[juxtapose]
[/juxtapose]
With the recent Feature 4 update, one feature jumps out as being something to build into your new workflow – AFr* (Autofocus & Recompose)
What is AFr? – 3D Sensors within the XF Camera enable AFr mode, allowing you to focus on a subject and then recompose the frame while retaining the desired focus point! Essentially this is similar to Hasselblad’s Truefocus (see link to article on Truefocus here)
If you focus on the eye initially and lock focus and then recompose to get the correct composition, the focus point will drift fram the yellow line to the Red line and through the original focus area out of focus (distance, focal length of lens and aperture depending)
With today’s 100MP backs coupled with f2.8 Glass, this will be very relevant and photographers adopting AFr will benefit from more sharp images at the desired point of focus.
So how do we activate AFr.
- First make sure you have updated firmware on you XF body/Back (all out cameras run the latest firmware unless we are aware of a bug, in which case we will inform you)
- Enable AFr in the XF body menu
- When you make initial autofocus you will get a audio confirmation.
- You then recompose and fire, you will either get an error sound (meaning the camera didn’t calculate the difference) or an affirmative sound.
*Currently supported on the Schneider Kreuznach Blue Ring: 80mm LS f/2.8, 110mm LS f/2.8, 150mm LS f/2.8
Steve’s tips:
- Use with Zoom to focus point mode (allows you to verify the focus by providing a dynamic image preview. Automatically enlarging captured images to point of focus.
- It will take time to learn your movements and for you to get used to this way of shooting, but stay with it – It works!
If you’re a fan of the Hasselblad H6X with True Focus, why not try the XF camera with AFr on your next shoot and see how it compares?
@jj_mediagroup