manual focus vs. auto focus

[kelsbeth]

Hello,

I have a Canon Rebel XS EOS. I am trying to take most of my photos in manual mode. If I am in manual mode, do I also need to be in manual focus mode or can I be in auto focus? Thanks!

[dlambert]

Manual mode on the camera just means that you're controlling aperture & shutter manually -- you can choose either manual focus or auto focus depending on your preference.

[Yogesh Sarkar]

That is entirely your choice and I would say, mostly dependent upon situation.

[kelsbeth]

Thanks! Unfortunately I think my camera needs to be repaired. It seems as if the autofocus dial gets stuck and makes these horrible grinding sounds. Thought maybe I was doing something wrong but looks like that is not the case

[dlambert]

Sounds like it might be the lens. If you can try another lens, that might narrow the problem down.

[kelsbeth]

Yes, the lens I mean. I still need to remember that the camera body and the lens are totally separate

[Yogesh Sarkar]

Does it happens all the time with each and every subject? Sometime in low light conditions and depending on what you are focusing, the lens is not able to achieve focus and continuously tries to do that.

[Lori Hill]

I'm taking a course at my local library and the instructor is only allowing us to use manual focus. I was very leary of this in the beginning, but am getting comfortable with it. I know I will not always use manual focus, but it is going to be nice to know that when a situation comes up that I need to use it, I'll know how. So even though you don't have to use manual focus, if I were you , I would still practice and learn it so you can use it when needed.

[kelsbeth]

It doesn't do it all the time - so maybe the lighting is the issue. I will have it checked out just in case

["Matthew"]

My 17-85 is messed-up too - e01. I have to use it in MF all the time. To tell the truth it is actually kind of nice.