Fujifilm Autofocus Accuracy and Consistency Follow-up With The X-H2S and X-T5

On a regular basis, I still receive comments and private emails from readers after they have read my last year's (2022) blog posts concerning inconsistency and inaccuracy of the autofocus system in some Fujifilm cameras.  I had written eight posts about the issue between April 29, 2002 through August 24th 2002.  Mainly the issues were inconsistency of AF (distance variation) with wide angle lenses.  The wider the angle the greater the focus error and inconsistency.  The posts reflected the results of the testing I conducted as well as sending my X-T4 to Fujifilm USA for a full clean, lube, adjust (CLA) and AF calibration.  You can find those posts in chronological order here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Since I purchased an X-H2S as well as an X-T5, I have not experienced any AF issues that have been readily apparent.  Others have reported to me that they have with those same two camera models.  Since I have regularly been receiving emails and comments, I thought I would run a few short tests with my two cameras to see if the AF issue was still present and I was just blind to it.

First, these tests are not scientific but practical in nature and designed to nullify as many variables as possible and give me results that are repeatable.  I did the same short tests with both cameras using the 2nd generation Fujifilm 10-24mm f/4 WR lens.  I set the lens to 10mm (as I said, the issues seem to be more apparent the wider angle set).  I ran the exact same series of AF tests using AF-S and MF with Instant AF set to AF-C.  I shot one set of images wide open at f/4 and another stopped down to f/8.  The images were made indoors and outdoors with an ISOs from base up to 12,800 so low light focusing accuracy was tested as well.  I had the camera set on shutter priority at 1/250th second to eliminate any camera movement, IBIS on and the smallest AF focus point.  Finally, I photographed subjects from three feet in distance to about 30 ft. in distance.  I didn’t use a target beyond 30 ft. as, at 10mm, deep depth of field at that focal length and aperture affects understanding of focus accuracy.  For example, at 30ft. and f/4, DOF for the 10mm APS-C lens is from 26.4 ft. to infinity.  If there is a slight a focusing error at that distance or greater, the depth of field can negate seeing it.

In total I made fifty-six images.  Out of the fifty-six, fifty-five were in sharp focus (98.2%).  Dead on.  Tack sharp viewing them on my monitor at 100%.  The one that was not tack sharp (from the X-T5 at a distance of about 30 ft.) was just a tiny bit off tack sharp, not noticeable unless viewing the file at 100%.  But I'm picky so 100% viewing gives more accurate results.  That slight misfocus could be easily be fixed with Topaz Photo AI or Topaz Sharpen AI if necessary.  (not that you should have ever do that but in real life it happens)  The interesting thing about that particular image is I can't find anywhere in the frame that is exactly tack sharp so it may be a result of camera movement?  I just can't know.  But I wanted to report it.

Do I think the AF issue has been fully resolved?  From the emails and comments I receive, no.   But I do think the issue has been greatly diminished to the point, at least in my cameras, where I can live with the rare out of focus image.  Also, I understand that with my Fujifilm cameras an out-of-focus frame can happen so that awareness leads me to double check my image files before leaving a scene. Additionally, I believe the issue is worse in older Fujifilm cameras coupled with older lenses.

So there you have it.  I'm not missing anything.  When I responded to those who asked, I was accurate in saying that I was not having any AF accuracy or consistency issues with either my X-H2S or X-T5.  If you are, I'm sorry you are.

Just to wrap up this topic, here are a couple of comments and recommendations to those of you who may be using older Fujifilm cameras as well as those of you who may be using the X-H2S or X-T5.  First, ensure you have installed all the latest firmware updates for both your cameras and your lenses.  I'll assume (always somewhat dangerous!) that Fujifilm is aware of this issue because I, as well as others with whom I have been in contact, have seen AF improvements after last year's and this year's firmware updates.  I think Fujifilm is 'silently' working on this.  I don't think they will ever publicly acknowledge the problem.

Second, the nature of the AF system in Fujifilm cameras is that when using AF-S and AF-C, the camera will stop down to the working aperture when autofocusing (half-press of the shutter button or depressing the AF-On button).  That means it focuses with an increased depth of field, which in my mind, could lead to some focus inaccuracy (speculation on my part).  In old film SLRs and digital DSLRs, the cameras' autofocus system always focuses with the lens wide open, meaning the shallowest depth of field.  Again, in my mind, that improves accuracy.  A workaround for the Fujifilm cameras is to set the camera to manual focus and, in the AF menu, go to Instant AF and set it for either AF-S or AF-C.  Then, when you press the AF-On button (not the shutter button), the camera will autofocus with the lens wide open no matter where you have the aperture ring set.  If your camera does not have an AF-On button, you can program another button for that function.  I had programmed the AF/AE button as an AF-ON button as I've used the back-button focus (BBF) for years.

A free, bonus third comment.  No other camera brand owners have to deal with these focusing issues.  Nor should Fujifilm users.  Just sayin’.

I hope this helps those who may still have issues.  I'm thankful that my two cameras have no AF issues and I'm still as happy as can be with them and the images they give me.

Join me over at my website, https://www.dennismook.com.  

Thanks for looking. Enjoy!  

Dennis A. Mook  

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