FZ5 Macro Focus

[Jeyradan]

Help! My FZ5 doesn't seem to understand the concept of "macro." In any setting (including the macro setting) it can't focus on objects closer than several feet away. I get a picture that's basically a colored blur. This is with or without flash, in various modes.

Stupid newbie mistake, or is there really something wrong with the camera?

[genece]

If the FZ5 works like the other FZs, the closest you can focus at full tele is 6feet......The way around that is with the use of a Macro lens similar to a Nikon 4T.

You can focus much closer with no macro lens at less than 4X.

[Jeyradan]

Thanks, gene. I can focus from about 8 feet at full tele, but not at all up close regardless of the zoom. The image can even be in focus before I hit the focus button, and the camera will put the image out of focus before taking the picture. I can't seem to be able to turn off the AF.
Also, the LCD seems to blink when I'm trying to focus up close. This maybe have anything to do with it?

[genece]

According to the manual Page 60.......You should be able to focus from 5cm at no zoom, and from 6.5 ft at full zoom in the regular setting and from 3.3 ft at full zoom in macro mode......

Maybe read that section and see if it describes why you are having a problem.

I would think someone with a FZ5 would be along to help.

See if you can send Fmoore a PM he should know all about this.

One thought I do not know how digital zoom works on the FZ5.....but if its like the FZ30 .....be sure its turned off......that would not be the problem on the FZ20 or older FZs but it could be the problem with the FZ30.(And maybe with the FZ5)

[mbbin2]

I normally do not shoot macro with the fz5 (i use fz30 for this), so I just tried the fz5 macro and mine focuses just like the manual says. I will say that up close with no zoom got a sharper image. From 6 feet it was a little soft. Are you sure that the dial is set on the flower and not the M? Mary

[pipe]

Hello, be sure your lens and filters are free of dust and pollen, it can confuse the auto focus. Try manual mode.

[Jeyradan]

Thanks, guys - played with the autofocus a little, and discovered its limits on lighting; also cleaned the lenses. It does focus much better with no zoom than from a distance with zoom. Think I have the problem solved.
Thanks again!