Subscriber Discussion

Need To Keep A Camera OUT Of Focus, But Camera Refocuses Automatically.

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Ross Vander Klok
•Jul 30, 2018
IPVMU Certified

I have two AXIS P3225 LVE Mk II's that I use at a gate to verify identity via a picture ID.  The driver holds up an ID, they move it up/down, back/forth to get it in focus and off they go.  The problem is to get a good, clear shot of the ID I need the camera to be out of focus in the overall shot.  However, the camera automatically refocuses when it shifts from day/night mode and once it does that we can no longer capture a legible picture of the ID.  I could calibrate the optics to have their focus be "wrong" but seems like there should be a better or easier way.

I never thought I would be upset that a camera stays in focus!

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Geoffrey Leader
•Jul 30, 2018

Do you need night mode?  If not have you tried disabling the IR Cut filter to see if that stops the auto focus?

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U
Undisclosed #1
•Jul 30, 2018
IPVMU Certified

Not an direct solution, but have you considered having setting the iris at a fixed position with a higher f-number?

This will allow a greater depth-of-field, so that maybe the autofocus point will work acceptably even in the near-field.

This assumes that you can disable the auto-iris.

Also, is there definitely a single focus point that would work when using IR (night) and when not (day)?

Often, due to the longer wavelength of IR, a single focal point for day and night that is acceptable is hard to find.  Hence, the auto refocus on day/night.

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Ethan Ace
•Jul 30, 2018

I think the suggestion to keep them forced to day mode may be the best recommendation. Any time the camera refocuses, which could happen if power blips, too, it will focus further back than you want it to. 

I looked through Plain Config and didn't see any way to lock focus or limit focus depth, but will ask Axis for clarity.

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Ross Vander Klok
•Jul 30, 2018
IPVMU Certified
In reply to Ethan Ace

I am going to try that as the majority of the entries are during normal business hours so at least be able to capture the bulk of what we need.  Thanks for checking with Axis Ethan!

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Ross Vander Klok
•Jul 31, 2018
IPVMU Certified

Looks like day mode did the trick.  They did a couple tests last night and they were able to get legible, usable images.  So keeping it that way for now unless Axis has some great magical way to do it!

UE
Undisclosed End User #2
•Jul 31, 2018

Is a dome form factor a must? You could try using one of the P13 series cameras with the manual pullers.

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Ross Vander Klok
•Aug 08, 2018
IPVMU Certified

Spoke too soon.  Turning off the cut filter didn't stop the autofocusing, just prevented it from happening twice a day.  Something is still causing it to focus itself.  I am sticking with these cameras because they are already installed, they are great cameras and (when out of focus) work wonderfully.  Has to be a setting somewhere that makes it focus since that is what you would want 99.9% of the time.  I will ask AXIS again to see if they have any other ideas.

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #3
•Aug 08, 2018
In reply to Ross Vander Klok

Superglue?

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UI
Undisclosed Integrator #3
•Aug 08, 2018
In reply to Undisclosed Integrator #3

Two more to add to my collection.  I’m trying to catch Nelly’s.  Did I forget to put a “smiley face” at the end. 

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DE
Dennis Eversole
•Aug 08, 2018

Just asking here, but wouldn't the answer be to change out the camera for a Manual VF Lens?  And I will readily admit I have little hands on knowledge of AXIS (spend more time selling against them), but from reading the manual, I don't see an option to set the lens for Manual, or the ability to set a HOME position (so even it always resets to the same focal point).  Am I missing something here?

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Ross Vander Klok
•Aug 08, 2018
IPVMU Certified
In reply to Dennis Eversole

Unfortunately, I do think swapping them out is going to be the only option if there is no way to lock them down.  Waiting on Axis to give me a definitive answer. 

The problem is I will have to redo the entire existing set up because it was designed (before my tenure here) to use these cameras.  Yes, designed, purchased and implemented without any actual testing.  Good times!

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