Using manual focus lenses can feel like a lost art in today’s autofocus-driven world, but they offer unique advantages and opportunities to improve your skills. Whether you're exploring vintage equipment or trying out modern manual options, understanding how to use these lenses effectively can open up creative possibilities.
Coming to you from Jeff Ascough with Walk Like Alice, this practical video covers everything you need to know about using manual focus lenses. He starts with a discussion on choosing the right lens. For street photography, Ascough emphasizes the importance of lens size. Smaller lenses, while faster to focus, might sacrifice some accuracy in their markings. Larger lenses often offer wider apertures but can slow you down when trying to focus quickly. Finding the right balance is key.
Ascough also highlights the importance of viewfinder magnifications when using manual lenses. Leica’s M6 viewfinders, for example, come in different magnifications, like 0.58 and 0.85, each tailored to specific focal lengths. For wider lenses, a lower magnification like 0.58 helps you see frame lines more easily, especially if you wear glasses. Higher magnifications, like 0.85, are better suited for longer focal lengths, providing more precise focusing. Choosing the right viewfinder for your lens and shooting style can significantly improve accuracy and efficiency.
When it comes to focusing techniques, Ascough explains two main methods: traditional focus-through-the-viewfinder and zone focusing. For wide angle lenses, zone focusing is an efficient way to shoot quickly on the street. By setting your lens to a specific distance, such as 12 feet, and using an aperture like f/8, you can achieve a large depth of field that keeps subjects sharp without constant adjustments. For longer lenses like 50mm, Ascough suggests starting from the infinity hard stop and focusing by turning the lens in one direction, which saves time compared to guessing the focus position.
He also shares tips for handling challenging focusing situations. When shooting subjects with low contrast, look for areas with vertical or horizontal lines to lock focus more easily. For moving subjects, Ascough recommends using body movement to maintain focus rather than constantly adjusting the lens. By stepping backward at the same pace as a subject moving toward you, you can keep them in focus without the need for constant refocusing. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Ascough.
