Differences between AF modes On Elan IIe ?

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I'm unclear on the differences between AL focus AF and AL Servo AF. I shoot mostly wildlife pics , with the possibility of the subject moving at any time I'm not sure of which mode to use and when. Any help on clearing the up will be greatly appreciated .(Elan IIe body)

Thanks , Dennis Connell

-- Dennis Connell (cyberern@wctc.net), April 29, 2000

Answers

The Elan II/IIe has three focus modes. One shot, AI Focus & AI Servo. One shot finds focus and then stops focusing even if your subject moves away. This is the normal mode and is usually the easiest to work with for most (stationary) subjects.

AI Servo finds focus and keeps focusing if something moves. This mode is not as sensitive in dim light or low contrast but works great for moving subjects.

AI Focus is the automatic, in-between mode. It starts off like One Shot Focus but if it senses that the subject moves closer or farther then it switches into AI Servo Mode. This mode is often the handiest since you don't have to do any thinking. But its downfalls are that Eye Controlled DOF Preview doesn't work unless the switch is set to One Shot Mode, and if the subject moves it takes a moment for the camera to realize it and switch to AI Servo. The resulting time delay can cause you to loose shots.

I would use AI Servo if I thought the subject was going to move, or might move, unless I couldn't get the camera to find focus, then I'd switch to One Shot. I never use AI Focus, but it might be the best compromise in marginal light.

-- Jim Strutz (jimstrutz@juno.com), April 30, 2000.


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