I only use the macro shooting mode when I am actually shooting macro shots with my EX1R. When in macro mode, my camera still focuses all the way out to infinity. I understand that back focus isn't reliable when in macro mode. Are there any other reasons to not leave the macro mode on all the time?

I haven't found any reason not to leave macro switched on, and haven't noticed any backfocus unreliability with macro. Bear in mind that selecting macro has no effect with full MF (ring pulled back) and the minimum focussing distance at full zoom is still 1.5 metres. As you zoom out it gets closer until at about 46% you can focus on a plane in line with the front of the lens hood.

I did notice a softer image on distant shots when left in the macro mode. Maybe it was my focus that wasn't spot on. I now make sure that macro is turned off for normal shooting.

I've heard that using Macro mode throws out your backfocus. Any truth to this?

I don't know how to explan in the words, but I try to make a chart to explan what I feel:

Marco Off Focus: --Out--------------Near--------------(spot on)--------------Near--------------Out--
Marco On Focus: --Out-------------------------Near---(spot on)---Near-------------------------Out--


I hope Sony can put "Marco On" assign to right hand side button on next firmware update because my left hand is busy when shoting.

There wouldn't seem to be any logic to Macro affecting backfocus. It is just a switch so it isn't mechanically moving lens elements. The focus is adjusted by servo motors with absolute position references according to a look-up table and the zoom position (which is calibrated by the Auto FB procedure) so I assume that the macro switch just enables an extra near-focus section of the table.

You are absolutely right Nick. I just ran a couple of test shots and the Macro seting has no effect on Backfocus or infinity shooting.

Must go for another eye check up soon.