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Why do people like manual focus?


4 years 3 months ago #673090 by Jessy Page
With all the advancements on camera autofocus systems, why do people even bother with manual focus? I can't remember the last time I used manual focus.  

I've seen many discussions on forums where some will speak about preferring manual focus.  So what is it about manual focus that you prefer?  Considering the pinpoint accuracy of AF systems, what advantages could manual focus have?

Is it just a feeling retro thing?
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4 years 3 months ago #673097 by Nikon Shooter
Yes, Jessy, I heard about the discussions.

Personally, I use AF all the way because I get sharp images
after fine tuning all combos from the very first day.

Some older lens may not have decent system but I don't go
for those.

Everyone his own but I am not losing my time in nostalgia.
Light is free… capturing it is not!
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4 years 3 months ago #673102 by effron
At times manual focusing is preferred, in low light where the af is having issues is one. I sometimes prefer manual with macro shooting and use it mostly in landscape...it depends.
Why so serious?
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4 years 3 months ago #673110 by Tom-Dinning
My eyesight is shite for a start.
I forget whether the viewer is set for glasses or not.
i can’t see the screen in daylight.
Im old and slow.
This is why I use AF.
being able to lock a green rectangle on subject of choice is my choice of modes.
DoF preview is a memory. Some guessometry is involved.
If I’m close and the AF has trouble finding my target I go to manual and move the camera. Or the subject.

Any blurred shots resulting from mishaps are declared purposeful and labeled Art.
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4 years 3 months ago #673174 by fmw
It isn't that people like it.  It is simply needed in some situations.  Examples are an image that needs the plane of focus elsewhere than the nearest part of the subject or low light where AF fails to work.  Also, many of us use manual focus lenses so there isn't any other option.
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4 years 3 months ago #673188 by icepics
I can focus manually better than a camera's auto system can, especially in lower light. Not hard to do if you learn how.

I learned that way so it's easy for me, and I enjoy it. I have older lenses I use on film rangefinders and on my digital camera so I still need to focus those manually. I don't really have a need for auto...
Sharon
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4 years 3 months ago #673282 by Pettigrew

icepics wrote: I can focus manually better than a camera's auto system can, especially in lower light. Not hard to do if you learn how.

I learned that way so it's easy for me, and I enjoy it. I have older lenses I use on film rangefinders and on my digital camera so I still need to focus those manually. I don't really have a need for auto...



True, but only in certain situations and it depends on the camera. 
Canon EOS 7D SLR | XT W/18-55 Kit Lens | Canon 50mm 1.8 | Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 | Canon 28-105mm | Canon 75-300mm | Canon 100mm 2.8 Macro | Canon 100-400
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4 years 3 months ago #673324 by CanonKid
Manual lenses are just fun to use!
Canon 7D, 15-85mm, 18-55mm, 70-200mm, 100mm Macro, Sigma 120-300mm, Speedlite 430EX II

A bad day at the race track is better than a good day in the office
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