5D MKII Strange Center Flare Question for Chuck W and others

[Paul_F_Caldwell]

Originally Posted by Doug_Kerr

It has been conjectured that a reason for this limitation is that the EOS body needs to know at least the focal length of the lens to properly "tune up" the focus detection system, even for use only for focus confirmation.

That is a good point. The 5D MKII will not allow AF when coupled with the TC 1.4 on the 100-400 IS lens. You can fool the camera by placing tape on a series of pins on the TC 1.4. This allows AF to work, but most times I have found it's off, even if you perceive the image to be in focus in the viewfinder. Also the Focal length info is wrong, example, the camera still reports 400mm when you should be 560mm. Doug's point helps to explain some of the problems I have had.

The 1ds MKII will allow the TC 1.4 and 2.0 and AF with the 100 400 lens. Canon states that the lens TC combo won't work on the 5D MKII due to the aperture settings. It's unfortunate. My old eye's really need AF especially with long glass.

So far this issue and the lack of bracketing past 3 stops have been my main disappointments besides the center flare problem.

Paul Caldwell

[Noel_Carboni]

The ability to AF past f/5.6 is, of course, a major differentiator between the "prosumer" and "pro" models. All the 1D models AF to f/8 as best I can recall.

-Noel

[Dennis_Vied]

Originally Posted by Noel_Carboni

The ability to AF past f/5.6 is, of course, a major differentiator between the "prosumer" and "pro" models. All the 1D models AF to f/8 as best I can recall.

-Noel

True. I have the 1Ds and 5D, and it is as you say.

[Doug_Kerr]

Hi, Paul,

Originally Posted by Paul_F_Caldwell

That is a good point. The 5D MKII will not allow AF when coupled with the TC 1.4 on the 100-400 IS lens. You can fool the camera by placing tape on a series of pins on the TC 1.4. This allows AF to work, but most times I have found it's off, even if you perceive the image to be in focus in the viewfinder. Also the Focal length info is wrong, example, the camera still reports 400mm when you should be 560mm.

The signal to the lens from the 1.4x focal length converter (through the pins you disabled) tells the lens to report 1.4 x its own focal length, and tells it to report 1.4 x its own maximum-aperture f/number (all of which which goes right through the converter to the body), and tells it to set its aperture to an f/number 1/1.4 that commanded by the body (which goes right through the converter).

With the pins taped, the lens doesn't know the converter is present (and the camera never knows).

Best regards,

Doug

[Lenny Hartley]

Thanks Paul, will try out the Zoerk PSA with the 35mm Fa Pentax in the next couple of days and report back if Im having the the same problem, wont be happy if I do
Zoerk assured me that there was no problems with their kit and the mk2, I was thinking of going to the Sony a900 until Zoerk confirmed the Mk2 was ok and that the Sony would not work with their psa. I use the zoerk psa with Pentax lens all the time
I went pentax due to your recommendations on this forum, as you say the quality especially with the 35mm fa is amazing.
I got a job today to shoot a pano which is to be printed 3ft by 21ft so I guess I will
have to get the old Manfrotto 303sph out of the cellar, aint used it since I got
the Zoerk psa.
thanks again for your input
lenny

[Paul_F_Caldwell]

Even after I moved to Phase one, and stopped shifting, I kept the 35mm FA, just hoping that one day Pentax might do a medium format digital system.

Paul Caldwell

[Lenny Hartley]

Your wish has been granted, Pentax have announched that they are working on
a high end medium format body again, although the bad news its not going to
be sold in the USA as they think they will only sell 200 bodies.
I have restarted the Zoerk/5d mk2 issues under the equipment testing section
however I dont know if this good news or bad I dont see any issues with
infinity focus...
cheers
Lenny