Focusing with Split Screen

my_photography · Expire: 2016-12-25

Received my split screen from Alex yesterday. Had to asked a professional camera technician to install in my A700. Embarassed

(I actually scratch my original screen a few weeks back when I try to remove it out for cleaning. I learned my lesson).

Initially impression, it is not as easy to focus with a split screen as thought. I have been used to AF for a long time. And whenever I use a manual lens and the shots is out of focus, I always tell myself, it is because of the screen.

To make a long story short, my initial test to focus with the split screen brings back bad memories. More then 80% of the photos are out of focus. Even when it is in focus, it is not as sharp as I hope. Perhaps my focusing technique is not good.

Now the question, how do you people get spot on focus when you use your split scree. Do you look at the center point where the horizontal line is, or you look at the circle (half of it is usually darker and the other half is usually brighter) or you look at the matte like pattern on the circle or,...
Not sure if I am making any sense here.

The problem is I am going to travel in 2 days time and I am planning to carry the manual lenses with me this time. Another disappointment I am facing now is I can hardly see - focus with one of my favourite lens, Minolta STF 135mm@f2.8(T4.5). I am in a dilemma.

hk300 · Joined: 30 Oct 2008 Posts: 1041 Location: Hong Kong

You can still use your AF lenses, so bring 1-2 of those with you.

In addition, yes, there will be a manual focus learning curve. I am still not very good in it, and when trying to make pics of fast moving objects (like my kids), i will also bring an AF lens with me.

my_photography · Expire: 2016-12-25

Talking about MF focus moving objects. Went to shoot some models 2 weeks ago (that was before the split screen arrived) who were cat walking on the stage introducing some new products. I thought I caught some nice shots. After uploading into the computer, I was horrified, I think only less then 5% of my shots were sharp. Tht rest of them, even the face was out of focus. Embarassed

hk300 · Joined: 30 Oct 2008 Posts: 1041 Location: Hong Kong

my_photography · Expire: 2016-12-25

hk300 · Joined: 30 Oct 2008 Posts: 1041 Location: Hong Kong

poilu · Expire: 2019-08-29

first check that your screen registration is correct
http://graham.hopto.org/mflenses/focus21.pdf
if it is not ok, you will not make sharp pics, only destroy your eyes

naplam · Expire: 2013-11-30

Yep, check that first, maybe the screen is misplaced or something. As for techniques, I recently got a focus screen and i'm really satisfied with it, it's like shooting in a film camera (except for the full frame), what I do with film cameras is this: when there's enough light I use the microprism collar almost exclusively, it's easy to see in daylight (you move the camera a bit and you see the collar goes "funny": out of focus, then you move the focus ring until you see a clear image there: in focus). If there's less light and the microprisms start to get dark, I rely on the central split prisms, focusing on some contrasty detail, straight line, things like that. If you're shooting with a big aperture, try not to move yourself or you'll quickly bring things out of focus too, if focusing close. Another way to check if the screen is misplaced is using an AF lens, make it auto-focus and check the screen.

Krisgage · Joined: 16 Mar 2009 Posts: 681 Location: Singapore

don't be disheartened by bad results, keep trying ! Very Happy

For split screen, I usually look at the center circle half for focus comfirmation.

Recently, I tried using my manual lens for a photoshoot, out of the hundreds , only 30 photos able to make it. Most of them either out of focus or over exposed or under exposed Embarassed

my_photography · Expire: 2016-12-25

Good news. Have tried testing from the link send my poilu (thanks) and suggestion by Alex. Now I am happy with my focus. The one and major problem why I got not spot on focusing is I forgot to "calilbrate" my camera after installing the split screen. Seems like the camera dioptre was out by 1 to 2 clicks. By adjusting the Dioptre Adjustment, now my target rate is about 80-90% for non moving objects.

I have even sticked my Dipotre Adjustment Dial so that I do not accidentally change the setting. Now I am more confident in taking the manual lenses to travel.

magnet-2009 · Joined: 22 Apr 2009 Posts: 505 Location: Greece, Athens

There is only one way to achieve perfect manual focus for moving objects, prefocus.

Prefocus a selected point and wait for your target to pass the point, then shoooooot, be careful there is the lap time / the mirror movement on SLR's !!!! Laughing

A bonus.....

http://digital-photography-school.com/5-situations-when-manual-focus-is-better-than-auto-focus

hk300 · Joined: 30 Oct 2008 Posts: 1041 Location: Hong Kong

my_photography · Expire: 2016-12-25