LensAlign | Capture Integration
Article by Capture Integration intern Griffin Kettler

LensAlign is a tool that helps photographers determine and solve issues in autofocus systems. In conjunction with a camera’s Autofocus fine-tune system, this allows adjustments on front and back focusing. Autofocus fine-tune was recently introduced to the medium format digital world with the release of the Phase One/Mamiya 645DF+; and has been incorporated into smaller Professional DSLR Cameras for the past few years under different names. On the DF+ system, AF fine-tune is located in custom function 20. The default is set to 50.

LensAlign allows anyone with a camera that has AF fine tune capabilities to do something that normally the manufacturer would have to do – correct autofocus issues in a camera system, with the goal of reaching maximum sharpness from autofocus lenses.

LensAlignAF Fine-Tune set to 50

LensAlignAF Fine-Tune set to 99

LensAlignAF Fine-Tune set to 01

How to use LensAlign

To begin, attach both LensAlign and the camera/lens combination to a studio stand or tripod. Next,  line the cameras center autofocus point on the target – so that the hole in the back is visible through the hole in the front.

LensAlign | Capture Integration

Make sure the aperture on the lens is at its maximum opening – to allow for a shallow depth of field. This is the easiest way to identify a problem. The exposure should also be set properly, for our test we used strobes. Next, tether the camera to a computer and capture a test image – with the focus point accurately placed on the target. View the image at 100% and determine what adjustments must be made to the AF Fine-Tune settings on the DF+ body. The focal plane should be centered at the 0, if it is not then adjustments must be made. For DF+ bodies the default is set to 50. Anything greater moves the focus back, and anything less than 50 moves the focus forward. It may take a few shots to get the focal plane to the center but afterwards the only thing to do is to set the value on the body.

Hands On

While testing one of our demo 55mm LS lenses, it became clear that there were some back focusing issues. When viewing the image at 100%, it’s possible to see the system was back focusing a few units.

LensAlignPhase One DF+ AF Fine-Tune set to 50

Focus was moved  forward 6 units on the body to 44 – to see how much it would affect the focus. The units on the LensAlign ruler are arbitrary and do not correspond to the values used on the DF+. The AF Fine Tune value may need to be changed more than expected to correct autofocus.

LensAlignAF Fine-Tune set to 44

The focus was definitely better, but it was still not tack sharp – the focus was then moved the to 40 marking.

LensAlignAF Fine-Tune set to 40

Setting 40 seemed to correct the focusing problem in the system, but it is always a good idea to go a little further to make sure. The camera was set to 37 and another test image was taken.

LensAlignAF Fine-Tune set to 37

After examining the 37 marking, it was determined that it is beyond the 0. It is visible on the image, where the smallest 2 that is behind the 0 begins to become soft – meaning that 40 is the best option for the system used.

Pros with DF+

  • Get the most out of your autofocus lenses!
  • No need to send system in to get calibrated
  • Cost effective

Cons with DF+

  • The body does not remember the setting for each lens, it must be manually changed every time the lens is changed.
  • Could cause issues if settings are not changed.

LensAlign Compatibility

Canon Nikon Pentax Sony Olympus
AF Micro Adjustment AF Fine Tune AF Micro Adjustment AF Focus Adjustment AF Fine Adjustment
1Dx D3 K-5 A850 E-5
1Ds mkIII D3s K20D A900 E-30
1D mkIII D3x K200D SLT-A77 E-620
1D mkIV D4 K2000 SLT-99
5D mkII D300 645D*
5D mkIII D300s
6D D600
7D D700
50D D800
D800E
D7000

* The Pentax 645D is the only other medium format camera with this option.