Diane Green
Focusing a non-SLR camera can be challenging, especially in low-light conditions or when there isn't a distinct subject. While autofocus is convenient in most situations, there are times when manual focus is necessary to ensure the desired object is sharp and in focus. The process of manually focusing a non-SLR camera involves adjusting the focus ring and utilizing the depth of field preview button to get a better idea of the in-focus area. Additionally, using Live View mode and zooming in on the subject can help achieve precise focus. It's also worth noting that manual focus is particularly useful for landscape photography, ensuring that both the foreground and background elements remain in focus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Method | Focus and recompose |
| Adjust the diopter | |
| Use a plain ground glass screen | |
| Use a matte grid | |
| Use a matte focusing screen | |
| Use Live View mode | |
| Use autofocus |
What You'll Learn
Adjust the diopter to get the sharpest image
The diopter adjustment knob is a small dial located to the right of the eyepiece on most DSLR cameras. It works as a lens, switching from near to far focus, and compensates for any unique vision requirements you may have. The dial typically has an adjustment range of -3 to +3, with 0 being nominal 20/20 vision.
To adjust the diopter and get the sharpest image:
- Set up your camera on a tripod or another solid surface, pointing it at a flat surface with enough texture to be easily seen.
- Press your shutter release button halfway down to activate the autofocus mechanism.
- Without moving the camera, turn the diopter control dial until the image appears sharp and in focus to your eye. You may need to adjust the dial slowly, click by click, to find the optimal setting.
It is important to note that the diopter adjustment only affects how your eye perceives the image and does not impact the focus circuitry or the captured image itself. However, it is a crucial step to ensure that you are seeing a clear and accurate representation of what your camera is focusing on.
Additionally, if you wear glasses or contact lenses, adjusting the diopter can help you compensate for any minor vision issues and ensure that you are getting the sharpest image possible.
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Use a plain ground glass screen
A ground glass screen is a flat translucent material found in a system camera that allows the user to preview the framed image in a viewfinder. The ground glass screen, or focusing screen, is a piece of glass that has been ground, so one of its sides has a rough/matte surface. It acts as a projection screen, due to its translucency, which enables you to see what the lens projects onto the ground glass. The actual focusing happens by moving the lens's focal plane into the right position with respect to the ground glass.
To use a ground glass screen, turn the focusing ring on your lens until the image becomes clear on the glass. The ground glass screen acts as a diffuser, scattering light passing through it randomly rather than simply letting it pass through unaffected. An image can be brought to focus on the screen by adjusting the lens, and the image we perceive comes from scattered light that is travelling in the precise direction of our retinas.
The scattering quality is what makes it work. It's a fundamental of how we see things. If light (photons) falling onto an object bounced off it in an ordered fashion, in a certain direction, you could only see that object if you were looking at it from the same direction the reflected light was travelling in. This is how mirrors work. On the other hand, photons scattering randomly off an object with a non-reflecting or non-transparent surface (generally most things we come into contact with) allow us to see that object from many different angles.
The focusing screen sits at exactly the same distance from the lens as the image sensor or film plane, so when light is brought to focus on the screen it will also be focused on the sensor (or film). Without the ground glass layer, we wouldn't have this reference point during manual focusing, and while our eyes may be able to bring a scene into focus, there would be no guarantee that the lens was also correctly focusing the intended image on the sensor (or film).
You can make your own ground glass focusing screen at home. The process is straightforward and requires very little in the way of materials or DIY skills. All you need is a piece of glass, a diamond glass cutter, two different types of silicone carbide grinding powder, and a makeshift “grinder” made of a piece of wood attached to a glass plate. The whole process can be summed up in five steps:
- Measure and cut the glass to fit using the diamond glass cutter.
- Grind the glass using your makeshift grinder and some 400-grit silicone carbide grinding powder mixed with a little bit of water.
- Rinse with water and repeat as needed until all of the “shiny” portions of the glass have been ground away.
- Grind the glass once more, this time using 600-grit grinding powder.
- Rinse with water. If you’ve done it right, the water should no longer “stick” to the glass.
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Use a matte focusing screen
A focusing screen is a flat translucent material, either a ground glass or Fresnel lens, found in a system camera that allows the user of the camera to preview the framed image in a viewfinder. The most common type of focusing screen in non-autofocus 35 mm SLR cameras is the split screen and microprism ring variation that aids focusing and became standard in the 1980s. The microprism ring breaks up the image unless the lens setting is in focus, the split screen shows part of the image split in two pieces. When both pieces are aligned, the setting is in focus.
The standard screen in all Pentax cameras has been perfect for focusing. One user mentions that they have an Olympus OM 1n with interchangeable screens and have been using the split prism and microprism the most. They work fast and precisely. Another user mentions that they use a focusing screen without any form of focusing help. They want the screen to be the same all over. They want to focus on any part of the screen and not only in the center. That makes their manual focusing better than autofocus because instead of focusing on one of the focusing points, by manually focusing the camera, they can focus on any part of the screen.
Another user mentions that they have replaced the split-image/microprism screens in all their OM bodies with plain Fresnel types. They find them far less distracting. However, a recently purchased OM-4Ti body came with the first mentioned type and as their eyesight is not what it used to be, they thought they would give it a try. They are not sure they can stick with it, though, as it is useful but very cluttered.
For manual focus (especially with old eyes), a split prism is great. One can focus on the subject directly and shoot or find both ends of the depth of field they want in the scene and then set the aperture and focus using the lens's depth of field scale.
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Use a tripod
Using a tripod can be a great way to improve the focus of your non-SLR camera. Here are some tips on how to use a tripod effectively:
Choose the Right Tripod
It's important to select a tripod that is sturdy and stable. Consider the weight and height of the tripod to ensure it can support your camera adequately. Carbon fibre tripods are lightweight and durable, but can be expensive. Aluminium is the next best option, though heavier. Avoid cheap tripods as they may not be stable enough and could damage your camera.
Increase Sharpness and Depth of Field
One of the main benefits of using a tripod is the ability to increase the sharpness and depth of field of your images. This is especially useful in low-light conditions when using slow shutter speeds. By keeping your camera still, you can achieve sharper images with a greater depth of field.
Allow for Careful Composition
A tripod allows you to carefully compose your shot without having to worry about holding the camera steady. Take the time to frame your shot exactly how you want it, making adjustments as needed. This is especially useful for panoramic and HDR shots, where precise framing is crucial.
Use for Self-Portraits and Night Photography
Tripods are ideal for self-portraits, as they allow you to set up your camera, frame the shot, and use a timer to capture the perfect photo. They are also useful for night photography, helping you to capture clear images of the moon, stars, and other nighttime objects.
Shoot at Difficult Angles
A tripod can help you shoot at difficult or impossible angles. It allows you to position your camera in a variety of ways, giving you more creative freedom. This is especially useful for extreme close-ups or macro photography, where a steady hand is crucial.
Improve Video Quality
If you're shooting video, a tripod is essential for achieving smooth, vibration-free footage. It allows for stable panning and tilting, resulting in professional-looking videos. Some tripods even have video-specific features, such as twist-resistant legs, to ensure the best quality.
By following these tips, you can effectively use a tripod to improve the focus and overall quality of your non-SLR camera photographs. Remember to take the time to set up your tripod properly and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the best results.
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Focus on the midground
Focusing on the midground is a great way to ensure that both the foreground and background of your image are in focus. This technique is especially useful for landscape photography, where you want to capture a sharp image from the grass in front of you to the mountains in the distance.
The simplest way to focus on the midground is to set your aperture to f/16 or so and focus one-third of the way into the scene. This works because the area in focus in your images is split roughly 33% in front of the focal point and 66% behind. By focusing a third of the way in, you can get the focal point to cover as much of the image as possible.
If you want to be more precise, you can use the hyperfocal-distance shortcut. First, find the distance from the closest object to your lens. Then, double that distance and focus on a point at that distance from your lens. For example, if the closest object is three feet away, you would focus on a point six feet away.
Another technique that works in any situation is to focus on the closest thing to the camera, then focus on the farthest object, and then adjust the focusing ring to the midpoint between those two distances. You can mark the closest and farthest distances with your fingernails if your lens doesn't have a distance scale.
When you're taking photos, it's also important to remember that autofocus doesn't always work as well as you'd hope. For example, autofocus can struggle in low light conditions or when there isn't a distinct subject. In these cases, you may need to switch to manual focus to get the shot you want.
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Frequently asked questions
The simplest way is to adjust the focus ring until the desired object is sharp. However, this method is not very practical unless you're using a narrow aperture. A more reliable way is to use Live View mode, zooming in on the subject as much as possible, and then adjusting the focal ring until the subject is sharp.
Autofocus often struggles in low-light conditions, when there is no distinct subject, or when you want everything in the frame to be in focus. In these situations, it is a good idea to manually focus your camera.
Autofocus is at its worst in low-light conditions, so you will probably need to manually focus in such situations. Autofocus also tends to focus on the foreground subject, so if there is something opaque in the foreground, like tree branches, it is better to manually focus on the subject yourself.
For landscape photos, a simple tip is to focus one-third of the way into the scene on something in the midground with your aperture set to f/16 or so. This will ensure that the area in focus is split roughly 33% in front of the focal point and 66% behind.
Manually focusing your camera gives you more control and consistency. It is a good technique to use when creating HDR images, macro images, or panoramas, where you are combining more than one image.
