AF problems with OMD1 mkiii

[JeanieW]

Hi. I'm hoping someone can help with focusing issues on recently purchased OMD 1 mk iii. Its proving to be a steep learning curve and I'm baffled by the AF not performing. The only way I can focus is by a half push of the shutter button. C-AF makes no difference. I've tried a factory reset and turning the clutch off on the 12-40 2.8 pro lens. I upgraded from the 5 mk ii which now seems easy to operate by comparison (a useful full-time AF setting). At this point I'm still wondering if its human error on my part rather than a faulty camera, but any suggestions on checking this would be helpful.

[wornish]

The default setting for the mk3 is to use half-press on the shutter button to focus.

You can however set it to use back-button focussing when you press the AEL/AFL button on the back just to the right of the viewfinder.
To do this press MENU
then select the COG menu
The select AEL/AFL then right arrow
set S-AF to Mode 3
set C-AF to Mode 3
set Half Way to Operative.

thats it

Now you simply press the AEL/AFL button using your Thumb and press the shutter when you want to take the shot.

Hope this helps.

[wornish]

The automatic focussing certainly works if you are in video mode but I don't think its possible on A,S or P. I am no expert though. I allways have my thumb on the AEL/AFL button anyway so its not an issue for me.

[JeanieW]

Yes, I noticed it worked in video mode. Looks like I'll just have to get used to a different way of doing things.

[Ross the fiddler]

@JeanieW
There used to be an option for Full Time AF (in E-M5) but being a hangover from compact cameras it was taken out, mostly for it's drain on the battery.

[Ian]

Be careful with the fucus ring as if it's pulled towards the body (revealing a district scale) it invokes manual focus only, overriding the settings. This is very handy but can catch you out if unintentional 😁

Ian

[JeanieW]

Thanks for your quick reply. I'm aware of the manual focus clutch on the lens and always check this first. I think I can turn this option off in camera if it becomes a problem.

[Bikie John]

There is something nagging at the back of my mind, but I can't remember the details. Is there an option called something like "Full-time AF" where the camera is continually setting focus whether you are pressing a button or not? I've tried searching the manual and trawling through the meus (on an E-M1 Mark II) and can't find anything like this, but it sounds as though this might be what you are missing. Perhaps this description will jog somebody else's memory.

Good luck ... John

[Ross the fiddler]

It's in the E-M5, but it would drain the battery, plus it is really a hangover feature from compact cameras.

[JeanieW]

Thanks for your reply. Yes, the Full-time AF is on my EM5 mii and has proved very useful. As for battery life, I just turned the camera off when not using and carry a spare.

[MJ224]

John, your are right. The EM5 mk2 has a Full Time AF mode, but I cannot see it on the Em1 mk3..

I have tried it on the EM5, but can't get it to work, but there quite a few reasons in the manual that say that it won't work with certain settings

[wornish]

There is a very good setup tutorial here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNGZHfHdcJI

I have not found a way to make the EM1mk3 use autofocus like the EM5.

[JeanieW]

Hi again. Thanks for the tutorial link, I've seen this but will look through again when I have the time.

[blackfox]

I have found that getting the focus to work to your liking is quite complex on the mkiii after 2 years with a mkii .. it took me a good few weeks of tweaking to get it to work to my liking.. my advice would be use single small point focus ,c.a.f only, just one mis-matched setting could throw the whole lot out of synch .. it would help if jeanie (OP) let us know what there actually shooting . i.e landscapes ,flowers, action /movement , etc

[JeanieW]

Thanks for your reply. I'm finding that just when I think I'm making progress with the EM1 mkiii, something unexpected sets me back and I'm left somewhat baffled. For example I followed instructions from Wornish to reassign focus to the AEL/AFL button which I was just getting used to. But consequently have found both the AEL/AFL button and a half press of the shutter will both set the focus (only want the AEL/AFL option). I still have no idea about this. I must have changed another setting but not sure when/what. Thanks for your suggested settings, I'll give them a try.

[JeanieW]

Sorry, I forgot to mention what I was shooting. I mainly do still life (landscape, plants, abstracts etc) but also like to do street and travel (when they let me out) I've had very satisfactory results with my EM5 mkii and it looks like I'll be sticking with that for the street side of things - for the time being at least. I've not tried much fast action stuff although I wouldn't mind getting the odd bee take-off in sharp focus.

[blackfox]

My own gut feeling is that while back button focus does work , it’s a two edged sword especially with longer lenses hand held , as when you then depress the shutter you also tend to knock it downwards and off focus . The best way to check is to look at where the actual focus point ends up . Fine if you use a tripod but hand held is a different ball game .
So I use front button only ,works for me anyway