Minolta Maxxum 8000i - FOCUS; BASIC INFORMATION AND MODE SELECTION; AUTOFOCUS (AF)

BASIC INFORMATION AND MODE
SELECTION
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While either autofocus or manual focus can be
selected, autofocus is the camera's standard fo¬
cusing mode, and is set each time the camera is
switched on.
To shift between manual and autofocus modes,
slide the focus mode switch down. Whenever
the camera is set to manual focus, M. FOCUS is
displayed in the the data panel.
AUTOFOCUS (AF)
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Operation and Viewfinder Focus Signals
Set to AF mode, the camera focuses automat¬
ically when the shutter-release button is
pressed partway down. With most subjects,
focus is rapidly set: the viewfinder displays a
focus confirmation signal and the picture can be
taken.
The AF system is capable of focusing on both
still and moving subjects. With moving sub¬
jects, focus is adjusted continuously according
to changes in subject position; in addition. Pre¬
dictive Focus Control improves autofocus oper¬
ation for moving subjects that are approaching
the camera by automatically compensating for
the change in subject position that occurs dur¬
ing the shutter-release sequence.
Autofocus itself depends on the detection of The focus signal displayed in the viewfinder
subject contrast by the AF system. For low light, when you press the shutter-release button
low contrast subjects, the camera's AF iilumi- down depends on whether the subject is still or 1
nator is automatically activated when the shut- moving, and on whether or not the camera is
ter-release button is pressed partway down; by able to find focus. When you operate the
projecting a beam of red light onto the subject, camera in AF mode, the shutter remains locked
the AF illuminator, which has a range of 3.3 to if focus cannot be confirmed. Known as focus-
30 ft. (with 50mm lens, based on Minolta's priority operation, this design reduces the
standard test method), provides the contrast possibility of your taking an out-of-focus picture,
needed for autofocus operation.
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The AF illuminator does not operate when
the lens focal length is equal to or greater
than 210mm.