wondering why so many people out there are saying this is the ideal camera for journalistic work. I love it for its size and the output of course but am hesitating in getting the .95 50mm until I come to terms with this issue.

 

[Al Kaplan]

You should probably get something more all around useful that a 0.95 lens. When you're wandering about with the camera try keeping the lens set closer to infinity than you expect your subjects to be. That way you always know which way to turn the lens. Don't obsess about getting perfect focus with the rangefinder. Most times a bit off doesn't matter. Just turn the lens and push the button wheen the images align. Some of us can notice the sudden increase in contrast when the images align while others don't seem to see it. If you're one of the lucky ones who can see it try using that, especially in low light. In brighter light at f-stops up to 5.6 or even 4 you can really get sloppy with your focus; depth of field will carry you.

 

[_goodtimez]

If you were in the sports shooting handguns or rifles would you not consider training to enhance your skills ?
You don't even need to turn-on the camera.
Use one lens only for some time and learn it. At the end you will find that the position your fingers relative to the focusing tab become instincive.
Practice-Practice-Practice.

 

[Al Kaplan]

Goodtimes makes a valid point in comparing shooting cameras to shooting guns. The same tips about how to breath and stand apply to both. I've suggested to people that they take a pistol shooting course.

The more automation a camera has the more you become dependant on it. Autofocus doesn't always focus where you want. Batteries die. Learn your camera. Make it a part of your hands, learn which way to turn what dial to the point where you don't have to think about it. It takes time, but you'll get there.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Practice is everything. After 40 years with Leicas I find autofocus slow...

Cheers,

R.