GH1 LUMIX "focus by wire" lenses and follow focus

Dvader

Dvader

Well-known member
So what I've garnered from searching is that LUMIX lenses have an internal servo focus where the focus ring isn't coupled with fix positions. This mean that the focus rings doesn't have to move to focus so fixed positions on your lens aren't fixed focus spots. People have said this makes follow focus systems worthless for those lenses, this is where I'm confused. I understand this 'focus by wire' is more limiting but can't you just switch to MF mode with the LUMIX lenses and then mark your focus spots? And those spot will be repeatable until you move to auto-focus and change them?

For instance, if you set your camera to manual focus, set a focus point and marked it #1 with your FF. Move to another focus point and mark that #2, and then move the FF between points #1 and #2, wouldn't the focus be constant and repeatable? Just like what you want a FF for?

Any insight would be great.
 
So then a FF does 'work' for LUMIX lenses, they just dont work as well as lenses who focus point 'never' change.

Are there any circumstances when the focus points can change in MF mode? Like if the power save came on?

And is there any clear reason to use a friction FF vs a gear FF?
 
It kind of works. When you're focusing with a "by the wire" lens (at least the 20mm and 12-42 in my experience), the focal distance change has a bit of play in it, depending on how fast or slow you move the ring. I've tried to whip focus quickly, and get different results.

Have you ever used a car stereo knob where it will spin infinitely? Sometimes when you spin it to fast it doesn't change the volume at all? To me, it works kind of like that.

I know people have had problems using the 20mm w/ certain follow focuses, as I never got a good response from people who were using it. You might need to reverse some follow focuses, or do some fancy work with the gears.
 
Oh thats some bummer news kind of, so the focus ring doesn't even make repeatable movements when MF mode. Wow.
 
That's right, even in Manual Focus mode, the 20mm pancake is still working as a fly-by-wire system. The closest to what you're thinking of is the Sigma 30mm f1.4 autofocus Four Thirds lens. In Manual Focus mode, the focus ring controls the focus mechanism directly. However, its focus stops are "soft" - you can feel the point where you reach the end of the focus range, but the focus ring continues to rotate...
 
The new Olympus 12mm microfourthirds lens has a focusing scale on the barrel, so I imagine it would have repeatable focus pulls. I haven't tried it though. I think the lens is still a focus by wire, but it "imitates" a manual lens.
 
focus by wire lenses don't have hard stops on the focus ring no? so if you go past infinity or minimum focus distance on your FF, they will be off?
 
One thing you can do is set your lens to infinity, mark it on the follow, then go from there, it you ever need to reset your focus, turn your wheel till the lens reaches infinity, then turn it more until the follow is also set to infinity. It kinda works. of course, no as good as a good ol' Cooke but hey. Your're a dslr shooter or you're not.
 
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