Help required with manual focusing

antc

antc

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Anthony
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Hi,

I am having severe trouble manual focussing and I cant seem to work out why.
I have the adjuster for the viewfinder set dead in the middle, I have tried it a couple of clicks either way to see if that helps. Nothing seems to make any difference? Not sure if I am missing something simple so thought I would ask here for some advice.

My eyes have been recently checked and are fine so I dont think its that.

While shooting some fruit in water shots this morning I really noticed this issue, needed to prefocus on an area for when the fruit was dropped into the water but I just couldnt get it right at all.

Help..help..help :bonk:
 
By adjuster I assume you mean the diopoter (spelling?).

I would auto focus on something and adjust the diopter til it looks dead sharp to your eye. Then continue with manually focussing and see if the results are better.
 
AF DSLRs are not really designed for manual focusing. They are generally harder than film SLRs for example, for various reasons. I find crop format DSLRs with their smaller viewfinders almost impossible to MF accurately.

So basically, don't! Use AF to obtain focus, then switch to manual to lock it there. That's the easy answer.

On the eyesight thing, the viewfindser image is focused quite close by the eyes, regardless of the actual focusing distance, so if you have a little trouble with close vision as many people do, use the diopter adjustment. Use AF to focus on something, anything, then rotate the adjustment. It whole viewfinder image will move in and out of clear sharpness even if you've got perfect eyes. Just choose the best setting.
 
A few things to consider ...

Are you approaching the subject too close for the lens to focus?
Are you sure it isn't camera shake rather than being out of focus? You can test this on a tripod and remote release, or press the shutter carefully.
Does the 5D have a focus confirm light in the VF for MF lenses - can't remember now? If it does then use that. What you'll find is that if aperture is narrow then a small movement can shift the focus plane away from where you intended so seems OOF.
Are you trying to focus at distance - it's hard to do that with MF.

I think many DSLRs are not that great with MF, but the 5D has a nice bright viewfinder and so should be OK.
 
The 5D Mk1 doesn't have Live View ;)

condyk said:
Does the 5D have a focus confirm light in the VF for MF lenses - can't remember now? If it does then use that.
Click to expand...

It does if you're using an EF lens or it's non-EF and the EF adapter you're using has a focus confirmation chip (AF confirm adapters).

One alternative is to replace the focusing screen on a 5D. There are several options from Canon and third parties, including some with a split image or microprisms. The downside is that they're usually darker than the standard screen, which still isn't as bright as my 35mm film cameras.
 
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