I value AF more than I realized...

*newarts* · 09-09-2009, 04:37 AM

I've been an active proponent, user, and procurer of lower cost classic manual focus lenses, Pentax and others - appropriately modified if necessary. To the point that I considered AF an almost secondary consideration.

I was fooling myself. The other day my AF stopped working; I was dismayed more than I should have been had I really thought AF secondary - although my AF lenses are pretty good -I suspect I'd cared less if the AF lenses were not useful.

It is funny how poorly I understand myself - it shouldn't have taken 68 years to realize it.

Would you give up your AF capability?

Dave in Iowa

*séamuis* · 09-09-2009, 04:52 AM

well I cant say for sure, but I think I probably would. Its really not a requirement and I am perfectly capable of enjoying photography without it. at present, the only AF lenses I own are the 18-55 kit lenses that came with my K110 and K-m. (for which I don't use) I have been pondering purchasing the FA 43mm Limited for about a year now, but just like getting a quality scanner I have yet to do so. concerning features of modern cameras, yes I could very likely do without AF. Av, however.... no way. I love my Sekonic, and would never give it up but Av is just far too important for me.

why do you feel you were kidding yourself? because you found you needed AF when you didn't have it? or was it just the simple lack of having it (whether you need it or not) that you feel this way?

Mike Cash · 09-09-2009, 05:52 AM

I only use it a couple of times a year, so much like the built-in flash I tend to forget that it is even there.

patrickt · 09-09-2009, 06:20 AM

I would give up AF if I could. Between relatively small viewfinders and aging eyes, I can't.

RBellavance · 09-09-2009, 06:20 AM

I would not give up AF. It's way too useful to me when photographing moving subjects (eg. my children), especially with the K-7.

audiobomber · 09-09-2009, 07:36 AM

I'd rather have AF, but I can live without it. I never use AF for macros, I rarely use it for birds and I sometimes use MF in low light.

Auto aperture OTOH, I don't want to lose.

*VaughnA* · 09-09-2009, 08:14 AM

I'm pretty much dependent on it right now. I don't trust my eyes and I don't have an aftermarket focus screen. I'll use manual for birding and some macro but most of the time it's autofocus. I doubt I'll buy any more manual focus lenses. I like having the option.

*newarts* · 09-09-2009, 08:22 AM

Originally Posted by séamuis

...

why do you feel you were kidding yourself? because you found you needed AF when you didn't have it? or was it just the simple lack of having it (whether you need it or not) that you feel this way?

I think my panic was mostly because thought I'd lost it and being a good American Consumer I want everything. Also, I didn't want to send my camera away for months!

I can do without it and often do so, using a split prism finder, esp for macros & using my AF lenses in some circumstances, as well as using my manual lenses.

But I was a little surprised at my reaction when I thought I'd lost AF capability.

Actually the reason I thought I'd lost it was because I'd forgotten I'd assigned it to the "oK" button - so I could use AF for initial focus & finish with manual when possible or needed.

Dave

**Marc Sabatella** · 09-09-2009, 09:06 AM

I shoot a lot with manual lenses, and obviously, AF isn't relevant there. But I do use it a lot with my AF lenses, so sure, I'd miss it. Especially since my AF lenses generally aren't nearly as nice for MF as the lenses designed for that purpose.

*raymeedc* · 09-09-2009, 10:51 AM

Originally Posted by newarts

Would you give up your AF capability?

Nothing to give up..... never used it. My kit lens (the only AF I own) has been sitting in it's box untouched since I bought my first DSLR years ago. There's a certain indescribable satisfaction I get handling & using my old prime Takumar gems, especially since I replaced my focusing screens with Katz-Eyes. The inconvenient mechanical/metering issues associated with using these lenses don't seem to bother me much, for some reason. The upside outweighs the downside (for me, anyway).

*edl* · 09-09-2009, 11:02 AM

I would definitely miss it - for sports, candid, and other fast work. AF makes it fast and easy.

But I have a Katzeye on the K20d, and enjoy using MF, aperture rings, and all that with the Taks. In situations where I have time, MF and AF are equal.

It's nice to have both AF and MF, and use them appropriately.

Arpe · 09-09-2009, 06:17 PM

Couldn't live without AF!

*pingflood* · 09-09-2009, 06:43 PM

Give it up altogether? No way.

That said, only 3 of my many cameras actually have AF. The rest are all manual focus, and mostly all manual altogether.

Both approaches have their time and place.

*k100d* · 09-09-2009, 07:43 PM

i'm too lazy to focus unless it's on my TLR. the camera is faster and more accurate than i am, i don't do photography because i enjoy focusing.

*FHPhotographer* · 09-09-2009, 07:47 PM

Originally Posted by newarts

It is funny how poorly I understand myself - it shouldn't have taken 68 years to realize it.

Dave in Iowa

I'm with you, Dave, on self-misunderstanding. It took me 62 years just to realize I wanted to take photographs,
Brian