You got to be kidding? This autofocus!!

[kshapero]

I borrowed an Auto focus lens for my Nikon D200 (up to now I had only used manual focus lenses) and a DVD explaining how to use the auto focus system on the D200. 30 minutes long. More confused than when I started. Unbelievable!! Total confusion. Forget it. What gives?

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

On my SLR, I just set the AF points to center only, then focus and recompose like I do with my manual focus stuff. Once you do that you never have to think about it again.

 

[kshapero]

On my SLR, I just set the AF points to center only, then focus and recompose like I do with my manual focus stuff. Once you do that you never have to think about it again.

AF-S or AF-C?

 

[__hh]

You mean you don't need 50+ focus points, eye controlled focus, face & smile detection, servo mode, Artificial Intelligence servo tracking, predictive focus, and be told that you have achieved focus with beeps and flashes? Don't forget Custom Function 4-1 🙂

I actually have some of these functions on my EOS cameras.

C'mon..... you are falling behind in tech here Akiva 🙂 I am sure your Leica M does this without you knowing!!!

 

[back alley]

single or continuous...i prefer single.

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

AF-S or AF-C?

AF-S. I don't do sport shooting, so I've never really bothered with AF-C.

Basically I think of autofocus as being exactly like manual focus, except a computer is doing it instead of me. All the other bells and whistles I ignore.

 

[peter_n]

I use a D200 equivalent, a Fuji S5. I got a 17-55/2.8 lens for it, put it on the camera, and it auto-focuses. 😕

 

[splitimageview]

Ken has simplified instructions, he doesn't cover the D200 but the other cameras are very similar.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/af-settings.htm

 

[MarkoKovacevic]

AF-S or AF-C?

AF-C for action, fast movement, ect.

 

[kshapero]

Just put my Jazzy CV 40mm pancake MANUAL lens back on the D200. Whew! I can breath again. Besides I'm taking the ZI w/ CV21mm out for some street shooting today. That was a close call, I almost fell into the 346 page D200 manual rabbit hole.

 

[FrozenInTime]

'le télémètre' and 'la reflex numérique' ?

 

[former member]

I wonder if I could use that lens on my F3AF?

Did the Video cover the telemetry signal between the camera and lens? Reprogramming the CPU in the lens for the F3AF signal? For 30 minutes, it should have.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Come on... you have brains, show it, apply yourself to it, get out of your confort zone, do something new, learn... it'll keep you safe from dementia, mental deterioration and Alzheimer's disease. Relish the challenge, exercise your brains! 🙂 Teach your kids how to program a DVD player! 🙂

 

[Pickett Wilson]

Attach lens. Press shutter button. Voila! Autofocus. What could you spend 30 minutes on about autofocus?

 

[Mephiloco]

I mostly shoot manual focus (whether it be my M2 or T90) but have a Canon DSLR that I use and honestly it's no more difficult to use than the M2, maybe a little easier since it has a meter (less computing in my head).

Unfortunately my 17-50mm 2.8 lens is bigger than my m2, hence why I use my dslr less

 

[kazeonrff]

It's another one of those scams!

It goes like :
"Want to speed up that _______ ?"

"But before that, you have to ___________________ ! It's really easy, no hassle at all."

 

[kshapero]

Attach lens. Press shutter button. Voila! Autofocus. What could you spend 30 minutes on about autofocus?

Ah.... I went into a mall and the auto focus lens spent the whole time seeking focus and never getting it. Took off lens, put on Manual lens. Voila, turn ring till focus shot. Saw a guy with a DSLR with zoom. Asked what I did wrong, he said you need to read the manual. That section is about 36 pages long. Read it, read Thom Hogan, read Ken Rockwell, read and read. All say something different. I get it. When I spend this much time on technology and no time on photography, something is wrong. At least for me. I will probably keep the D200 as my digital quick fix camera, but it will never get the usage that my ZI or FM3a will get.

 

[pesphoto]

what is this autofocus you speak of.....?

 

[Pablito]

Teach your kids how to program a DVD player! 🙂

I have no trouble with AF, but as for the DVD player, in my house it works the other way around...

 

[Jason808]

Attach lens. Press shutter button. Voila! Autofocus. What could you spend 30 minutes on about autofocus?

No kidding. I think some people over-analyze this or just look for an excuse to 'dis' a piece of technology. Some people prefer old technology - we get it already.