Using Flashlight to Focus: Hello On a recent night trip I could not see my subject through my Z6 mirrorless viewfinder while setting up for a long exposure shot. As a result the camera...

Hamltnblue Loc: Springfield PA

Hello
On a recent night trip I could not see my subject through my Z6 mirrorless viewfinder while setting up for a long exposure shot. As a result the camera of course would also not auto focus.
To get over this I used a flashlight to half button focus on the subject. After focus I removed the light and clicked the shot.
Question. When this is done, does the metering for the camera also lock in with the focus? If so, is there a way to maintain metering after the focus has been achieved? I was considering trying AF-C for the focus but fear the focus will move after the light is off.
Thanks
Jim

juan_uy Loc: Uruguay

You could do the same, then turn focus to manual, so you can release the shutter without loosing focus (actually without refocusing next time you press it). After that you can turn off the flashlight and use the shutter button to meter and release.
You could also look into BBF (back button focus) that would allow you to separate focus from the shutter release button.

However, if you are aiming for a long exposure, not sure why you want metering as I guess you would be on manual.

Hamltnblue Loc: Springfield PA

Thanks
Switching to manual will probably do the trick
I use a cable release and try not to handle the camera during the exposure, so back button is out.
The reason for the metering is that I assume the camera will meter on the LED light source from the flashlight and not the scene.

johngault007 Loc: Florida Panhandle

Hamltnblue wrote:

Thanks
Switching to manual will probably do the trick
I use a cable release and try not to handle the camera during the exposure, so back button is out.
The reason for the metering is that I assume the camera will meter on the LED light source from the flashlight and not the scene.

If you decided to use back button focusing during your long exposure work, the cable release would not affect the focus and you would still have the metering when you half press the shutter release.

As for the flashlight, you can use it to focus on your intended subject, then turn off the flashlight and set your exposure. Again, this will work with either manual focus or BBF.

juan_uy Loc: Uruguay

Hamltnblue wrote:

Thanks
Switching to manual will probably do the trick
I use a cable release and try not to handle the camera during the exposure, so back button is out.
The reason for the metering is that I assume the camera will meter on the LED light source from the flashlight and not the scene.

Using BBF, the steps for taking your picture would be:
1. Turn on flashlight
2. Aim focus point to desired point and press BBF until the camera acquires focus.
3. Once focus is confirmed you just release BBF button
4. Turn off the flashlight
5. Meter/configure/etc the shot
6. Use your cable release (or you can set a 2,3 or 5 seconds delay and use the shutter button)

Hamltnblue Loc: Springfield PA

Thanks,
So the BBF button does the focus and the shutter release does the metering.

johngault007 Loc: Florida Panhandle

Hamltnblue wrote:

Thanks,
So the BBF button does the focus and the shutter release does the metering.

You'll have to check in your user manual, but my 5D is set up for metering only on the shutter release (half press).

Hamltnblue Loc: Springfield PA

Thanks

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

Hamltnblue wrote:

Hello br On a recent night trip I could not see my... (show quote)

With respect, you tell us. What happened with the photo you took? I don't know but I am curious to find out.

Dennis