7 Tips On Manual Focus Using Olympus OM-D Cameras

[@robinwong]

In case you have missed out my previous video on 7 Tips Optimizing AutoFocus on Olympus OM-D, here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYGunpp3bp59jbs

[@victoracostamartinez631]

Nice video, I was looking for how to activate the manual focus on my OM-D Mk III, Thanks a lot

[@martinwiedmann8584]

using the fn-lever function for toggling between manal focus and auto focus is a great idea! thanks for that.

[@samsen3965]

6:34 MAGNIFY function FOR M-Focusing critical adjustment. You have saved my life, again and again. Thanks my friend. 🙏🙏🙏🌺

[@charlesking4138]

Thank you for all of your videos, I appreciate your positive attitude and delivery, as well as the tips themselves.

[@GlennFund]

Going to shoot the Eclipse on 4/8 and needed to easily set my camera up for Manual Focus. Setting the FN1 button did the trick for me. Thanks Robin !

[@AliAlireza]

Dear Robin, you are really inspiring me to get out of my comfort zone in photography and try new things. I am so grateful to you for all your tips and I look forward to your latest video all the time.

[@scotimages]

Needed a quick refresher before starting a big macro project. This did the job perfectly. Many thanks.

[@davebellamy4867]

11:05 Now THAT'S what disappeared when I reset the camera. It's very useful indeed! Especially the magnify. With legacy manual focus lenses, I use the x2 teleconverter to see more clearly to focus with the 2x teleconverter assigned to the Fn2 button on an EM10 Mark ii.

[@alamin-fr8rc]

Thank you Robin, you are a great teacher.

[@jennyburden444]

You make everything so easy to understand. Thank you so much you are the 'go to' person for anything Olympus.

[@michaelshoup2703]

So many options with our OM-D's! It can be a bit overwhelming, right? If I may, how about a series where you pick the best or most useful functions & tips for a specific shooting assignment.. Such as weddings, street, landscape, portrait, etc.. Each combination of selected functions, taken from your "Tips" series, could then be assigned to one of the Custom Modes.. I believe this would help many of us in selecting which features would best serve our particular (main) shooting style.. That would be one new video for each category of photography.. What do you think?

[@tooltito]

thanks for this video, it was so helpful to me that I used manual lenses.

[@philippebillig5487]

Thank you very much Robin I received my new OM-D E-M1 mark III and your videos are very useful and understandable 👍👏

[@bartondarnell9694]

Robin, you, sir, are a flippin’ genius! Your advice is detailed, yet simple to follow along with. A rare combination, my friend. I will definitely buy you a coffee😎. Cheers

[@Digger121954]

Thanks for the tips on manual magnification. I had my camera (EM1 MkII) set to automatically magnify when the focusing ring was turned and found it very annoying. The manual activation will be much more useful.

[@davebellamy4867]

I liked it but if the magnification is set high and the focus point is off centre, you wonder where on earth you are! I just trrned it on because ot disappeared when I reset my EM10 Mark ii. I may find myself turning it off again but I doubt it. It doesn't seem to operate if you use the manual focus clutch on a lens, so I can use that and tweak focus using the 2x teleconverter assogned to Fn2 as a second option. Sometimes 2x is enough.

[@bluebird1422]

Hey Robin Wong! More videos on manual/vintage lenses on O-MD's plz!!! Much love for your content ❤️❤️❤️

[@mrdev9843]

Dude, you certainly put out a lot of interesting content.

[@heymancoolvideo]

Thanks so much so this video, Robin! I’ve owned my camera for over a year and wasn’t aware of these awesome features.

[@yveshetu8026]

Very very helpful demonstration. Thank you!

[@shokodeny]

Finally got how to use manual focus 😅 Thank you

[@howardcurtiss5048]

Thank you Robin! The magnify function always confused me ... Until now. I did not know about the preMF function ... Until now. Super-useful vlog. Very much appreciated.

[@michaelmoritz1048]

Your videos are the best. I always learn something new.

[@duckpond0007]

Awesome video thanks. I was looking for how to do manual focus magnify. It works a treat

[@extremelydave]

Thank you for sharing such awesome information Robin. For a visual learner, you are the MAN. Between you and Rob Trek, I have learned so much about my Olympus camera and made my time taking pictures so much more enjoyable( And better!). Thanks again Robin.

[@johnstephen2869]

Love your videos. You explain things so well that even I can understand. Just bought my om5 mk2, and I’m like a kid with a new toy. I refer to you all the time, so many thanks and good luck from NZ

[@stephenstevenson1900]

Thanks Robin. Very useful tips.

[@robinwong]

Glad I could help!

[@flatlanding]

Your videos are really amazingly helpful, Thank you!

[@paj839]

Hi Robin....enjoy your videos very much..learned useful tips again...love to see photos of KL and Kuantan...I spent 2 years working from Kuantan in the 70's - at Rompin....is it still there? All the best ..because of you and the rest of the secret U-Tube alliance, I enjoy my camera much more ...thank you ...from Canada ..also hunkered down.

[@DummBistDu]

THANKS FOR THESE NICE TIPS!!!! *-* You just made my photography-life so much richer :D

[@imcoop13]

Thanks Robin I’m going to buy the 17mmm1.8 & had read that when using the clutch it was impossible to activate peaking. Your video has shown me this won’t be a problem if I apply your tips. Thankyou so much for your wonderful videos and beautiful images.😃🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@TheFoodPedia]

I always use manual focus on my 12-40. Love that clutch very much.

[@robinwong]

The manual focus clutch was brilliant

[@RTFM70]

Great video Robin. Learnt some very useful tips.Thanks 🙂

[@omybeach8743]

Thank you Robin, this was again an awsome Video. Corona made me buy the 60 mm macro lens and now i am into macro. Also saw your macro video, which convinced me to go for it. I learned a whole lot from you, especially from your great blogs back then. Keep safe and productive. Omy

[@gregkarris6869]

Thanks to your videos, returning to Olympus after a long hiatus - got a great deal on a used OM-D E-M5 with IBIS. Gonna get some old vintage lenses I've owned in the past to use on it (Pentax K and Nikon AI!)...Can't wait to get it... Ordering adapters right now... :)

[@davidmill7289]

Thanks Robin - really useful.

[@kathleenhickey7793]

Thanks, Robin! I like the tip about using the lever. Reformatting the buttons never quite works for me.

[@zandanshah]

You are the man, keep up the good work.

[@bryan1917vc1]

Great tips great video thanks again Robin.

[@robinwong]

Thanks, my pleasure doing the video

[@johnmalcolm2516]

Thanks Robin, more great tips.

[@robinwong]

Cheers

[@RobShootPhotos]

AF-MF mode is what I use. I use back button focus on my E-M10, disabling AF on the 1/2 press of the shutter. AF-MF mode allows me to manually focus without pressing a function button for MF. I can reach my focus ring, dial in my focus and hit the shutter button without disturbing where I set the lens at. For low contrast and macro Photography this works great. When working with my 60mm using that nice 1:1 short cut on the focus limiter, I can either move myself back and forth or turn the focus ring with confidence that hitting the shutter button won't cause the camera to auto focus. It helps avoid the "oh shoot, I forgot to toggle the camera into MF" moments. Or avoid the situation of forgetting to put the AF back on if I have to grab my camera real quick. My muscle memory just knows when to go for the back button focus and when not to.

[@robinwong]

I don't use back button so that wno't work for me. Also, I rely more on AF than MF, so having half shutter press AF works faster for me in my shooting environment. Of course, use what works best for you.

[@micha5645]

Very useful tips, thank you!

[@robinwong]

Thanks, happy to help

[@Haha_79549]

Thanks you so much 👍

[@newjersey1029]

Many Thanks

[@1957PLATO]

Awesome tips, Robin.

[@robinwong]

Thanks!

[@Rafaga777]

Thanks a lot for the tips. Useful as always...

[@robinwong]

No worries, my pleasure to share.

[@AnandaSim]

Good one. I don't have the later E-M1 models so it's interesting that there is this PreMF feature one day when I add a new body. I also often use non electronic legacy lenses so the focus ring will not activate magnify/focus peaking so I can't use that auto assist method with those lenses. Additional techniques I use: 1. Using the 2x2 lever to switch focus mode from S-AF shutter button focus to C-AF back button focus. When I use C-AF back button focus, I hold in the back button to AF and then release it and it won't autofocus until I next press the back button. 2. I used to use S-AF-M : that means half press the shutter release to S-AF then hold the half press and rotate the focus ring - I can adjust final focus as long as I hold the half press. 3. If I don't want to assign Magnify to a dedicated button and I don't want to use touch screen, one of the Fn buttons on my E-M1 original is Multi-Function - it can do one of 4 functions - one of them is magnify. 4. I tend to assign the focus peaking feature to one of the front panel buttons, I think that is the sweetest button for me. The other front panel button I assign to hold DOF preview. Focus peaking is not visual enough to fully display correct focus for a subject without edges or with very shallow depth of field. However, it is faster to use and for deeper DOF scenes, gives you an indicator of the focus zone

[@robinwong]

S-AF + MF to me is very dangerous, some Olympus lenses have super wide focusing ring (eg 75mm F1.8) and I hod the lens by gripping it with my left hand, it is very easy to accidentally turn the focusing ring unintentionally. Using Multi-Function is a good idea, as long as you don't mind toggling between each functions. I prioritize speed, the less steps I use to get to a certain feature, the better.

[@AnandaSim]

@@robinwong Yes, I used S-AF+MF with Four Thirds consumer DSLR a lot (only 3 AF points and sometimes sluggish reaction) but with the E-M1, the larger number of points and generally prompt AF detection of focus area change, makes that technique less useful. Also yes, the Multi-Function button needs to be toggled between functions but in general, for pursuing a specific subject/genre, my mind is only on one feature and if it is Magnify, then I will not be needing Color Creator, Aspect Ratio change, Shadows and Highlights, S-OVF in that incident. The Multi Function button can stay on Magnify during the session. Oh, one more thing. On my E-M1 Cog D > LV Closeup Mode, I can choose Mode1 or Mode2 Mode1 means when you are looking at the Magnified screen, half press of the shutter release will resume normal view Mode2 means when you are looking at the Magnified screen, half press of the shutter release will force autofocus without exiting Magnified View. I use Mode1

[@davestokes3446]

Hi Robin, I home you're managing to retain your sanity in the latest edition of Covid lock-down an look forward to you being able to post new videos again. I purchased an EM5 Mk3 last summer and found that there was no option to set any button to switch between MF and AF, something that I've done on all my previous Olympus cameras so, sadly, Tip 2 doesn't work for me. Tip 3 hasn't been available since the last firmware upgrade which seems to render the Fn lever obsolete; leastways, I cannot find a use for it. As always, thanks for posting such a useful video.

[@SzymonPytel]

Nice tips. I'm used to manual lenses in my Sony a6000 used almost over 3 years for most of my work weddings portraits and events. Got recently em1mark2, and there are some nice things (stabilization which make tele lens focusing really easy) and few that's really slows down manual work. First focus peaking only in probably ovf simulation. I wish o could use it in monochrome style, and I was really surprised I could not do it (or maybe I can?) Olympus could make ovf monochrome simulation that will not affect JPGs, and will work with focus peaking? Magnification is great, but it could use one more mode like in Panasonic or xt+ series of fuji. I mean picture in picture. This is great option for fast precise focusing. As Olympus ambassador you could whisper to Olympus for some software update ;) because m43 world is full of manual lenses ;)

[@CheikoSairin]

I love using autofocus with my OMD-EM5...thanks sharing this useful tips. Happy Chinese New Year. Gong Xi Fa Cai. Greeting from Singapore .

[@JochenStrobel]

Hi Robin, thanks for your videos. I don't have the option (not present) to assign MF to a button (3:02), there isn't such a choice. E-M1 Mk2 with latest firmware, Olympus Pro lenses. Any idea is much appreciated!

[@19851029pig]

Super useful tips, thanks 💯

[@robinwong]

Cheers

[@rodmehta5356]

I use manual focus for video a lot. I appreciate a focus ring with some "resistance" ;-)

[@robinwong]

Once you have activated the manual clutch, there is some "resistance".

[@markb611]

I am new to Olympus and have a new M5-MK III. I tried to reassign my fn Mode2 to manual focus. Thought I followed all your directions. Seems to have no effect. Using 60mm Macro. Love all your videos and info.

[@mimstyle]

I have learn something in my em5 mkIII, nice feature, I never understand it !! Thanks !!!

[@robinwong]

Thanks, glad I can be helpul

[@ipadista]

You can combine your #2 tip, AF shortcut fn button, with PreMF. I sometimes do this in situations where I get a bit of hunting. Set the PreMF to more or less the right distance, when you get hunting, just hit the button to get focus in the right ballpark, then hit it again to get back to whatever autofocus setting you are using. Unfortunately it can't be assigned to a button in Video mode, here you have to use a version of your #3 tip, using FN lever switch to toggle between focus modes. With this set you can do instant (controlled) focus pulls, by toggling the lever switch back and forth!

[@robinwong]

This guide was made for photography (stills) not video. There is no shortcut for Pre-MF function.

[@grangermacy]

I'm surprised that no one mentioned back button focus. I also use saf+mf. This way whatever I do in manual focus is never over ridden by the shutter

[@buggersofoz]

Great point! I'm thinking of storing a MySet under one of the custom dial modes for macro, set the default to MF, but set BBF to AFL button. I used dual BBF on my Canon 7D2, but the position of the AFL button is not great to use it all the time, so I got used to using half-press of the shutter button again.

[@pottiezluc8693]

Thanks from Brussels ! - L u c

[@Kishh27]

Great tips!!

[@c.augustin]

My preferred mode on my Pen F is "S-AF + MF" (single autofocus with the ability to correct focus using the focus ring) - is it still there in the newer cameras/firmwares and just put somewhere else (it looks as if PreMF did replace it)? And thanks for the tip of automatic focus peaking - I knew about it, but forgot it (because I don't like it in general); but having it automatically switched on when manually focusing in S-AF+MF mode is nice (and it works very well with having the magnification feature on the record button)!

[@robinwong]

I did not recommend the S-AF + MF function, because S-AF on Olympus is very reliable and I sometimes find myself (and others) accidentally turning the focusing ring after locking AF, causing issues. But if it works for you, for sure use it.

[@c.augustin]

@@robinwong On the Pen F the S-AF does not work that good in low light ("hunting"), and some subjects do trick autofocus in this camera. Face detection I found unreliable in the Pen F too (and does not work with animals), so being able to override what the camera thought should be in focus is a good thing for me. And it often reduces the need to re-frame the shot or move the AF field. Maybe I'm so used to it by now that accidentally turning the focus ring is not a problem for me (I'm used to manual focusing with my analog cameras, so I don't have to think about it ;-)).

[@automaticimprovements6957]

Please do a video about the olympus 75-300 lens. There seems to be so many misconception about this lens.

[@robinwong]

I don't have that lens. If I can get my hands on one, I will do it for sure.

[@keithwilkinson8310]

I canot not see how to assign a button to MF on my EM5 MIII as I could on my EM10 Mii. Olympus seem to have removed the option or hidden it somewhere else. I can however use the lever in mode 2 to switch between different focus settings. I really like being able automatically to use back button autofocus when in MF using AEL button , the best of both MF and AF.

[@dakzer55]

Hi Robin, great features video for the OM-D camera. Does the automatic focus peaking and magnify work for manual lenses?

[@Steadystone99]

Robin, great video. I'm using a EM1ii. Is there a way to AF first, and then use MF to get the focus dead on?

[@matthewj7881]

I was wondering the same thing! I'm using an EM5ii

[@peterkuiper5363]

I guess the auto magnification and peaking only works with Pro lenses, not with Zuiko lenses? My new 17 mm 1.8 Zuiko doesn't switch automatically into magnification, when I pull the clutch. All menu settings are set correctly.

[@giuseppecagnetta2854]

Grazie mille! Very very nice Tips. Thank you so much. One question: the pre manul function could be used to set a hyperfocal distance? For example: I know that at f 11 and with 4/3 sensor, the hyperfocal distance is 1,5 meters. In the A4 menu (Preset MF distance) I can set 1,5. The pre manual will focus at 1,5 every time is called up. An then I will have focus from 1,5 meters to infinity (or almost).

[@flyfishnfoto]

Hi Robin another good video. Peter Forsgard on his macro video said the 12-50 EZ kit lens is no longer being produced by Oly. I have this lens and think it is an excellent kit lens partly because of its Macro ability but also as an all round splashproof lens for photos and video. Is it true & do you any idea why Oly have taken this decision?

[@sanclewphotographic]

Hi Robin great video as always, any news on OMD E M1 Mk3 for launch in Feb 2020, regards, Colin.

[@buggersofoz]

Great tips, thanks again Robin!! Om my E-M1 Ive set up to lever to switch between AF-S+M and AF-C quickly. Im using the former for perched berds when there's too many twigs around and camera struggles, so I adjust manually (and have set up the front FN buttons for peaking and magnification). There are 2 problems. I wish third press of the magnification Fn button would deactivate it completely! Instead I have to take my eye off the EVF and cancel on the touchscreen or am unable to use the back wheel for exposure compensation (shutter speed for my shooting style). With peaking it's frustrating that it disappears in the AF-S + M mode when I turn the lens ring. It peaks when AF is acquired, but disappears after I adjuat the focus :( anyone has a workaround for either?

[@rupjoshi]

I have a Rokinon 12mm 2.0 manual lens. I tried the menu function to activate peaking when turning the focus ring. This does not work for some reason. However, assigning to a button works. Any reason why it is not working? I am in MF mode. Thank you

[@1991HRH]

The olympus omd camera doesn't have beeping sound when you manual focus the subject successfully like canon？

[@badgerag]

Good tips Robin, thanks for sharing. What is the best MFT lens for astrophotography, in your opinion please?

[@robinwong]

I don't shoot astrophotography much but anything wide and bright such as 7-14mm F2.8 and 8mm F1.8 fisheye would be great

[@tatyanapavlova1397]

How does it work fast in street photography when people move?

[@smiff4748]

Hi Robin. I have the original E-M1 mki, is it possible to manual focus when using a lens that does not have a focusing ring.

[@ranieropani6115]

I can not assign a button for MF in my M5 Markiii ...... What is wrong ?

[@ranieropani6115]

I got it 😅

[@atargiros]

Hello Robin, great video! I have a question relative to mf. When i change from mf to af i lose the ael i previously have done. Is there a setting that deals with it? Thank

[@SK-uy7bv]

On my em10 m3 , it does not have the clutch activation option. I need to activate the manual focus on the camera itself when I used the Oly 17 mm.

[@eliorinaldi6302]

Hi, is possible use focus peacking with vintage lenses on my omd em5 mark iii? Best regards!

[@mariecalvert7719]

Thanks Robin for a very helpful video. But my EM5 mkii doesn't seem to have a 'pre manual focus' button. Is that right? or am I missing something obvious?

[@eakishway]

There is a very similar function on EM-5 II: S-AF+MF.

[@fosquet2003]

My configuration for simultaneus focus C·AF+MF allow me to use the focus ring while in AF clutch. The settings: Menu A1, AF+MF, On. For magnification and peaking. Pushing twice the Fn2 button it takes me to a preset magnification. Pushing the OK button takes me back to the shooting "normal". To set this adjustment: While pushing the Fn2 button turn the back wheel. Look at the new menu appearing at the bottom of the screen. Go on turning the back wheel to select the magnifier lens icon. It's done!! After that, just by pushing twice the Fn2 button gets you to a preset magnification, you can focus with the focus ring or you can modify magnification with the front wheel. When ready push OK button to get back to the shooting "normal".

[@robinwong]

I'd prefer not to push too many buttons, but I don't shoot using manual focus often either.

[@fosquet2003]

@@robinwong I usually shoot in AF but when poor light makes it dificult, this option allow to re-focus. Pushing twice Fn2 button is not too many...when compare it with your video. By the way thank you very much for your great tips!!

[@mrpakuntay]

hi sir, is the focus peaking available on viewfinder?

[@eakishway]

Peaking and magnifiers work on the EVF on my OM-D EM-5 II.

[@pablosoto5407]

Unless I'm more than satisfied with the autofocus of olympus, I've never been succesful with the my own tests and use of focus peaking, at least for portraits (my main use of camera), always I have some disagree with the results in sort of "this is not where I spected to focus" (mainly a selected eye). Please, some advice.

[@robinwong]

Focus peaking is an approximation of focus zones, if you want pin-point accuracy then use magnified view, that will ensure critically sharp focus.

[@JaapKoer]

Hi Robin, did you know that the focus peaking and magnified function will not work by the MF clutch.

[@ipadista]

Hi, what body are you using? It works on E-M1, E-M1Mk2 and E-M5Mk2

[@JaapKoer]

@@ipadista the E-M5 mk3

[@ipadista]

@@JaapKoer Weird, they removed that feature? Doesn't make much sense.

[@kallepyorala7605]

It depends of lens also, I have 1mk2 and it works with 40-150f2.8 but it doesn’t work with 17f1.8, I have no idea why it’s like that tho...

[@robinwong]

@@JaapKoer works with my E-M5 Mark III, I have just tried it.

[@g.franch4097]

MF assist works fine when MF is activated with the clutch in the 12-100 Pro lens. BUT it does not happen when using the clutch with the 17mm f1.8. With the later I have to put MF within the SCP or with mode assigned to the FN lever for MF assist activation. Is that so?

[@magnusfahlstrom3262]

I have the same experience, but with the 12-40mm PRO and the 17mm 1.8. The funny thing is it works with my Panasonic GX80 😅

[@robinwong]

@@magnusfahlstrom3262 my 17mm F1.8 works fine though!

[@magnusfahlstrom3262]

@@robinwong That's nice to hear. It only works on my 12-40 PRO. Maybe it's time to check if there's a firmware update for my 17mm.

[@williambarwick1729]

Hi Robin, I can change the colour of the MF Peaking on my EM 1. Does it work on other bodies?

[@johnmalcolm2516]

Yes, I have the em5 mark ii and you can change the colour of the speaking.

[@williambarwick1729]

@@johnmalcolm2516 Thanks John, I thought that would probably be the case but Robin had not mentioned it specifically, and I thought that other users might find it useful to know. Cheers.

[@robinwong]

@@williambarwick1729 yes you can change the color and intensity

[@antoineveling2650]

Robin, why does the camera not show the magnification and focus peaking when I use the manual focus clutch? Without the clutch engaged and the camera set to MF then when the focus ring is turned both magnificent and peaking come on automatically. Seems strange they don’t show when I switch to MF via the lens focus ring clutch.

[@belalang90]

Point no. 6. Automatically activate peaking, I cant activate that automatically even has turn on in setting. Anyone can help. I'm using EM10 mIII.

[@pasadenapsych44]

You may have the MF clutch on. I don't think those always cooperate.

[@robinwong]

I don't have the E-M10 Mark III but it should work fine.

[@belalang90]

@@pasadenapsych44 You mean in setting? Tried on manual 25mm 7artisan and Oly 17mm. Could not auto activate. Will check back later. Thanks

[@numbersix8919]

Adjusting focus through a menu? (pre manual focus) That's not acceptable !