Honeybee
Autofocusing System
The Honeybee Autofocus Platform is designed with a custom processor
coupled with a dedicated high-resolution CMOS sensor. This combination
creates a unique floating-point architecture and a fully programmable
interface, making the Honeybee Autofocus Platform easy to expand, update
and customize.
Honeybee Autofocus Platform versions
In mid 2017, Phase One introduced an optional upgraded version of the
Honeybee Autofocus Platform, called HAP-2. The new HAP-2 sensor has
increased sensitivity and improved dynamic range, making it superior to the
HAP-1 sensor in low light situations and on low contrast targets. This means
that the XF Camera with HAP-2 installed is capable of using auto focus in
available light situations where it previously could be challenging. (With HAP-2
the minimum EV for auto focus is reduced from 4.0 to 1.5).
Apart from the increased sensitivity, all AF functionality in the XF Camera is
available with both the HAP-1 and the HAP-2 AF sensor.
Note that it is possible to have your XF Camera upgraded to the newer HAP-2
focusing unit by a Phase One service center, if desired. Please contact your
Phase One Partner for details.
If you’re in doubt of which version of the Honeybee Autofocus Platform your
XF Camera have installed, press the Top Rear Key and select About. The
information screen will either state HAP1 or HAP2 under the AF item.
Focus Modes
There are two autofocus mode (AF Drive) options available from the XF
Camera Body: Single and Continuous. The camera is delivered with the AF
Drive mode set to Single and the AF Priority function set to Release (release
priority) by default. The focus point is determined by the AF Area mode
displayed as inner and outer brackets on the focusing screen. When contrast
or light levels are too low, the AF Assist Light may be activated. It is set to O
ff
by default (from the camera menu, select Capture Setup > Assist Light > On).
AF Drive mode setting
To change between Single and Continuous AF, press the Rear Key to enter the
Camera Menu and select Capture Setup > AF Drive > Single / Continuous,
using the Front and Rear Dials.
Single (AF)
Selecting the Single AF drive mode activates the AF servomotor to focus the
lens once, after pressing the shutter release button halfway. After focus has
been achieved, maintaining pressure on the shutter button at this half-pressed
stage locks the focus, allowing the photographer to recompose the image.
Pressing the shutter release button to the second stage releases the shutter.
Autofocus is reactivated by releasing the button and half-pressing again.
Continuous (AF)
Choosing the Continuous mode, with the shutter-button pressed halfway, the
AF servomotor focuses the lens while the Honeybee autofocusing system
continues to monitor the subject. If the subject moves after being acquired, the
Single (AF)
Continuous (AF)
Focus Modes
Installed HAP version
79
Honeybee Autofocusing System
79
XF IQ4 Camera System Manual |
