Try focusing your camera this way.

In our photography tutorial today, we discuss a method of focusing your camera that might be better than autofocus!
This episode was filmed on:
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First time here? Hi, I'm Omar Gonzalez, a professional portrait and event photographer in the NYC/NJ area. On this channel, we talk cameras, lenses, and techniques to improve our photography.
My business:
www.omargonzalezphotography.com
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Instagram: ogonzilla
ogonzilla
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My Fujifilm video lens of choice: bhpho.to/38Ai2D6
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[@LightSkinJedi1920]

OMAR LOLOL. I cracked up so hard when you did the train tracks thing. You’re extremely goofy and I appreciate that

[@shivark]

The train scared the crap outta me! You owe me some heartbeats.

[@rscotthinkle]

Same here...I wasn't expecting a jump scare...or the Spanish inquisition :)

[@innercynic2784]

The "dead tracks" sequence had me crying! Too damn funny.

[@dbsevenmoto3519]

Hey Omar. I don't even own a traditional camera but I'm hooked on your videos.. well done super interesting and funny. I think I'm going to buy myself a Fujifilm just so I can learn more from you...

[@JakeTheBear1]

That AF-ON on Fuji while it's on Manual is new to me! I learned something new thanks!

[@LtCore]

I had no idea either, awesome Omar!

[@johnclissold5440]

Me too. Thanks Omar 👍

[@christrentophotography4046]

Learned to use back button focus when working for the newspaper and never looked back. Thank you for reminding me about pre-focusing, I haven't used that in some time and forgot how valuable it is!

[@GrowWithTrung]

You are my top 3 photographers and youtuber I really love to watch every videos. Great job on helping people. Wish you had a wonderful year ahead.

[@andykline1933]

Thx Omar. You are my camera entertainment. Just bought the xt3. Keep them coming!

[@CancelOkay]

Hey Omar, you give me a confidence to pick up again my xt10. Ever since I owned this 56mm lens I lost my interest in taking a picture because most of the shots I did was a bit blurred. I give it a try today. Many thanks.

[@NinjaMonkeyPrime]

5:10 - Wait what? I can do that in manual mode? I just tested on the X-Pro1 and the X-T30 and it works. Son of a gun. I had no idea. What a fantastic way to easily try back button focus. I like that way more than changing the button settings for the shutter. I'm going to try that.

[@200Fathoms]

Hi Omar. There is one scenario that wasn't included here that is even more helpful, because it avoids ever having to switch between single/manual/continuous autofocus. Start with the usual setup for back button focus (decouple the shutter button from focusing, via settings). Then rotate the focus setting at the front of the camera to continuous-and just leave it there. By doing this, the back button focus button becomes even more useful. Press it once (and release) to focus once. If you suddenly encounter a moving subject, no problem-just hold down the back button and it will do continuous focus. This way, you can do single focus or continuous focus without having to change settings.

[@henrymaddocks984]

That train clip scared the **** out of me!

[@RobertSeso]

You don't actually need to keep the AF-L pressed all the time to keep the focus locked, you can set up the camera so that the AF-L button becomes on/off, so you press it once and it stays on until you press it again. The same applies to the AE-L button. It's a little hidden - first you have to go to BUTTON/DIAL SETTINGS>FUNCTION (Fn) SETTINGS>and from there assign the "AF LOCK ONLY" function to the AF-L dial and the "AE LOCK ONLY" to the AE-L dial. Next, go to BUTTON/DIAL SETTINGS>AE/AF-LOCK MODE and set it to AE&AF ON/OFF SWITCH. Now both the AF-L and the AE-L work like ON/OFF switches, so press once to activate, shoot as long as you want, press once more to deactivate.

[@PeterSingerBONDNATIONAL]

Thanks Robert. Are you saying that taking the shot will be at the focus previously “selected” and then the next time depressed will be at a new focus point ? And so on ?

[@RobertSeso]

@@PeterSingerBONDNATIONAL so you have to first focus on some point and half-press the shutter button to set the focus. Once the focus was confirmed, you can release the shutter button and press the AF-L button - this will lock the focus on your selected spot and keep it locked there until you press the AF-L button again. During the time the focus is locked this way, pressing the shutter button will not change the focus any more like it normally does, it will just take the picture. It will return to its normal function only after you release the focus again by turning off the AF-L.

[@PeterSingerBONDNATIONAL]

Wow. Amazing. RTFM still holds relevance today.

[@keesgroen1814]

This is one of the first things I do with a new camera is set AF-L and AE-L to toggle instead of just push. This is a very nice trick to pre-focus on your subject. You can also use the AE-L button for the same kind of trick for setting the exposure instead of focus. Shooting moving things (birds, planes, etc.) in a bright summer sky does not always give you the right exposure. Especially when things are moving at rather fast speeds it is difficult to keep the exposure right using spot metering on the subject. Just pre-set the exposure to something with kind of the same exposure as you would like the subject to have, lock the exposure with the AE-L button and then wait until your subject flies along. Yes the skies will probably be blown out, but your subject has the exposure you want. Works great, press AE-L once more to deactivate.

[@XavierMinguellaPhotography]

Thank you to know what was PRE AF for, in fact I got that function switched off, after 5 years in Fujifilm it is nice to get that easy and useful methods, of course I like focus peaking to get similar results but there it is awesome. Two days ago I discovered the tracking dots just because I was using my Fujifilm cameras as DSLR for sports, so you know, joystick and following the action and with the PRE AF it must be funny to shoot sports too, for example in a soccer match in the goal. Or even cycling races using tele lenses in a prrecised point.

[@Cezarygon]

You can prefocus just set AF where we need and simply switch to the Manual focuse mode, what is very simple today because we can got this switch on body or on lense. We can set aswall AF-L button, usually is on the back of camera, or on some new lenses, Omar says wee need to hold this button, but no, we can set in camera when we press the button AF-L will be hold for longer time, or until we press this button again to unlock. Is many options to do this in easy way. Second very handy tools is AE-L , when we use any other mode than full manual, the exposition are changing all the time, but if camera set exposition properly we can lock this and shutting in exactly same brightness setting, even if we changing composition.

[@BugalooB]

Your intro is why you’re currently my favorite KZbinr

[@boris.dupont]

Pre focus is when you pre focus 😀👍 Very interesting, thanks. I try to keep things as smooth and simple as possible and usually rely on zone focusing but I'll definitely try out this technique. Cheers!

[@sarapanzarella97]

Came back to your channel to refresh my memory on using my X-T20. HOW DID I NOT KNOW BACK BUTTON FOCUS WAS SO EASY ON THIS CAMERA. I am so mad at myself. But thanks for the videos. Looking forward to taking Homecoming Pics tonight, your videos are still the most helpful I have found.

[@pal2tech]

Doctor: I'm upping your blood pressure meds. Any changes in your lifestyle, diet, etc. that I need to be concerned with? Me: Omar almost got hit by a train.

[@ogonzilla]

Must be my super special effects!

[@albertsmith9315]

Been shooting for 50-plus years, and known and use most of these techniques, but just wanted to say that you are an excellent teacher. I will forward this video to many of my photo buddies, and it will for sure be of value to them. Good job!

[@bmeclipse]

I enjoy your commitment to the explanation. Your camera maintained focus while you pulled out your eye.

[@C-JOHANSSON]

I have got a Fuji and tried the trick with AEL-button in manual mode. Fantastic easy way to switch between modes. Tanx for the tip! Keep up the good work with your channel!

[@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003]

We call this zone focusing!… Never heard anyone call it prefocus before. The old school manual lens shooters, were skilled enough to judge the distance by eye, and then just dial the distance in on their lens barrel, and shoot. Proppa Tingz!… 😇

[@cvbattum]

Sony has a feature they call prefocus but I don't think it's the same

[@markolson7538]

I wish there were distance markings on my Fuji lens barrels! Equally disappointing, I am unable to find focus distance information on any of the LCD display settings (Fuji X-E3)

[@theactivespirit]

he talks about this at the end of the video

[@Coveskipper]

Thanks Omar. Another great one. I’m manual + back button + focus zoom to nail the sharpness. Just upgraded to X-t3 from my X-t20. Found your channel when I got the x-t20. Really enjoy you stuff.

[@2BStevie]

You are an awesome guy. So vivid an cool your explanations und very helpful. Thx a lot 😎 Greetings from Germany

[@nogerboher5266]

Separating focus activation from the shutter button aka. setting up ''back button focus,'' gives you so much more control over the focus system and the way you take shots... I would suggest every single photographer, new or pro, young or old, to set up and learn how to shoot with BBF or at the very least try it out! It will give you so much more control and make everything easier!

[@sabrinatakorabet330]

Another one to save in my ” 5 stars” folder on KZbin ❤ great job 👏

[@ufukkiblat]

This is why I like using rangefinder focusing because it's much much easier to pre-focus using rangefinder lens and focusing compare to other methods. Rangefinder lens with focusing tab also make you remember which position of your finger goes to in relation to which area of focus is. It's a bit complicated in theory but in practice is really easy.

[@mclaraygdis]

Omar thanks a lot for this video! I was trying to understand when is useful and practical to use it and you explained so good an so easy to understand. Thank you so much for the time you spend touching this subject and how you do it. I bought my first fuji on the pandemic and have been learning from you since then. Keep up the good work!

[@maxheadroom7687]

Great tip Omar about setting manual on the front to get away from permanent back button focusing as I have a mental block when trying that! That train track segment scared the s..t! Out of me, 🤣🤣👍🇦🇺😎

[@vk3dgn]

Pre-Auto focus is also available (on the X-S10 at least). I use this waiting for birds to take off - they're quicker than me but the camera gives a chance of getting some good ones. Turn it on in the menu, use AF-C, electronic shutter, set drive to take 10/20 fps (or whatever). When you half press the shutter release and get continuous AF going it is buffering photos. When something happens, fully press the shutter and get a number of photos prior to shutter release!

[@francissosingindyrcworldga8936]

I need to try this

[@csc-photo]

This is exactly what we did most of the time, back in the film & manual focus lens days 🙂 I do think that mirrorless makes the BBAF approach a little less necessary, depending on the AF mode used. I still use BBAF for everything except for macro (I have a specific technique for macro, and I've found that I'm steadier with AF on the half-shutter press). Wow I'm rambling lol. Thanks for the vids!

[@GamachePhoto]

Good advice here Omar, in the old film days… shooting sports, hockey or baseball Zone focus was used all the time. I would have a camera with a 300mm focused on the second base or for hockey a 200mm focused on the front of the goal crease, and just wait for action to come to you. I now use back focus with the M technic most of the time.

[@_Digitalnative]

I knew how to reassign a button to back focus, but never really understood why I might want to do this. Now, thanks to your examples, I can see the value in it. Thanks.

[@JTD1719]

Great explanation Omar! Thanks, always informative and entertaining! 👍🏻

[@luigytkd]

Ahahah the train sketch 😅

[@patrickspiteri6273]

I have always found that its easier for me to use fbf [ front button focus]. don't know if anybody else does but while holding the camera from the grip with 3 fingers my first digit automatically is on the front button which i have been using ever since i got the xt2 then the xt3 .find it much better than one finger close to the other bbf and shutter.

[@philadler9171]

When I got my XT4 I found exactly the same situation. But I left the AF on button as BBF so I have both

[@gioeletomei9446]

Incredible shots, I love them

[@davidlewis1787]

Alternatively, focus using AFS to nail the spot you want focus on, then change to manual focus to disable the focus from changing anything

[@michaelschmitt5413]

I like BBF when shooting random street photography. I added a dob of clear silicone sealant on my AF-L button so I can feel it easily. All four of my Fuji camera bodies have "the dob".

[@JerryRossCreative]

Love this technique and have used it for years. Felt like it was almost a lost art. I was teaching a class recently and everyone on Zoom looked like deer in the headlights when I talked about turning off auto focus and using pre-focus or zone focusing.

[@paveltaraba6614]

You managed to explain this to me, such a dim wit. You´re a real master :-) Thank you!

[@MarcusSortijas]

This was a fantastic tutorial on how to get those “people walking by in a scene” shots that are classic in street photography. I see photographers show off those shots all the time, but wondered how to do them. I can’t wait to apply these techniques in travel photography too, the next time I take a trip. You might want to consider adding “street photography” to the video title somehow. Would help more people looking for this info to find it. Thanks for all you do, Omar 👍

[@SamuelJMartinIII]

7:57 📷 🚂 😱

[@alvinbartolome1239]

Technique is king!

[@denizkendirci]

Zone focusing? I also generally use back button af in m focus mode. The hybrid choice is really great.

[@h.t.8565]

I just love to watch your videos. Keep it up!

[@h.t.8565]

Oh, and I always like to check your watches. Awesome collection. Maybe you could dedicate just one video to those pieces.

[@brianfitzrealty]

I switch over to M all the time and use back-button focusing. Great tips!!

[@jonaldguan9383]

Prefocus is when you pre~~~~~~~~~~~focus~~~~, you got me bro.

[@ferdiyansurya]

This is why Ricoh GR is superior (at least for the time being) for capturing the decisive moment with its ‘snap focus feature’. C’mon Fuji, work something out will you?? With my x70, my workaround is to set at f8, manual focus at 1.8meter, and shoot away. A bit cumbersome but it works in most cases

[@samkonrad6225]

Omar, as always thanks for the educational video! If you ever get a spare moment could you run a video on the uses, etc of bracketing on Fuji Cameras. I have a x-t30 that I am still learning to get the maximum out of. Thanks!

[@michaelbutler-r3b]

Thank you for your videos a great help to me I’m a new Fuji xt5 owner from Nottingham uk

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

i have joyfully been using fuji cameras for about 2yrs (thanks to this channel!) and so pleased to learn something new (back button af in manual focus mode). does any other camera maker (sony?) allow back button af in manual focus mode? thanks for the effort and the sharing. i am an appreciative subscriber. BIG thumbs up.

[@giselesmith7795]

Dang, I learned how to use that AF-L button in less than 3 minutes. Thank you Omar!

[@markm83]

Thanks Omar, very informative discussion of the "Pre-Focus" topic!

[@clientbuilding8737]

I have been playing with manual focus, AF-L and AE-L. The exposure lock using spot metering helps in difficult lighting conditions. The only thing I have found is I have to have the focus locked first. It would be great to see someone do a video using all of these together.

[@NikolajFreiesleben]

I use BBF to do panos. In M mode i pre focus with BBF and then i can take the pano with severel photos and the camera will not focus on every photos.

[@bondjamesbond2371]

Thanks for train track message!!😅😂🤣

[@frank1022]

I know prefocus but never realized you can use it in manual mode. But man you scared the h*** out of me with that locomotive :-S Valuable tutorial again! Setting new standards here on KZbin. Thank you!

[@georgedemetriou1496]

Hi Omar. love your presentation style, full of great info with no pretension! Just to pick up your point about zone focussing though, surely everything should be in focus within the depth of field range which, of course, depends on the focal length of the lens and the aperture setting so anything between say 3ft and infinity could be in focus with a wide angle lens set at f16 for example?

[@MikeMena]

Holy crap, I totally got scared with train!! Lolol

[@gymhyk]

Great informative video Omar from a happy Fujifilm owner !!! 👍👍👍

[@blindsouris]

In the zone delimited by the zone-focusing the sharpness is only "acceptable" so with manual lenses if possible I use pre-focus. Using a view at 100% I have a good idea between "acceptable" and "pin sharp". And as you indicated zone-focus between a 28mm or a 85mm is not really the same.

[@HarriRomppainen]

Pre-focusing with back button is great for run&gun videography!

[@robertdavis1255]

Thanks for sharing.... great video & advice.... cheers 😀

[@raulrodrigueznyc]

This was a good lesson. I now want to trek from Brooklyn to that pier in Hoboken to experiment with that jogger blur shot. Quick question Omar - I went through you channel videos looking for your thoughts on the Fujifilm 18-135mm. Didn't find any review of sorts. Did I miss something? Thanks!!!

[@abchappell01]

This is a very good discussion of the concept of Pre-focus. Thank you so much Omar :)

[@christerappelgren1665]

One of your best!

[@kawaida21]

Love the educational videos...cheers!!

[@williamdavidson1490]

Oh man, I really like the bit on "Train Tracks" lol!

[@johnvienna3422]

For "back button" focusing, you can set the Fn button next to the shutter. So now you don't need your thumb, which is better for one-handed shooting. Just prefocus with your index finger, then jump straight to the shutter button - click click click, as fast as you want.

[@CrisConstantin]

Best technique to stop complaining about af speed in your camera. It’s old but gold and can be used with any camera, any lens, anywhere. Good video, Omar. I also use another technique called “drag focus” I guess…🤔. I prefocus on a not so distant subject from real my point of interest and try cover a bigger focus plane, manually obviously, by learning the amount of turn on my focus ring that will cover the distance between the 2 spots. Let’s call this…A to B focusing😂🤣😂. Be safe, man.

[@nkojima]

great tips omar thank you for sharing

[@carmenfissenden2530]

If old hands get a wake up call watching this - great video as ever Omar

[@christopherho8738]

This is so helpful. Thank you!

[@goggobus4076]

Another great video. Thanks.👍

[@reverton77]

Omg.... I was with my amazing headphones when you were on the train rail... 😂 Almost jumping 😂😂

[@TheMrZnyper]

So helpful, now I can confidently take it off S or C and toggle M

[@paulm8157]

Gold nuggets in this one - nice focus “bzzz” sound effect, too.😁 Worth a mention is Fuji’s “depth of field” (aka zone focus) scale in display when in manual focus mode. Ever use that scale, Omar?

[@JimiCanRead]

I use back button focus 90% of the time for all my focussing duties (10% manual focus)

[@TheJayCubitt]

First 15 seconds, I laughed so hard. Thanks Omar ;)

[@charlestonealmacen]

Nice video Omar! Greetings from Italy

[@fremzter]

So the back button focus is good during portraits since youd only need to focus once as long as the subjects stays on a spot.

[@fbmooers]

"Dead train tracks...." HONK lol - funniest ever!

[@themadgreek]

Hey Jersey Guy!!! Curious what shutter speed you used to shoot your daughter coming down the water slide. She's sharp which indicates a higher shutter to stop the motion, but there's still some blur to the water. 500? Great vlog btw. I usually take my X-T4 out whenever I watch your clips.

[@uvp5000]

Three comments: 1) Thank you for emphasizing that standing on heavy (or even light) rail is dangerous. 2) Thank you for the informative video 3) Dude, you cry when a picture doesn't come out? As a hobbyist Canon Shooter (sniffle), I stand tall if I don't get a keeper (whimper). I. Won't. Cry. (sobbing uncontrollably). If you can't help but cry, you should have the courage to be like Omar Gonzalez. I'll bet he doesn't cry ... too much. Pardon me while I go cry some more.

[@scott2100]

this technique is perfect for graduations; I did this for my dad's when he got his PHD

[@danielschmaderer]

Back button focus took me about a day to get used to, but once I did, I couldn’t go back to shutter focus. Also, that train scared the crap out of me 😂

[@graham_T]

Good stuff . You didn’t say anything about Fuji Pre Shot ES . Could you cover that too please .

[@cisneuna]

such a great discovery. thanks

[@treharris1677]

Very helpful!

[@navastaj]

Happy World Photography Day🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@malcomjhy]

Your body language always got me!!! Hahahaha so funny..

[@JohnKrill]

I’m starting to miss those days when cameras did manual mode only. Your left hand did all the focusing. That’s why you needed two hands to operate the camera. One to fire the shutter and set the speed and one to set the f-stop and to focus. Dam I miss those days. I guess I could still do total manual mode. No I’m not that desperate. So now I get the camera, X-E4 dude, and practice those methods you described. Some I know well but others not so well.

[@tjsinva]

Good info. 👍 🥂

[@alanjedwards]

That was cool!

[@descender421]

I'm still trying to wrap my head around back-button focusing. Dumb question for you, but do you typically just stay in manual focus mode and use back button focus like in the example you did here? Also wondering if so, if just holding back button focus would also allow AF-C to get the best of all three worlds.

[@OrlandoEeckhout]

You can set it to af-c go to AF/MF (2/2*) and go to "Direct AF-setting" or something like that. I translated it literally from an other language. * On the x-t20

[@JosBlomsma]

Nice! Also nice, unobtrusive call to press 'like' ;)

[@KevinHPhotography]

If your subject is getting closer/farther from you. How do you use the back button focus in this situation? Or in this case is the only solution to shoot in Continuous Focus mode?

[@hamishmctiaigh4363]

Nice explanation of the difference between zone focusing and pre-focusing, Omar, cheers. Stay away from those tracks though