OM System OM-1 - C-AF+TR Expert Guide
C-AF+TR is a powerful, highly specialized AF mode of the OM-1. This expert guide will cover all necessary details to get the most out of it in practice.
C-AF+TR - Basics
When AF operation is initialized, the OM-1 will register the subject under the AF target.
This overrides any subject detection mode as soon as initial focus is acquired.
The OM-1 will then track the subject based on color, shape and movement using phase detection.
The camera will select focus points automatically across the whole frame that cover the tracked subject.
When engaged, C-AF + TR is either indicated by a green box (AF Area Pointer: On1) or multiple small target frames (AF Area Pointer: On2). Regardless of the Area Pointer setting, the camera will perform the exact same tracking operation.
If the subject leaves the frame or is no longer recognized, the OM-1 will stop the focus operation until the subject is detected again or a new subject is registered by restarting the AF operation.
C-AF+TR – Behavior in Practice
In C-AF + TR, the OM-1 prioritizes the tracking of a subject as a whole over tracking a specific part of the subject.
In practice, if a specific part of the subject is obscured or is lost, the camera will focus on the next best part of the subject.
Additionally, the camera will almost always focus on the part of the subject that is closest to the camera.
The OM-1 will continue to track the subject even if the shape or color changes.
Recommended Settings
AF Area Pointer
Only when the AF Area Pointer is set to On2, the active AF points will be displayed accurately. This setting is highly recommended, as it allows the photographer to see where the camera is actually focusing.
C-AF Tracking Sensitivity
The C-AF sensitivity influences C-AF + TR as well.
For general purpose, “0” is recommended.
When tracking a subject in close vicinity, a higher C-AF sensitivity is recommended as the camera otherwise might re-focus too late. This usually leads to the camera loosing the subject.
C-AF+TR in Practice
Recommended Shooting Situations
1) Photographing people with a wide-angle lens in reportage photography, where there is a lot of movement and dynamic (e.g. wedding reception, press photography)
2) Tracking subjects across the frame without adjusting the composition.
Use C-AF + TR preferably with fast focusing, bright lenses.
C-AF + TR Shooting Tips
1) Allow the camera to achieve focus lock before taking photographs. Watch for the AF confirmation mark or focus beep.
2) Do not recompose the frame with a jerky movement, as the camera will then loose the subject.
3) Always examine the position of the AF boxes – if they are not on the desired part of the subject, re-engage tracking.
4) Under very challenging circumstances, use burst shooting and re-acquire the target if focus is lost or drifts off.
5) Do not use C-AF + TR if you want to focus precisely on a certain part of the subject. For that, use the single or the small focus target instead.
C-AF + TR Exposure Metering
In C-AF + TR, spot metering is not aligned with the focus target position, but always stays in the center.
To get consistent exposures, it is recommended to use either Digital ESP metering or lock the exposure with the AEL button.
