How do I take close-up shots? I can't get the camera to focus. The manual makes no sense to me. How close should I get to the subject before I use the zoom?

Try this,
Touch "Menu", then Auto(Macro) and select desire mode.
Auto(Macro) -> camera will adjust focus automatically from distant subject to close-up.
Close Focus on -> Close distant shoot.

All auto focus cameras use contrast to focus so if you are attempting to focus on glass, chrome, blank sky, large body of water, painted wall, mirror, or any other low contrast subject the auto focus will fail. Another place auto focus will fail is when you are to close to your subject you my not be physically to close but have used the zoom to give a closer shot.

The description of the manual focus is available in part 2 of the manual, page 40. The manual is available as a PDF here: http://ca.konicaminolta.com/support/manuals/film-cameras/film_af_slr/index.html#si_series . It is the seventh camera in the SI series in the list.

To manually focus the lens, press the focus-mode button on the front of the camera (bottom left when you are behind the camera) until M. focus appears in the data panel. If you have an AF lens, turn the focusing ring until the subject appears sharp. If you have an xi-Series or AF Power Zoom lens, pull and turn the lens control ring.

The focus indicator will light when the subject is in focus. To return to autofocus mode, press the focus-mode button again. The camera will also return to the autofocus mode if you press the program reset button.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells
(in manual focus, you can take a picture even if the subject in the focus frame is not in focus. Often it means you need to take multiple pictures to get a good shot of the subject. The advantage is that you can get some interesting shots.)

ensure finger is not covering auto focus.

ensure camera is not in macro setting. look for icon like a flower this is only for close up shots and will cause bluring if subject is too far away.

check that camera is set in auto focus and not manual focus mode if it has this.


I hope this was helpful.

This issue can occur in the following circumstances:
The subject is too close to the camera lens Insufficient lighting Subject movement Camera movement Incorrect camera settings Incorrect camera operation Follow the steps below to help prevent taking pictures that appear blurry, out-of-focus or distorted.

If the camera has both an auto focus and manual focus mode, make sure it is set to auto focus. Make sure there is enough lighting to allow the camera to focus on the subject. Make sure the camera settings are set appropriately. When taking close-up or macro-type shots, ensure the subject is not closer than the minimum focus distance of the lens. Also, if the camera has a zoom option, set it to the W (wide-angle) position. If you have a fast-moving subject and the camera has a Program AE mode with a higher shutter speed (such as Sports action), make sure it is enabled. Also, if the camera has an ISO control, set it to a higher setting. If your camera has a SteadyShot/anti-blur function, ensure it is enabled. Aim the camera at the subject. Press the shutter button halfway down. NOTES:
Pressing the shutter button halfway down allows the camera to focus automatically. A flashing green indicator will be visible in the LCD or viewfinder. When the indicator stops flashing, focusing is finished and the camera is ready to take the picture. Some camera models have a Monitoring AF setting that can be selected which allows the camera to focus without the need to hold the button halfway down. Consult the instruction manual of the camera for information whether or not this is applicable for your model.

The closer you are to the subject, the less will be in focus. This can be a good thing as it can be used to separate the subject from the background. Also, when you get super close, you may need to set the camera in "macro" mode.

In the Shooting mode, press MENU, select the REC tab, then select FOCUS. Select the flower icon for macro focus. The camera will then focus on subjects from 10cm to 50cm away (about 4 inches to 20 inches).

Make sure to set it back when you're done.

This is on page 57 of the manual. If you've misplaced yours, you can get one at http://support.casio.com/pdf/001/EXS5_MF_FB_090401_E.pdf

There is a minimal focusing distance for all lenses. If you move closer to the subject than that distance then the camera won't focus on it. Check you lens manual for minimal focusing distance. It is 11 inches for Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM, for example.

All cameras have a minimum focus distance, usually 12-36 inches (30-90 cm) for film cameras. Some have special close focus modes. If you have a control ring or button with a flower icon, that's it. Check you owner's manual for more details.

try using the little throttle that is located just below your on/off switch. if you push that either up/down, it should help you manually focus your subject. It is actually a really fun feature to play around with.