Auto focus/snap- please explain

irinaescoffery · 03-28-2020, 05:05 PM

Hi. I just started using Ricoh GRIII. I don't completely understand how auto focus and snap mode work. I assigned Fn button to AF and snap mode to 1m. Now when I want my focus to be on a distant subject I half press and focus on it, and it's supposed to be sharp. If I want to focus quickly on something within 1 m I full press focus button and the subject has to be in focus.

In this image I intended to focus on a man on a bench and I half pressed and I thought I focused. However, in a very bright day it's hard to see clearly the result. At home I discovered that the object is not in focus. I assume that I pressed Fn button and it switched to snap. Is tat right?

Can anyone explain this to me, please.

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pschlute · 03-28-2020, 06:20 PM

Originally posted by irinaescoffery

Can anyone explain this to me, please

Two possible explanations.....

1. You did indeed select "snap focus" with a pre defined range of 1m (by mistake)

2. You correctly selected autofocus, but because almost half of your image is the grey structure (fence) on the left, the AF has focussed on that. AF is not capable of reading your mind and will focus on whatever it perceives to be the most logical target, in this case the fence.

This is a classic scene where single point AF (centred on the man) or manual focus is preferred.

irinaescoffery · 03-28-2020, 07:17 PM

Originally posted by pschlute

Two possible explanations.....

1. You did indeed select "snap focus" with a pre defined range of 1m (by mistake)

2. You correctly selected autofocus, but because almost half of your image is the grey structure (fence) on the left, the AF has focussed on that. AF is not capable of reading your mind and will focus on whatever it perceives to be the most logical target, in this case the fence.

This is a classic scene where single point AF (centred on the man) or manual focus is preferred.

Well, you might be right. I don't remember if it was a single point AF or AF.

My question is What if I assign other function to Fn button? (Let's say AEL). Will the camera always be able to focus correctly when I half press the shutter button?
Thank you for your reply.

pschlute · 03-29-2020, 02:35 AM

Originally posted by irinaescoffery

My question is What if I assign other function to Fn button? (Let's say AEL). Will the camera always be able to focus correctly when I half press the shutter button?
Thank you for your reply.

I imagine it will, though I don't have any experience of that camera.

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03-28-2020, 06:20 PM	#2
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,522	Originally posted by irinaescoffery Can anyone explain this to me, please Two possible explanations..... 1. You did indeed select "snap focus" with a pre defined range of 1m (by mistake) 2. You correctly selected autofocus, but because almost half of your image is the grey structure (fence) on the left, the AF has focussed on that. AF is not capable of reading your mind and will focus on whatever it perceives to be the most logical target, in this case the fence. This is a classic scene where single point AF (centred on the man) or manual focus is preferred.

03-28-2020, 07:17 PM	#3
irinaescoffery New Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11 Original Poster	Originally posted by pschlute Two possible explanations..... 1. You did indeed select "snap focus" with a pre defined range of 1m (by mistake) 2. You correctly selected autofocus, but because almost half of your image is the grey structure (fence) on the left, the AF has focussed on that. AF is not capable of reading your mind and will focus on whatever it perceives to be the most logical target, in this case the fence. This is a classic scene where single point AF (centred on the man) or manual focus is preferred. Well, you might be right. I don't remember if it was a single point AF or AF. My question is What if I assign other function to Fn button? (Let's say AEL). Will the camera always be able to focus correctly when I half press the shutter button? Thank you for your reply.

03-29-2020, 02:35 AM	#4
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,522	Originally posted by irinaescoffery My question is What if I assign other function to Fn button? (Let's say AEL). Will the camera always be able to focus correctly when I half press the shutter button? Thank you for your reply. I imagine it will, though I don't have any experience of that camera.

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