Questions on Auto Focus on X1

[hasib]

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Hello everyone,

 

I'm new in Leica world. In fact, I just got my first Leica (X1) couple of days ago. Started trying and got confused with various Auto Focus option. I am going crazy here. Can someone please help --

 

here is the issue ..

 

My camera seems to set to Auto Focus at 1 Point (with square box in middle). I know I can click Delete/Focus button to change to one of the other option such as 11 Point or 11 Point H or face detection. My question is how do I go back to just normal Auto Focus (so camera will choose focus option automatically).

 

I even tried setting factory setting from User Profile menu. Still going back to Auto Focus (1 Point).

 

Can someone please help?

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[RockyIII]

My question is how do I go back to just normal Auto Focus (so camera will choose focus option automatically).

 

As far as I know, the X1 will not choose the focus option automatically unless you are in face detection mode and no face is detected, in which case the 11 point mode is used. Going from spot to 1 point and 11 point AF modes must be set by the user.

 

Rocky

[hasib]

As far as I know, the X1 will not choose the focus option automatically unless you are in face detection mode and no face is detected, in which case the 11 point mode is used. Going from spot to 1 point and 11 point AF modes must be set by the user.

 

Rocky

 

 

So I should change the setting to 11 Point??

 

When you turn the camera for the first time, which setting is it set to?

 

To say it differently, what's the default on X1 ?

[prk60091]

So I should change the setting to 11 Point??

 

When you turn the camera for the first time, which setting is it set to?

 

To say it differently, what's the default on X1 ?

 

If you reset to factory defaults and focus changes to the 1spot focus I think you have answered your own question.

 

I think the 1spot focus is faster than the other alternatives

[hasib]

If you reset to factory defaults and focus changes to the 1spot focus I think you have answered your own question.

 

I think the 1spot focus is faster than the other alternatives

 

 

 

Thanks buddy!

 

The reason I got confused was because I remember when I turned the camera on for the first time it was not doing 1 spot thing..

 

now that I got AF metering all messed up, I am not sure what the factory default.

 

But the point is, if X1 is set to one of these focus and there is no default per say, then it doesn't matter really what the default was since I can setup whichever option I wish to use.....

 

These are all assumptions...

[RockyIII]

Hasib, each setting may be useful depending on your subject and shooting style. I have not received my X1 yet (I expect it on Monday), but I imagine I will focus like I do with a DSLR. For stationary subjects, I generally prefer to use the single center focus point, half press the shutter release button, and then recompose before taking the shot.

 

Rocky

[wda]

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Hasib, it is worthwhile reading your instruction manual where you will learn that the 11-point focus method will choose the nearest object to the lens, regardless of whether that is the one you want for your focus point. That is why I, and many users, choose the single point for focus. It gives the photographer greater control.

[JanCderidder]

2.8 and 11 point AF, high contrast B/W can produce some surprisingly good results, but it's a gamble.... well worth trying though

[hasib]

Hasib, it is worthwhile reading your instruction manual where you will learn that the 11-point focus method will choose the nearest object to the lens, regardless of whether that is the one you want for your focus point. That is why I, and many users, choose the single point for focus. It gives the photographer greater control.

 

 

Thanks a lot. Actually, I am trying to make out the manul now. I was confused with the AF options....I thought in addition to all the choices (1 point, 11 point focus, spot, face detection), there is a default AF option.

[hasib]

Hasib, each setting may be useful depending on your subject and shooting style. I have not received my X1 yet (I expect it on Monday), but I imagine I will focus like I do with a DSLR. For stationary subjects, I generally prefer to use the single center focus point, half press the shutter release button, and then recompose before taking the shot.

 

Rocky

 

Thanks Rocky. I'm very new in 'real' photography so my questions might annoy you...

 

Can you please explain furtrher as to what you mean by recompose after pressing sutter button half away ...

[RockyIII]

Can you please explain furtrher as to what you mean by recompose after pressing sutter button half away ...

 

Say, for example, if you want your main subject a third of the way from the right side of the frame. You would aim the camera with your main subject in the center of the frame and then press the shutter button halfway down to lock focus and exposure. Then you would then recompose to put the subject where you want it in the frame and fully depress the shutter button to take the picture.

 

See page 106 of the X1 manual (English) for further explanation.

 

Rocky

[h00ligan]

Bear in mind your death of field if you are focus/recomposing. It's not a huge issue at 2.8 but for the most precise move the focus box to where you want it.

[digi2ap]

Say, for example, if you want your main subject a third of the way from the right side of the frame. You would aim the camera with your main subject in the center of the frame and then press the shutter button halfway down to lock focus and exposure. Then you would then recompose to put the subject where you want it in the frame and fully depress the shutter button to take the picture.

 

See page 106 of the X1 manual (English) for further explanation.

 

Rocky

 

As Rocky says, this technique locks both focus and exposure. Just beware that you might mess up the light levels across the frame with this technique if you are recomposing with your subject in a very different position within the frame.

[wda]

As Rocky says, this technique locks both focus and exposure. Just beware that you might mess up the light levels across the frame with this technique if you are recomposing with your subject in a very different position within the frame.

In which case, revert to manual exposure settings; much more accurate. Do remember to reset them, though, when confronting a different level of lighting.