Manual Focus with 1D MkII

[Fooboy]

Hi Just had a quick question regarding using manual focus on the 1D Mk II. When you are using manual focus and the centre of the viewfinder is in correct focus (according to the AF sensor) the centre AF point will flash red. Is it possible to change a setting somewhere that will enable any of the relevant AF points to flash red when that particular part of the frame is in focus (when using MF)?

My 300D does this when using manual focus and I do find it is a nice way to double check your focusing. Of course the viewfinder on the 1D is much larger and brighter than the 300D so it is easier to check the focus by eye, but it is still a handy feature to have.

I checked though the manual and didn't see anything in the custom functions, but I could have just misinterpreted them.

Thanks in advance

[Rokkorfan]

Actually, the viewfinder does not flash red when manual focus (or AF) is achieved. In one shot mode a small green dot appears at the bottom of the viewfinder when focus is achieved. This also works in manual mode. To manual focus and check your focus with this or any of the 45 points, simply select it manually and then focus - when it is correct the green dot will light up.

[Andy_T]

Also, think about getting a focus screen.
For the 1-series, they can be exchanged.

Best regards,
Andy

[shiato storm]

on a film 1 series, at least the one I have, th CF is set to 'bleep' and flash red when I manually focus on a subject when set in one shot mode...it works. I have no knowledge of how it works in the 1dMk2 but being a 1 series there may be this function in a CF perhaps?...

[Rokkorfan]

Apologies, it is CF 10 that I have set to "3 - Brighter". At the default settings it will flash, but if you look at the green dot it is much easier to determine when you are in focus. By the way, at the standard settings all of the other points will flash red as manual focus is achieved, just like the centre one.

[Fooboy]

Thanks for the replies

Rokkorfan - I'm not sure if I agree with you about the standard settings lighting up any of the af points when manual focus is acheived on that point.

pg 76 of the manual

If you select an AF point and press the shutter button halfway while manual focusing, the AF point will flash and the focus confirmation light with light when focus is acheived.

During automatic AF point selection, when the center AF point achieves focus, it will flash red and the focus confirmation light will light

So from my reading of that, and trying it out with my camera, the only way to get AF confirmation that my manual focus is correct is to manually choose the AF point (unless I'm using the centre point). Which to me kinda defeats the purpose, because if I'm going to choose the AF point I may as well just leave it on AF!

On my 300D when the camera is set on automatic AF point selection, if you use manual focus any relevant AF points that are in focus will flash. So when I want a particular point of the frame to be in focus an the automatic AF is not co-operating I just switch to manual focus and use the AF points lighting up as confirmation. Saves me selecting a new AF point and then having to change back later.

Andy, which focus screen do you think would be best? And does changing focus screens impact on using AF on the camera? I would say that I use AF 90% of the time. Sorry if this is a basic question, I have not had my 1D that long so things like changing focus screens is new to me.