EOS 90D Box not on screen for manual focus

[Ramsden]

Morning Folks

I've been trying to improve my use of all the focusing techniques on my EOS90D. The Autofocus buttons are quick and efficient and I can move the spot to focus on a flower head for example. But when I switch to MF to do some Macro shots, I can't see the small box for focussing. I have MF Peaking which is good - but the box isn't there. Am I doing something wrong? I include a screen shot of my info screen which shows the spot focus in tandem with M focus.

Help please

 

Ramsdem

[Ramsden]

Update on this post. In view finder mode with the select spot predetermined, I can see the matrix with the spot. But if I try to move the spot the view reverts to normal. I'll have to take some notes because the sequence of button pressing is quite confusing.

Ramsden

[Waddizzle]

The focusing squares are for the AF system. You should not be able to see them light up when you switch the lens to MF mode.

What is your setting on your lens AF/MF switch?  What lens are you using?

Using Spot AF does not improve how well your camera focuses.  It simply causes the camera to focus on a smaller area, which may or may not have sufficient contrast for a good focus lock.

And, Spot AF only uses the center AF point.  This also applies to Spot Metering.  I only use them for macro photography using a tripod with a geared head.   

—————

The 90D does not have any manual focusing aids when using the viewfinder.  But, depending upon your lens, you might be able to fool the AF system into assisting you when manual focusing.  This works on older DSLRs, but I don’t know about the 90D.  It probably will work. 

You need to have an auto focusing lens. And you need to have the set up to use BBF, back button focusing.

Set the AF mode to One Shot AF.  Set the lens switch to MF.  Set the AF point to the a single point, preferably the center point because it is the most accurate. 

Now when you press and hold the BBF button turning the focus ring should cause the camera to beep when the content underneath the selected single AF point is in focus!

This should also work without BBF by half pressing the Shutter as you turn the focus ring. I just haven’t ever tried it. 

[normadel]

Many Canon EF and EF-S lenses allow you to manual-focus with the lens set on autofocus (AF). It's called "Full-Time Manual Focusing". The lens manual tells you that. It's just just turning the focus ring while holding the shutter button halfway down. It does not require using BBF (back-button focusing).

[Ramsden]

Thanks Guys

That's really helpful.

I should add, that I like the control I get in MF, and its good for my Macro journey. Plus it seems to fit with my Raw M set up.

I have a 70-300, and 24, 50 and 85 Macros, and a 10-18 wide angle.

However, the AF is so good most of the time, I wonder why I need to be so pedantic.

Ramsden

[Waddizzle]

Correct, many lenses allow full time manual focusing. But most of the lenses that don’t are entry level kit lenses like the EF-S 18-55mm lenses that came in xxxxD camera kits. 

However, switching the lens to MF works with any lens, which is why I recommended it. The only caveat is that you need to first set the AF to One Shot before you switch the lens to MF. This will provide focus confirmation.  The focus box in my R6ii turns from red to green, no beep even though it is enabled. 

I find it easier to use BBF while manually focusing than trying to sustain a half press on the shutter while focusing. 

[normadel]

FYI, the two latest 18-55 "kit" lenses, the STMs, DO allow full time manual focus. I have three of them.

[Waddizzle]

“ FYI, the two latest 18-55 "kit" lenses, the STMs, DO allow full time manual focus. I have three of them. “

I am familiar with them.  I like my approach better because there’s zero chance of the AF motors kicking in. 

[Ramsden]

I've got lots of new processes to try tomorrow - just on technical question: I read in one of books/manuals not to switch between MF and AF when the camera is switched on because this can damage something in the camera. Is this correct, and if so could you expand on the reason please? 

[Waddizzle]

“ I've got lots of new processes to try tomorrow - just on technical question: I read in one of books/manuals not to switch between MF and AF when the camera is switched on because this can damage something in the camera. Is this correct, and if so could you expand on the reason please? “

I have never heard or read about such a thing. The only reason I can think for sure advice is because of “Continuous AF”, which keeps the AF active between shots.  Many users have this feature disabled to conserve battery life. 

But I still don’t see what harm turning off the AF could cause.  I switch to MF and use [AF-ON], the BBF button, to wake up the AF system for manual focus confirmation. Be sure to set One Shot AF before switching to MF on the lens.