On 23 Nov 1998 16:34:34 -0800, J Greely wrote:
>d_ruether@hotmail.com (Neuman-Ruether) writes:

>>(about 1/3-1/2 the time, I can "clearly" see the slight
>>error of the AF

>I've never experienced this. If I put something under the AF sensor,
>it's focused as well as I could do by hand, probably better. Even when
>I'm simply using the AF sensor for confirmation, and don't see its
>opinion until after I've focused by hand, it agrees with me.

I don't doubt this - since there is generally a bit of "slop"
in the indicators (they will indicate "sharp" over a range of
focus [from slightly out of focus, through correct focus, and
out to slightly out of focus again...]). What I find unacceptable
with AF is that it stops somewhere in that range, leaving the image
often slightly out of focus (with a sharp viewfinder, and eyes
that will sharply focus at the VF apparent distance, the error
is clearly visible). If you shoot stopped down somewhat, or the
subject (or print size...) does not require critical focus, the
error may not be objectional in the image. I often shoot nearly
wide open with good lenses, and AF is not adequate for me ('cept
mebbe fer th' F5...;-).

>Now, left to itself, the AF system won't always focus on what I think
>is the subject, but that's a different problem.

Actually, it is another reason I choose not to use AF - it requires
too much "rethink-and-redo" time...;-) I prefer to focus directly,
without having to second-guess an auto system (this is why I also
prefer manual exposure...).