Taking a picture, Memo HARD-TO-AUTOFOCUS Subjects

MZ-6(E)04 D2/074-084 11/8/02 12:04 PM Page 76

ABOUT FOCUSING

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.

Focus indicator

Memo 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	STEP
	frame.	STEP
	• Subjects which don’t reflect much light in the autofocus frame.	UP
	• Subjects with complex or detailed patterns.	UP
	• Subjects with complex or detailed patterns.
	• Subjects which are moving too fast.	ADVANCED
	• Multiple subjects in the foreground and background of the autofocus
	frame.
	• Subjects positioned against reflected light or strong backlight or with
	extremely bright backgrounds.	OPERATIONS
	Memo

Memo

•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

Memo

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.

■ 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.