OpenTube

Fujifilm Zone AF: Why It Chooses the “Wrong” Subject

pal2tech

39,545 views

Guide to making Fujifilm Zone AF stop choosing the wrong subject—especially when you combine Zone with AF-C. We start by redefining Zone as a container, show how to change Zone size via the joystick and rear command dial, then move into AF-C Custom Settings where the real control lives. Also covered is Tracking Sensitivity, Speed Tracking Sensitivity, and Zone Area Switching, plus troubleshooting for common problems like background focus, inconsistent tracking, and unexpected changes when rotating the camera due to “Store AF Mode by Orientation.”

Join me at pal2tech BACKSTAGE: https://pal2tech.com/backstage
Get notified when I release a new video: https://pal2tech.com/subscribe

📔 Table of Contents
00:00 - Intro and Welcome
00:35 - Understanding the ZONE “Container”
01:22 - Zone Autofocus With AF-S
01:48 - Zone Autofocus With AF-C
02:58 - AF-C Custom Settings Guide
04:23 - Understanding AF-C Custom Parameters
04:39 - How To Use Tracking Sensitivity
05:10 - How To Use Speed Tracking Sensitivity
05:51 - How To Use Zone Area Switching
07:04 - CAUTION: Using Face/Eye and Subject Detection With Zone AF and AF-C
07:45 - How To Fix Common Zone Autofocus Problems
08:59 - BE CAREFUL: Store AF Mode By Orientation
10:04 - Zone Autofocus AF-C Setup Tips and Recommendations
12:12 - Conclusion and Goodbye

🎥 Gear Discussed/Used in Video
Fujifilm X-S20: https://geni.us/rEpFAu
Fujifilm XT5: https://geni.us/p5vnF
My Current Gear: https://pal2tech.com/my-gear
Gear shop: https://pal2tech.com/gear

🚀 Connect With Me Here
Join me at pal2tech BACKSTAGE: https://pal2tech.com/backstage
Get notified when I release a new video: https://pal2tech.com/subscribe
Medium: Medium: pal2tech
Patreon: Patreon: pal2tech

🧰 Discounts on Services and Tools
Brands, if you would like to offer a special discount for our viewers, please get in touch with us to get started!
Get a Medium membership: Medium: membership

📺 See These Videos!
Fujifilm Camera Settings: Fujifilm Camera Settings
Photography: Photos Missing From SD Cards (Fujifilm, So...
Flash Photography: Fujifilm Flash Setup with Godox
Learn Capture One: Capture One Fujifilm Tutorial - Lesson 1.
Learn Fujifilm Filmmaking: Fujifilm Video Tips.
ISO: Fujifilm Dynamic Range Settings
Lens Reviews: Lens Reviews
Product Reviews: FAVORITE Camera Slider for Fujifilm? Zeapo...

🎬. Production Notes:
Producer and Host: Chris Lee

❤️ Support this Channel:
If you wish to support the channel, there are three ways:
1. Join pal2tech BACKSTAGE: https://pal2tech.com/backstage
2. Use PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/pal2tech
3. Join this channel here: @pal2tech
This is very much appreciated. All donations go toward the funding of future videos for this channel.

👥 Contact Info
Business inquiries only: media@pal2tech.com

PRODUCT REVIEW OR TO SEND SOMETHING:
pal2tech
301 Kelly Drive, Suite 3-165
Peachtree City, GA 30269
United States

📺 ABOUT THE CHANNEL
pal2tech offers fun and easy-to-follow photography and camera training videos, tech products, and help for camera owners. Also, camera settings, tips/tricks, photography techniques, photo editing, and business strategies. You'll also find technology and device reviews, video production training, Fujifilm X series camera information, and lens reviews.

NOTE: All reviews are independent. Vendors or companies have no involvement in the creation or editorial direction of any video. Some links may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel.

#fujifilm #pal2tech #photography

20 Comments

@elementonyoutube6556 8 months ago

Fuji should link this video in their camera manuals. AF settings seem to be problematic for most of us.

@itmeryy 8 months ago

I don't even shoot Fuji cameras anymore, and I will happily stay subscribed to your channel. You're just genuinely enjoyable to watch, and easy to support.

@amaremahamud 8 months ago

My go to Fuji manual, you can't believe how many times I had an issue mid shoot and the only solution was here, another great video as usual.

@mikefoster6018 8 months ago (edited)

Zone is my main one for hobby street photography on my X-T5. It makes a lot of sense in most situations, especially if you want to rapidly 'generally' acquire something in the foreground (with Front priority). I then have a button set to toggle between my main settings and C1 group settings, with my C1 instead set to Tracking focus as default. It means a super-quick toggle between Zone and Tracking focus modes.

@Starstreak170 8 months ago

To be honest, it's a massive failing on Fujifilm's part that the community relies on generous people like Chris to explain how to work around such major flaws in their AF.

@Sproutsfromspace 8 months ago

Always a great video with the best information out there!

@Alexey_Shakhvorostov 8 months ago

You should make a picture of these tips like a mind map, simple block structure riminder. I bet most people will save at thier phones and use when go photo walk

@littlemilligan 8 months ago

Thank you for your clear explanations. I understand things so much better when I watch yours. I go to your channel whenever I don’t understand things.

@alainboue9143 8 months ago

Hi Chris,
Thank you very much for all the time you spend on making these extremely helpful videos. This one is especially crucial to understand each AF setting and its effect on usage.

@luisa.davila1021 1 month ago

Great as always while having breakfast and then off to photographing wild life.

@SandiaPeaks 4 months ago

Great videos. Being new to digital cameras, I’m blown away with the amount of functionality and the incredible amount of processing that’s done.

@NBPT428 8 months ago

This is a fabulous video after owning Fuji's for 6 years. I love my Fuji's but by the time you got to the end my brain was fried. This is a great video to send to Fuji while handing Fujifilm a Sony or Canon camera and asking them to make no setting changes on any body and compare AF from these two to their product! In 2026, it shouldn't be this finicky but I thank you for at least showing us how to try to hold it together. C'mon Fuji....

@randallkirkmusic 8 months ago

This is one of your most useful videos, ever. After 6 years with Fuji cameras I still feel I haven't mastered all the variations of AF.. but I'm now on my second viewing and saving this for future reference.

@madesideways 3 months ago

I’ll have to watch this twice..it’s so good…ur a teacher

@rasoolalsakkaf 8 months ago

Hands down, you have the best Fujifilm channel. I learn something every time—makes me wish there were a Nikon channel like yours.

@oc2phish07 8 months ago

Cheers, Chris. Another first rate video where there is pretty much always something new for us to learn. You have a great weekend too.

@jtec99 8 months ago

Appreciate you Chris! I actually watched your previous Fuji AF tutorial about 6 months ago and boy did it help a ton.

@juleshorse9056 8 months ago

Excellent tutorial - as always. My approach? On my XT5 and X100VI. Never use subject detection nor zone focusing. For AF-C, I have Custom 6 set to 3/1/Front and I find that by using AF Mode single point and tracking the subject myself it is accurate and reliable. I use this for high goal polo, kite surfing, cycle racing and dogs running. I'd say the four things one can do to improve AF for moving subjects is to (1) understand the technology and settings (your videos are top notch for this), (2) set the settings for the subjects, (3) train yourself to use the settings and (4) practice. Thanks again for another excellence, clear and helpful tutorial.

@MattMakesCoffee 8 months ago

Wide/tracking is the best IMO... its as accurate as single point but sticks to whatever you decide it to stick to.... and even without eye detection is super accurate and sticky in my experience!
Objectively the best AF mode