Author Topic: Canon FL 55mm f/1.2 (Ed Mika Conversion) (Read 15840 times)

ontarian · « **Reply #15 on:** October 18, 2011, 09:55:54 AM »

No, the dandelion chip is in my experience only semi accurate for focus confirmation especially with the thin depth of field you have a 1.2 on closer subjects. I have heard that focusing using only centre point is a bit more accurate and If you follow the chip instructions as posted on the ebay listing there is a calibration function for it that functions similar to lens micro adjustment on the newer / higher end canon bodies.

Since I do most of my focusing in live view or using the focus screen in my 1D4 I basically ignore the focus confirm function of the chip on my FL 55 1.2 and depend on it rather for allowing proper light metering and EXIF data reporting. Perhaps I should play with it some more to see if the FL 55s are all back or forward focusing and add the appropriate calibration adjustment to my regular programming routine of adjusting focal length to 55, aperture to 1.2 and manual/auto focus switch emulation to manual.

canon rumors FORUM · « **Reply #15 on:** October 18, 2011, 09:55:54 AM »

russellwth · « **Reply #16 on:** October 18, 2011, 10:11:40 AM »

that's pretty interesting! thanks for the info. after doing some a comparison of the same shot using the af provided by the chip and using the live view to get the same shot, i could get accurate in focus shot using the live view with 2.7 ft on the barrel, while using the dandelion AF, what it determined as in focus was at 3.0ft. both shots were taken mounted on tripod and 2-sec self-timer on my 1000D.

could you share how you calibrate the lens (AF Chip)? i don't believe i see the instructions for doing so on your listing http://www.ebay.com/itm/EdMika-Canon-FL-55mm-1-1-2-EF-EOS-Conversion-Kit-/180706459579

many thanks!
though i agree with you i would shoot in live view for manual lenses, but somehow or rather it feels very natural for me to use the view finder

ontarian · « **Reply #17 on:** October 18, 2011, 10:36:38 AM »

They are up on the ebay listing in the pictures on the second page down if you scroll. However here is a larger version in my flickr photo stream that will likely be easier to read here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ontarian/6031775051/sizes/o/in/set-72157624929098837/

I do prefer the viewfinder also over live view for really "seeing" what I'm shooting, it feels more direct. The focusing screen is bang on accurate as well, I wish all bodies still came with one.

russellwth · « **Reply #18 on:** October 18, 2011, 12:22:36 PM »

hey ed, thanks alot for your help! though i would say that the link you've provided well, required some head banging first, i found a guide off tago, which describes using the ai servo method to get into the program, afterwhich, i calibrated the F8.0 + 2 digits from 01 to 17 â€“ correction of focus confirmation dot to 06 instead of the default which was 09 and as a result, ive managed to receive rather spot on AF.

in the end the calibration function did help out

ontarian · « **Reply #19 on:** October 18, 2011, 01:02:22 PM »

Quote from: russellwth on October 18, 2011, 12:22:36 PM

hey ed, thanks alot for your help! though i would say that the link you've provided well, required some head banging first, i found a guide off tago, which describes using the ai servo method to get into the program, afterwhich, i calibrated the F8.0 + 2 digits from 01 to 17 â€“ correction of focus confirmation dot to 06 instead of the default which was 09 and as a result, ive managed to receive rather spot on AF.

in the end the calibration function did help out

Thanks for the valuable feedback, I'll confirm on my several len copies as well and if I find that a setting of 06 is the best vs. the default 09 I will add making this adjustment to my standard chip programming routine on adapters I send out. -Ed Mika

Harley · « **Reply #20 on:** October 18, 2011, 02:04:09 PM »

I have noticed the same issue but haven't tested it to see if I'm getting back or forward focusing relative to the AF confirmation. I'm not a huge fan of live view, so I tend to spend a moment rocking the focus back and forth while looking thru the viewfinder and have gotten better at getting the focus right. But it is still difficult when shooting wide open.

This is why I'm thinking about replacing the focusing screen with an after-market split prism screen like the Katzeye. The focusing screen on the 7D will only show DOF to about f/4.

savale · « **Reply #21 on:** October 18, 2011, 05:23:09 PM »

Fine lens as far as I can see. Not that impressed though. Were any of the shots at 1.2?

canon rumors FORUM · « **Reply #21 on:** October 18, 2011, 05:23:09 PM »

msowsun · « **Reply #22 on:** October 18, 2011, 06:10:22 PM »

All mine were shot at 1.2 http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php/topic,1758.msg34007.html#msg34007

dadgummit · « **Reply #23 on:** October 19, 2011, 01:21:27 PM »

Quote from: savale on October 18, 2011, 05:23:09 PM

Fine lens as far as I can see. Not that impressed though. Were any of the shots at 1.2?

I have many pictuers posted in a FL 55mm f1.2 thread shot at f1.2 in the POTN Lens Archive:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1105149

I am more than impressed with this lens, I found it sharper wide open than the C/Y Zeiss 50mm f1.4 with better contrast and comparable colors.

elvan · « **Reply #24 on:** October 20, 2011, 12:43:17 AM »

Quote from: ontarian on October 18, 2011, 01:02:22 PM

Quote from: russellwth on October 18, 2011, 12:22:36 PM
hey ed, thanks alot for your help! though i would say that the link you've provided well, required some head banging first, i found a guide off tago, which describes using the ai servo method to get into the program, afterwhich, i calibrated the F8.0 + 2 digits from 01 to 17 â€“ correction of focus confirmation dot to 06 instead of the default which was 09 and as a result, ive managed to receive rather spot on AF.

in the end the calibration function did help out

Thanks for the valuable feedback, I'll confirm on my several len copies as well and if I find that a setting of 06 is the best vs. the default 09 I will add making this adjustment to my standard chip programming routine on adapters I send out. -Ed Mika

Let us know your findings ED. It seems like 06 worked a little better in some cases and a little worst in other situations.

russellwth · « **Reply #25 on:** October 23, 2011, 07:35:33 AM »

just thought'd i'll share this with ya'll.
just an example of the lens calibrated properly with the dandelion AF chip, so far so good, nailing all the shots with the AF green light in the viewfinder.

some tips to getting the focus bang on quick,
use the one-point (center point AF selection) and one-shot AF as this proves the most effective.
1) focus in to the region where you think you are getting the sharpest focus point
2) half press on the shutter release and then fine-tune adjustment till focus confirmation shows, beep or just the green light if you've deactivated the beep.
3) shoot!

end result:

IMG_3306 by simpleruss, on Flickr
cheers gents!

ps: shot was taken at f1.2 and at iso 800 on 1000D

elvan · « **Reply #26 on:** October 27, 2011, 03:21:34 PM »

After a focal length and aperture reprogram, the 06 setting on the focus adjust did seem to provide the best overall focus confirm on my 550d. At low light situations, the reliability is somewhat iffy and I would still suggest focusing from liveview if your subject is stationary. However, with these adjustments, I find the focus confirm (center) is about 90% reliable for most situations.