The most reliable SLR focusing aids were the integrated matte focusing screens with a central split-image rangefinder and a micro-prism collar, especially the split-image rangefinder.
The green dot on any DSLR is not reliable. The focus peaking on mirrorless cameras is much better but also not 100% reliable. The only reliable way is to assign the AF-ON button to Zoom or View Mode / Magnify so that pressing the button punches in a 100% or 200% view. It is precise but inconvenient for moving subjects because all we can see is a small portion of the frame.
Why do manufacturers not implement this feature in a manner similar to that of SLR cameras? It would be so convenient to see both the focusing portion of the frame and the entire frame simultaneously, without having to continuously press the back AF-ON button [as on Nikon Z6/Z7] back and forth.
I read this (the unreliability of the focus dot) and respect people's experiences and perspective. However, I have had good results with the focus confirmation box. My experience is with the Nikon D800, D850 and now on Nikon Zf - albeit limited experience on that last one using a Shoten NF-NZ E adapter), with a whole range of manual focus Nikkors.
Focus peaking is excellent, as well as being able to enlarge the image, however I like the immediacy of the focus confirmation box without further fiddling with camera controls.
In my experience only focus peaking with 100/200% view is accurate. I use a z8 with Voigtlander lenses. The green dot is not reliable and sometimes the dot is green in a big focussing range, especially with wide angle lenses. When using the 100/200% view it appears quite often that the green dot is off.
mic37 wrote:
The most reliable SLR focusing aids were the integrated matte focusing screens with a central split-image rangefinder and a micro-prism collar, especially the split-image rangefinder.
Why do manufacturers not implement this feature in a manner similar to that of SLR cameras?
I have been shooting regularly with the FM3a, the F3 and the Zf. The subject-detection on the Zf in MF gives me the highest % of in-focus images between all three. Sure, I can see how under a bright sun the microprism can be faster, but step inside and there's no contest under less than perfect light: the "green box" on the Zf wins easily.
While I too believe that Nikon could deliver even better manual focusing aids, I disagree strongly with your assesment of the present situation. Which camera do you shoot with? Have you tried the subject detection in MF setting? It is relatively recent, less than two years IIRC.
mic37 wrote:
The most reliable SLR focusing aids were the integrated matte focusing screens with a central split-image rangefinder and a micro-prism collar, especially the split-image rangefinder.
The green dot on any DSLR is not reliable. The focus peaking on mirrorless cameras is much better but also not 100% reliable. The only reliable way is to assign the AF-ON button to Zoom or View Mode / Magnify so that pressing the button punches in a 100% or 200% view. It is precise but inconvenient for moving subjects because all we can see is a small portion of the frame.
Why do manufacturers not implement this feature in a manner similar to that of SLR cameras? It would be so convenient to see both the focusing portion of the frame and the entire frame simultaneously, without having to continuously press the back AF-ON button [as on Nikon Z6/Z7] back and forth. ...Show more →
The MF aids are pretty good and I think zooming in is the best option for static subjects. If subjects are moving, then why are you manually focusing? How many lenses does Nikon make that don't have decent AF?
