Having gone down the route of a manual focus lens with the acquisition of the Fujifilm X-Pro1 a little while ago, I thought it would be a good idea to lay out how I use the Fujifilm X-Pro1 in manual focus mode and how I’m finding the experience.
I did a bit of research before buying the 7artisans 35mm f1.2 as I was a little unsure. Having previously owned an X-Pro1 I’d never used it much in manual focus mode and in truth I was interested to read just how easy it is to use in manual focus mode.
Having read through a few different opinions and reviews on manual focus, I’ve more or less settled on very similar settings as the X-Pro1 aficionado, Adam Bonn suggests.
Adam is a long time Fuji X-Pro1 user and has a fantastic website, with lots of really interesting information about the X-Pro1.
Basic Fujifilm X-Pro1 Manual Focus Set Up
My basic set up for manual focus with the Fujifilm X-Pro1 is as follows –
1. Set the camera to Manual Focus mode (switch on front of camera)
This disables the auto focus mode.
2. Set the MF assist to peaking high.
Unlike later Fujifilm camera bodies, you only get focus peaking in white. Focus peaking helps to get you to the point of focus easily and you can see what’s in focus and what isn’t fairly easily. Some people prefer the later bodied Fuji’s as there are other options available for MF including split screen and different colours for focus peaking.
3. Set your film simulation to B&W (Y)
I’ve tried using in colour, but B&W (Y) seems to work well, and as I shoot RAW files this isn’t an issue for me. YMMV.
4. Set Sharpening to +1
I’ve found setting the sharpening to +1 helps to get the focus peaking more clearly indicated in the screen.
Further Help for MF
1. Set the FN button on the top plate to DOF Preview.
Setting the FN button to DOF preview switches the viewfinder instantly from the OVF to the EVF, which is a faster option than using the front lever.
2. Use the rear command dial to enlarge the EVF.
If you push the rear command dial in when in EVF mode, this magnifies the EVF giving you an easier option for getting focus where you need it. There’s two sizes available when magnifying. If you scroll the wheel when in enlarged EVF mode, this will switch you between the two sizes, ideal for critical focus.
And that’s about it really! It’s a pretty simple set up and by setting up the camera in this way, means I can focus pretty quickly – I can switch from OVF to EVF, find the magnified EVF screen and set the camera for focussing with just one finger.
Of course, it’s still early days and no doubt I will fine tune the process the longer I have the camera and the more I get used to manually focussing. I’ll keep this post updated on any changes I make which I feel are worth reporting on. If you have any thoughts or tips on how you manually focus your X-Pro1, I’d love to hear them – drop a comment in the notes below!
Hat Tip: You can find out more about Adam Bonn’s X-Pro1 adventures here.
Analog Dave 