X-E5 and focus zoom on auto?

Alan Sh · Oct 17, 2025

Next question for my X-E5 (and thank you all in advance for your patience at my basic questions)

I'd like the camera to do the intial focussing and then, if needed, for me to adjust it a little bit. So, I've set focussing to AF+MF aand set Focus Check to On - nd I was hoping that I could press the rear command dial in to 'zoom in' so I could check it. But the only way that seems to work is of I can half press the shutter and then, while still half pressed, to press the rear dial in - which is incredibly hard to do without either taking the picture or releasing the shutter button.

So, what am I missing? There must be a way to do this, surely.

Alan

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GMacF · Oct 17, 2025

Apologies up front if I have misinterpreted your predicament Alan but, having checked mine, I just press the rear command dial and it zooms in - no holding shutter button or anything like that.

Erik Baumgartner · Oct 17, 2025

The way I do this with all my cameras is to turn the FOCUS CHECK option in the menu to off (beyond annoying), and assign FOCUS CHECK to a custom button (it’s usually the rear command dial button by default, but I use a different button). Flipping the MCS focus mode switch to manual (M), you can back button focus with AF-On (I prefer assigning the rear command dial button for this), and then manually fine-tune as necessary. Focusing this way in M mode (unlike in AF+MF mode) operates with the aperture wide open, offering much better fine-tuning. With a half-press of the shutter button you get the stopped down DOF preview. Pressing the assigned FOCUS CHECK button gets you a magnified view (adjustable with the rear command dial) as well as, with a long press of the the FOCUS CHECK button, the ability to click through the FOCUS ASSIST options - Standard, Focus Peaking etc. I focus this way regularly.

Alan Sh · Oct 17, 2025

GMacF said:
Apologies up front if I have misinterpreted your predicament Alan but, having checked mine, I just press the rear command dial and it zooms in - no holding shutter button or anything like that.

That's what I am after. But mine doesn't do it, so there must be some setting that you have that I don't.

First thing: Are you on AF-S, AF-C or M? I am on AF-S.

Alan

Alan Sh · Oct 17, 2025

Erik Baumgartner said:
The way I do this with all my cameras is to turn the FOCUS CHECK option in the menu to off (beyond annoying), and assign FOCUS CHECK to a custom button (it’s usually the rear command dial button by default, but I use a different button). Flipping the MCS focus mode switch to manual (M), you can back button focus with AF-On (I prefer assigning the rear command dial button for this), and then manually fine-tune as necessary. Focusing this way in M mode (unlike in AF+MF mode) operates with the aperture wide open, offering much better fine-tuning. With a half-press of the shutter button you get the stopped down DOF preview. Pressing the assigned FOCUS CHECK button gets you a magnified view (adjustable with the rear command dial) as well as, with a long press of the the FOCUS CHECK button, the ability to click through the FOCUS ASSIST options - Standard, Focus Peaking etc. I focus this way regularly.

I don't want to be in M mode - AF-S is where I want to start from.

Alan

Erik Baumgartner · Oct 17, 2025

Alan Sh said:
Erik Baumgartner said:

The way I do this with all my cameras is to turn the FOCUS CHECK option in the menu to off (beyond annoying), and assign FOCUS CHECK to a custom button (it’s usually the rear command dial button by default, but I use a different button). Flipping the MCS focus mode switch to manual (M), you can back button focus with AF-On (I prefer assigning the rear command dial button for this), and then manually fine-tune as necessary. Focusing this way in M mode (unlike in AF+MF mode) operates with the aperture wide open, offering much better fine-tuning. With a half-press of the shutter button you get the stopped down DOF preview. Pressing the assigned FOCUS CHECK button gets you a magnified view (adjustable with the rear command dial) as well as, with a long press of the the FOCUS CHECK button, the ability to click through the FOCUS ASSIST options - Standard, Focus Peaking etc. I focus this way regularly.

Click to expand...

I don't want to be in M mode - AF-S is where I want to start from.

Alan

Then, if you want to fine-tune manually, you’re stuck with AF+MF and a half-press stopped down to shooting aperture. Not what I’d recommend - though you could still magnify with an assigned FOCUS CHECK button (again, the rear command dial button by default) instead of using the auto-FOCUS CHECK with the lens twist.

If you want do any manual focusing, you really want to be in M mode, IMO.

Alan Sh · Oct 17, 2025

Thanks Erik, but I was hoping to get the zooming in option without having to half press the shutter but stay in AF-S mode. But I can see that's not an option.

Alan

Erik Baumgartner · Oct 17, 2025

Alan Sh said:
Thanks Erik, but I was hoping to get the zooming in option without having to half press the shutter but stay in AF-S mode. But I can see that's not an option.

Alan

I really don't understand the problem with holding the half-press to enable manual focusing in AF-S. I understand even less why you wouldn't want to just flip to M mode for everything you want - AF-S instant focus with superior manual focus fine-tuning without having to hold the shutter button half-press (holding the half-press gets you DOF preview instead).

crowley213 · Oct 17, 2025

Alan Sh said:
Thanks Erik, but I was hoping to get the zooming in option without having to half press the shutter but stay in AF-S mode. But I can see that's not an option.

Alan

Okay, I am shooting a X-T5, but checking the manual of the X-E5 I think you can set up what you want, as Erik explained. The only difference, as for what I understand, is the way Erik is doing it is in M mode, to have the options of DOF, as explained by him.

On the X-T5, and I think on your camera also, to enable your desired function in AF-S, you can

- set SHUTTER AF to off for AF-S (recommended)

- assign AF-ON to your AEL / AFL button (or another function button)

- assign FOCUS CHECK to the center (press) of your rear command dial (default)

- set AF+MF to ON

Then you will have the following functionality in AF-S:

- AF is no longer assigned to the shutter button half-press

- to activate AF you press the AEL / AFL button (or the function button you assigned AF-ON to)

- when you keep the AF-ON button pressed (!) and rotate the focus ring it will zoom in

- when you do not keep the AF-ON button pressed (means you acquire initial focus by just pressing the AF-ON button and then releasing it again) then you can press your rear command dial and it will zoom in

You may want to give this a try...!

Herbert

Erik Baumgartner · Oct 17, 2025

crowley213 said:
Alan Sh said:

Thanks Erik, but I was hoping to get the zooming in option without having to half press the shutter but stay in AF-S mode. But I can see that's not an option.

Alan

Click to expand...

Okay, I am shooting a X-T5, but checking the manual of the X-E5 I think you can set up what you want, as Erik explained. The only difference, as for what I understand, is the way Erik is doing it is in M mode, to have the options of DOF, as explained by him.

On the X-T5, and I think on your camera also, to enable your desired function in AF-S, you can

- set SHUTTER AF to off for AF-S (recommended)

- assign AF-ON to your AEL / AFL button (or another function button)

- assign FOCUS CHECK to the center (press) of your rear command dial (default)

- set AF+MF to ON

Then you will have the following functionality in AF-S:

- AF is no longer assigned to the shutter button half-press

- to activate AF you press the AEL / AFL button (or the function button you assigned AF-ON to)

- when you keep the AF-ON button pressed (!) and rotate the focus ring it will zoom in

How is this easier than half-pressing the shutter button and doing the same thing? Plus, you’ll be focusing stopped down which isn’t as precise as in M mode - might as well just use AF. Also, there’s nothing more annoying than the camera zooming in unexpectedly when you touch the focus ring inadvertently. FOCUS CHECK is the first option I make sure is off with every Fuji camera.

crowley213 said:
- when you do not keep the AF-ON button pressed (means you acquire initial focus by just pressing the AF-ON button and then releasing it again) then you can press your rear command dial and it will zoom in

You may want to give this a try...!

Herbert

Alan Sh · Oct 17, 2025

crowley213 said:
Okay, I am shooting a X-T5, but checking the manual of the X-E5 I think you can set up what you want, as Erik explained. The only difference, as for what I understand, is the way Erik is doing it is in M mode, to have the options of DOF, as explained by him.

On the X-T5, and I think on your camera also, to enable your desired function in AF-S, you can

- set SHUTTER AF to off for AF-S (recommended)

- assign AF-ON to your AEL / AFL button (or another function button)

- assign FOCUS CHECK to the center (press) of your rear command dial (default)

- set AF+MF to ON

Then you will have the following functionality in AF-S:

- AF is no longer assigned to the shutter button half-press

- to activate AF you press the AEL / AFL button (or the function button you assigned AF-ON to)

- when you keep the AF-ON button pressed (!) and rotate the focus ring it will zoom in

- when you do not keep the AF-ON button pressed (means you acquire initial focus by just pressing the AF-ON button and then releasing it again) then you can press your rear command dial and it will zoom in

You may want to give this a try...!

Herbert

Thank you for that. I've done what you suggested with some mods.

1. I've left shutter AF to on.

2. I've set AEL/AFL to lock on when I press it (not toggle on and off) but with a function button to toggle that when I don't want it.

So now I can get initial focussing by half pressing the shutter (and letting go). If I am not satisfied, I can press AEL/AFL and let go - that's locked on. Then I can press in the command button to zoom and then check/adjust the focus.

The only downside is I have to press AEL/AFL again to unlock as it seems to keep the lock on after I've taken a picture.

Alan

crowley213 · Oct 18, 2025

Alan Sh said:
crowley213 said:

Okay, I am shooting a X-T5, but checking the manual of the X-E5 I think you can set up what you want, as Erik explained. The only difference, as for what I understand, is the way Erik is doing it is in M mode, to have the options of DOF, as explained by him.

On the X-T5, and I think on your camera also, to enable your desired function in AF-S, you can

- set SHUTTER AF to off for AF-S (recommended)

- assign AF-ON to your AEL / AFL button (or another function button)

- assign FOCUS CHECK to the center (press) of your rear command dial (default)

- set AF+MF to ON

Then you will have the following functionality in AF-S:

- AF is no longer assigned to the shutter button half-press

- to activate AF you press the AEL / AFL button (or the function button you assigned AF-ON to)

- when you keep the AF-ON button pressed (!) and rotate the focus ring it will zoom in

- when you do not keep the AF-ON button pressed (means you acquire initial focus by just pressing the AF-ON button and then releasing it again) then you can press your rear command dial and it will zoom in

You may want to give this a try...!

Herbert

Click to expand...

Thank you for that. I've done what you suggested with some mods.

1. I've left shutter AF to on.

2. I've set AEL/AFL to lock on when I press it (not toggle on and off) but with a function button to toggle that when I don't want it.

So now I can get initial focussing by half pressing the shutter (and letting go). If I am not satisfied, I can press AEL/AFL and let go - that's locked on. Then I can press in the command button to zoom and then check/adjust the focus.

The only downside is I have to press AEL/AFL again to unlock as it seems to keep the lock on after I've taken a picture.

Alan

Sounds "interesting", but if it works for you then that´s fine.

Herbert

crowley213 · Oct 18, 2025

Erik Baumgartner said:
crowley213 said:

Alan Sh said:

Thanks Erik, but I was hoping to get the zooming in option without having to half press the shutter but stay in AF-S mode. But I can see that's not an option.

Alan

Click to expand...

Okay, I am shooting a X-T5, but checking the manual of the X-E5 I think you can set up what you want, as Erik explained. The only difference, as for what I understand, is the way Erik is doing it is in M mode, to have the options of DOF, as explained by him.

On the X-T5, and I think on your camera also, to enable your desired function in AF-S, you can

- set SHUTTER AF to off for AF-S (recommended)

- assign AF-ON to your AEL / AFL button (or another function button)

- assign FOCUS CHECK to the center (press) of your rear command dial (default)

- set AF+MF to ON

Then you will have the following functionality in AF-S:

- AF is no longer assigned to the shutter button half-press

- to activate AF you press the AEL / AFL button (or the function button you assigned AF-ON to)

- when you keep the AF-ON button pressed (!) and rotate the focus ring it will zoom in

Click to expand...

How is this easier than half-pressing the shutter button and doing the same thing? Plus, you’ll be focusing stopped down which isn’t as precise as in M mode - might as well just use AF. Also, there’s nothing more annoying than the camera zooming in unexpectedly when you touch the focus ring inadvertently. FOCUS CHECK is the first option I make sure is off with every Fuji camera.

Erik Baumgartner said:

- when you do not keep the AF-ON button pressed (means you acquire initial focus by just pressing the AF-ON button and then releasing it again) then you can press your rear command dial and it will zoom in

You may want to give this a try...!

Herbert

Click to expand...

I do not say this is easier, it is just another way to handle focus. We all are different and the cameras give us different possibilities to deal with focus and other things. From my point of view, neither is right or wrong, important only that it works for the photographer.

Herbert

Erik Baumgartner · Oct 18, 2025

Alan Sh said:
crowley213 said:

Okay, I am shooting a X-T5, but checking the manual of the X-E5 I think you can set up what you want, as Erik explained. The only difference, as for what I understand, is the way Erik is doing it is in M mode, to have the options of DOF, as explained by him.

On the X-T5, and I think on your camera also, to enable your desired function in AF-S, you can

- set SHUTTER AF to off for AF-S (recommended)

- assign AF-ON to your AEL / AFL button (or another function button)

- assign FOCUS CHECK to the center (press) of your rear command dial (default)

- set AF+MF to ON

Then you will have the following functionality in AF-S:

- AF is no longer assigned to the shutter button half-press

- to activate AF you press the AEL / AFL button (or the function button you assigned AF-ON to)

- when you keep the AF-ON button pressed (!) and rotate the focus ring it will zoom in

- when you do not keep the AF-ON button pressed (means you acquire initial focus by just pressing the AF-ON button and then releasing it again) then you can press your rear command dial and it will zoom in

You may want to give this a try...!

Herbert

Click to expand...

Thank you for that. I've done what you suggested with some mods.

1. I've left shutter AF to on.

2. I've set AEL/AFL to lock on when I press it (not toggle on and off) but with a function button to toggle that when I don't want it.

So now I can get initial focussing by half pressing the shutter (and letting go). If I am not satisfied, I can press AEL/AFL and let go - that's locked on. Then I can press in the command button to zoom and then check/adjust the focus.

The only downside is I have to press AEL/AFL again to unlock as it seems to keep the lock on after I've taken a picture.

Alan

??? Sorry, I'm at a complete loss here. Could you please describe a scenario where you'd want to focus like this. What's with the AEL/AFL?

If you're focusing on a static or slow moving subject at very close range and/or with a very wide aperture where precise focusing is important, why not set your camera to AF-S single point, position the AF box precisely where you want to focus and full-press the shutter button all the way down? For me, this yields a near 100% hit rate. Check the focus on the actual shot, if it isn't perfectly focused (unlikely), take another one the same way and check again. This much simpler, more accurate, faster, and more reliable than what you're doing.

Alan Sh · Oct 18, 2025

Erik,

My 70-300 can sometimes not focus properly - it's close, but not that close. So, using manual focus and zooming in helps a LOT. I don't know why it doesn't do what I want, but I have had improvements using manual focussing.

Alan

Erik Baumgartner · Oct 18, 2025

Alan Sh said:
Erik,

My 70-300 can sometimes not focus properly - it's close, but not that close. So, using manual focus and zooming in helps a LOT. I don't know why it doesn't do what I want, but I have had improvements using manual focussing.

Alan

It's probably because the DOF is shallow and there is movement (either you or your subject) between the time of focus acquisition and exposure (even milliseconds can make a difference). What I suggested before avoids this. Instead of focusing and then shooting, using AF-S with a full-press of the shutter button (Boost mode on, Face/Eye/Subject detect off, no half-press first, no waiting for a focus confirmation) guarantees that the exposure happens at the moment of focus acquisition and should pretty much guarantee a sharp result every time (if the AF box was in the right place). Try that, it's easy and reliable, even with older cameras, slower lenses.

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X-E5 and focus zoom on auto?

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