AF-L (instant AF) in Manual focus mode

[Paul2660]

I have a question for other X-Pro2 users, who might need have a similar need.  

 

In m work, I will often use the X cameras X-T1 or X-Pro2 for a series of vertical frames, that I will stitch into a single landscape oriented image, to gain resolution.  Or just to create a panorama.  

 

While shooting in this mode, I prefer to have AF set to Manual, as many times during a shooting pass, the AF will possibly hit an area where it can't register and thus throw the series out of focus.  With the X-T1, my technique has always been to find a spot in the distance, and hit the AF-L button, which in turn uses instant AF to hit a spot and lock the focus.  Then I will shoot across the scene.  This issue is because often while panning, I have sky or a dark area where the AF will not register.  

 

I have tried this with the X-Pro2, and am consistently finding that the images are just slightly out of focus, or just not the best focus possible. 

 

My test for this:

 

On a tripod, find a subject and hit it with AF (in S mode), then turn the selector dial to M.  This move the image out of focus considerably, by just switching from S to M.  Then I hit AF-L and shoot a 2nd frame.  Each time the image taken with straight AF in S mode is sharper.  This is not the case with the X-T1, as the images always appear to be the same in sharpness.  

 

For now, I am shooting the pano/stitching series, in S with AF on, and just moving the AF point to a spot on the subject I know I can get a AF hit on, as the joystick makes this a lot easier in the field, but would still prefer to use the camera in M mode and AF-L.  

 

If anyone else could test their X-Pro2 like this I would appreciate it, as per Fuji Tech support, the AF-L button in M mode should operate as it does on the X-T1, and I am not seeing that. 

 

Lenses I have used for comparison:  16-55, 18-55 and 50-140, all seem to have the issue with the X-Pro2.  

 

Thanks

Paul Caldwell 

 

[ggsa]

I have never noticed the focus to change by any degree when switching from AF-S to M

[Paul2660]

On my X-Pro2, if you focus out on a subject in S mode via AF and get a lock, then switch to M mode, you will visibly see the focus change, very clearly.  Fuji Support confirmed this as correct since when you switch modes, the motor is re-syncd.  However in M mode when you hit AF-L, you are using "instant focus" and this should focus as sharply as when in S mode, and using standard AF, which in my case is not happening. 

 

Paul C