Hitachi VM-E535LA Instruction Manual page 32

Basic Techniques
The camcorder focuses the subject in the center of the viewfinder or LCD monitor
automatically unless the manual focus is engaged. If "FOCUS" appears in the
viewfinder or LCD monitor, manual focus is engaged. Press the FOCUS control buttons
simultaneously to return to auto focus.
The auto focus will not work under the following conditions and you must focus
manually:
monitor
Note: With the T zoom control you can use the auto focus with subjects that are 3.3 feet
(100 cm) away from the lens and further away to infinity. With the W zoom control you can
use the auto focus with subjects 3/8 inches (1cm) away from the lens and further away to
infinity.
Objects outside the center of the viewfinder or LCD monitor
Objects at different distances in the center of the viewfinder or LCD
Brightly lit objects such as a neon light, objects lit by spotlight, etc.
Objects behind water dappled or dusty glass
Objects with little difference in light reflection such as a white wall
Rapidly moving objects
Dark objects
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