X-S1 Infinity focus hack?

JWTX said:

ANY long-time X-S1 users know a way to lock the camera at infinity focus?

These things aren't known for DSLR-like AF speeds, but it's rarely a problem.

But . . . I'm trying to shoot airliners coming and going from Nashville's BNA airport and at most- or full-zoom lengths, my hit rate of nabbing the next Southwest 737 going over my head at fairly close range is dismal.

So, anybody know a way to 'preset' or lock infinity focus so I can turn this point+hope back into a point+shoot? ? ? Possibly do the trick with it in Manual Focus and bump the button to lock focus?

Thanks.

Click to expand...

Howard V said:

JWTX said:

ANY long-time X-S1 users know a way to lock the camera at infinity focus?

These things aren't known for DSLR-like AF speeds, but it's rarely a problem.

But . . . I'm trying to shoot airliners coming and going from Nashville's BNA airport and at most- or full-zoom lengths, my hit rate of nabbing the next Southwest 737 going over my head at fairly close range is dismal.

So, anybody know a way to 'preset' or lock infinity focus so I can turn this point+hope back into a point+shoot? ? ? Possibly do the trick with it in Manual Focus and bump the button to lock focus?

Thanks.

Click to expand...

There's no infinity focus menu or program setting in the camera that I know of. But I suggest a fool proof method with MF.

First, be sure your Fn2 button is programmed for MF Check. You set the Fn2 button from a menu of choices by holding the button down to open the menu.

When short pressed, Fn2 sets a very high magnification view for adjusting the manual focus ring in MF mode. To switch to MF mode, turn the front dial to the left of the lens (right, when looking from the front) to MF. Zoom to the focal length you anticipate using for the shots. Short press the Fn2 button. That puts you into a high magnification view for critical focus. Use a somewhat high contrast target on or near the horizon using the manual focus ring on the lens, closest to the camera body. That will be your preset for the planes. You should be able to shoot repeatedly without losing infinity focus. But this is a very easy ring to accidentally turn while shooting, so it takes some care. You can always re-check the manual focus in between shots with the Fn2 button.

Good luck!

Howard

Click to expand...

OutsideTheMatrix said:

Howard V said:

JWTX said:

ANY long-time X-S1 users know a way to lock the camera at infinity focus?

These things aren't known for DSLR-like AF speeds, but it's rarely a problem.

But . . . I'm trying to shoot airliners coming and going from Nashville's BNA airport and at most- or full-zoom lengths, my hit rate of nabbing the next Southwest 737 going over my head at fairly close range is dismal.

So, anybody know a way to 'preset' or lock infinity focus so I can turn this point+hope back into a point+shoot? ? ? Possibly do the trick with it in Manual Focus and bump the button to lock focus?

Thanks.

Click to expand...

There's no infinity focus menu or program setting in the camera that I know of. But I suggest a fool proof method with MF.

First, be sure your Fn2 button is programmed for MF Check. You set the Fn2 button from a menu of choices by holding the button down to open the menu.

When short pressed, Fn2 sets a very high magnification view for adjusting the manual focus ring in MF mode. To switch to MF mode, turn the front dial to the left of the lens (right, when looking from the front) to MF. Zoom to the focal length you anticipate using for the shots. Short press the Fn2 button. That puts you into a high magnification view for critical focus. Use a somewhat high contrast target on or near the horizon using the manual focus ring on the lens, closest to the camera body. That will be your preset for the planes. You should be able to shoot repeatedly without losing infinity focus. But this is a very easy ring to accidentally turn while shooting, so it takes some care. You can always re-check the manual focus in between shots with the Fn2 button.

Good luck!

Howard

Click to expand...

Too bad manual focus has to be used at all, there should be a way to use AF to focus lock on a target that's far away, that is infinity focus in one step!

Click to expand...