manual focusing on canon and nikon dslr

If I understand right what I've been reading in various reviews and
guides, cameras like the D60 or D200 will display a little 'in focus'
light in the viewfinder when you're using manual focussing, even when
using unrelated manual lenses with an adapter (one guy was talking about
using his Leica lenses that way).

I've gleaned little indication if this will also work with cameras like
the 450D, the 500D or the 50D.

Can anyone confirm or deny? I'd rather know before I go out and buy
anything ;-)

cheers, -P.

 

At least on the 450D you also get the light. You will also have the beep
if the camera is set up thus.

 

Works just fine on my 50D, and as noted by Ofnuts there is a beep as
well if its turned on (which mine is).

 

Only with lenses (or adapters) that have a chip and talk to
the camera, AIUI.

-Wolfgang

 

Incorrect. Focus is determined by the camera and does not involve the
lens.

 

The short answer is yes.

The long answer is, it depends.

If you are using Canon EF lenses, or independent brand lenses with a
Canon EF mount, you will get focus conformation when focusing
manually.

However, if you use another brand of lens with an adapter to the EF
mount, you will not get focus conformation. You can pay more for an
adapter with an electronic chip that will operate focus confirmation.

To obtain the most accurate manual focusing, it is worth buying a
special focusing screen that is optimised for manual focus. I have
used screens from KatzEye in three Canon DSLRs and one Nikon DSLR, and
they are excellent.

http://www.katzeyeoptics.com/item--Canon-40D-50D-Focusing-Screen--prod_40D.html