ChrisN
Striving
Hi - any experts on slr focusing here?
I have a problem I've posted over on dslrx and would appreciate your input on.
http://www.dslrexchange.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3069#post3069
I have a problem I've posted over on dslrx and would appreciate your input on.
http://www.dslrexchange.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3069#post3069
Bryce
Well-known
I have the same model camera, and a few manual only lenses (M28/2.8, M35/2, M50/2, A50/1.4, M100/4, K200/2.5). I've also had trouble focusing accurately wide open, though I haven't tested as painstakingly as you have.
Here's something I've noticed. The AF indicator seems to be confused by manually focusing. I've focused on the same object at the same distance repeatedly, and considered the lens to be focused when the AF indicator says so. Then, looking at the distance scale on the lens barrel, I can compare what distance the AF sensor chose. It varies by far too much to use a fast lens wide open. Kind of makes fast lenses useless, huh?
As for focusing directly on the ground glass, I find it too difficult since the cameras viewscreen magnification is mediocre (O.K., good by dslr standards) and there's no traditional focusing aid.
I've seen altered split prism screens for sale as a fix online. Maybe that's the way to go? Let me know what develops.
Here's something I've noticed. The AF indicator seems to be confused by manually focusing. I've focused on the same object at the same distance repeatedly, and considered the lens to be focused when the AF indicator says so. Then, looking at the distance scale on the lens barrel, I can compare what distance the AF sensor chose. It varies by far too much to use a fast lens wide open. Kind of makes fast lenses useless, huh?
As for focusing directly on the ground glass, I find it too difficult since the cameras viewscreen magnification is mediocre (O.K., good by dslr standards) and there's no traditional focusing aid.
I've seen altered split prism screens for sale as a fix online. Maybe that's the way to go? Let me know what develops.
Bryce
Well-known
greyhoundman-
Where did you get it? What did it cost? How was installation? Any unwanted side effects (metering or AF problems maybe)?
Where did you get it? What did it cost? How was installation? Any unwanted side effects (metering or AF problems maybe)?
Bryce
Well-known
greyhoundman-
I just read your bit on the focus screen alteration. I feel the fever of GMS coming on... I think I know where I can get a screen...
How do you remove/ replace the screen safely?
Thanks for posting!
I just read your bit on the focus screen alteration. I feel the fever of GMS coming on... I think I know where I can get a screen...
How do you remove/ replace the screen safely?
Thanks for posting!
ampguy
Veteran
Hi Chris and Gman,
I have an *ist DL, and so far no problems focusing with either the kit 18-55 close, though wide is ugh 3.5+, or manual focus with a 35/1.9 vivitar.
I am thinking of getting a 50 1.4 while the rebate thing is going on, but I'm also way tempted by that 2.8 40 limited pancake. I've needed the 1.9 wide open at 1600 for a lot of indoor low light shots, so even though I like the size and 40 better than the 50, the 50 costs less, and the 2.8 would be slow, just make the thing way easier to lug around and less conspicuous.
I have an *ist DL, and so far no problems focusing with either the kit 18-55 close, though wide is ugh 3.5+, or manual focus with a 35/1.9 vivitar.
I am thinking of getting a 50 1.4 while the rebate thing is going on, but I'm also way tempted by that 2.8 40 limited pancake. I've needed the 1.9 wide open at 1600 for a lot of indoor low light shots, so even though I like the size and 40 better than the 50, the 50 costs less, and the 2.8 would be slow, just make the thing way easier to lug around and less conspicuous.