Back button focus
Dec 28, 2018 10:33:38 #
I have used BBF for almost five years on a Nikon and my current Olympus EM1 series cameras. As many have reported, it takes some time to get used to. When I bought my EM1.2 new almost two years ago, I decided to try going back to half-push focus--after a month in the old mode I ended up not liking it that way and reverted to BBF.
The only drawback, IMO, is that I cannot easily give my camera to another person to take a shot of me and my wife. So, I discovered that if I shift my EM1.2 to iAuto, this shift over-rides BBF and my camera works just like a point and shot. That shift allows the waiter to take a picture of us without me taking the time to teach him/her about BBF. I have handed my camera to other photographers which high quality cameras. Unfortunately, most do not use BBF and they appear to be flustered by the technique.
I doubt I will ever go back to half-press focusing.
Earl
The only drawback, IMO, is that I cannot easily give my camera to another person to take a shot of me and my wife. So, I discovered that if I shift my EM1.2 to iAuto, this shift over-rides BBF and my camera works just like a point and shot. That shift allows the waiter to take a picture of us without me taking the time to teach him/her about BBF. I have handed my camera to other photographers which high quality cameras. Unfortunately, most do not use BBF and they appear to be flustered by the technique.
I doubt I will ever go back to half-press focusing.
Earl
Dec 28, 2018 10:41:39 #
John Gerlach
Your comment here and the article (see the link) are quite informative and interesting - thanks
Your comment here and the article (see the link) are quite informative and interesting - thanks
Dec 28, 2018 10:43:49 #
Photobum wrote:
Just out of curiosity, do many of you use back button focus, and if so, what do you liked or dislike about the feature?
Search the Archives. This has been discussed to death.
Dec 28, 2018 10:45:26 #
Switched to BBF on Pentax K3 quite easily and won’t consider going back. Much more reliable than 1/2 button press. With both exposure and focus locked in, I recompose without a worry.
Dec 28, 2018 10:47:57 #
nadelewitz
Loc: Ithaca NY
I use BBF for two reasons:
1. I want to be able to have total manual focus control without taking lens off of AF setting, and having the lens keep the focus I set manually when I press the shutter.
2. I avoid snapping the shutter when pressing the shutter release a little too far when just trying to see focus, and metering, when I do use AF.
I use the Canon USM lenses that allow all this.
1. I want to be able to have total manual focus control without taking lens off of AF setting, and having the lens keep the focus I set manually when I press the shutter.
2. I avoid snapping the shutter when pressing the shutter release a little too far when just trying to see focus, and metering, when I do use AF.
I use the Canon USM lenses that allow all this.
Dec 28, 2018 10:49:17 #
Retina
Loc: Near Charleston,SC
AndyH wrote:
Yes. I use the back button to lock focus only, and the shutter button for metering. Again, my process (mostly for architectural, landscape, and street shooting) is 1) Focus with the AE-L/AF-L button (set to focus only). 2) Spot meter the subject with the shutter button (presuming I've already dialed in exposure compensation and locked whatever I want locked). 3) Shoot.
Andy
Andy
This is my approach, too. It separates focusing and metering, similar to having separate controls for aperture and shutter speed.
Dec 28, 2018 10:56:30 #
It didn't take long to get used to it at all. I wondered why it took me so long to try it! I particularly like being able to set focus and remove my finger and also have access to continuous focus if a bird is swimmimg off.
Dec 28, 2018 11:00:08 #
I've been using it for years, one of the first things I setup when I get a new camera. Short learning curve and a number of advantages. As mentioned, Steve Perry's ebook covers it thoroughly.
Dec 28, 2018 11:05:22 #
Dec 28, 2018 11:09:38 #
frankraney wrote:
I've used it almost exclusively on my D3300 and love it. Great for focusing and recomposing, taking different composures with same focal distance. Am setting it up on my D7200, but didn't quite get it, when I tried it the shutter button tree focused... Think I have to stop that with another setting. Not quite as straight forward as the 3300. But I'll get it....
Go to YouTube and type in "D7200 back button focus" in the search field. You'll find lots of help.
Dec 28, 2018 11:22:11 #
Photobum wrote:
Just out of curiosity, do many of you use back button focus, and if so, what do you liked or dislike about the feature?
I changed my cameras to bbf 3 years ago and never looked back. It's great for sports.
Dec 28, 2018 11:26:42 #
Much easier for action. If you want to hold focus just release the button. I tried it just once and was hooked. No longer have to focus on a spot and wait till subject comes to you such as bride walking down the isle. Will never use the shutter button for focus again.
Dec 28, 2018 11:30:50 #
leftj
Loc: Texas
Jules Karney wrote:
I changed my cameras to bbf 3 years ago and never looked back. It's great for sports.
Funny, one poster says it's great for sports and another says it's not good for fast action (i.e. sports) and both are advocates of bbf. Go figure.
Dec 28, 2018 11:34:41 #
dandev
Loc: Enumclaw, WA
I use it exclusively and it is now 2nd nature. It give me a lot of flexibility especially when shooting in Canon servo mode. I can't imaging using shutter focusing.
Dec 28, 2018 11:35:38 #
Photobum wrote:
Just out of curiosity, do many of you use back button focus, and if so, what do you liked or dislike about the feature?
The only disadvantage I see when using BBF is when I want to hand my camera over to someone to take my picture, it's difficult to explain how to use BBF. Fortunately I've learned how to quickly go back to normal shutter button focusing when needed so it's not that big a deal.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.