Reading mode: Light Dark

Mansurov on autofocus X100

Go to last post
D

Davidgilmour

Senior Member
Messages
1,500
Reaction score
869
Location
Kabul, AF
" As my primary camera I was shooting with the D3s and used the X100 as a backup pocket camera for some indoors and outdoors shots. The first frustration was with the X100′s autofocus system. Initially, I noticed that some of the images I took at home were blurry, but since it was my first day, I thought I made some errors while taking pictures. Then the same thing happened at the wedding – many of the images I took were out of focus! And that’s with the camera beeping and letting me know that the image is in focus. It happened once, I recomposed, refocused took another picture. Then it happened again. And again and many many times after that. In many of the shots, it seemed that the camera was back-focusing, even though I was making sure to use areas with high contrast on my subjects. Well, the light was challenging in some situations, so I thought that perhaps the camera was having a hard time with the available light. Surprisingly, most images that were out of focus were taken from a close distance – once I moved away from my subjects, the focus seemed just fine. We then went outside after the groom and the bride got dressed and I took a few more pictures there. Same darn thing! I did not want to waste my time and I simply put it back into my pocket and never used it again that day. I have shot with many different cameras, including point and shoot and I have never seen anything like this before. "

This is a professional photographer. I thought it was only me, beging the amateur that I am. Luckily january still got 5 more days left for Fuji to give us the surprise for out X100. I just hope it will be the AF focus firmware fix.
 
Davidgilmour said:
" As my primary camera I was shooting with the D3s and used the X100 as a backup pocket camera for some indoors and outdoors shots. The first frustration was with the X100′s autofocus system. Initially, I noticed that some of the images I took at home were blurry, but since it was my first day, I thought I made some errors while taking pictures. Then the same thing happened at the wedding – many of the images I took were out of focus! And that’s with the camera beeping and letting me know that the image is in focus. It happened once, I recomposed, refocused took another picture. Then it happened again. And again and many many times after that. In many of the shots, it seemed that the camera was back-focusing, even though I was making sure to use areas with high contrast on my subjects. Well, the light was challenging in some situations, so I thought that perhaps the camera was having a hard time with the available light. Surprisingly, most images that were out of focus were taken from a close distance – once I moved away from my subjects, the focus seemed just fine. We then went outside after the groom and the bride got dressed and I took a few more pictures there. Same darn thing! I did not want to waste my time and I simply put it back into my pocket and never used it again that day. I have shot with many different cameras, including point and shoot and I have never seen anything like this before. "

This is a professional photographer. I thought it was only me, beging the amateur that I am. Luckily january still got 5 more days left for Fuji to give us the surprise for out X100. I just hope it will be the AF focus firmware fix.
Click to expand...
Doesnt sound like much of a pro if he cant use a camera.

I am huge critic of the X100's auto focus but I still find it very very easy to shoot in the vast majority of the situations I'm in. Clearly this "pro" is in way over his head.

--

http://fujifilmimages.aminus3.com/
 
Okay, so you've posted random comments from some random guy I've never heard of who doesn't find the camera works. And your point is ???

I myself make my living as a photographer, mainly doing NCAA athletics, corporate work and weddings. I too use Nikon D3's and one of my favorite cameras for my personal shooting is the X100.

So what of that ? Simply yet another professional opinion from someone else I doubt most people have ever heard of.

Ever browsed Flicrk or even this very forum and all of the excellent images taken by X100 users ? Lots of them aren't there, which seems odd if the camera was really so horribly flawed.

How are so many people enjoying and producing great work with a tool that you suggest is so unusable ??

Isn't that the real basis of truth ? That the work stands for itself ? No what some random "pro" photographers say, but the very images themselves.

--
http://www.millsartphotography.com
 
millsart said:
Ever browsed Flicrk or even this very forum and all of the excellent images taken by X100 users ? Lots of them aren't there, which seems odd if the camera was really so horribly flawed.
Click to expand...
While I do understand the point you're making, this is hardly evidence. People will typically not put their out-of-focus shots and blurred images on their galleries. So it could just as well be that for every great shot you see here, there are dozens of bad ones not shown to the outside world.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
My Travel Galleries (asia, middle east, latin america)
http://www.pbase.com/brambos

 
Bram Bos said:
Bram Bos said:
Ever browsed Flicrk or even this very forum and all of the excellent images taken by X100 users ? Lots of them aren't there, which seems odd if the camera was really so horribly flawed.
Click to expand...
While I do understand the point you're making, this is hardly evidence. People will typically not put their out-of-focus shots and blurred images on their galleries. So it could just as well be that for every great shot you see here, there are dozens of bad ones not shown to the outside world.
Click to expand...
True, but the images are backed up by the opinions of the contributors to this forum, not a random comment from some unknown (to me) "pro" whose photographic expertise is open to question based on his comments.

I'm not a "pro" (ie I don't earn my living with a camera) but I have been a photographer for half a century and like millsart and many others I have no problem with AF on the X100.

My last comment does not imply that there is no room for improvement, rather a simple statement of the fact that I , like many others, have no problem using it in its present form. It requires more skill and judgement than (say) a D3, but there was a time when all cameras required more skill and judgement than any modern camera yet anyone calling himself a photographer would have risked becoming a laughing stock had he attempted to blame the camera for his inability to use it effectively.

--
John Bean [GMT]
 
Agreed, I just wanted to point that out. I haven't used my X100 intensively enough to fully judge the accuracy myself (until I take it on a multi-week trip I'll reserve my judgement on the subject).

Although compared to my DSLR system, the X100 does seem to have a quirky AF behavior. But for now I'll blame my OoF shots on user error rather than camera flaw.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
My Travel Galleries (asia, middle east, latin america)
http://www.pbase.com/brambos

 
he said what his opinion is and for sure the camera has its quirks. Many wish some better focusing or write speed but right now it is what it is and its still the best what you get in a advanced P/S camera right now with fixed lens.

To say its to expensive compared to the D7000 is a joke at least you get the glas with it I like to see him shooting with a D7000 with no lens on it :-)

This is the first time where I really think to upgrade to a advanced PP Program to utilise the potential this camera gives one.
 
Bram Bos said:
Although compared to my DSLR system, the X100 does seem to have a quirky AF behavior.
Click to expand...
That's because it's not a dSLR... ;-)
Bram Bos said:
But for now I'll blame my OoF shots on user error rather than camera flaw.
Click to expand...
Estimating the actual position of the AF patch when using the OVF is something that comes with experience. It confuses anyone new to optical viewfinders that are not TTL but it's hardly a camera defect. After focus locks the camera shows the actual focus area used, so there's no real excuse for only finding out when you get back home (as claimed by the "pro").

AF using the EVF or LCD is pretty much the same as any other large-sensor camera that uses contrast-detect AF - slowish and fussy unless the subject has high contrast, again not a specific camera flaw.

In either case the on-screen focus scale makes it very obvious if the camera has mis-focused on the background rather than a closer subject, so even more reason not to fail to notice at the time.

All this minor extra stuff needed to confirm AF becomes second nature after a little time, but that learning curve (compared with a dSLR) is what I meant when I said it needs more skill (ie more practice ) to use effectively - skill doesn't come as a menu option on the X100.

--
John Bean [GMT]
 
Bram Bos said:
Bram Bos said:
Ever browsed Flicrk or even this very forum and all of the excellent images taken by X100 users ? Lots of them aren't there, which seems odd if the camera was really so horribly flawed.
Click to expand...
While I do understand the point you're making, this is hardly evidence. People will typically not put their out-of-focus shots and blurred images on their galleries. So it could just as well be that for every great shot you see here, there are dozens of bad ones not shown to the outside world.
Click to expand...
And this is different from every other camera how???
 
What he meant is that it doesnt proof anything (about the AF X100), neither if its true or false. Thats it.

I als get wonderfull pictures out of my X100, love it!

But my experience is that when comparing the AUTOFOCUS to my GF1 and Sony NEX 5N in diffucult light situation, the AF of X100 sucks. It definitely is inferior compared to them.

But other then that, I find the X100 fast enough with accurate AF. I don't need fast AF, just accurate AF.
rattymouse said:
Bram Bos said:
Member said:
Ever browsed Flicrk or even this very forum and all of the excellent images taken by X100 users ? Lots of them aren't there, which seems odd if the camera was really so horribly flawed.
Click to expand...
While I do understand the point you're making, this is hardly evidence. People will typically not put their out-of-focus shots and blurred images on their galleries. So it could just as well be that for every great shot you see here, there are dozens of bad ones not shown to the outside world.
Click to expand...
And this is different from every other camera how???
Click to expand...
 
I find this difficult to believe. This is not too suggest that the operator/user is not having a problem. Its the nature of the problem that's in question.

I have not had problems with focus accuracy or with images being out of focus. This is true for other people I know with the X100. This leads me to believe that the problem may be with the lens assembly of the particular camera. It may simply be de-centered. Firmware will not correct that.

If you are having AF problems, you may want to send it in for servicing. Good luck!
Davidgilmour said:
" As my primary camera I was shooting with the D3s and used the X100 as a backup pocket camera for some indoors and outdoors shots. The first frustration was with the X100′s autofocus system. Initially, I noticed that some of the images I took at home were blurry, but since it was my first day, I thought I made some errors while taking pictures. Then the same thing happened at the wedding – many of the images I took were out of focus! And that’s with the camera beeping and letting me know that the image is in focus. It happened once, I recomposed, refocused took another picture. Then it happened again. And again and many many times after that. In many of the shots, it seemed that the camera was back-focusing, even though I was making sure to use areas with high contrast on my subjects. Well, the light was challenging in some situations, so I thought that perhaps the camera was having a hard time with the available light. Surprisingly, most images that were out of focus were taken from a close distance – once I moved away from my subjects, the focus seemed just fine. We then went outside after the groom and the bride got dressed and I took a few more pictures there. Same darn thing! I did not want to waste my time and I simply put it back into my pocket and never used it again that day. I have shot with many different cameras, including point and shoot and I have never seen anything like this before. "

This is a professional photographer. I thought it was only me, beging the amateur that I am. Luckily january still got 5 more days left for Fuji to give us the surprise for out X100. I just hope it will be the AF focus firmware fix.
Click to expand...
 
I haven't used the Nex 5N or the GF1 but I have used the Nex 5 extensively. In "normal" lighting I have not noticed any difference between the two cameras. I can't say anything about low light because I have no experience with both in those situations.

While the X100 has frustrated me in regards to AF speed, I have had little/no problem in regards to accuracy. That being said, I use the central portion and make the box almost as small as possible.

Cheers!
xah said:
What he meant is that it doesnt proof anything (about the AF X100), neither if its true or false. Thats it.

I als get wonderfull pictures out of my X100, love it!

But my experience is that when comparing the AUTOFOCUS to my GF1 and Sony NEX 5N in diffucult light situation, the AF of X100 sucks. It definitely is inferior compared to them.

But other then that, I find the X100 fast enough with accurate AF. I don't need fast AF, just accurate AF.
rattymouse said:
Bram Bos said:
xah said:
Ever browsed Flicrk or even this very forum and all of the excellent images taken by X100 users ? Lots of them aren't there, which seems odd if the camera was really so horribly flawed.
Click to expand...
While I do understand the point you're making, this is hardly evidence. People will typically not put their out-of-focus shots and blurred images on their galleries. So it could just as well be that for every great shot you see here, there are dozens of bad ones not shown to the outside world.
Click to expand...
And this is different from every other camera how???
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Okay, but he stated that this happened when he was close. What was not explained was which viewfinder he was using which would be very important being that there are some issues of parallax.... We need more information here

--
Cyclopedia Creative Media
"Ideas that speak volumes"
Cyclopedia Brown
 
The problem (AF accuracy/ difficulties to focus) is in low light condition. Either with small or large box selected.

Like I said, other then that I have no issue with the X100.
liquid stereo said:
I haven't used the Nex 5N or the GF1 but I have used the Nex 5 extensively. In "normal" lighting I have not noticed any difference between the two cameras. I can't say anything about low light because I have no experience with both in those situations.

While the X100 has frustrated me in regards to AF speed, I have had little/no problem in regards to accuracy. That being said, I use the central portion and make the box almost as small as possible.

Cheers!
xah said:
What he meant is that it doesnt proof anything (about the AF X100), neither if its true or false. Thats it.

I als get wonderfull pictures out of my X100, love it!

But my experience is that when comparing the AUTOFOCUS to my GF1 and Sony NEX 5N in diffucult light situation, the AF of X100 sucks. It definitely is inferior compared to them.

But other then that, I find the X100 fast enough with accurate AF. I don't need fast AF, just accurate AF.
rattymouse said:
Bram Bos said:
liquid stereo said:
Ever browsed Flicrk or even this very forum and all of the excellent images taken by X100 users ? Lots of them aren't there, which seems odd if the camera was really so horribly flawed.
Click to expand...
While I do understand the point you're making, this is hardly evidence. People will typically not put their out-of-focus shots and blurred images on their galleries. So it could just as well be that for every great shot you see here, there are dozens of bad ones not shown to the outside world.
Click to expand...
And this is different from every other camera how???
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
I, for one, am getting tired of these AF complaints for the X100. When my SLR, a 7D, was first introduced there were may AF complaints - for several days. Finally, either most folks simply spent the time to educate themselves on Canon's new AF in the 7D, or they (the minority) gave up on the camera. I believe a variant of that AF system was imported to the 5D II.

I have had NO problems with AF on my X100. Sure, when I first got the camera I saw immediately that it was a bit different the some others I've owned (they all are, to a certain extent), so I took the time to read the manual, survey some X100 forums, and do some experimenting. I now know several techniques to "improve" AF in tricky situations, and they are second nature to me now. I certainly don't think lessor of the camera for it!

The included photo is nothing, but to show what I could to 5 seconds after my wife asked me to "shoot the frog, why don't you?" Ran into the house, ran out with the camera, done. No AF issues!

 
While I like the author, he writes very well and he also likes the lenses I want to buy so I feel better about getting them, when it comes to the x100 it just don't seem as if he's used to parallax errors.

I think the x100 af is excellent even if both the d3s and d700 is a tad faster :)
--
Anders

'It is nice to be important but it is more important to be nice'
 
Stephen, many thanks. I am trying to pick a small camera now and the X100 and X10 are two of the front runners. I hated the problem with the D300 of the roving focus point in continuous!

Michael's points about the focus point in "Optical Viewfinder and Focus Point"section brought back bad memories ;)
Cheers,

--
Anticipate the Light and wing it when you get it wrong

Tom
http://taja.smugmug.com/
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top