AF-C on the PZ-1

butangmucat · 03-17-2019, 04:09 PM

So I was photographing a train pulling into the station with my PZ-1 today, and I put it on AF-C. When the train is moving towards me, it looked in focus in the focusing screen, but the camera is constantly making minute adjustments, as judged by buzzing sound made by the lens. I do not remember hearing an AF beep or seeing the focus confirm lamp light, but shutter was released. Does this mean the camera failed to lock on to a target or it is normal for tracking moving subject? It was slightly backlit and the lense used was Sigma UC 28-70 f2.8-4.

Sincerely

Adam · 03-17-2019, 04:20 PM

In AF-C mode, focus does not need to be confirmed for the shutter to release. That is for AF-S only (at least on legacy bodies) AFAIK.

butangmucat · 03-17-2019, 04:32 PM

Originally posted by Adam

In AF-C mode, focus does not need to be confirmed for the shutter to release. That is for AF-S only (at least on legacy bodies) AFAIK.

So the camera can be continously tracking the target, but does not indicate a focus lock since it is moving towards me?

Sincerely

pschlute · 03-17-2019, 04:41 PM

Originally posted by butangmucat

So the camera can be continously tracking the target, but does not indicate a focus lock since it is moving towards me?

Focus lock is disabled in AF-C (servo) mode on the Z-1/PZ-1. The shutter can be operated at any time, the subject does not have to be in focus.

butangmucat · 03-17-2019, 04:46 PM

Originally posted by pschlute

Focus lock is disabled in AF-C (servo) mode on the Z-1/PZ-1. The shutter can be operated at any time, the subject does not have to be in focus.

So IIRC, the best thing I can do is to try to take as many shots as I can and select the ones that are the sharpest afterwards?

Sincerely

stevebrot · 03-17-2019, 06:09 PM

Originally posted by butangmucat

So IIRC, the best thing I can do is to try to take as many shots as I can and select the ones that are the sharpest afterwards?

Sincerely

Spray and pray...

Steve

johnha · 03-17-2019, 06:21 PM

In AF-C the Z-1 is supposed to use predictive focussing '90s style - working out how fast the subject is moving and focussing so it will be in focus when the mirror lifts and the exposure happens. My biggest problem was AF hunting (Sigma APO 70-300) so that the 'finder image didn't stay in focus. I found it easier to use AF-S and simply hit the button as soon as it had focussed.

03-17-2019, 04:09 PM	#1
butangmucat Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Posts: 709	AF-C on the PZ-1 So I was photographing a train pulling into the station with my PZ-1 today, and I put it on AF-C. When the train is moving towards me, it looked in focus in the focusing screen, but the camera is constantly making minute adjustments, as judged by buzzing sound made by the lens. I do not remember hearing an AF beep or seeing the focus confirm lamp light, but shutter was released. Does this mean the camera failed to lock on to a target or it is normal for tracking moving subject? It was slightly backlit and the lense used was Sigma UC 28-70 f2.8-4. Sincerely

03-17-2019, 04:20 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	In AF-C mode, focus does not need to be confirmed for the shutter to release. That is for AF-S only (at least on legacy bodies) AFAIK. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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03-17-2019, 04:32 PM	#3
butangmucat Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Posts: 709 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam In AF-C mode, focus does not need to be confirmed for the shutter to release. That is for AF-S only (at least on legacy bodies) AFAIK. So the camera can be continously tracking the target, but does not indicate a focus lock since it is moving towards me? Sincerely

03-17-2019, 04:41 PM	#4
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,215	Originally posted by butangmucat So the camera can be continously tracking the target, but does not indicate a focus lock since it is moving towards me? Focus lock is disabled in AF-C (servo) mode on the Z-1/PZ-1. The shutter can be operated at any time, the subject does not have to be in focus.

03-17-2019, 04:46 PM	#5
butangmucat Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Posts: 709 Original Poster	Originally posted by pschlute Focus lock is disabled in AF-C (servo) mode on the Z-1/PZ-1. The shutter can be operated at any time, the subject does not have to be in focus. So IIRC, the best thing I can do is to try to take as many shots as I can and select the ones that are the sharpest afterwards? Sincerely

03-17-2019, 06:09 PM	#6
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by butangmucat So IIRC, the best thing I can do is to try to take as many shots as I can and select the ones that are the sharpest afterwards? Sincerely Spray and pray... Steve

03-17-2019, 06:21 PM	#7
johnha Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Lancashire, UK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,155	In AF-C the Z-1 is supposed to use predictive focussing '90s style - working out how fast the subject is moving and focussing so it will be in focus when the mirror lifts and the exposure happens. My biggest problem was AF hunting (Sigma APO 70-300) so that the 'finder image didn't stay in focus. I found it easier to use AF-S and simply hit the button as soon as it had focussed.