[Kelli Smith]

It didn’t seem to be a backfocus issue, but we went ahead and did the calibration procedure with a star chart. Bought the camera from B&H, so not easy to get their help ; )

On yesterday’s shoot, I think the iris was opened all of the way up, which created too shallow a depth of field. This was a shot from the back of an amphitheatre style classroom, backs of heads between the camera and a pacing lecturer. The focus ring was AF/MF, focus switch manual, MF Assist off, push auto was used at times.

I think that push auto shouldn’t have been used, as it would focus on the backs of heads, instead of lecturers. The camera op was just looking for some help with the focus, but this wasn’t the way to go. the push auto on the Z1Us did tend to help, so that’s the disconnect.

So next time, it is probably better to dial in a little gain, if we are unable to supplement lighting, so that the iris can be stopped down, and this will create a deeper depth of field. Also, full manual mode and don’t try to get any help from the camera. And maybe need an external monitor with peaking turned on.

Does this sound like a fair post mortem? Just trying to learn from our mistakes, thanks for any help.