Pentax MZ-6 - Manual (Page 45)

77
STEP UP
AD
V
ANCED OPERA
TIONS
ABOUT FOCUSING
76
HARD-TO-AUTOFOCUS SUBJECTS
The autofocus system is highly precise, but not perfect. Depending on the
brightness, contrast, shape, and size of your subject, the autofocus sys-
tem may not operate. In this situation, use the focus -lock technique
(
p.80) or set the focus mode switch to [MF] and use the manual focus
mode to focus the lens on the subject with the aid of the matte field in the
viewfinder (
p.79).
Subjects which may fool the autofocus system include:
• Extremely low-contrast subjects such as a white wall in the autofocus
frame.
• Subjects which don’t reflect much light in the autofocus frame.
• Subjects with complex or detailed patterns.
• Subjects which are moving too fast.
• Multiple subjects in the foreground and background of the autofocus
frame.
• Subjects positioned against reflected light or strong backlight or with
extremely bright backgrounds.
■ Notes on accessories
The following conditions do not allow autofocusing or manual focusing
with the focus indicator in the viewfinder. Use the manual focus mode to
focus on the subject with the aid of the matte field surrounding the
autofocus frame.
p.79
• When using Stereo Adapter.
• When using Extension Tubes or an Auto Bellows for close-up photogra-
phy.
• When using an ordinary polarizing filter; the half mirror incorporated
into the autofocus system reduces the effectiveness of the autofocus
function when used in combination with an ordinary polarizing filter.
Use a CIRCULAR POLARIZING FILTER for proper autofocus opera-
tion.
■ Note on the SMC Pentax SOFT 85mm/f2.8lens
When shooting at a distance closer than approx.1.5m(4.9ft), set the lens
to a manual f-stop setting between f/2.8 and f/4.5. A smaller aperture
(f/5.6 to f/32) may cause the autofocus system and the viewfinder’s focus
indicator to malfunction. To remedy this problem, temporarily set the lens
to f/4.5. After focusing on the subject, lock focus, and set the lens to the
required f-stop.
Memo Memo
Memo Memo
2
Taking a picture
qFocus on the subject with the 3
point AF frame [ [ ] ].
When the shutter release button is
depressed halfway down, the lens
automatically focuses.
wWhen the shutter relase button is
depressed halfway down, the shutter
speed, aperture setting and selected
picture mode are displayed in the
viewfinder and the LCD panel.
eWhen the subject is in focus, the
focus indicator [ ] lights up and
an audible PCV beeping signal is
emitted.
rTake a picture. Gently depress the
shutter release button.
• As this camera incorporates the 3- point autofocus system, the subject
will be focused properly even if the subject is slightly off.
• The audible PCV signal can be turned off. p.74
The focus indicator [ ] blinks when the camera is not able to obtain
proper focus for one of the following reasons.
qThe subject is too close. Adjust the camera-to-subject distance.
wThe subject is difficult to autofocus. See “HARD-TO-AUTOFOCUS
SUBJECTS” on page 77.
Memo Memo
Memo Memo
Focus indicator
MZ-6(E)04 D2/074-084 11/8/02 12:04 PM Page 76