Best technique for Micro Focus Ajustment

[alew3]

I've done some searching on how to MFA, but I'm not sure which one to use. I have a 5D MkII

Can anyone point me to the best way?

Thanks!

 

[Aaron78]

It sounds to me like reikan foCal is the way to go, but you need windows (mac os not yet released). I haven't used it yet, but will as soon as the mac version comes out. I've seen many good reviews on this product.

 

[Loswr]

Here's a write up I previously did on AFMA:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Photography-Tips/AF-Microadjustment-Tips.aspx

Currently, I use and recommend FoCal. I'm running it on my Mac via a Windows virtual machine.

 

[alew3]

thanks! I'll try it out, I also have a mac, so will run a windows virtual machine!

 

[Aaron78]

Nice write up, does the windows virtual machine require purchasing a windows os and running it on something like parallels? I am new to macs and am just trying to figure it's os out, so i haven't looked into integrating the windows on it (but i got a parallels program for free from b&h when i purchased the computer).

 

[Loswr]

Yes, to run Windows in Parallels, VMware, or 'natively' via BootCamp requires a Windows license. I believe I read in a post that FoCal runs under CrossOver (free, no Win license needed), but my recollection might be wrong.

 

[spinworkxroy]

I'm running Windows via VMware Fusion on my Macbook Pro and i am using FoCal by Reikan on my 5D3.
It's not fully automated but it's just a little intervention on my part for the tests..
It works well, and the difference is there if you have a lens that needs adjustment.
On my lenses, i found that my primes needed alot more adjustments thn my zooms…don't know why…but the difference it made in the primes were quite large…not so on the zooms…maybe it's because of the sharpness between zooms vs primes

 

[drjlo]

I really like the "Moire computer screen" method. It's free, fast, and accurate!

http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/cameras/1ds3_af_micoadjustment.html

 

[mrmarks]

I have used this method for all my L lenses http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/cameras/1ds3_af_micoadjustment.html It's an accurate method and it is free

 

[ideaworx]

FoCal did well for me

 

[scottkinfw]

Yes.

I run parallels 8, Win XP (some features of FoCal don't run for Nikons), and Mac Lion. You must also load up the Canon software disk that came with the camera, or download from their site. One thing to look for if the system doesn't seem to recognize the camera- go to devices>usb>and check to be sure the camera is listed and a check mark is next to it.

swk

Nice write up, does the windows virtual machine require purchasing a windows os and running it on something like parallels? I am new to macs and am just trying to figure it's os out, so i haven't looked into integrating the windows on it (but i got a parallels program for free from b&h when i purchased the computer).

 

[AKCalixto]

FoCal PRO

 

[RC]

Here's a write up I previously did on AFMA:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Photography-Tips/AF-Microadjustment-Tips.aspx

Currently, I use and recommend FoCal. I'm running it on my Mac via a Windows virtual machine.

Excellent procedure and tips! Just used Neuro's procedure today with LensAlign mk II. THANK YOU Neuro! ;D

 

[pelebel]

I did my ajustments with a pro tool: Lenscal.

http://digital-photography-school.com/adjusting-focus-with-datacolor-spyder-lenscal

Easy to use, and even with bad eyes, I did it well.

 

[TrumpetPower!]

FoCal. No question. Worth every penny and then some, even if you've already done non-automated calibration on all your lenses and bodies.

All those rulers and moiré tests and what-not will get you in the ballpark, but, if they get it perfect, it'll be by chance.

What FoCal does is take multiple shots at multiple AFMA settings, and then it runs some fancy statistics to figure out which setting is most likely to give the best results most of the time. You see, the margin of error for the autofocus system is bigger than the interval used for AFMA steps, so you can easily have the sharpest individual shot be a statistical fluke that's still a few notches away from the one that'll give you the most keepers. Unless you're going to perform that kind of analysis by hand, you'll never discover that with the manual method.

One tip: if at all possible, use the 50x focal length Canon recommends with the big chart on the alternate page for best results. Centering the target is quicker with Live View on the camera back than in FoCal's preview, but it's worth getting confirmation from FoCal's preview.

And, yes, it works just fine in VMware on a Mac.

Cheers,

b&

 

[Viggo]

Anyone experienced "License error" with Reikan Focal Pro?

I use a 5d3 and just bought a license, and I can see the serial in the program, and I can go into the tools, but as soon as I press "Start" on something I just says "license error". Great fun....

 

[cliffwang]

Anyone experienced "License error" with Reikan Focal Pro?

I use a 5d3 and just bought a license, and I can see the serial in the program, and I can go into the tools, but as soon as I press "Start" on something I just says "license error". Great fun....

I think you have better contact with Reikan. It might be the 5D3 support problem. There is no issue with 5D2 here.