> Date: Sat, 06 Aug 2005 07:05:57 -0400 > From: Tom Reese <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net > Subject: Re: First attempt with auto focus > > Shel Belinkoff wrote: > > > Of course, using it that way means there's no need for an auto focus body. > > IAC, the whole point of this little experiment is not to revert to using > > the camera and lens manually, but to use auto focus and learn it's benefits > > and limitations. > > IMO, the benefits of auto focus come into play when shooting candids and > you have to work quickly. I don't much like it otherwise. It too often > focuses on the wrong damned thing. > > Tom Reese >
I found it working much better and much more reliably (at least for me) in a spot focus mode (as opposed to the frame focus). At least 1/3 -1/2 of all photos I've done with that camera were candids, and I don't complain much.. I suspect, - it depends on what you are used to. Shel, have you been using your with a spot focus ? If not, - try it again. Although you seem to have formed your opinion, you might find it working better anyway. > Date: Sat, 6 Aug 2005 22:48:07 +1200 > From: David Mann <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net > Subject: Re: First attempt with auto focus > > On Aug 6, 2005, at 4:37 PM, Shel Belinkoff wrote: > > > Flash!?! For a moment let's forget about all else associated with > > flash, > > wouldn't using it slow things down as the camera computes how much > > flash is > > needed, and goes through all the mechanical and electronic stuff it > > has to > > go through before firing? > > Some flash systems do a pre-fire for metering purposes, but many > (most?) will meter during the exposure and will cut off the flash > when enough light has been received so there will be no slowdown. It > works basically the same way as the LX's OTF metering, only it takes > about 1/10,000th of a second. > > Before TTL flash metering became popular, many flashes came with > their own built-in light sensors so you could either set the power > level manually or just flip it into "auto". Some bodies (eg Z-1p) > can do some very tricky things with flash. I'm not sure what the > MZ-5n is capable of but I'm sure you'll arrive at the relevant > chapter of the user manual eventually :) > > I bought some new AA batteries for my flash today, but I'm not sure > if I'll ever use them in it... > > Cheers, > > - Dave > MZ-5n(ZX-5n) is capable of TTL flash (and works fine with it, at least better than *ist DS does) with the TTL-capable flash (I've used it with AF 500 FTZ). AF 500 FTZ and some other external flashes has a built-in red spot focus assist light that the camera uses for focusing in low-light situations. BTW, when I am talking about low light, - I am talking about really night time, dark concert venues, etc. Igor
