Very disappointed...

[john.skewes@gmail.com]

I have been with Fujifilm since my X30, X-T2, X-T3 and now my X-T5 - which I love. Pretty much.

I am a manual focus, adapted lens guy. I use peak highlight focusing. The way this has always worked is when you half-press the shutter, you get an image preview. The EVF is cleared of information clutter, and peak highlights are hidden.
Not anymore.
Please - is there is a way to make the X-T5 behave normally? I contacted Fujifilm support and got nothing. "Not a bug."
Recent firmware did not correct the issues.
Anybody?
Thank you.

[BobJ]

I have just looked at my X-T2. Yes, the peak highlights are hidden in the T2,  when the first pressure is taken, as opposed to the T5. The viewfinder information is partially cleared in both cameras and appears to be the same to me. I don't know of a way to alter the behavior.

[john.skewes@gmail.com]

BobJ - thank you. Exactly right. My X-T3, like your T2, works correctly - I am hoping they (FF) monitor these forums and see fit to fix this for the T5 - it really hurts the camera's usability.

/John

[SGinNorcal]

You could set the fn2 button on the front of the camera up as an on/off button for focus peak highlight.  That button is placed to be easy to use when you are looking through the viewfinder.  I would think you would get used to it quickly.

[john.skewes@gmail.com]

SGinNorcal, thank you. You had me hopeful for a moment. 

I've used the fn2 button for years as Focus check. There doesn't seem to be a programable setting for focus peak on/off. 
You can change the mode in focus check by long pressing, but you need to cycle through the other options.
The only work around I've found is switching to AF. But I find that deeply offensive - when actually, FujiFilm needs to address the issue. For a company that I have always considered to be different from other companies, one dedicated to user experience - I'm at a loss to explain it.
 

if you know of a way to program any button for peak focus on/off I'm grateful.

/John

[SGinNorcal]

Hey John,  you can assign it to fn2, I just did.  First you have to set a custom button setting.  Go to the IQ menu, scroll to Edit/Save Custom Setting, select the number you want, C1, C2, whatever, then pick MF, focus assist Off.  Then go back to the Custom Button menu, hold down Disp/Back until it comes up.  You can now assign your custom setting to button Fn2.  It works perfectly as a MF Focus Peak on/off button and reacts immediately.  Thanks for bringing this up, it is nice to have and I didn't think about it before.

[Simon XT5bug]

I'm also very disappointed with this XT5 bug. The  XT2/3/4 all work fine (with clear preview when shutter is half pressed).

To promote this camera as a 'purist photographers camera' with such a major flaw with focus peaking just beggars belief!

If Fuji read this, PLEASE FIX THIS BUG (also note that in low light the peak highlights 'flicker').

[john.skewes@gmail.com]

Simon XT5bug - exactly!

[SGinNorcal]

I dont think its a bug, just a change in default.  Have you guys tried setting it up as I suggested?  To me, having control of when focus peaking is on is better than the camera deciding.  I switch it on and off as I need it with the F2 button, its very responsive.

[john.skewes@gmail.com]

SGinNorcal,
Thank you - I did check out those setting but I am unable to locate a MF on/off setting to assign to a button.
But even if I could - I can always use the hard switch MCS on the face of the camera. But that's sort of an insult isn't it? To have to take away from the experience of shooting -every time to take a picture? 
At this point I wish I'd bitten the button and bought Canon or Nikon - Fuji has downgraded the camera. Removed a function we all use - and are mute about. 
Anyway. Thanks for taking the time. For now I read the histogram and ignore the lack of usability.

[SGinNorcal]

What I'm suggesting is a button to turn off MF Peak highlighting when you are already in Manual focus mode.

I abbreviated the instructions, should be:  IQ menu, scroll to Edit/Save Custom Setting, select the number you want, C1, C2, whatever, then pick MF Asist, then Off.  Then go back to the Custom Button menu, hold down Disp/Back until it comes up.  You can now assign your custom setting C1 or C whatever to button Fn2 (or another button you aren't using)

Now when you are shooting in MF mode, you compose and if you want to see it without highlighting, just hit the button you program and it turns highlighting off.  Hit it again, back on.  I used the Fn2 button because for me, that button is easily reached while you are looking thought the View finder.  But you might find another button easier.

The only difference for you is pushing the custom button rather than half pushing the shutter.  The camera doesn't automatically do it for you, you control the timing.  

[john.skewes@gmail.com]

On 7/25/2023 at 3:54 PM, SGinNorcal said:

"C1, C2, whatever, then pick MF, focus assist Off."

Hi SGinNorcal - thank you for taking the time, sorry for their delay on my part. I would take your recommendation but the =there is no MF assist OFF choice in the menus - and anyway, if FUJI cared, which they don't appear to - making the camera work the way it should would fix the issue.

...I'm only angry when I think about it. And those times, I wish I had bought Canon or Nikon.

 

[SGinNorcal]

1 hour ago, john.skewes@gmail.com said:

Hi SGinNorcal - thank you for taking the time, sorry for their delay on my part. I would take your recommendation but the =there is no MF assist OFF choice in the menus - and anyway, if FUJI cared, which they don't appear to - making the camera work the way it should would fix the issue.

...I'm only angry when I think about it. And those times, I wish I had bought Canon or Nikon.

 

I have the XT-5 and I can assure you the menu system has a MF Assist with an option to turn it off.  When you go to the Menu, are you first going to the AF/MF category and scrolling down to the second page, you will see MF Assist.  Go into that and one of the options is OFF.  This is the same menu where you change the color for Focus Peaking.

You seem determined to not see this and complain about Fuji.  The functionality hasn't changed just the default setting.  With this tiny bit of customization, you can control it yourself rather than it automatically shutting off.  I think this is inline with the nature of the camera, program what you want and don't have things fixed a certain way that can't be changed.

[john.skewes@gmail.com]

On 7/20/2023 at 4:16 PM, SGinNorcal said:

You could set the fn2 button on the front of the camera up as an on/off button for focus peak highlight. 

Hi - Yes, there are primary menu items to select. I am totally familiar with how the camera functions, and how to customize the camera - I've been doing it for 3 generations now.
What I am trying to impart is this; there is no choice on the FN button menu for MF Assist. It does not exist. It exists in the primary menu. BUT NOT UNDER THE FN MENU. Not every command is available.

And who cares about customizing a function that is now unavailable - that being HALF PRESS SHUTTER clears the peak lines. This is part of a seamless workflow - why should we need to stop working on the composition, and turn peaking off/on??!! It is an insult to every Fuji shooter. FU Fujifilm.
Here we are arguing - when it is THEM who redacted a function many of us used every time we picked up the camera.

Even if I could concoct a workaround I would still be pissed.
And further - why waste cycles crafting a workaround - just flip the switch to auto - but WHY?! 
Dear Fujifilm - fix the X-T5.

Respectfully, John

[SGinNorcal]

I get that you don't like the change but you can complain, or use this simple fix and move on.  I suspect you will adapt to this in a couple of days of shooting.

What you are missing here is that you need to assign the MF Assist function to a custom function.  Then assign the custom function to function button.  In fact this two step method will allow you to assign any menu function available to the camera to a function button, not just limited quick list they give you.

In the example I gave, create Custom 1 to turn MF Assist to Off.  Then assign C1 to Fn2 button.

Maybe its easier for me, not having the muscle memory from the old camera.  But I really like this setup with Focus Peak Highlighting on as a default then when I don't want it, hitting the Fn2 button.  I like it when shooting landscape and focused to infinity.  Focus highlighting isnt much use in that scenario and I want to tweak exposure settings without highlighting on.  Doing a shutter half press would be strange when still working out exposure.  

[john.skewes@gmail.com]

57 minutes ago, SGinNorcal said:

I get that you don't like the change but you can complain, or use this simple fix and move on.

Hi, thanks for the clarification, I'll take a look in more depth. But this is not a fix. It is a fudge. It is adding a step, and a forced exit from the workflow.
Yes thank you - I will continue to complain, and complain loudly and often - Fujifilm removed, disabled or broke a function that many people use.
Look at the other focus aids. Half press the shutter and they clear so that before committing to an exposure you can see a clean image of your compostion...the way life should be.
What I do not understand is why you act as a fujifilm apologist? They F'd their product. Plain and simple. Then ignore users and deny knowledge of the problem - just like any other greedy mega-corp.
And I repeat - why create a custom function?? If you want a "fix," use your left index finger and switch from manual to auto. Not fixed - but different. 

I still regret the purchase - for this one seemingly simple thing - that is very important to usability. 

With respect, John

[SGinNorcal]

I am not acting as an apologist, I was trying to help you out.  But once I set up for myself, I think its better the way it is now with a cleaner work flow even if it is another button to push.  It seems like a super small detail to get shook up about.  I get that we get used to things a certain way and change is hard to adjust to but why not give it a try?  I think that is a quicker fix than waiting for Fuji to change it but suit yourself.

[john.skewes@gmail.com]

16 minutes ago, SGinNorcal said:

I was trying to help you out.

Hi - and I thank you for your help, I do appreciate it. I truly do.

What I am trying to communicate is that yes, it is one thing. Only one thing. But it is a BIG thing. As a person who rarely uses an autofocus lenses, it is a very, very big thing. The workflow is something that once was seamless, you are adjusting the triad, SS, Aperture, and ISO. You are focusing and exposing - the left index finger is on the shutter, ready to trip the shutter. And when you are ready to make your final check, you half press, look at all four corners, then commit.

To move your hand and find another button, no matter how close and switch on/off, breaks concentration and interrupts workflow. Please understand, the reason I own Fuji cameras is because of this workflow. These magic cameras that can be set up to work like an old 35mm camera. I am all about lenses - not Fuji lenses, though I do own a full set - they are just not part of my experience.

I'm going to keep on ringing this bell. Fujifilm needs to make this right - or tell us why not. 

[SGinNorcal]

I does seem like Fuji could have easily made the function a choice to accommodate users like you as well others that prefer how it is now.  Its possible that it was changed due to people complaining about the other way around.  I Googled and found a couple complaints about the XH-1 and people who wanted Peaking Highlights to stay on that camera when shutter half pushed.  Something to do with macro shooting.  I have large hands and with my index finger on the shutter, my middle finger is next to the Fn2 button.  I find it easy to push without looking.  But again, I had no history with the function like you do.  I kind of reminds me of driving a new rental car last week and trying to adjust the radio.  All the controls are tied into the Infotainment now and all I wanted was some stinking music but the controls were buried in a pile of useless options.  And that is only getting worse.

[littleego]

On 8/28/2023 at 3:42 PM, john.skewes@gmail.com said:

Hi - and I thank you for your help, I do appreciate it. I truly do.

What I am trying to communicate is that yes, it is one thing. Only one thing. But it is a BIG thing. As a person who rarely uses an autofocus lenses, it is a very, very big thing. The workflow is something that once was seamless, you are adjusting the triad, SS, Aperture, and ISO. You are focusing and exposing - the left index finger is on the shutter, ready to trip the shutter. And when you are ready to make your final check, you half press, look at all four corners, then commit.

To move your hand and find another button, no matter how close and switch on/off, breaks concentration and interrupts workflow. Please understand, the reason I own Fuji cameras is because of this workflow. These magic cameras that can be set up to work like an old 35mm camera. I am all about lenses - not Fuji lenses, though I do own a full set - they are just not part of my experience.

I'm going to keep on ringing this bell. Fujifilm needs to make this right - or tell us why not. 

Just to understand - can you still turn off focus peaking entirely and just not use it at all?

[jerryy]

3 hours ago, littleego said:

Just to understand - can you still turn off focus peaking entirely and just not use it at all?

Yes, yes you can, either through turning it off in the MF Assist set-up menu or by repeatedly long pressing the rear command dial to cycle through the MF assist options — the “off” option will either be called off or standard depending on which camera body you have.

[john.skewes@gmail.com]

11 hours ago, littleego said:

can you still turn off focus peaking entirely and just not use it at all?

Hi littleego,

Yes, you can turn it off. I have FN2 set to Focus Check (and had it this way for 3 generations of x-series.) You can cycle through the 4 choices, micro prism, split screen, peak highlights, and nothing.
When I shoot film using my Pentax Spotmatic, I never use the center split and instead focus using the any part of the screen by judging the sharpness of the image.
I've begun doing the same thing with my X-T5. For my purposes, Fujifilm has essentially killed manual focus aids - so I'm upping my game and going old school. I use focus check for the magnified view and focus "off the glass," no aids.

The old setup was better, but it seems Fujifilm is not concerned any longer with the usability of the products they make and sell - so carry on.  

[john.skewes@gmail.com]

8 hours ago, jerryy said:

Yes, yes you can,

Right you are - we used to be able to half press the shutter - your finger was already on the shutter release. It was intuitive and seamless.
But yes! Now you can repeatedly press a whole other button to get the same effect. LOL. Thank Fujifilm exec committee. Brilliant.
It is so screwed up - all I want is for Fuji to either bring back the function, or make it an option.
I regret buying an X-T5.

[jerryy]

Some folks prefer using the rear command dial to cycle through the MF Assist choices instead of scrolling through set-up menus. That method has been available for many camera bodies for a very long time, it works that way on my X-T10.

Are you not able to, In manual focus mode, focus zoom, fine tune things and then half press the shutter button to zoom back to the full screen and get the shot? The X-T5 offers even more ways to do this than does older bodies.

Or, not able to use any of the older film camera methods outlined here?:

https://www.jmpeltier.com/fujifilm-manual-focus-assist-modes/

Macro shooters got together and lobbied to get a change that helped them, it does have a (perhaps unintended, unanticipated — beta testers do not catch everything) consequence on others, people it affects can also lobby to get changes as well.

[john.skewes@gmail.com]

8 hours ago, jerryy said:

Are you not able to, In manual focus mode, focus zoom, fine tune things and then half press the shutter button to zoom back to the full screen and get the shot?

Hi Jerryy,
The instant you touch the shutter you snap back to default view - or if you make an exposure.
Lately I've just given up on focus aides. Fujifilm murdered the feature. I just use check focus and read the image as seen in the EVF.
Note that the ONLY mode they bombed is peak highlights - clearly a targeted hit. All the other modes, prism and split work as designed and as they did historically.
Great corporate decision making - hurt one group of users to appease another. Gutless corporate group-think (he practice of thinking or making decisions as a group in a way that discourages creativity or individual responsibility.)
 

Scream loud enough and long enough and maybe they'll do the right thing.

Thanks jerryy