how to shoot in manual focus?

Question

This might seem like a stupid question to those pros out there but I am an amateur (obviously). Anyhoo...Everytime I try shooting in Manual Focus, the object I want to be in focus never is, infact the whole picture is blurred with nothing in focus. I have tried adjusting the focal ring but still I get the same results. I have also tried turning the dial ring to choose one of the focus points in the viewfinder but that doesn't work either. So I need to know exactly how I am to shoot in Manual focus with the object I intended to have in focus be in focus! a step by step guide will be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

First - we have to assume that your camera offers a manual focus option. Many 'point and shoot' cameras do not.



The first thing you must do is turn off the autofocus function. That's usually done with a switch on the lens barrel.



Then, while looking through the viewfinder, rotate the focus ring until the portion of the subject that you are interested in is in focus. Some lens manufacturers make the manual focus ring on lenses that are designed for use on automatic cameras so small that it is hard to find - its usually the area right at the front of the lens, but if there is any doubt, look in the instruction manual.



Now, an issue that you will encounter when shooting in manual is how much of the scene is in focus. The term 'depth of field' (or depth of focus) describes the front-to-back area that appears in focus in the final image. What you see in the viewfinder is NOT what the final image looks like if you are using the automatic exposure function in your camera. You could turn that off and go fully manual, but that really isn't necessary. Just remember that depth of field increases as the lens aperture gets smaller. If you set your exposure automation for 'aperture preferred' and set the aperture setting to something like f16, you will maximize your depth of field. Conversely, if you set the aperture to f4 or lower, you will minimize depth of field. Find a subject, and experiment with changing the settings to see how the results differ.

Answer 2

If your camera is a DSLR (or film SLR for that matter) then chances are you have not calibrated the viewfinder, this needs to be done on all DSLR cameras, it will be in your manual, not as prominent as it should be, but it will be in there.



Get a nice bright day with good light, position your camera (preferably on a tripod) square onto a well lit wall with detail, a brick wall is ideal, and a few feet away, half press the shutter and allow the camera to auto focus, then, without moving anything look through the viewfinder, is it in focus? If not adjust the dioptre knob or slider till it is (usually next to the viewfinder), job done.



Now when your camera is in focus that's how you see it too.



Unless you inadvertently alter the adjuster or your eyesight changes you won't need to do this again.



Chris

Answer 3

Unfortunately you don't mention what camera and lens you are using for me to be of any help.

It may well be that you will have to adjust the metering in the camera and switch off "Auto Focus" if the camera has these modes. It could also be that your eyesight may need adjustment via the viewfinder. Some view finders have an Integral Dioptre (correct spelling) filter to compensate for any variations in eyesight. Assuming all this has been done and providing you focus on your chosen subject it should be sharp. If this doesn't work I would suggest that you get the camera checked over via a good photographic shop to see if the lens/camera are in sync with each other.

Answer 4

i do not take photos but i found this!!! maybe that will help. http://diyphotography.net/six-tips-to-take-great-manual-focus-pictures



also learn how to use a tilt lens and make those cool mini photos!!