If you’re not shooting in manual mode you might also want to change the function of the back button to AFL only rather than AFL+AEL. Otherwise you’ll also lock exposure when you point at the floor!
Excellent tip! This is how I usually focus. I don't trust the AF on my Fuji X-T2, so I go manual focus with zone focusing. It works in almos any situation
Nice tip for quickly acquiring focusing distances. I've been using BBF on my Nikons for 3+ years, for all genres of photography. I didn't buy into it easily but I've never looked back since.
Hi Gareth, nice photo's, good tip. I am a Fujifilm shooter since 2014 but 6 month ago, after much hesitation between the X100V and the Ricoh GR III, I decided for the Ricoh GRIII. Mainly because of the IBIS and really pocketable size. But after seeing this I am still doubting if I made the right choice. On the Ricoh you can set the camera to a fix focusdistance (1,5m 2m 2,5m 5m or infinity). Not sure if back button focus is possible. But sometimes I really miss the flippy screen, the little built-in flash and sometimes 28mm is too wide. Maybe trading it in for a X100V (digital stabilisation for a MK II would indeed be handy) is an option. Difficult decision.
That was useful. I still prefer a real distance scale on the lens, or pre-set distances like the GR or XF10, but this is a nice quick way to work with AF lenses with no distance scales. Certainly much better than having to look at an on-screen distance scale.
Been using this with my fuji cameras. great tip for street photography. In my ricoh they have snap focus as the same usage. Great video mate, 2 thumbs up.
That's exactly what I like doing, quite often I'll flick my camera outwards and focus to the floor or infinity depending on what I want and then I'm set and I'll take some burst shots when someone walks into the frame but I'll also then briefly focus on the subject and take an extra few shots just as a bit of insurance.......I know lots of people don't like to but I nearly always spot metre, I know it can trip people up but I'm used to doing it now and with that spot metering I'll dip the camera into a darkish area to the point where I am happy with the exposure (obviously with an eye on the histogram) and then I'll hold that on the shutter button. I'm not very good at explaining, better at showing someone how I do it 😊😊
Hi 😊 in one of your videos you had a GoPro attached to your camera while you where shooting. May I ask why? I thought you were getting to some b-roll but you never detached the GoPro which could make a really dizzy b-roll video.
Great video agian! I like your enthusiasm Looking forward to see how good this works for my 'slow' xt2 with the old fuji 23mm 1.4. I often think my setup is to slow for a more hunting style street photography.
Haha thanks mate. Good point. Even a 100 year old film camera can be set up to shoot faster than a modern beast. Xt2 is the best camera for street unless you need af. Best screen and not precious. I use the 23 still for events. Mines fab. 😁
Great informative video Gareth. I’ve been using the back button focus for a while now but this takes it to the next stage. Glad to see you back in the smoke - look forward to the results!
Been using something similar to that hack on the GRIII for about 2yrs definitely works, though that’s using snap focus, it simplifies the experience I just flick between 2 custom modes 2M snap focus at 5.6 and 5m at f5.6. I usually set shutter at 1/400 auto iso maxing at 3200
I'm a Canon user - if I changed to Manual Focus this just wouldn't work. Would I be leaving as Auto focus, using Back Button Focus to set the focus on 2m or infinity - then just shutter button to take when ready? ?
Is that what they do with a Leica? Line up the aperture reading to infinity and read the scale. Usually between about 2 metres and infinity with a 28mm lens.
Hi Gareth. My infinity focus is fine when I do this, however when I try to aim it at 2 metres I lose all focus then and have to manual focus back to infinity. Any ideas what I could be doing wrong?? 🤔🤔
Would like to doa photography workshop on street photography in Edinburgh one day the only thing I is I will need a faster camera than my xt1 or my xe2.... Is it even possible to do street photography with older Fujifim bodies? How about the Fujifilm f2 lenses like the 23mm and 35mm f2?
Yep, you lost me halfway through Mr.Danks. My neither of my Canons would give me all the settings you reeled off anyway ! But it was fun watching and I admire your work every time. Hope you might go into photoing architecture in different lights one day.....but perhaps its a subject not of sufficient a challenge for you !
@@GarethDanks Powershot SX60 & Powershot SX740 . We had a Canon T90 with a 300 Telephoto lens but I have a shoulder injury which is made more painful when holding a heavy object. Also wanted digital, something to put in my pocket (hence the SX740) . However - I don't have as much fun with either somehow .....partly because I watch your videos and know I can't try out what you show us !!! PS. We have busy working lives so don't expect to be able to crack all the complications to reach your standards.
I think the escalator shot was really good, especially in black and white. I think using zone focusing is a great tool for street photography. The trick is getting a good composition! But, getting good at zone focusing can take that one thing to think about away and let you focus more on the composition. I've played with zone focus using a vintage lens that has the distance markings. It's kind of fun. We're very lucky to be able to learn these techniques today on a digital device instead of blowing through rolls of expensive film! Have a great week!
What kind of reaction do you get then? Act like your doing it for a reason/ paid project. If you act nervous you’ll instantly look suspicious and they won’t like it. Ever photographed a wedding?
@@GarethDanks I filmed a big wedding and it was a success .... That was a project! Thanks for your help... excellent video - love the focus on the building trick... Way back in the 60's I used to take shots at Brands hatch.. there you focus on the track and try to get to F1 as it flies through your focal point. TTFN .
Back button focus. What he essentially did by switching to manual was disable half shutter focus and he uses the AFL button on the back for focusing. Then he uses a 2 zone focus system so he never has to directly focus on his subject.
Nice, if you’ve got nothing good to say just move on. Just because you don’t understand doesn’t give you the right to sh*t others hard work. Gareth if you are reading this ignore this poisonous idiot. Great vlog and sound advice 👍🏻
This is why I enjoy your videos, straight to the point, practical, useful, fun, professional.
Oh and entertaining, cheers Gareth.
Hey cheers Gary. That means a lot mate. 😁
His street photography is truly stunning, I love it 👌👌🏆
Man that was cool. I knew about both back button focusing and f/8 wide angel depth of field. But the combination hack!!! Awesome.
If you’re not shooting in manual mode you might also want to change the function of the back button to AFL only rather than AFL+AEL. Otherwise you’ll also lock exposure when you point at the floor!
Ooo good point. Tho I don’t think it does do that. I’d have noticed exposure issues if so. Good point tho 👍🏻😁
A very great idea, and well presented. Thank you so much. And I'll try it out as soon as I take my Fujibaby for a walk again. 😊👌
I love snap focus on the Ricoh gr3 for this reason brilliant for street
Excellent tip! This is how I usually focus. I don't trust the AF on my Fuji X-T2, so I go manual focus with zone focusing. It works in almos any situation
Can’t wait to try this out, cheers!
Try it at home mate.
Thanks for the video and a great tip: brings new meaning to the phrase "shoulder check." 📸
Nice tip for quickly acquiring focusing distances. I've been using BBF on my Nikons for 3+ years, for all genres of photography. I didn't buy into it easily but I've never looked back since.
mind blown, great tip :) . THANKS
Great video Gareth. Thanks for the hack. Will be using this from now on.
Glad it was helpful!
I am amazed how simple and revealing for me it is. Thank you!
My pleasure. Glad you found it helpful 👍🏻
Now I understand how you get your shots so quickly. This is going to help me so much, thanks.
Great way to setup your camera, Gareth! Thank you.
Thanks for watching Tom 😁
Cool idea, thanks! I liked the escalator shot.
Great tip, will try this method for sure.
Please do!
Thanks for the fantastic tips on focusing; going to try it tomorrow
Thanks mate. Have fun
Hi Gareth, nice photo's, good tip. I am a Fujifilm shooter since 2014 but 6 month ago, after much hesitation between the X100V and the Ricoh GR III, I decided for the Ricoh GRIII. Mainly because of the IBIS and really pocketable size. But after seeing this I am still doubting if I made the right choice. On the Ricoh you can set the camera to a fix focusdistance (1,5m 2m 2,5m 5m or infinity). Not sure if back button focus is possible. But sometimes I really miss the flippy screen, the little built-in flash and sometimes 28mm is too wide. Maybe trading it in for a X100V (digital stabilisation for a MK II would indeed be handy) is an option. Difficult decision.
The lack of evf is a deal breaker for me tho I would love one as a daily carry for sure.
Great stuff Gareth, I can see the logic of this. Many thanks for the hot tip 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Super tips thank you very much.👍
Yup!
Me 3 weeks after getting XE4 "I can be in manual focus mode and still back button auto focus? WHAT????"
Love these little cameras for street.
Great tip Gareth, will have to give it a go.
Go for it!
That was useful. I still prefer a real distance scale on the lens, or pre-set distances like the GR or XF10, but this is a nice quick way to work with AF lenses with no distance scales.
Certainly much better than having to look at an on-screen distance scale.
Thanks for this very interesting and informative video Gareth,wonderful images here as aways !
Thanks Raymond mate. Kind of you 👍🏻
You amaze me! Great instruction and photos.
Thank you so much! kind of you jon
London is a perfect city to take pics 👌🏻
Can't wait to watch your next video 😀
Thank you so much
Informative and engaging! Cheers.
Awesome tip!
Been using this with my fuji cameras. great tip for street photography. In my ricoh they have snap focus as the same usage. Great video mate, 2 thumbs up.
Yeah I need to try that. I know the x100 does focus limiting too which is meant to be the same
Just tried that "hack" on my Lumix GM1 and the 20mm pancake, nice tip thanks. One question, in your video there, were you shooting in M or A mode?
Really enjoy this type of videos you do.
Thanks mate. That’s great to hear.
Great advice. That Fujifilm X100v looks super cool.
Haha yeah they’re gorgeous. Powerful too
Very useful! Many thanks!
You're welcome! thanks for the comment mate
That's exactly what I like doing, quite often I'll flick my camera outwards and focus to the floor or infinity depending on what I want and then I'm set and I'll take some burst shots when someone walks into the frame but I'll also then briefly focus on the subject and take an extra few shots just as a bit of insurance.......I know lots of people don't like to but I nearly always spot metre, I know it can trip people up but I'm used to doing it now and with that spot metering I'll dip the camera into a darkish area to the point where I am happy with the exposure (obviously with an eye on the histogram) and then I'll hold that on the shutter button. I'm not very good at explaining, better at showing someone how I do it 😊😊
cheers david! enjoyed some of your shots recently mate well done!
@@GarethDanks thanks Gareth, appreciate that 😊🙏👍
Anything to speed up shooting on the street, I am all for. Thanks.
always gives me a proper laugh - great video mr. danks!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. 📷🇧🇷
My pleasure!
Thanks man!
I’ll give it a go. Wish I knew this when I was in London earlier this year. 😂
It works anywhere. Not just London 😂👍🏻
Hi 😊 in one of your videos you had a GoPro attached to your camera while you where shooting. May I ask why? I thought you were getting to some b-roll but you never detached the GoPro which could make a really dizzy b-roll video.
Great video agian! I like your enthusiasm
Looking forward to see how good this works for my 'slow' xt2 with the old fuji 23mm 1.4.
I often think my setup is to slow for a more hunting style street photography.
Haha thanks mate. Good point. Even a 100 year old film camera can be set up to shoot faster than a modern beast. Xt2 is the best camera for street unless you need af. Best screen and not precious. I use the 23 still for events. Mines fab. 😁
Great informative video Gareth. I’ve been using the back button focus for a while now but this takes it to the next stage. Glad to see you back in the smoke - look forward to the results!
Great video Gareth, can you get the x100v touch screen to work with a screen protector on ? 🤔
You can mate. I have one on mine
@@GarethDanks thanks Gareth , mine must be faulty then … nothing even checking settings multiple times … which protector have you fitted ?
Cheapy Amazon mate. I don’t get why that’s happening mate. Have you checked to see if the touch screen settings are on?
Nice one mate, good to see you back making videos!
Hey man. How’s things? Cheers for watching mate.
@@GarethDanks Yeah not bad, just back from a street photo trip to Bangkok. Hope you're well!
Bloody ell mate wow. How awesome! Bet you got some bangers
I like these lasers realy a lot 😊
Useful thanks.
You're welcome
Been using something similar to that hack on the GRIII for about 2yrs definitely works, though that’s using snap focus, it simplifies the experience I just flick between 2 custom modes 2M snap focus at 5.6 and 5m at f5.6. I usually set shutter at 1/400 auto iso maxing at 3200
I’m desperate to try a GR camera. I just wish they had an evf. Love the new focal length too. Fantastic cameras
@@GarethDanks get a gx200 ;) it's old but has am evf
A genuinely useful hack mate :-)
ah cheers mate! youll be an expert when you come out to play next haha
@@GarethDanks lol, an expert at what though? :-)
Really enjoyed that, nice shot of girl on the escalator
Thanks mate. I wasn’t there long so I was lucky to even get a half decent shot. 😁
@@GarethDanks shooting in London is such fun nothing quite like it
Confused. Once you've set at infinity (for example) with the BBF, whilst walking do you need to keep the BBF focus button pressed in?
No mate. Cus if you did that it’d keep focusing. 😁👍🏻
I'm a Canon user - if I changed to Manual Focus this just wouldn't work. Would I be leaving as Auto focus, using Back Button Focus to set the focus on 2m or infinity - then just shutter button to take when ready?
?
super..wishes from Lithuania :)
Thanks and back at you from wales 🏴😁
at 1:08 I do like that her dress matches the building windows in the background. Black squares.
Is that what they do with a Leica? Line up the aperture reading to infinity and read the scale. Usually between about 2 metres and infinity with a 28mm lens.
Exactly mate. And they have the focal shift lever under the lens too so they can shift with muscle memory easily 😁
Hi Gareth. My infinity focus is fine when I do this, however when I try to aim it at 2 metres I lose all focus then and have to manual focus back to infinity. Any ideas what I could be doing wrong?? 🤔🤔
Great video. Has anyone ever said you sound a bit like Ricky Gervais?
hahahahaha.. yeah actually one of my customers does! especially when i get into silly mode! lol
Would like to doa photography workshop on street photography in Edinburgh one day the only thing I is I will need a faster camera than my xt1 or my xe2.... Is it even possible to do street photography with older Fujifim bodies? How about the Fujifilm f2 lenses like the 23mm and 35mm f2?
Yes you can use older Fuji bodies. You can use any body. Good lord, HCB was using film bodies 70 years ago.
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
Did you have a Red Bull before filming this? Love your work mate.
Haha. No I wish I had just after it tho. I was rushed to do it before I met the guys.
@@GarethDanks Great video mate.
Yep, you lost me halfway through Mr.Danks. My neither of my Canons would give me all the settings you reeled off anyway ! But it was fun watching and I admire your work every time. Hope you might go into photoing architecture in different lights one day.....but perhaps its a subject not of sufficient a challenge for you !
Hmmm what cameras do you have?
@@GarethDanks Powershot SX60 & Powershot SX740 . We had a Canon T90 with a 300 Telephoto lens but I have a shoulder injury which is made more painful when holding a heavy object. Also wanted digital, something to put in my pocket (hence the SX740) . However - I don't have as much fun with either somehow .....partly because I watch your videos and know I can't try out what you show us !!!
PS. We have busy working lives so don't expect to be able to crack all the complications to reach your standards.
Easy fix mate. Use the mf button on the back to switch from af to mf. Basically the same thing mate.
@@GarethDanks Blimey, I'm in awe.....I had no idea. Please do more vids for uneducated like me. Thanks very much indeed.
I think the escalator shot was really good, especially in black and white. I think using zone focusing is a great tool for street photography. The trick is getting a good composition! But, getting good at zone focusing can take that one thing to think about away and let you focus more on the composition. I've played with zone focus using a vintage lens that has the distance markings. It's kind of fun. We're very lucky to be able to learn these techniques today on a digital device instead of blowing through rolls of expensive film! Have a great week!
Good stuff. You shooting raw and do you often need to manipulate post shoot.
Always raw mate. Sometimes plus jpg to do an editing comparison. I never do much editing tho. 👍🏻
@@GarethDanks Thanks.... Could never got good reaction when photographing strangers in the street - I must look shifty!
What kind of reaction do you get then? Act like your doing it for a reason/ paid project. If you act nervous you’ll instantly look suspicious and they won’t like it. Ever photographed a wedding?
@@GarethDanks I filmed a big wedding and it was a success .... That was a project!
Thanks for your help... excellent video - love the focus on the building trick... Way back in the 60's I used to take shots at Brands hatch.. there you focus on the track and try to get to F1 as it flies through your focal point.
TTFN .
Another shit picture, but I know it’s gonna be sharp. Love your videos Gareth!
I also have the X100V, infinity and F4 works great. 2M doesn’t work that great
For sure. Def gonna keep it up my sleeve. 😁
How are you focusing if you changed it to manual focus?
Back button focus. What he essentially did by switching to manual was disable half shutter focus and he uses the AFL button on the back for focusing.
Then he uses a 2 zone focus system so he never has to directly focus on his subject.
@@NeonShores I just assumed when MF is on, that's it. There is no focusing unless it's with the ring.
Back button focusing is not manual focusing
Just found your channel. Love your content but as a non native English speaker I’m having a hard time to quite understand what you’re saying.
Why ruin the photos with bw?
Serious question?
This is really unfocused and garbled. Do you really run street photography workshops? I'm amazed!
Sorry don’t agree
Have you watched many of his other videos,very knowledgeable and helpful
Nice, if you’ve got nothing good to say just move on. Just because you don’t understand doesn’t give you the right to sh*t others hard work. Gareth if you are reading this ignore this poisonous idiot. Great vlog and sound advice 👍🏻
Oh flip off shes not the one i was about to give you the like for spoting her tho and you dint
Haha. Which one? You on about the girl before I showed the lady in the chq dress??
Yep 🤪 great video as always
I got that shot too but she wasn’t pulling the best face in them haha
Do that with a lens at 1.2 - 1.4 😂 bro go get a real camera, and start doing some proper shots, just use a smartphone if you wanna shoot at infinity 😂
loved your video