How to Use Manual Focus Assist on Fujifilm Cameras: Peaking, Split Image, Microprism, and More

Fujifilm cameras have some of the strongest manual focus tools available today. They blend modern digital aids with the same principles photographers used on classic film cameras. Even with excellent autofocus on current models, there are still plenty of times when manual focus is the smarter, faster, or more reliable option.

This guide covers the main Manual Focus Assist tools in Fujifilm cameras, how they work, and when to use them.

Fujifilm Manual Focus Tools

Watch this video on YouTube.

When Manual Focus Is the Better Choice

Fujifilm’s autofocus has improved dramatically, but autofocus is not perfect in every situation. Manual focus is often more dependable when:

• You want maximum foreground to background sharpness in landscapes
• Your distance from the subject is fixed, and you want to work quickly
• The scene has low contrast or low light that confuses AF
• You are working with a very shallow depth of field and need precise control
• You want consistency from frame to frame without AF hunting

Mirrorless tools like focus peaking and magnification only make manual focus easier.

Using Back-Button Focus in Manual Focus Mode

One of the best features in Fujifilm’s MF workflow is the ability to use autofocus while staying in Manual Focus mode. Pressing the AF-L or AF-ON button (unless reassigned) will quickly focus on your subject. You can then recompose and shoot without worrying about the camera refocusing elsewhere.

This is ideal for portraits, landscapes, static subjects, and any situation where you want the precision of manual focus but the convenience of autofocus when needed.

Fujifilm’s Manual Focus Assist Modes

Most Fujifilm cameras offer four focus assist tools:

1. Standard (no overlay)
2. Focus Peak Highlight
3. Digital Split Image
4. Digital Microprism

You can cycle through these by long-pressing the rear command dial on cameras that support it. Cameras without a pushable rear dial (such as the X-S10, X-E4, and X-H2/H2S) require using the MF Assist menu.

Here is an overview of which modes appear in which cameras:

	Focus Peaking	Digital Split Image	Digital Microprism	Dual Display
X-T3, X-T4, X-T5	X	X	X	X
X-H2/H2S	X	X	X	X
X-T30/II/III, X-T50	X	X	X
X-Pro3	X	X	X	X (ERF)
X-E3	X	X
X-E4, X-E5	X	X	X
X-S10, X-S20	X	X	X
X100F	X	X
X100V, X100VI	X	X	X	X (ERF)

1. Standard (Off)

This gives you a clean, unobstructed view with no overlays. It works well when the other aids are distracting or when you prefer to rely on magnification.

Pair it with zoom magnification or Dual Display for accuracy.

2. Focus Peak Highlight

Focus peaking highlights the edges of areas that are in focus. Fujifilm lets you choose both color and sensitivity.

You can adjust this in: AF/MF Setting > MF Assist > Focus Peak Highlight

Available colors usually include red, blue, yellow, and white. High vs. Low changes how sensitive the highlight is.

Most photographers prefer red or blue because they are visible against many backgrounds.

When to use Focus Peaking

• Portraits where you need to confirm the eye is sharp
• Scenes without strong lines or hard edges
• Low light situations
• General-purpose manual focus

It works in almost any scenario.

Here’s Focus Peaking (red, high) as seen on an X-T30 LCD:

3. Digital Split Image

This mode mimics the split-prism focusing screens used in film SLRs. When the subject is out of focus, vertical lines appear broken. As focus improves, the lines align.

You can choose a color or monochrome split image. Monochrome tends to be easier to read.

Adjust this in: AF/MF Setting > MF Assist > Digital Split Image

When to use Split Image

• Architecture
• Geometric subjects
• Scenes with defined straight edges

It is not ideal for portraits or soft, low-contrast subjects.

Split Image becomes much easier to use when magnified.

Here’s the Digital Split Image as seen through an X-T30 EVF:

4. Digital Microprism

Microprism is a more recent addition. It works like a cluster of small split-image cells. When out of focus, the microprism area sparkles or shimmers. As focus improves, the texture clears up.

This is often the easiest tool to use once you get the feel for it.

When to use Digital Microprism

• General manual focus
• Subjects with texture
• Situations where peaking feels too busy

Magnification helps Digital Microprism significantly:

---

Other Useful Manual Focus Tools on Fujifilm

Focus Scale Indicator

In Manual Focus mode, you can enable a distance and depth of field scale.

Turn this on in: Screen Setup > Disp. Custom Setting > MF Distance Indicator

The blue bar represents the estimated depth of field. Set it to Film Format Basis for practical zone focusing.

This tool is excellent for street photography and landscapes.

Dual Display (select cameras)

Dual Display shows a full composition window and a magnified window at the same time. This is available on the X-T3/4/5, X-H2/H2S, and a few others.

To activate it, cycle the DISP button while in MF.

You can move the magnified area with the joystick and use peaking or microprism inside it.

Electronic Rangefinder (X-Pro and X100 cameras)

The Electronic Rangefinder places a small EVF window inside the optical viewfinder. Cycle the OVF/EVF selector until the overlay appears. This gives you the feel of a traditional rangefinder with digital confirmation.

Focus Zoom Magnification

Regardless of which assist mode you use, zoom magnification is the most accurate way to check focus.

How to activate zoom:

• On cameras with a pushable rear command dial, press the dial
• On models without a pushable dial, set the joystick push to ZOOM in Button/Dial Setting
• You might also be able to enable a double-tap Zoom feature in the Touch Screen Setting submenu

Focus zoom works in both MF and AF.

Focus Check

Focus Check automatically zooms in whenever you turn the focus ring.

Enable or disable in: AF/MF Setting > Focus Check

Some photographers prefer full manual control over magnification, so this is a personal preference. Be ready for the composition jump as soon as you touch that MF ring.

Final Thoughts

Fujifilm’s Manual Focus Assist tools are some of the best available today. Each mode has strengths, and the key is knowing when to use which tool. Combine these assists with magnification, the distance scale, and back-button focus, and manual focus becomes fast and reliable.

If you want to learn how to set up your specific Fujifilm camera or streamline your manual focus workflow, you can browse the full list of Fujifilm courses here.

Have questions about any of the assist modes or how to use them in your own work? Add them below, and I’ll help you sort it out.