Through fence focusing - how?

[CarMac]

When taking pictures of say, animals or cars which are behind a wire fence, how do you get the camera to focus on the object not the fence?

I have tried and tried lots of settings but just cannot get it right.

Any tips please?

[joust]

You don't mention what camera.

In general, set the camera to "point mode" focusing and put the dead centre of the viewpoint between a bar. It should then focus on whatever is through those bars and you can take the picture.

If you tell us what camera you have you we can be more specific.

J

[CarMac]

Sorry, it's a Fuji S5000.

I've seen pictures taken well behind a fence where you can just about make out the fence but very out of focus, yet the subject way beyond the fence is in focus. I've tried in vain to get anything decent but always end up getting the fence in focus and nothing else.

[joust]

Ah, OK, that doesn't have any way to select the focus points.

Go to page 52
(assuming the manual is the same as www.fujifilm.co.uk/technical/download/S5000-om.pdf)

You need to use 'manual focus' mode. Follow the four steps, you can then use the T/W button to manually focus. This will enable you to put the bars out of focus.

J

[CarMac]

Thanks, I'll give that a go. Yes, got the same manual so know exactly which bit you mean.

[Gemm]

Yes, manual focus will work, and make sure that you use a large aperture to throw the fencing out of focus (unless you want the fencing to be seen on the photos). And also get as close as possible to the fence.

Edited by Gemm on Monday 7th August 22:48

[CarMac]

All very tricky stuff I've not tried before but it's giving me some new things to have a go at ! Roll on holiday next week !!

[sstein]

You going on holiday in a cage?

-

Stuart

[CarMac]

We're a bit strange like that oop north !

We're actually going to see (amongst things) the National Banger Racing Championship....which (no doubt) will be behind a fence.....!!!! Never managed to get anything from a similar set up before so was just checking what I should be doing !

[imperialism2024]

It might also be advantageous to set the aperture as small as possible to increase DOF, reducing focusing errors.

[CarMac]

H'ok. Ta

[LongQ]

imperialism2024 said:

It might also be advantageous to set the aperture as small as possible to increase DOF, reducing focusing errors.

The down side of that is the potential for bringing the fence back into some sort of focus.

Personally I would go with the 'keep the lens wide open' suggestion previously and take a high shutter speed if there is enough light. And then pre-focus on the point you want to take the shot. For moving subjects, like cars, there are some compromises to consider even without the fences.

[imperialism2024]

How about just carrying a ladder with you

[LongQ]

imperialism2024 said:

How about just carrying a ladder with you

More danger from falling off the ladder than from the bangers racing I reckon.

Probably against EU Health and Safety rules anyway.

[imperialism2024]

LongQ said:

Probably against EU Health and Safety rules anyway.

How about... if it's made from recycled paper... and runs on hydrogen?

[angrys3owner]

I tried this at LeMans last year with an S5500, it's a bitch, kept focusing on the fence as I was panning with the cars (one of the reasons I wanted a DSLR and bought one before going back this year) if you can focus on the object when it's a long way off and keep with it pretty well whilst panning the camera will lock onto the subject, however it didn't work everytime!

Good luck... it's fun trying though as long as you've got lots of repeat chances!

[Imperialism2024]

You also may make use of the AF-lock button on the camera.