Reading mode: Light Dark

Manual focus - is my X100 defective?

Go to last post
D

daifuku

New member
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
How slow is the manual focusing on everyone's X100? Without going into macro, the manual focusing on my X100 is REALLY inconsistent. Sometimes it responds to large turns, sometimes not at all! But each time it adjusts focus it's in really small increments, regardless of how fast I rotate the ring. Also, it makes a slight clicking sound each time...like it's having a hard time adjusting.

How's your experience? This fly-by-wire setup is actually soooo terrible on my X100 that I'm thinking it's defective.
 
I dont have one, so can't tell you if that's normal. I too would prefer a mechanical focus ring.

From reading many reviews and operation experiences of others. I think it might be worth while to hit the AFL in the back even under MF mode and then turn the focus ring to "fine tune" the focus. Not ideal but that seems to be the way to go with x100.
--
Lightbender
 
Thanks for the tip! One shouldn't have to do that though. Disappointing and a step backward. It was even more disappointing to pick up an old Canonet and be able to do everything I wanted to without hassle. :(
 
It is just one of my idea and after reading from others. Maybe some other CURRENT users can have more insight to shed on this subject and help you out more. I would love to see what other's have to say about this issue.

--
Lightbender
 
daifuku said:
How slow is the manual focusing on everyone's X100? Without going into macro, the manual focusing on my X100 is REALLY inconsistent. Sometimes it responds to large turns, sometimes not at all! But each time it adjusts focus it's in really small increments, regardless of how fast I rotate the ring. Also, it makes a slight clicking sound each time...like it's having a hard time adjusting.

How's your experience? This fly-by-wire setup is actually soooo terrible on my X100 that I'm thinking it's defective.
Click to expand...
I don't think anyone likes fly-by-wire focusing - it's a space and weight saving thing. Mine seems to behave a little better than yours. There is no doubt on mine that it responds more to a fast turn than to slow one. Oddly, mine only makes the clicking sound when focusing to a shorter distance, never to a longer one. The actual sound made by the focus motor is a whirring sound, which may not be heard on small adjustments.

Though as rogazilla has pointed out, the smart way to use MF is to use the AFL/AEL lock button to do a one-time auto focus to get close the right focus, and then adjust.

--
Apteryx
 
If conditions permit (i.e. the camera is able to focus somewhat):
  • In manual focus mode (switch on side of camera) press the AEL/AFL but directly on top of the control dial, that should auto focus you in closer; then
  • manual focus away on the lens, and turn on the magnification feature to fine tune your focus
Ok if you really need to manual focus from a totally unfocused starting point....S-L-O-W

This camera is stiall a digital, now mechanical focus mechanism in here at all....

--
Best,
Rob
------------------------------------
M9 X100 GXR G2 DP2
 
Apteryx6 said:
daifuku said:
How slow is the manual focusing on everyone's X100? Without going into macro, the manual focusing on my X100 is REALLY inconsistent. Sometimes it responds to large turns, sometimes not at all! But each time it adjusts focus it's in really small increments, regardless of how fast I rotate the ring. Also, it makes a slight clicking sound each time...like it's having a hard time adjusting.

How's your experience? This fly-by-wire setup is actually soooo terrible on my X100 that I'm thinking it's defective.
Click to expand...
I don't think anyone likes fly-by-wire focusing - it's a space and weight saving thing. Mine seems to behave a little better than yours. There is no doubt on mine that it responds more to a fast turn than to slow one. Oddly, mine only makes the clicking sound when focusing to a shorter distance, never to a longer one. The actual sound made by the focus motor is a whirring sound, which may not be heard on small adjustments.

Though as rogazilla has pointed out, the smart way to use MF is to use the AFL/AEL lock button to do a one-time auto focus to get close the right focus, and then adjust.

--
Apteryx
Click to expand...
I have it set to Manual Focus so I can BBF. I though that's the only way to get the T do BBF. Is there a better way?
 
daifuku said:
How slow is the manual focusing on everyone's X100? Without going into macro, the manual focusing on my X100 is REALLY inconsistent. Sometimes it responds to large turns, sometimes not at all! But each time it adjusts focus it's in really small increments, regardless of how fast I rotate the ring. Also, it makes a slight clicking sound each time...like it's having a hard time adjusting.

How's your experience? This fly-by-wire setup is actually soooo terrible on my X100 that I'm thinking it's defective.
Click to expand...
Are you running the most current firmware? The original x100 wouldn't manual focus at all. Mine does just fine, after the latest firmware
--
chriscurnutt.tumblr.com

Chris Curnutt Photography

Documenting what I see and experience. Based in Wimberley Texas
chriscurnutt.tumblr.com chriscurnutt.tumblr.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