... and now the wait for a 1DX version has begun. Never mind that there still isn't a "good" version for the 5D3... This is why I was reluctant to pay so much for a tool that's at the mercy of third parties, and even when the third party delivers we're still at the mercy of FoCal - the last fairly abhorrent 1.5 beta (stability wise) is an example.
This could, and should, be built into the cameras.
I just purchased the pro. the setup with 5d3 is cumbersome. The software heavily relies on the lack of movement of target for evaluation of data, and having to touch the camera repeatedly to change microfocus, not only takes a lot of time, but also may cause movement of camera. I am also finding the software repeatedly crashes on me, so that I can complete 1/2 to 1/3 attempts, with it saying it cant get date, or lost connection, or not getting images, or other errors, with the system crashing. this at times happens early one, at times after 5 minutes in to the system.
all things said and done, I am finding the computer moire patter findings the best one still. right now its quicker than the program, and quicker to set up at multiple focus distances to check, and at least as accurate.
I just dont feel this is quite ready for prime time, definitely at least for 5d3.
One of the features that should be very easy for him to implement for added value is also an imatest type test, since he is analyzing data for sharpness, and in fact giving you results.
No way do you want to be going back & forth adjusting the micro adjustment. The automated worked well for me - 5DII & 7D with primes & zooms. With zooms you need to make a decision on what mm to use. Great tool.
I recently bought the pro version and used it on my 50D & 5DIII. The 50D was a breeze! Very easy to use and did make a difference. The 5DIII was much more user input involved and took much longer. Does anyone know if there is an estimate of when the update will be released that automates the process with the 5DIII?
Rickuz wrote:
Darn, that mac version is taking forever. :/ It has been delayed so many times!
I think you had better stop holding your breath... because I think the sales of the current version are going well enough that there is not a need for a mac version.
jwp721 wrote:
I think you had better stop holding your breath... because I think the sales of the current version are going well enough that there is not a need for a mac version.
What a strange thing to say since most photographers use macs.
Besides, the developer is working on a mac version. Problem is that he / they are doing things "the Canon way" and keep delaying it all the time.
Just my 2 cents...I have had very good luck with fo-cal on my 5d3 and so-so results on my 5d2. I manually check the cameras after calibration and I cannot really count on it for my 5d2.( even though in real world usage I have had very good results when not micro adjusting).
I also find it very frustrating that I cannot use this software on my macbook pro. I would love to calibrate using natural light but I refuse to unhook my desktop to take it in the garage.
I am also very surprised they have not found a fix or workaround for the 5d3 to make it fully automatic. It works but I always wonder if it would be more repeatable if I did not have to manually change the adjustment. That said it is usually within one on repeat tests with the 5d3 which is still better than the 5d2.
I purchased this software with the idea that it would fully function with the mac and 5d3 and as of today I am disappointed. I would not recommend this to anyone with a 5d3 as there are other manual methods (although more tedious) would give similar results. And if you want to use it on a mac wait for it to come out, don't make the mistake I did.
Update, a response from Fo-Cal regarding the Mac version and the 5D3:
The Mac version is currently under development and we're hoping to release it in August.
Currently, you can run the software on a Mac using a guest version of Windows in Parallels 7 or VMWare, or with Bootcamp. Note that you will need Windows 7 to run with Nikon cameras, but can use Windows XP for Canon. You can also upgrade from a PC license to the Mac version free of charge when it's released.
As Canon don't allow control of AF Microadjustment from the computer for the 5Dmk3 we need to do some low level protocol analysis in order to determine whether there is a way to change this setting and fully automate the 5Dmk3. This is planned for after the release of the Mac version.
Just checked, VMWare is $50 and Parallels 7 is $80. Sigh....
Well, before, per earlier statements, they were planning to release the Mac version in July and the fully featured 5D3 version in June. It won't even talk to the 1DX in manual mode, let alone fully automatic. So I once again have to do all my MA manually, like in the years past, with just a $100 "paperweight" on my Mac (running VMWare)....
Yeah, thats rather depressing. I should have just waited to see if they release the automatic 5d3. so they wont even start working on it till august. twistedlim wrote:
Update, a response from Fo-Cal regarding the Mac version and the 5D3:
The Mac version is currently under development and we're hoping to release it in August.
Currently, you can run the software on a Mac using a guest version of Windows in Parallels 7 or VMWare, or with Bootcamp. Note that you will need Windows 7 to run with Nikon cameras, but can use Windows XP for Canon. You can also upgrade from a PC license to the Mac version free of charge when it's released.
As Canon don't allow control of AF Microadjustment from the computer for the 5Dmk3 we need to do some low level protocol analysis in order to determine whether there is a way to change this setting and fully automate the 5Dmk3. This is planned for after the release of the Mac version.
Just checked, VMWare is $50 and Parallels 7 is $80. Sigh.......Show more →
Jim Bau wrote:
Just fired off my question via email. Will post the response when I get it back. Stay tuned...
Here is the response I got back from Renikan:
Hi
FoCal 1.4 was using a version of the Canon interface files which were supplied with the 5Dmk3 (dated December 2011) without any support or documentation from Canon. We had hoped that when Canon released the SDK with 5Dmk3 and 1D-X support, they would fix some bugs in the December 2011 release, as well as hopefully add the ability to control AF microadjustment from the computer.
Unfortunately, Canon released the SDK late in May, and they have done neither of these things. There is no functional difference between the December 2011 release and the April 2012 files supplied with the SDK.
I'm currently trying to strike up a dialog with Canon with some success to get them to look at the issues, but it may take some time before there is a solution (if any). So for now the 5Dmk3 will have to still be used in Manual Setting Change mode - this mode give you all the benefits of the fully automatic testing, but just prompts you to change the values for AF Microadjustment.
I just downloaded Focal 1.5 which appears to have gone thru some major changes. The focus target is now different and the size of the paper can be configured. The documentation also mentions the default 'defocus method' has changed from past versions which is interesting. With the 70-200 my AFMA results at 70 and 200 were much closer together than with the previous AF Microadjust method setting. With the pro version the auto af test vs the AF consistency test the result were slightly different. I think this version has made some good strides over 1.4x. I just wished Canon go back and upgrade the firmware for those bodies which support AFMA changes to support zoom lens better.
stanj wrote:
Well, before, per earlier statements, they were planning to release the Mac version in July and the fully featured 5D3 version in June. It won't even talk to the 1DX in manual mode, let alone fully automatic. So I once again have to do all my MA manually, like in the years past, with just a $100 "paperweight" on my Mac (running VMWare)....
Just downloaded the 1.5 version and gave it a try with my 5d2. The paper weight shall now be version 1.5
As well as it works on my 5d3, I still have trouble with my 5d2, no automated 5d3 calibration, no mac support. I would take a refund in a heartbeat if I had the option.
twistedlim wrote:
Update, a response from Fo-Cal regarding the Mac version and the 5D3:
As Canon don't allow control of AF Microadjustment from the computer for the 5Dmk3 we need to do some low level protocol analysis in order to determine whether there is a way to change this setting and fully automate the 5Dmk3. This is planned for after the release of the Mac version.
I wouldn't trust whatever they come up with for 5D mk3.
