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EX-1 AutoFocus Pulse
I had the auto focus on and the camera pointed at a shipping label on a box when I noticed that there was what seemed like a pulse. The focus would seek and then rest for a beat and then seek again going in and out of focus with a regular tempo. Now I see this pulsing auto focus on everything when zoomed in and focused close. Anyone else seeing this?
Mark
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11 Replies
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Sounds like that is the focus assist. Don’t use it. Keep that focus ring pulled back and use it right. AF and FA is not good on the EX1. You have peaking, expanded focus and a great viewfinder – you don’t need anything else. One exception: If following moving object that is BIG and cover all of center screen then OK.
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Michael,
I have the “MF Assist” turned off in the menu. The focus ring is pushed forward in the MF/AF position and auto focus is selected on the lens barrel. I think this is the correct setup for auto focus. Does the AF on your EX-1 “pulse” when zoomed and focusing close? I’m watching live on an external monitor and it is disturbing. Are all EX-1 cameras doing this or is mine defective?
Mark
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I’ll check later today. For now look at your macro settings.
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AF on the EX1 seems to be a different beast then what many of us are used to.
I think its purpose is to track a moving object. Imagine people you’re focused on walking past trees in front of them. A quick AF would bounce from person to trees to person again. EX1 AF, since it’s slow, should hang with the person (obviously changing slightly).
If the camera is moving ever so slightly while pointing at the label it may be trying to “lead” the subject thinking it’s a moving object.
I have to test this myself. Use camera on tripod with OIS off and see what happens.
Of course a fantasy would be a programable AF speed.
BTW I think Push Auto works different than some other cameras too. It doesn’t stop when you release Push Auto. It’ll hunt until it thinks its locked (sorta like Focus Assist). I need to double check this but this too is a bit of a pain.
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This is all true and one reason why most pros are saying just forget AF. The z1 auto focus buton was great but the EX1 is poor. The good news is that as I said before, except for tracking, you don’t need AF with this camera. You have a good LCD, expanded focus, peaking and a fine firm real moving lens.
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I can see a slow auto focus as a GOOD thing for tracking since you don’t want it to bounce when objects on a different focal plane pass in front of the object you’re tracking.
I do wish Push Auto worked properly though as a method to lock focus quickly when I need to move from object to object.
Although push Expand Focus and jiggle the the Focus ring can be plenty quick.
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Guys,
I want to know if my camera is acting like all EX1 cameras or do I have a defective unit.
Mark
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Mark,
Your auto focus performance is typical of all EX cameras. Mine does the same thing. There are numerous posts and complaints all over the net about this very issue.
– Don
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Don,
Not what I wanted to hear but thanks for the info. I’ll just brush up on my manual focus skills.
Mark
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