Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => Medium Format / Film / Digital Backs – and Large Sensor Photography => Topic started by: henrikfoto on April 24, 2013, 03:27:22 pm

Title: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: henrikfoto on April 24, 2013, 03:27:22 pm
Have anyone here tried focus-stacking in Hasselblad focus with a Hasselblad camera?
Can the focus be changed from the software without touching the camera?


Henrik
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: Dustbak on April 24, 2013, 05:03:00 pm
Yes, you can change focus from within Phocus. You can change focus in 3 different kind of steps, ranging from really small, 'normal' and larger.
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: henrikfoto on April 24, 2013, 05:23:57 pm
Thank you! That was what I hoped for. Would that be possible also with a H4x and a Phase one back?
(or does it have to be Hasselblad all the way through ?)

Or maybe it can control a canon or nikon?
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: Dustbak on April 25, 2013, 03:26:55 am
I don't think you would be using Phocus with a Phase back, my guess is that it would require an all Hasselblad solution. Nope, it cannot control a Nikon or Canon. Another very good solution for focus stacking, which is what I use despite the fact I use HB with Phocus, is to use a Cognysis Stackshot together with Helicon Focus. With this you can use focus stacking with anything you like and have it even totally automated with most Nikons and Canons.
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: Bart_van_der_Wolf on April 25, 2013, 05:00:26 am
Another very good solution for focus stacking, which is what I use despite the fact I use HB with Phocus, is to use a Cognysis Stackshot together with Helicon Focus. With this you can use focus stacking with anything you like and have it even totally automated with most Nikons and Canons.

Hi,

I agree. It's not a cheap solution due to the up-front investment, but it's a huge time saver in practice, especially on close-up and macro work. I've done Focus stacks of 100+ images (macros at 5:1 magnification), and it's a joy to set start and end points, set a step increment, activate, and walk away to do other useful things as the shooting is done fully automatically, without missing a beat.

There is probably a bit more manual work required with other camera platforms, but the reduced risk of missing a shot also saves a lot of time.

Cheers,
Bart
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: Douglas Fairbank on April 25, 2013, 05:40:39 am
I found that focus stacking in Phocus was very good. Both the ability to control the focus from the software and exporting the frames as 'layers PSD' for later processing in Photoshop made it a good experience.

I co-wrote an article about this with Nikola Borissov in the November 2012 issue of the Hasselblad Bulletin tips and tricks section, you can see it on the Hasselblad website Bulletin section.

I did talk to the factory about finding a way to include macros in the Phocus software to control things like focus stacking, time lapse etc. Anything is possible of course but it will depend on priorities and money.

The whole point of Phocus is to get the very best out of the Hasselblad image, Lightroom is great with some superb work flow and cataloguing features but it's not free and you will get a better image with Phocus.

I do wonder how good Phocus could become if it was a product that was sold and it had more money to develop it. It is pretty good now and I wish they could make a light version to run on lower spec machines the way that Flexcolor does.

Perhaps this should have a thread of it's own.
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: henrikfoto on April 25, 2013, 07:01:45 am
Thanks for help everybody!

I have tried Cognysis Stackshot together with Helicon Focus with my DF.

It is good but I think it is a bit tiny and with too little stability with a large heavy camera.
I also find that in "deep" stacks the software has some problems to mach all the lines correctly.


Henrik
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: Esben on April 25, 2013, 01:37:13 pm


A quick question to those who’re using the StackShot for products.  Wouldn't it create a problem that the camera is moving closer to the object? Normally, if the lens is 3-5” away from the front of a reflective product like a watch, moving the camera 1” closer would change the perspective as well as all the reflections.

In the video on the StackShot website the object is an ant and the camera is positioned significantly further away while using a tele lens.

E
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: Dustbak on April 25, 2013, 01:49:40 pm
Well, lets start by saying everything is a compromise in some way. Focus stacking by moving the focus ring is too, since most lenses have at least some breathing creating similar problems as using a camera on rails. I mostly use the stackshot on rings and bracelets. Obviously the rings are smaller than a watch. These are no problem stacking for Helicon focus. Bracelets are not a problem in most cases but occassionally it has a bit of problem in which case you need to paint parts in by hand in Helicon Focus. It is only occassionally not very often.

BTW, I find the stackshot rails sturdy enough for the H system. I did put a RRS clamp on top of the rails (I took off what was on top of it initially). The stackshot itself is attached to a heavy Cambo. No problem with using a Rollei X-Act2 on it either. I never did put anything heavier on it.
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: henrikfoto on April 25, 2013, 02:30:38 pm

A quick question to those who’re using the StackShot for products.  Wouldn't it create a problem that the camera is moving closer to the object? Normally, if the lens is 3-5” away from the front of a reflective product like a watch, moving the camera 1” closer would change the perspective as well as all the reflections.

In the video on the StackShot website the object is an ant and the camera is positioned significantly further away while using a tele lens.

E



I have seen this problems often in deep stackings. Thats why I prefer to do stacking with a good APO lens
without moving the camera. This causes a lot less problems with misallignment. The only problem is that most
cameras needs to be touched to refocus which can cause small movements to the setup.

Thats why I am interested in a Hasselblad using Focus software and moving focus in same size steps.

Henrik
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: henrikfoto on April 25, 2013, 02:36:50 pm
Well, lets start by saying everything is a compromise in some way. Focus stacking by moving the focus ring is too, since most lenses have at least some breathing creating similar problems as using a camera on rails. I mostly use the stackshot on rings and bracelets. Obviously the rings are smaller than a watch. These are no problem stacking for Helicon focus. Bracelets are not a problem in most cases but occassionally it has a bit of problem in which case you need to paint parts in by hand in Helicon Focus. It is only occassionally not very often.

BTW, I find the stackshot rails sturdy enough for the H system. I did put a RRS clamp on top of the rails (I took off what was on top of it initially). The stackshot itself is attached to a heavy Cambo. No problem with using a Rollei X-Act2 on it either. I never did put anything heavier on it.



Thats a good idea! I will try to remove the original base of the rail to get the camera closer to the rail without the vibrating platform.

Henrik
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: henrikfoto on April 25, 2013, 02:47:03 pm
Just an idea:
What about stacking using a LF camera with the rail just attached to the front standard and
the bach standard in fixed position. That should give a minimum of focus shift and using the
best lenses on the market this should be good?

Is it hard to make?
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: Esben on April 25, 2013, 03:07:12 pm

Hi Dustbak
I'm using the Helicon Focus software in all my images and I'm shooting with the Hasselblad H and Leaf backs.
I think I've sometimes stacked up to 80 or 100 16bit TIFFs and the outcome has been perfect.  One thing that I'd like to automate in that process would be the shooting of the 100 frames   :)

I’ve often been thinking about the focus adjuster in Phocus and if the settings/motor is fine enough to work with let’s say 100 frames shooting a watch starting from a distance of 10cm from the lens, and ending around 12-13cm from the lens?   It would also relief me from standing next to the camera and avoid any shakes of the object. I often do 2 run partly because of shakes and also because my flashes are dipping I find that Helicon has an easier time handling mis-alinements then it has with darker frames.

E
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: Esben on April 25, 2013, 03:08:20 pm

I would attach the Stackrail on the back standard?
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: Esben on April 25, 2013, 03:12:57 pm


I have seen this problems often in deep stackings. Thats why I prefer to do stacking with a good APO lens
without moving the camera. This causes a lot less problems with misallignment. The only problem is that most
cameras needs to be touched to refocus which can cause small movements to the setup.

Thats why I am interested in a Hasselblad using Focus software and moving focus in same size steps.

Henrik


This is why I'm shooting with the Hasselblad. Focusing a DSLR compared to a large format camera is much more exact in this regard.

E
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: Dustbak on April 25, 2013, 03:19:17 pm
Hi Dustbak
I'm using the Helicon Focus software in all my images and I'm shooting with the Hasselblad H and Leaf backs.
I think I've sometimes stacked up to 80 or 100 16bit TIFFs and the outcome has been perfect.  One thing that I'd like to automate in that process would be the shooting of the 100 frames   :)


Automating shooting 100 frames is where the stackshot comes in. You define the starting point, the endpoint on the rails and the number of images. Press start and the stackshot goes ahead with taking the images. Use the automated export in Leaf Capture (the hot folder, it has been a while since I used Leaf Capture) and you have 100 images to put into Helicon Focus :)
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: henrikfoto on April 25, 2013, 03:29:44 pm
Hi Esben!

What Hasselblad lenses do you use for these stacks?
And how do you ajust all those steps without a rail or control from the software?

Henrik
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: Esben on April 25, 2013, 05:21:47 pm


Hi Henrik

I most often use the HC 120 macro.
60-80 frames most often equals a 8cm throw on the 120 macro. I do it by hand, moving the lens ring the smallest distance possible for each frame.

E
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: henrikfoto on April 26, 2013, 03:06:06 am

Hi Henrik

I most often use the HC 120 macro.
60-80 frames most often equals a 8cm throw on the 120 macro. I do it by hand, moving the lens ring the smallest distance possible for each frame.

E


Hi Esben!

Do you focus using live view on the back or through the viewfinder?

Henrik
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: Esben on April 27, 2013, 10:45:43 am

Henrik,
I mark off with tape on the lens, start and stop points as when pulling focus for motion



Dustbak,
Do you know, or would you have the possibility to test if the focus adjuster in Phocus is fine enough to shoot around 80 frames of a watch, with focus starting from around 10cm from the lens, and ending around 12-13cm from the lens?
Does the focus tool work when using a space-adaptor?


E

Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: Doug Peterson on April 27, 2013, 11:46:11 am
This is why I'm shooting with the Hasselblad. Focusing a DSLR compared to a large format camera is much more exact in this regard.

That depends on what large format camera you are comparing to.

Old film cameras have very low focusing resolution when used for high-mp digital backs.

But for instance an Arca Swiss RM3Di or Factum (https://digitaltransitions.com/page/arca-swiss) as the front standard on an Arca view camera has FAR finer focusing resolution than any dSLR, and has the benefit of distinct focus numbers and ticks for stacking. Though of course it has no remote focusing capability.
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: Esben on April 27, 2013, 12:32:44 pm

I would think that the focusing mechanism on this camera would be very workable, but you have to cock the shutter manually 80 times with the risk of moving the camera just a fraction each time.
Helicon Focus is somehow tolerant to very small deviations but I would think this camera would introduce just another factor in the equation.
The RM3Di would have tilt and shift, correct?
Even if using a Press shutter, how exact is it? If it can't repeat itself 100%, it will introduce banding in smooth surfaces. I see this with my ProFoto flashes.
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: Esben on April 27, 2013, 12:37:18 pm


When will we see an electronic global shutter built in to the DB?  Then we would be able to eliminate nearly all moving parts in a camera and who knows, maybe be able to freeze motion 1/20,000 sec.   :)
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: henrikfoto on April 27, 2013, 12:47:54 pm
Do you need that many shots if you use f.8or f.11?
Is your back 80mp?
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: Esben on April 27, 2013, 12:57:25 pm


I'm shooting with the Aptus 75S, 33Mpix.
Most of the images are composed  into a final image so the 33Mpix works fine most of the time.

I most often shooting with an aperture between F.10 to F.13

I would say each their own but this is what works for me.

E
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: FredBGG on April 27, 2013, 01:17:13 pm
That depends on what large format camera you are comparing to.

Old film cameras have very low focusing resolution when used for high-mp digital backs.

But for instance an Arca Swiss RM3Di or Factum (https://digitaltransitions.com/page/arca-swiss) as the front standard on an Arca view camera has FAR finer focusing resolution than any dSLR, and has the benefit of distinct focus numbers and ticks for stacking. Though of course it has no remote focusing capability.

While the Arca Swiss does have a very low pitch helicoid focusing mechanism requiring rotating the focus ring quite a bit for even fine adjustments
you will never get the precision, speed and accurate repatability that you will get using computer controlled focus stacking.
Stating that the Arca camera has finer focusing :resolution" than any dSLR is misleading. There is no problem doing a 100 step focus stack with the
focus motor of recent recent better DSLR lenses. Doing a repeatable and accurate stack with many steps manually with a tech camera has many limitations. Just cocking the shutter shifting the focus every time is a problem. While the focus ring has many markings there are not enough
for a stack with many steps. Depending on the subject many steps may be needed.
Also repeatability is important to several macro techniques such as multiple lighting passes.

One lighting pass for detail and one lighting pass for the style you want.

Non computer (or mobile device) controlled stacking is very limiting.
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: Dustbak on April 27, 2013, 02:11:49 pm
Henrik,
I mark off with tape on the lens, start and stop points as when pulling focus for motion



Dustbak,
Do you know, or would you have the possibility to test if the focus adjuster in Phocus is fine enough to shoot around 80 frames of a watch, with focus starting from around 10cm from the lens, and ending around 12-13cm from the lens?
Does the focus tool work when using a space-adaptor?


E


It would be most certainly possible if you use the smallest amount of adjustment (control key + the adjustment key + or - ). It works with the extention rings too, not with the HTS where you loose AF.
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: JoeKitchen on April 27, 2013, 02:16:03 pm
Why not use a bellows camera that has tilt and swing on both standards?  

I seem to think that the old school methods will in the end be much easier and faster, and probably cheaper if you factor in the amount of time you spend doing this.  

Disclaimer: I do not do macro photography; this post is a question, not a statement. 
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: Dustbak on April 27, 2013, 04:17:35 pm
Because sometimes the old ways of using a TC is not enough. I have never been able to do the same with my Rollei X-Act2 as I can with focus stacking (that is when you need lots of DoF).

Auomated a stack of many images is even as fast as using a TC, in my case it is anyway :)
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: Doug Peterson on April 27, 2013, 07:04:04 pm
While the Arca Swiss does have a very low pitch helicoid focusing mechanism requiring rotating the focus ring quite a bit for even fine adjustments
you will never get the precision, speed and accurate repatability that you will get using computer controlled focus stacking.
Stating that the Arca camera has finer focusing :resolution" than any dSLR is misleading. There is no problem doing a 100 step focus stack with the
focus motor of recent recent better DSLR lenses. Doing a repeatable and accurate stack with many steps manually with a tech camera has many limitations. Just cocking the shutter shifting the focus every time is a problem. While the focus ring has many markings there are not enough
for a stack with many steps. Depending on the subject many steps may be needed.
Also repeatability is important to several macro techniques such as multiple lighting passes.

I'm assuming you've never actually used an RM3Di.

The resolution is in fact finer focusing and is both more repeatable and more accurate than any computer controlled dSLR lens focus. It is for sure not as fast - which you correctly note. But given the length of the entire process (prep/shooting/stacking/retouching) the increase in time would be very small, and the use of tilt may offset that increase in time.

I love that you feel comfortable using a phrase like "While the focus ring has many markings there are not enough for a stack with many steps." It just shows you have never used an RM3Di at all, let alone for the application for which you are providing such conclusive advice.

At a magnification of 1:1 (approximate watch face magnification for full-frame digital back) at a steep angle to the watch face, dividing the watch face into 80 focus-step shots there are around 10 times more markings (or 10 times the focus resolution) which is required.

Maybe you could consider limiting your advice to systems you've actually used?
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: Doug Peterson on April 27, 2013, 07:07:51 pm
I would think that the focusing mechanism on this camera would be very workable, but you have to cock the shutter manually 80 times with the risk of moving the camera just a fraction each time.
Helicon Focus is somehow tolerant to very small deviations but I would think this camera would introduce just another factor in the equation.
The RM3Di would have tilt and shift, correct?
Even if using a Press shutter, how exact is it? If it can't repeat itself 100%, it will introduce banding in smooth surfaces. I see this with my ProFoto flashes.

No need to cock the lens. For this application you'd use a Schneider Electronic Shutter which is made for the sort of ultra-repeatability this application calls for.

You would, for sure, want a sturdy camera stand to prevent translating helical movement into any lateral/vertical/rotational movement. But the built-in full size arca rail mount and overal construction quality will help that quite a bit.

The use of tilt sometimes will do nothing to help this application. But sometimes it can greatly reduce the number of shots required.
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: Esben on April 27, 2013, 08:57:46 pm


hmm, this camera would/could be pretty cool. I like that I would be able to do tilt and shift. Would it work with the new Rodenstock eShutters as well?
The DSLR still has a trick up its sleeve. When working with anything as reflective as watches, I need to be able see through the lens in order to see what each reflector does. The live-view on the Aptus is not god enough for a pleasant workflow, and even using an IQ, having the live-view activated for hours each day doesn't sound like a good idea. I know the alternative would be a sliding adaptor but I've never really been too fond of the. The camera sounds pretty sweet (and expensive) though.


I have a Foba Alpha to help me standing still   :)

E
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: Bart_van_der_Wolf on April 27, 2013, 09:52:57 pm
When working with anything as reflective as watches, I need to be able see through the lens in order to see what each reflector does.

Hi,

Yes, that may be an issue with all suggested approaches. The only way to avoid that, is by moving the sensor plane (and keep the lens stationary), which would keep the entrance pupil at a fixed perspective point.

An alternative not mentioned so far (although it wouldn't really solve the reflection consistency, just transform it to a light tunnel), is moving the subject while keeping the lighting, lens, and camera fixed. A Stackshot rail with the subject mounted on a platform, would allow the required positioning accuracy (slowing down the acceleration of the Stackshot could reduce the risk of vibration having an impact on the subject's positioning).

Cheers,
Bart
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: FredBGG on April 28, 2013, 04:19:45 pm
I'm assuming you've never actually used an RM3Di.

The resolution is in fact finer focusing and is both more repeatable and more accurate than any computer controlled dSLR lens focus. It is for sure not as fast - which you correctly note. But given the length of the entire process (prep/shooting/stacking/retouching) the increase in time would be very small, and the use of tilt may offset that increase in time.

I love that you feel comfortable using a phrase like "While the focus ring has many markings there are not enough for a stack with many steps." It just shows you have never used an RM3Di at all, let alone for the application for which you are providing such conclusive advice.

At a magnification of 1:1 (approximate watch face magnification for full-frame digital back) at a steep angle to the watch face, dividing the watch face into 80 focus-step shots there are around 10 times more markings (or 10 times the focus resolution) which is required.

Maybe you could consider limiting your advice to systems you've actually used?

OK so in the case you mentioned you have enough markings. Not sure that will be the case in all situations, however
the real issue is sitting there and going through the 80 steps without getting it wrong, actually being able to see the markings depending on
shooting position of the camera and touching the camera 80 times and not moving the camera. In macro situations even the smallest movement is an issue.


Also regarding watches.... haven't nearly all watch makers moved away from macro photos to 3D rendering?

http://www.plus421.com/projects/breitling/3d-graphics (http://www.plus421.com/projects/breitling/3d-graphics)

(http://www.plus421.com/files/referencie/breitling/breitling-3dgrafika-01.jpg)

(http://www.plus421.com/files/referencie/breitling/breitling-3dgrafika-03.jpg)
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: FredBGG on April 28, 2013, 04:23:35 pm
Why not use a bellows camera that has tilt and swing on both standards?  

I seem to think that the old school methods will in the end be much easier and faster, and probably cheaper if you factor in the amount of time you spend doing this.  

Disclaimer: I do not do macro photography; this post is a question, not a statement. 

Tilt does not increase depth of field, it only inclines the plane of focus.
If you have a relatively flat subject that is inclined this will work.
However there are limitations as to how much tilt cam be used with digital sensors before you get unmanigable
color shifts.
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: henrikfoto on April 28, 2013, 05:06:54 pm
OK so in the case you mentioned you have enough markings. Not sure that will be the case in all situations, however
the real issue is sitting there and going through the 80 steps without getting it wrong, actually being able to see the markings depending on
shooting position of the camera and touching the camera 80 times and not moving the camera. In macro situations even the smallest movement is an issue.




I would be more worried about having to touch the setup 80 times in a very fine-tuned macro-setup.
I am sure this must be much better to do from the software. As far as I know only Hasselblad and
Sinar M has this possibillities. I use the Sinar M. A great camera with great lenses, but the software
is not very good and crashes a lot..

Henrik
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: ErikKaffehr on April 28, 2013, 05:30:34 pm
Hi,

I would consider using a focusing rail, like this one: http://www.cognisys-inc.com/stackshot/stackshot.php .

Best regards
Erik



I would be more worried about having to touch the setup 80 times in a very fine-tuned macro-setup.
I am sure this must be much better to do from the software. As far as I know only Hasselblad and
Sinar M has this possibillities. I use the Sinar M. A great camera with great lenses, but the software
is not very good and crashes a lot..

Henrik
Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: Esben on April 28, 2013, 08:02:27 pm

Also regarding watches.... haven't nearly all watch makers moved away from macro photos to 3D rendering?



Good question. It seems like everything is moving toward CGI. I still think there're some of these luxury manufactures who would like to show images of their watches without having to include the "Photo may have been enlarged, enhanced and/or computer rendered". Buying a Rolex is very much about buying an old world time pice. This is of course just me thinking, but I do know that JWT refused to have the glass removed or the date magnifying area Photoshopped in in post. This was a couple of years ago and I don't know if this is still the case.

E

Title: Re: How good is focus-stacking in Focus?
Post by: 8x10 user on May 12, 2013, 12:02:41 am
You can do that. You have to be careful not to move the camera when you change the focus. Having automation does sound nice but view camera movements are also special and give you the ability to control perspective in a better way then photoshop. Its really about what your trying to do the best way for you.

I heard about people doing massive focus stacking projects with an 8x10 view camera!



Just an idea:
What about stacking using a LF camera with the rail just attached to the front standard and
the bach standard in fixed position. That should give a minimum of focus shift and using the
best lenses on the market this should be good?

Is it hard to make?