When a photographer says “you should be able to manually focus” they often saying you should be able to focus in every way so that you never miss the detail you wanted to click because life might never give you the same opportunity. Great tip!
I’m really not sure why there isn’t anything else out there that I could find quite as practical as this video but I’m thanking my lucky stars that I came across this video. It answered a bunch of questions that I was frankly just a little confused about for my GFX
Super helpful video! Coming from Canon, I am still struggling with my “workflow” for shooting pics on my new X-T3. This really helped me with some ideas to get going! Thanks!!!
Manual mode focus with back button is truly the best of both worlds. I strongly encourage everyone to give back-button focusing a serious try. I switched last year and feel no need to return to the old half-press technique. I keep my X-T20 in M >95% of the time, the main exception being when I need to follow fast-moving subjects in C.
Great comment thanks! Just like you I live in the BBF world. However, I've gone back to shutter focus when I use my tiny 27mm for street. One hand shooting is easier. Cheers.
Is there a way to leave the punch-in zoom at that zoom level, between shots? I want to zoom in and focus AND then take multiple shots with it still zoomed in, using my manual macro lens. I'm thinking of buying a XT-4 or a X-H1. Thank you!
In manual mode pressing the AFL button will focus for you, your basically turning your camera into back button focusing. Also, in AF+MF mode you can still use focus peaking for the manual part of focus.
you also forgot to mention the focus indicator can have a white highlight around it, this gives you your d.o.f. for the aperture you are using, handy tip.
Been using my Fuji for 3 weeks and only now understood what A+M and "Aperture " means lol That is going to be incredibly useful, especially because I end up blurring most of my shots when using full manual...
I like the sound it makes when you switch the focusing lever to M. My Fuji doesn't do that :) I mainly use AF + MF but want to try MF and using the button to AF. Thanks for the helpful videos Omar
That's with a dedicated auto-focusing Fujinon lens communicating with the camera-body; but now how with the Rokinon manual lens without any communication with the camera-body? Quite a difference right?
I think if you do some tests that you will find focus peak highlights at low will be more accurate than high - it seems more finely attuned - high is kinda general and often I find what you thought showed in focus was just off but using low it seems more exact...
Thanks, good to know. I've been always using high on X-H1, but did find sometimes it falsely claimed some peripheral areas were also in focus, but in actuality were not
Hey, try assigning the af-l button to the af-on function.... Or the other way around? You understand, right? This way you can back-button-focus while in MF mode.
I use the focus switch all the time in my x-t20, but now that I'm really interested in the new x-s10, I'm not sure if I can switch from manual to auto focus as fast as previous models that have this front switch. Any ideia how to do this the fastest on the x-s10?
Hi man, great explanation. Very useful. I have a question for you : perhaps I’ve activate some settings without be aware, but when I go to manual focus and I turn my focus on the lens, the image on the touchscreen jump to show me...the back of the camera...so..I don’t see anymore what my lens is pointing to, but an image that looks as a mirror image...to my....back !! Do you know why !?! I’m not able to understand which kind of option I activate , and I don’t even know, what is for this function. Can you help me ? thx
Will manual focus assist like preview and peaking still work with lenses like the mitakon 35mm f0.5? I'm guessing mostly no, since you'll have to probably shoot with no lens mode and the camera will not be able to talk to the lens?🙏🏽
Hi Omar.. nice video. I found it very interesting to use 16 mm f1.4 for manual focus due to its focus clutch. I use that often for my video work. Which lens do you suggest is best for manual focus for Fuji xt4?
Hello! I am so used to "Magic Lantern focus peaking" type that... when I got the X-H1... I did not see exactly where the focus plane is. The peaking on Fuji sometimes looks more like a contour/ shape. Any suggestions? I am talking for filming... not taking pictures. :)
I tried the M + AFL method with my X-T2 and the kit lens and it was great. But when I switched to the 23mm 1.4 it doesn’t auto focus unless you push forward the focus ring, which defeats the purpose. Will have to keep trying modes.
Hi Omar, Love your vid. Can you explain your Release / Focus Priority option. For AF-S and AF-c, which priority should i choose Focus or Release. I wanna do BBF on Fuji on M mode. And what is different between AF-ON and AF-Lock
People need to start using the autofocus lock button. It's the best option for locking that focus before firing off a frame. You can use autofocus lock button, by setting up in the menu and then also, recompose your shot or picture. By using this method, you describe you do run the risk of accidentally shooting a frame and if your set to burst or continuous burst, you will lose lots of frames. I never use the screen to shoot, and so this method works for me. I shoot people and prefer the view finder method of shooting.
Hi Omar, I have been using x-t20 for a while now, but from time to time the focus will be shifted even I though it was bang on and looked like that way on the camera screen. Have you even experienced this?
Hey Omar. Hey there, I experienced this quirk on my XT20 (now with my XT4). If you set your camera to AF-S, does your camera just treat this as AF-C? I know technically AF-S is just M in video mode, I just find it strange the lens hunts in this mode.
Is It possible for you to make a video about how to use old lens in the xt20?. I have 3 old Pentax lenses and bought an adapter to use them in my xt20. Thanks, Omar, for all your videos they have been very helpful for me.
I've tried using manual focus on my xt20 and on my recently acquired xpro 2. I don't see advantage vs single automatic for street photo or urban landscape photography. What am I missing. By the way, I find the touchscreen on the Xt20 useless.
I sometimes find it difficult to see the focus highlights. If you shoot RAW and JPG put it on film simulation Acros and the colored focus highlights will be better visual to nail focus
Which AF options and modes are best suited for portrait photography with relatively open apertures (e.g. F1.4 or 1.8 on the 56mm lnes) and shallow depth of field? I found that with AF-S (single point or zone, face and eye recognition) I get quite a few misses and my photos are not as sharp as they should be. Any recommendations which combination of methods yields the best results?
Be conscious of lens to subject distance first. If you're too close, it may appear as if you're missing focus since the depth of field may be too shallow. Single focus FACE recognition for portraits has been working for me with the 56mm... eye, not so much.
I tend to put the camera in manual focus mode, AFL for auto focus first, and the fine tune by manual and focus peaking when I shooting at F1.2. It take a bit time, but you'll get the focus on the eye.
Hey Omar, as always your videos are helpful and funny! I'm wondering if you have some video about shutter options (mechanical, electronic, m+e). Greetings from Colombia.
vkh2k6 do you mean to say while holding back button it continue to focus on subject? What's the settings? Do you have to disable half press focus on shutter button?
Sorry that was an unclear answer. When I said “it does not work” I meant manual focus override does not work. But yes. Back button focus works in C mode. You can disable the shutter focus if you like and use BBF. Hope that makes sense. 😁😁
Yes I have my AE-L set to back button focus, disabled the half press focus on the shutter button. I'm in continue focus, AF-C customers setting to option 1. AF mode set to wide/tracking. If I then hold my AE-L button it will continue to focus on a moving subject.
Great tips. I used to always leave my fuji camera on manual focus with back button focusing assigned to a secondary button. However, I recently started shooting some birds (with my camera! I feel I need to say that!) and I find I need the continuous focus mode set to wide/tracking. I’m just not fast enough to use single point.
OH MAR! I started using BBF. I have my AE-L button set to FOCUS ON and my AF-LOCK button to AF-LOCK. Can you explain to me the difference cause it looks like same to me when focusing using the back button. When should I use the AF ON and AF-LOCK? Thanks!
Hi Omar. This was interesting and useful. Have you become accustomed to using manual focus for video all the time? (I'm guess the answer is, "Duh.") Would love to know if you've discovered any tips or peculiarities related to manu focus when filming. Thanks for these videos - they are pleasant and inviting to watch.
Ponskippa totally nothing wrong with focus and recompose!! I do it too. Just be careful with wide open apertures as your focus plane shifts because of the lens curvature.
Great tips! I use a lot of Samyang and Rokinon lenses. They are all totally manual. For my fuji lenses I have it set up like you : back-button focus is awesome!
Hey Omar, love the video thanks! I just have a little problem with the back wheel, i set the ISO to it and when i press it in MF i cant' choose between the options like you at 5:33. What I have to do so? Thanks!
Another great video Omar - thanks so much. I’ve really enjoyed your videos and they’ve made getting to grips with my X-T20 so much easier. You had already converted me to manual + back button focus and this just reinforces my choice! I love the fact that with the latest firmware you can move the focus area using the touch screen while you are looking through the viewfinder too. BTW you can set the d-pad controls to move the focus area in the “Button/Dial Setting” menu but it’s an either/or choice with assigning functions to the 4 buttons.
When a photographer says “you should be able to manually focus” they often saying you should be able to focus in every way so that you never miss the detail you wanted to click because life might never give you the same opportunity. Great tip!
Manual focus w peaking allows for smooth/fun spot metering mode.
Spot, AE lock (hold), recompose, focus (twist) and shoot!
Another great tip if you have trouble seeing the focus peaking is to use Acros and RAW. That way the red lines really pop.
I’m new to the XT5. Not sure what you mean with your comment here. Could you explain a little further?
I’m really not sure why there isn’t anything else out there that I could find quite as practical as this video but I’m thanking my lucky stars that I came across this video. It answered a bunch of questions that I was frankly just a little confused about for my GFX
Great tips. But I've got an issue. On my fuji xt3 the manual focus distance bar does not appear and I cannot find it on the settings. How can I do?
You can still focus peak in Single Mode😊
I’m almost always on M focus on my x-e2. I focus with the back button.
Most intuitive and fastest way to do it indeed.
Me to 👍
thank you!!! that is one of the most useful tips I have seen so far for the Fuji XT cameras.....
Super helpful video! Coming from Canon, I am still struggling with my “workflow” for shooting pics on my new X-T3. This really helped me with some ideas to get going! Thanks!!!
hello omar, can you explain to us how to use the dynamic range on xt20
Paul Stewart that gets my vote too. I feel it will improve my shots in some conditions but I don’t know how to use it to the best advantage.
This guy has a great explanation for this about halfway through his terrific Fuji video: ruclips.net/video/rHvCkRTK4_g/видео.html
Good question - thanks
@@LyndonPatrickSmith thank you
Manual mode focus with back button is truly the best of both worlds. I strongly encourage everyone to give back-button focusing a serious try. I switched last year and feel no need to return to the old half-press technique. I keep my X-T20 in M >95% of the time, the main exception being when I need to follow fast-moving subjects in C.
Great comment thanks! Just like you I live in the BBF world. However, I've gone back to shutter focus when I use my tiny 27mm for street. One hand shooting is easier. Cheers.
5:13 tbh my fav feature of my xt2 is the noise it makes when i switch to manual mode
Is there a way to leave the punch-in zoom at that zoom level, between shots? I want to zoom in and focus AND then take multiple shots with it still zoomed in, using my manual macro lens.
I'm thinking of buying a XT-4 or a X-H1.
Thank you!
In manual mode pressing the AFL button will focus for you, your basically turning your camera into back button focusing. Also, in AF+MF mode you can still use focus peaking for the manual part of focus.
you also forgot to mention the focus indicator can have a white highlight around it, this gives you your d.o.f. for the aperture you are using, handy tip.
Focus peaking works in AF+MF mode at least on the xpro2 with 23mm f1.4
Been using my Fuji for 3 weeks and only now understood what A+M and "Aperture " means lol That is going to be incredibly useful, especially because I end up blurring most of my shots when using full manual...
I do the same on my x100s- manual focus/peaking + back button. Awesome video, thank you
Could you please do a video about hoods when to use and when not to?
Orange Kayak Sounds good!
very helpful. Thank you, buit please get a sturdier tripod, Im sea sick!
Hey Omar new to the Fuji system. Can you use that button to manually focus when doing interval shooting?
How do I get the focus area guide (the numbers and line below the histogram) thank you
I just put the Mitakon 35mm f.095 on my XT30. Why won’t the shutter fire? Focus point selector is on M.
Just got a fuji xt2 ..looking to use it in manual mode
Used this since I first saw your setup video. Really handy especially when I shoot mostly with vintage lenses. Many thanks
I like the sound it makes when you switch the focusing lever to M. My Fuji doesn't do that :) I mainly use AF + MF but want to try MF and using the button to AF. Thanks for the helpful videos Omar
Great hybrid option. I'm gonna try this. Thanks Omar!
That's with a dedicated auto-focusing Fujinon lens communicating with the camera-body; but now how with the Rokinon manual lens without any communication with the camera-body?
Quite a difference right?
Hola amigo. Excelente los vídeos. Puedes enviarme el link de esos muñecos que usas en los vídeos y de que tamaño son? Saludos desde Venezuela
Thanks so much for this! Super helpful!
Hey omar 🖐
Do you know how to remove the square in center?
I think if you do some tests that you will find focus peak highlights at low will be more accurate than high - it seems more finely attuned - high is kinda general and often I find what you thought showed in focus was just off but using low it seems more exact...
Thanks, good to know. I've been always using high on X-H1, but did find sometimes it falsely claimed some peripheral areas were also in focus, but in actuality were not
Ooooooo. Good to know. I’ll check it out thanks!
MrKikoboy I absolutely agree. I’ve gotten less accurate focus using high.
Thanks for that tip, sometimes I could not really understand why it was somewhat out of focus, I will definitely try out the other option.
Totally true, always use yellow low
Hey, try assigning the af-l button to the af-on function.... Or the other way around? You understand, right? This way you can back-button-focus while in MF mode.
Nvm, you explained it at the end.... I needed to watch the whole movie first I guess
I use the focus switch all the time in my x-t20, but now that I'm really interested in the new x-s10, I'm not sure if I can switch from manual to auto focus as fast as previous models that have this front switch. Any ideia how to do this the fastest on the x-s10?
Hi man, great explanation. Very useful. I have a question for you : perhaps I’ve activate some settings without be aware, but when I go to manual focus and I turn my focus on the lens, the image on the touchscreen jump to show me...the back of the camera...so..I don’t see anymore what my lens is pointing to, but an image that looks as a mirror image...to my....back !! Do you know why !?! I’m not able to understand which kind of option I activate , and I don’t even know, what is for this function. Can you help me ? thx
Will manual focus assist like preview and peaking still work with lenses like the mitakon 35mm f0.5? I'm guessing mostly no, since you'll have to probably shoot with no lens mode and the camera will not be able to talk to the lens?🙏🏽
Great fun learning with you!
Didn't know the Fuji had such a cool manual focus system. Definitely going to try it out
Hi Omar.. nice video. I found it very interesting to use 16 mm f1.4 for manual focus due to its focus clutch. I use that often for my video work. Which lens do you suggest is best for manual focus for Fuji xt4?
Back-button autofocus and focus peaking in manual is BRILLIANT!
Hi Omar, thank you for the video. Is this applies to the latest x100v as well?
Hello! I am so used to "Magic Lantern focus peaking" type that... when I got the X-H1... I did not see exactly where the focus plane is. The peaking on Fuji sometimes looks more like a contour/ shape. Any suggestions? I am talking for filming... not taking pictures. :)
Hi. Would just like to ask if fujifilm x-t20 is also has a good quality for timelapses or video for vlogging. Hoping for everyone responses. Thanks
I tried the M + AFL method with my X-T2 and the kit lens and it was great. But when I switched to the 23mm 1.4 it doesn’t auto focus unless you push forward the focus ring, which defeats the purpose. Will have to keep trying modes.
Very helpful. It clarified few things I did not understand on my XT20.
Hi Omar, Love your vid. Can you explain your Release / Focus Priority option. For AF-S and AF-c, which priority should i choose Focus or Release. I wanna do BBF on Fuji on M mode.
And what is different between AF-ON and AF-Lock
People need to start using the autofocus lock button. It's the best option for locking that focus before firing off a frame. You can use autofocus lock button, by setting up in the menu and then also, recompose your shot or picture. By using this method, you describe you do run the risk of accidentally shooting a frame and if your set to burst or continuous burst, you will lose lots of frames. I never use the screen to shoot, and so this method works for me. I shoot people and prefer the view finder method of shooting.
Thanks a lot - this was very useful info and will no doubt try the M mode.
Hi Omar, I have been using x-t20 for a while now, but from time to time the focus will be shifted even I though it was bang on and looked like that way on the camera screen. Have you even experienced this?
what is that green center line you have, and how do you turn that on? Thanks for the video also, very useful!
Hello, does the touch work on a total manual lenses like 7artisans with no communication to the body?
Hey Omar. Hey there, I experienced this quirk on my XT20 (now with my XT4). If you set your camera to AF-S, does your camera just treat this as AF-C? I know technically AF-S is just M in video mode, I just find it strange the lens hunts in this mode.
Hi omer what r using to record RUclips videos thanks ?
Thanks Omar! I haven't quite decided what I like best yet, so switch between S and M. However, I do find the focus peaking pretty useful!
Whatever works best for you (AND the situation..) . and your mood. ;)
Is It possible for you to make a video about how to use old lens in the xt20?. I have 3 old Pentax lenses and bought an adapter to use them in my xt20. Thanks, Omar, for all your videos they have been very helpful for me.
I've tried using manual focus on my xt20 and on my recently acquired xpro 2. I don't see advantage vs single automatic for street photo or urban landscape photography. What am I missing. By the way, I find the touchscreen on the Xt20 useless.
Hi Omar, there's a new firmware update for the X-T20, regarding live view flickering screen.
I'll check it out, thanks!
I sometimes find it difficult to see the focus highlights. If you shoot RAW and JPG put it on film simulation Acros and the colored focus highlights will be better visual to nail focus
Very informative, thank you! Could you also make a video about the AF-L and the AE-L buttons? That would be fine. I am an X-E2 and x70 user...
How do you do that zoom in preview? What button do you push? I've been trying to figure that one out.
scroll wheel at the back
Which AF options and modes are best suited for portrait photography with relatively open apertures (e.g. F1.4 or 1.8 on the 56mm lnes) and shallow depth of field? I found that with AF-S (single point or zone, face and eye recognition) I get quite a few misses and my photos are not as sharp as they should be. Any recommendations which combination of methods yields the best results?
Be conscious of lens to subject distance first. If you're too close, it may appear as if you're missing focus since the depth of field may be too shallow. Single focus FACE recognition for portraits has been working for me with the 56mm... eye, not so much.
I tend to put the camera in manual focus mode, AFL for auto focus first, and the fine tune by manual and focus peaking when I shooting at F1.2. It take a bit time, but you'll get the focus on the eye.
Very helpful and fun, thank you
I like zoom focus check but not the peaking... I can't judge colour with that stuff everywhere.
Damn dude I just got that fuji xt20 after watchin' you for WEEKS (that decided me to buy it btw) and I'm still learnin' tips from your videos !
Is in M mode [touch AF] works with 23mm 1.4 and 16mm 1.4?
Hey Omar, as always your videos are helpful and funny! I'm wondering if you have some video about shutter options (mechanical, electronic, m+e). Greetings from Colombia.
that was very helpful.. I love this camera..
Hi Omar, can you try using Meike lenses especially the 35mm? I can't find useful tips and tricks vids like what you provide to us viewers. Thanks :)
I’m interested in this lens too. Especially interested with how it will compare with the Fuji 33mm f1.0 releasing in 2020.
Don't own it, but if I ever get my hands on one...for sure!
Puhleeeease. it's like 60ish usd.maybe if not one of the cheapest :)
Me too! Please Omar!
Hi! Will focus peaking work in video mode?
This is perfect for when your taking pictures of raindrops on the window. I use M on that.
Zynergy Games great tip!!!
Very cool trick! I like it!
Mine switched to single on the body while I was trying to do continuous and got an error
How do we do manual focus on X-E4?
Thanks for the review.
Hi Omar, is that AF-L only works in MF mode? Seems in AF mode, you have to set it to AF-ON to get it work?
Salam Omar. Your channels are interesting and full of information. Keep doing your good work!
How about back button focusing in continuous mode? Does it work?
Great question. It does not work in C mode.
I can use back button focus in continues mode on the X-T20. Am I misunderstanding the question? Omar says no!
vkh2k6 do you mean to say while holding back button it continue to focus on subject? What's the settings? Do you have to disable half press focus on shutter button?
Sorry that was an unclear answer. When I said “it does not work” I meant manual focus override does not work. But yes. Back button focus works in C mode. You can disable the shutter focus if you like and use BBF. Hope that makes sense. 😁😁
Yes I have my AE-L set to back button focus, disabled the half press focus on the shutter button. I'm in continue focus, AF-C customers setting to option 1. AF mode set to wide/tracking. If I then hold my AE-L button it will continue to focus on a moving subject.
Great tips. I used to always leave my fuji camera on manual focus with back button focusing assigned to a secondary button. However, I recently started shooting some birds (with my camera! I feel I need to say that!) and I find I need the continuous focus mode set to wide/tracking. I’m just not fast enough to use single point.
OH MAR! I started using BBF. I have my AE-L button set to FOCUS ON and my AF-LOCK button to AF-LOCK. Can you explain to me the difference cause it looks like same to me when focusing using the back button. When should I use the AF ON and AF-LOCK? Thanks!
Hi Omar. This was interesting and useful. Have you become accustomed to using manual focus for video all the time? (I'm guess the answer is, "Duh.") Would love to know if you've discovered any tips or peculiarities related to manu focus when filming. Thanks for these videos - they are pleasant and inviting to watch.
Excellent instructional vid, thanks!
Hope do I get the horizon line leveler to turn on?
Display custom settings.
Спасибо, видео помогло разобраться
Ugh im confused if you leave it to manual does autofocus with other button work as single focus or continuous ?
Depends on how you configure it in the menu.
Great video Omar! I'm taking the leap into trying to use more manual focusing on my XT-4 and this video was super helpful!! 🙏🏻
I think I’m the only noob that focuses then recomposes with the XT2. Given I don’t Pixel peep or do any commercial work xD
Ponskippa totally nothing wrong with focus and recompose!! I do it too. Just be careful with wide open apertures as your focus plane shifts because of the lens curvature.
same here!
Really loved this tutorial. So helpful! Thank you man!
I’m part of the AF-ON sect and leave to manuel focus
Is the option on the x-t100?
Does all xt series has that kind of manual focussing??
sua tuf Not the 16mm. It has hard stops.
Great tips! I use a lot of Samyang and Rokinon lenses. They are all totally manual. For my fuji lenses I have it set up like you : back-button focus is awesome!
Hey Omar, love the video thanks! I just have a little problem with the back wheel, i set the ISO to it and when i press it in MF i cant' choose between the options like you at 5:33. What I have to do so? Thanks!
Does focus means the mm of lens?
This is really helpful :D
f4 smaller aperture?
Where do you get the Super hero figures, love Captain 👌
Another great video Omar - thanks so much. I’ve really enjoyed your videos and they’ve made getting to grips with my X-T20 so much easier. You had already converted me to manual + back button focus and this just reinforces my choice! I love the fact that with the latest firmware you can move the focus area using the touch screen while you are looking through the viewfinder too. BTW you can set the d-pad controls to move the focus area in the “Button/Dial Setting” menu but it’s an either/or choice with assigning functions to the 4 buttons.
Very helpful, thank you.
how do you get that distance scale on yout screen?
Thomas Hill I believe it's somewhere in set up, screen setting, disp custom setting.
Hi, I like your tips and the way you bring it , nice and funny , well done