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Manual Focus for S8100fd
Submitted by Kathyj on Fri, 29/10/2010 - 16:13
I have been using this camera for nearly two years and am very happy with it. But I do have one problem which is how to choose what to focus on. Auto sometimes insists on focusing on the wrong thing.
So my question is: How to manually focus?
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The manual focus on the S8000fd and S8100fd is about as much use as a chocolate teapot. I tried it many times with my own model with not very successful results.
If you are struggling to focus on an area that does not have good dark/light contrasts then pre-focus on something that has contrasts and similar light and is a similar distance away. Then, with shutter half pressed, re-compose your shot. The focussing on that model is absolutely brilliant. Despite upgrading to the S100fs, I am still impressed with the clarity from my S8000fd.
I cannot remember now what focus functions the model has but set it to centre and you should not go far wrong with the method I describe above.
Hope this helps a little.
Nothing is permanent in this wicked world - not even our troubles. - Charlie Chaplin.<
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Thank you.
In certain situations I have managed to focus on something bigger that is roughly the same distance away, just as you have suggested. But there are certain times when there isn't and no matter how hard I try, cannot get the subject in focus. I mainly photograph wildlife and plants. But on occasion have tried focusing through bars of a cage, for instance, and just can't get it.
Kathy
Hove, E Sussex
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focusing through bars and cages can be a problem for most cameras as the subject is usually behind and the camera focuses on the bars leaving us photographers frustrated
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With netting cages if you put the camera very close to the netting you can often get the camera to focus on the animal and in many cases the netting doesn't show in the resulting image. Just make sure that it is safe for you and the camera to get that close though.
Richard
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Actually, the S8000fd copes with bars and wire fencing very well. As is said above, the focus will pick up the main subject and totally blur out the wire so that it is not really seen.
I took this shot with my S8000fd at Chester Zoo last year;
Nothing is permanent in this wicked world - not even our troubles. - Charlie Chaplin.<
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Manual focus will work well on the s8100, but you need to remember it takes 2 seconds for the process to activate.
The sequence is
You press and hold the +/- button (bottom right) whilst moving the zoom lever to focus on the subuject, the viewfinder will show two white semi-circles that changes to yellow when focused. Don't forget the 2 second lag before the focusing motor responds, and then it can be very sensitive.
The camera will stay on MF until you switch off, then it returns to the default single shot AF.
......."A woman never nags.......she just points things out".........
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Seems Bob had better luck than I did.
I hope that method works for you.
Nothing is permanent in this wicked world - not even our troubles. - Charlie Chaplin.<
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Sorry, haven't checked in for a couple of days. I will try out the method described by bob W. I did find similar instructions in the manual, but it didn't seem to be working. However, maybe I was being too impatient. You have explained about the semi circles too, which may help.
I have taken photos through bars with other camera and have managed to focus beyond the bars so they are not visible, but for some reason just couldn't manage with this model.
Thanks for all your help. I will let you know how I get on.
Kathy
Hove, E Sussex