anneabc

Rick, you were right! Every time I turn off the camera, the setting reverts back to "off." This is really a pain. How do I get it to not revert back to the default? It finally worked, but if the camera screen turns off, then the default comes back and does not allow me to use the remote.

anneabc

Rick, you were correct! When I used the settings with AF-S and AF-C set to release, AND I don't turn off the camera, it works. However, it reverts back to default even if the screen goes off. When I check the shooting menu setting again, it's off. So, if I want to use the camera to take shots of a family, and I have the camera set to AF-S, focus and not release, then I guess it won't work again? The only way I can get the remote to work is to use those exact settings and make sure the camera does not turn off. Any solution for this? Thanks

anneabc

Sorry the above is semi-repeated. Didn't know it got posted but had to add more to the post anyway.

Rick36203 Loc: Northeast Alabama

Not sure what you mean by even if the screen goes off. I can review images already taken, or I can enter and exit 'Live View' without affecting the ml-l3 setting in the camera. It's only when I turn off the camera that the setting reverts to off. And, I have a habit of turning my camera off and on a good bit more than I really need to do.

As I said before, the setting is apparently not 'sticky' and therefore must be reset each time you power up. I am not aware of any way to alter that.

I see also in the user manual that there is a time limit before the ml-l3 reverts back to off. If no shots are taken within the time limit it turns off. The minimum time is 1 min and the max setting is 15 min between shots. This timer is adjusted via 'Custom Settings Menu' C5. Mine is set for 15 minutes. Having it at the max apparently can eat battery life faster.

anneabc

Ok, I went in and set it to 10 minutes. How about the part where the AF-S has to be set to release? Will it work when set to focus? (I actually don't even understand the differences and why they are used!)

anneabc

I don't know. Now it seems to be an intermittent problem. Worked a couple of time then didn't. It's a puzzle to me. Also, if I BBF and have the camera set to beep, is it supposed to beep? Maybe it's not focusing. Wow.

anneabc

Sorry, it IS focusing. I can't figure this out.

Rick36203 Loc: Northeast Alabama

Alright, I did a little more experimenting with the remote. I also noticed that I never asked how you want to focus on the subjects in your composition.
I will make assumptions again. Since you said you normally use BBF, I am assuming you have Custom Menu A1 and A2 both normally set to release, and that you (like me) shoot with the autofocus set to AF-C normally. Using these as your normal settings just do the following to use the ml-l3:

If your composition is static and you want to focus yourself, step back, and trigger the shutter with the remote then:

1. Turn on the remote in-camera as we have discussed.
2. Focus on the desired area in your composition.
3. Move away from camera (assuming it's on a tri-pod)
4. Activate shutter with remote. It will fire without changing focus.

If you want to move into the scene yourself and then focus:

1. Repeat step 1 above.
2. Change Custom menu A1 to 'Focus' (assuming again, you use AF-C normally. But, if you use AF-S change A2 instead)
3. Select a focus point in the composition where you intend to be.
4. Move into the scene
5. Activate remote. It will acquire focus and then fire. If it cannot acquire focus, it will not fire.

When you finish, change A1 back to 'Release'.

Nothing more complicated is required. The ml-l3 does not have a half-press setting for focusing. It relies on the A1, A2 and focus point(s) settings to determine whether or not to alter the current state of focus.

anneabc

Rick, you have spent soooo much time on this! It is working now. I guess I need to read up more on focus/release and U1 and U2. I've never used those before because I didn't know what they were. Reading a manual is like reading Greek to me. And, I don't think the people writing manuals know how to teach newbies. Sooo, I will get on the internet and try to understand why they function as they do. I really need to understand this camera inside and out and haven't done it yet. Ultimately, the truth is, there is nothing wrong with the remote. It's operator problems.
But, I truly appreciate all you effort you have given to my dilemma. Thank you again for all the help!