anamorphic focusing at DVinfo.net

Marco Leavitt · September 17th, 2003, 10:14 AM

Can anyone tell me if an anamorphic adapter completely disables the auto-focus function on mini-DV cams, or does it just make the auto-focus slow and tempermental?

Jeff Donald · September 18th, 2003, 05:12 AM

Depending on light levels, contrast and other factors, the adapter my confuse the AF mechanism. This may result in slower times for the focus to lock on the subject or even inaccurate focus. To insure focus accuracy the camera operator may want to disable the AF mechanism.

Marco Leavitt · September 18th, 2003, 08:04 AM

Thanks, that's what I was wondering. I don't understand how people focus manually, since I don't know of any company that makes an LCD screen with a high enough resolution, even the expensive ones. I was hoping I could get away with flooding the subject with light and letting the autofocus lock on, then putting it in manual so it won't shift on me. Sounds like that would work.

Mike Rehmus · September 18th, 2003, 09:03 AM

When in doubt, test.

Use a reasonably large monitor attached to your camera for focusing if you don't have a high-res viewfinder.

September 17th, 2003, 10:14 AM	#1
Marco Leavitt Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Albany, NY 12210 Posts: 2,652	anamorphic focusing Can anyone tell me if an anamorphic adapter completely disables the auto-focus function on mini-DV cams, or does it just make the auto-focus slow and tempermental?

September 18th, 2003, 05:12 AM	#2
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	Depending on light levels, contrast and other factors, the adapter my confuse the AF mechanism. This may result in slower times for the focus to lock on the subject or even inaccurate focus. To insure focus accuracy the camera operator may want to disable the AF mechanism. __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

September 18th, 2003, 09:03 AM	#4
Mike Rehmus Wrangler Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vallejo, California Posts: 4,049	When in doubt, test. Use a reasonably large monitor attached to your camera for focusing if you don't have a high-res viewfinder. __________________ Mike Rehmus Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!

September 18th, 2003, 08:04 AM	#3
Marco Leavitt Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Albany, NY 12210 Posts: 2,652	Thanks, that's what I was wondering. I don't understand how people focus manually, since I don't know of any company that makes an LCD screen with a high enough resolution, even the expensive ones. I was hoping I could get away with flooding the subject with light and letting the autofocus lock on, then putting it in manual so it won't shift on me. Sounds like that would work.