manual focus help

[Lori Hill]

My first photography class was last night. We are not allowed to use auto focus-which I adore!! I have been trying to manual focus on things and it is absolutely not turning out. I have the diopter adjusted to my eyes, I have the manual switch on both the lense and the body set, and I play with the focus ring so that it looks sharp, but the pics come out horrible!
Help............

[zona5101]

huh, i can see them asking not to use any auto modes but manually focusing too?! In the old days we had split prism and microprisim that aided in detecting good manual focusing. It is hard without it...but most cameras have a "green dot" or some other indicator that shows the part of the frame in the focus brackets is in focus. Check your camera or manual and see if such an indicator exists for your camera...

[Lori Hill]

Can't find anything that says that, maybe I'll try google LOL

[inkista]

Use liveview and 10x magnification. I do that when accurate manual focusing is critical. It can be awkward if you're handholding, vs. using a tripod, but doable. Either that or swap a focus screen if you can.

But yeah, sounds more old school that it oughtta be.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

Originally Posted by zona5101

most cameras have a "green dot" or some other indicator that shows the part of the frame in the focus brackets is in focus. Check your camera or manual and see if such an indicator exists for your camera...

The D7000 has it. Here's what you see when you look in the viewfinder:


Look at the bottom bar- here's a closeup:


#7 is the focus indicator.

[amoringello]

Screw the focus and be creative with out of focus shots.
There are legally-blind people who make money on their photos, so focus is not a necessity. :-)


Otherwise if the purpose is to get sharp images then, as mentioned, cheat and let the camera tell you when the subject is in focus with the green dot method. (even in manual focus, it should still be functional) :-) :-)

Only other suggestion... focus to the best of your ability. Rack the focus ring back until noticeably out of focus. Rack forward until clear then further again about the same amount of out of focus. Keep racking the focus ring back and forth until you narrow down to a center spot where it seems the most sharp.
Do this slowly so your eye adjusts to the in focus and out of focus areas each time.
... and pray. :-)

[Lori Hill]

Originally Posted by Almond.Butterscotch

The D7000 has it. Here's what you see when you look in the viewfinder:


Look at the bottom bar- here's a closeup:


#7 is the focus indicator.

thank you so much, that helps immensely
I have no intention on becoming a professional or using manual focus, but for class I have to-- not allowed to use live view either LOL.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

Originally Posted by amoringello

... and pray. :-)

Why? This isn't film.

[Lori Hill]

OMG the focus indicator is my new best friend LOL.......I will still be using auto focus secretly behind the teachers back on my own stuff, but for class woo hoo almond butterscotch you are my hero!!!! LOL

[TheEagleSpirit]

I use the M mode on my d7000 and watch my exposure meter as I adjust the shutter or aperature. I don;t switch the body or lens to manual. You can under expose or over expose to your liking according to light etc. A wide open aperature allows more light than the larger number aperature is a good start to remember also.