How on earth to focus 20 D for self-timer?

[sugar_babygirli]

Ok, so I love how extremely precise the 20 D is with focusing exactly where I tell it too, but it's kind of a pain when wanting to do a self-portrait outside or something. It focuses to, say for example, the fence, and then I go stand by the fence and I'm out of focus, but the fence very clear. Even with an aperture such as 11 or something, it still does that?

How do I do this? My other old camera wasn't very good with bokeh, but at least I'd be in focus! :lol: Please help! haha

[wtfmate]

AI Servo would be my guess

[sugar_babygirli]

Hmm...that's what I was wondering as it would focus on me as I walk, right? I'll try that thanks!

[HJMinard]

Temporarily put an object where you intend to sit/stand ... lock (or manual) focus on that item. Activate the timer and then take your spot (moving the focus object out of the frame).

Edit: Hadn't thought of the AI Servo idea ... that's an interesting thought. Has anyone tried that?

[who me?]

What about changing the lens to Manual focus and prefocusing on where you want your focus point?
It works for me...

[mr.photoguy]

use the Center dot.
I usually do that.

But if I am in the house, I connect the 20D to the pc, and review the image on my pc.

[gasrocks]

No, servo won't do it. Focus is locked in place when you start the self timer. Try manual focus or use the 33' ext + remote (=35') and not the self timer.

[robertwgross]

I'll agree with HJ and mention the technique that I used.

I had my camera on a tripod, with the timer all set. Temporarily, I placed an object where I was going to stand. That was a six-foot piece of aluminum channel. I manually got a focus on the channel, then left the lens there (MF). Then click. I walked into the scene, set the channel aside, and then the shutter released on the timer. VOILA!

I chose the piece of aluminum channel since it was easy to focus on, and with overhead support, it would stand right where I was going to stand. You might use a broomstick, or anything.

---Bob Gross---

[I Simonius]

Just focus where you want to be - from BEHIND he camera - start the self timer and sit where it's focussed

I tried this -it seems to work fine

[SkipD]

The solution is simple - do things like in the "olden days". Use manual focus and put it where you need it to be. Don't let the camera rule you.

Another thing you can do with the 20D is set up the auto focus to work off the * button instead of the shutter button. This separates auto focus from auto exposure and makes a lot of my work much easier. I can focus on one spot, swing to another to grab a "median" exposure setting and then, while holding the shutter button halfway down, move to get my proper composition then take the shot.

[cactusclay]

Another vote for manual focus.

[intechpcx]

I've been very successful doing this two ways. The first being the manual focus method. The second is to simply place the object where you're going to stand focus, hit the shutter to start the timer (which locks the focus) and then go stand in place of the object. I usually use a cheapo spare tripod that came with my 300D kit unless I'm getting a full head-to-toe shot where I can't just knock it on the ground. In those cases I just improvise with what is available at the time.

[yenoram]

You've already received lots of good advice - I've used these techniques and they work. If you don't happen to have a handy object to focus on, you could take your camera off the tripod and take it with you to stand where you want to be in the picture, focus the camera on the camerless tripod, switch to manual focus and walk back to mount the camera back on the tripod remembering exactly where you stood. Activate the self-timer and then walk back to where you previously stood when you focused the camera.

[Jay J]

PUt the camera on auto focus. Zoom the lens to where you want it. Focus exactly at the distance you want to be sharpest. Don't change anything, don't even change the zoom. Flip from autofocus to manual focus. Set the self timer and you're in business.
Jay J

[notegra]

canon should have an option in custom functions to AF and expose after the timer hits 0.

CF.IV Timer AF/AE
1.Before
2.After

[yogestee]

What about changing the lens to Manual focus and prefocusing on where you want your focus point?
It works for me...

Yep,,,,best method for the best results..Get your camera out of Auto and try a few manual functions..

[yogestee]

canon should have an option in custom functions to AF and expose after the timer hits 0.

CF.IV Timer AF/AE
1.Before
2.After

Why?? Whats wrong with using Manual??