how to focus perfectly with manual focus lens?

stevebrot · 09-29-2014, 10:19 PM

Originally posted by GeneV

A Katzeye screen is a big help, too.

That is my weapon of choice as well. There are only three approaches with adequate focus sensitivity (ability to detect out-of-focus) for use with lenses faster than f/2.8 maximum aperture:

Split-image and/or microprism focus aides
S-type high resolution matte screen
Magnified live view with or without focus peaking

If a person is a fine/critical focus fanatic or if the subject demands it, those are your choices.

Steve

yusuf · 09-30-2014, 12:29 AM

Consider getting EF-S focusing screen for your camera.

**clackers** · 09-30-2014, 02:37 AM

Originally posted by formercanuck

With the 'Catch In Focus' feature, you take away the act of pressing actual trigger

But give that act to an AF system that can be pretty sloppy wide open and without a lot of light!

I tried a friend's vintage 50mm f1.4 on his Nikon D800 indoors the other day and manual focus isn't easy - viewfinder's pretty dim.

+1 for a Fresnel type focussing screen. The game is now not to work out what's least fuzzy, but to make the top of some line coincide with the bottom half - much easier!

I use a Katzeye, FWIW. :-)

09-29-2014, 10:19 PM	#16
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by GeneV A Katzeye screen is a big help, too. That is my weapon of choice as well. There are only three approaches with adequate focus sensitivity (ability to detect out-of-focus) for use with lenses faster than f/2.8 maximum aperture: Split-image and/or microprism focus aides S-type high resolution matte screen Magnified live view with or without focus peaking If a person is a fine/critical focus fanatic or if the subject demands it, those are your choices. Steve

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09-30-2014, 12:29 AM	#17
yusuf Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Palo Alto, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,497	Consider getting EF-S focusing screen for your camera.

09-30-2014, 02:37 AM	#18
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by formercanuck With the 'Catch In Focus' feature, you take away the act of pressing actual trigger But give that act to an AF system that can be pretty sloppy wide open and without a lot of light! I tried a friend's vintage 50mm f1.4 on his Nikon D800 indoors the other day and manual focus isn't easy - viewfinder's pretty dim. +1 for a Fresnel type focussing screen. The game is now not to work out what's least fuzzy, but to make the top of some line coincide with the bottom half - much easier! I use a Katzeye, FWIW. :-)