How should I be calibrating the viewfinder?

[mithrandir]

I've had my Rebel Xsi/450D for only a short time and I got a nifty fifty only a week or two ago. I decided to play around with manual focussing but I seem to be having trouble with it.

In the viewfinder, images appear sharp when I'm manually focussing on a specific point. However, images are coming out blurred.
So... I wanted to know what I am doing wrong and how I should be calibrating the viewfinder properly.


Thanks

 

[andephotographic]

Adjust the slider or dial till the info like shutter speed etc that's displayed in the viewfinder is in focus.

 

[DemiLion]

You need to adjust your dioptre, either as suggested above, or there are several guides that you can find via Google.

 

[classcams]

I've had my Rebel Xsi/450D for only a short time and I got a nifty fifty only a week or two ago. I decided to play around with manual focussing but I seem to be having trouble with it.

In the viewfinder, images appear sharp when I'm manually focussing on a specific point. However, images are coming out blurred.
So... I wanted to know what I am doing wrong and how I should be calibrating the viewfinder properly.


Thanks

It is very hard to get perfect focussing given the size of the view finder. Why the makers could not add split image, microprism, to the camera,I know not. Just adjust until the info is readable is all you can do.

 

[killwilly]

On the 450D you adjust the dioptre until the focus points in the viewfinder are sharp and in focus, page 36 of the manual explains how.

PS. Try using "Live View", I find that very helpful with my old eyes.
________
My Green Heaven Ministry. Millbrae Ca

 

[SixToes]

I've had my Rebel Xsi/450D for only a short time and I got a nifty fifty only a week or two ago. I decided to play around with manual focussing but I seem to be having trouble with it.

Manual focusing is hard with that lens, because the focus ring is so thin and its travel is so short - also as classcams said the viewfinder on a xxxD is pretty small so you can't really tell if your subject is in focus through it. You can always use focus confirmation or Liveview though.

I'd try what the others said about the dioptre adjustment.