Another Back Button Focus Question: I started using BBF about 2 years ago and love it. Only problem, as sometimes mentioned, is that when you hand the camera to someone else, you have...

Siena Loc: Rocky Hill, CT

I started using BBF about 2 years ago and love it. Only problem, as sometimes mentioned, is that when you hand the camera to someone else, you have to instruct them about using their thumb on that button. I have a Canon 70D. Is there a quick way to switch between BBF and regular focusing (via partially pressing the shutter button) without going through all the menus? Thanks in advance.

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

I believe that the 70D has one custom camera setting- 'C' on the dial. Check your manual and setup the custom camera configuration without BBF. When you need to hand off the camera, just turn the dial to 'C'.

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

Siena wrote:

I started using BBF about 2 years ago and love it. Only problem, as sometimes mentioned, is that when you hand the camera to someone else, you have to instruct them about using their thumb on that button. I have a Canon 70D. Is there a quick way to switch between BBF and regular focusing (via partially pressing the shutter button) without going through all the menus? Thanks in advance.

I do not own Canon, but they should be the same as Nikon in this. If you set the camera to auto, it may turn the back button focus off, it does on my cameras. Hope that works for yours as it is easy to do.

Photocraig

Siena wrote:

I started using BBF about 2 years ago and love it. Only problem, as sometimes mentioned, is that when you hand the camera to someone else, you have to instruct them about using their thumb on that button. I have a Canon 70D. Is there a quick way to switch between BBF and regular focusing (via partially pressing the shutter button) without going through all the menus? Thanks in advance.

What I did was set the C1 on my "mode" dial to default shutter mode focus. So when I ab "grab" shooting, or hand it over to another person, I can set it to C1 (on my 50D--so your much newer 70D should handle this) and it works fine. My 10 year old grand nephew grabbed a few ring bearer and flower girl shots that only another kid could get at a family wedding last summer.

It took me a year to get around to it. I used David's Bush's book to help me figure it out.
C

Resqu2 Loc: SW Va

orrie smith wrote:

I do not own Canon, but they should be the same as Nikon in this. If you set the camera to auto, it may turn the back button focus off, it does on my cameras. Hope that works for yours as it is easy to do.

My Canon 6d goes back to regular focus when you switch to auto. Probably the best setting to hand your camera to someone else anyway.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Siena wrote:

I started using BBF about 2 years ago and love it. Only problem, as sometimes mentioned, is that when you hand the camera to someone else, you have to instruct them about using their thumb on that button. I have a Canon 70D. Is there a quick way to switch between BBF and regular focusing (via partially pressing the shutter button) without going through all the menus? Thanks in advance.

On my Nikon's once you set for BBF you can still use the regular shutter button regularly without an issue.

Tracy B. Loc: Indiana

I had a Caono 70D. When giving your camera to someone else, set the camera to Auto. It converts back to shutter focus.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

billnikon wrote:

On my Nikon's once you set for BBF you can still use the regular shutter button regularly without an issue.

But not for focusing.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Siena wrote:

I started using BBF about 2 years ago and love it. Only problem, as sometimes mentioned, is that when you hand the camera to someone else, you have to instruct them about using their thumb on that button. I have a Canon 70D. Is there a quick way to switch between BBF and regular focusing (via partially pressing the shutter button) without going through all the menus? Thanks in advance.

I can't remember ever handing my camera to anyone. If I were to do that, I would probably focus first and hope for the best.

"Just make sure you have a custom setting for other people that has it disabled...assuming you let other people touch your camera "

http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=22426.0

big-guy Loc: Peterborough Ontario Canada

Resqu2 wrote:

My Canon 6d goes back to regular focus when you switch to auto. Probably the best setting to hand your camera to someone else anyway.

leftj Loc: Texas

orrie smith wrote:

I do not own Canon, but they should be the same as Nikon in this. If you set the camera to auto, it may turn the back button focus off, it does on my cameras. Hope that works for yours as it is easy to do.

You are absolutely right! I have a Canon 80D and just started using BBF a few days ago. I just tried the Auto function and it does indeed default to shutter release button focus. Both green and no flash auto. So thanks for that.

leftj Loc: Texas

billnikon wrote:

On my Nikon's once you set for BBF you can still use the regular shutter button regularly without an issue.

If you are using BBF and have set it up properly on a Canon the shutter button will not focus unless you put your camera back on Auto. I'm betting this applies to Nikon's as well.

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

leftj wrote:

If you are using BBF and have set it up properly on a Canon the shutter button will not focus unless you put your camera back on Auto. I'm betting this applies to Nikon's as well.

tried it on my D810 and it doesn't have that problem,
the auto focus remains on back button only.

Bear123 Loc: Wild & Wonderful West Virginia

I have Olympus OMD-1 and when using iAUTO it reverts to using the shutter button for focus and shutter. Even easier for someone else if using the LCD screen all they have to do is touch the spot to focus on and it takes the picture for them.

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

Siena wrote:

I started using BBF about 2 years ago and love it. Only problem, as sometimes mentioned, is that when you hand the camera to someone else, you have to instruct them about using their thumb on that button. I have a Canon 70D. Is there a quick way to switch between BBF and regular focusing (via partially pressing the shutter button) without going through all the menus? Thanks in advance.

I am also a Nikon user, but perhaps your camera can do the same as mine. I have the option of having the back button focus button active and have the shutter trigger the auto focus, which allows you to use either one. Or, I can disable the shutter as far as auto focus is concerned and only use the back button, which is the way I have it set up. Perhaps you have the option of not disabling the shutter as well.