Thinking (very deeply) about purchasing the new H1A and have a question.

I'm used to setting the back focus before every shoot with my current rig. It looks to me like the 20x stock lens doesn't have a macro ring with flange back adjustment like normal broadcast lenses. I found the manual online and read that there is a default setting in the menu system for the stock lens (and you can store others).

Does this mean that one no longer has to worry about back focus with these units?

While I find this concept difficult to wrap my head around I'm hoping this is true!

So is it? Do you trust the camera's auto adjustment as opposed to manually doing it yourself with an HD monitor?

The Canon has an internal adjustment feature. You set the back focus through the menu system. I don't know where, how, or the specifics because I don't have my camera near me or the manual. But it is recommended that you adjust it with each lens. The good part is the camera "remembers" the adjustment and when you switch lenses it instantly changes the setting.

The Auto Flange-Back is completely trustworthy, and faster and better than manual FB in good light. In poor light or difficult light, use Manual FB instead of Auto.

So do you do it before every shoot or just set it and forget it?

Set it and forget it.

I can't seem to find it. thx

Dear Steve,

In my copy of the XL H1 manual, it is on Page 26: "Adjusting the Flange Back".

After a few months, my camera forgot the FB adjustment with my 6x wide angle lens, and I had to set it again... So far, it's remembered. I'd suggest to check it every so often (once a month?), especially if shooting in low light with the iris all the way open...

Very good point.

We set ours at the beginning of our feature shoot. As far as I know the camera guys didn't readjust it after that. But they may have. My AC is kinda crazy like that. LOL