Nikon D7500 back button focus: I did a search on the forum and found some useful advice but nothing specific to my immediate issue. I am just starting to use bbf and like it a lot so...

Richard12000 Loc: Ontario, Canada

I did a search on the forum and found some useful advice but nothing specific to my immediate issue. I am just starting to use bbf and like it a lot so far. I have assigned the AE/AF button to focus. The main issue is how do I scroll focus points with the multiswitch around the OK button while my right thumb is busy on the AF button? This may be an issue with my AF settings, too. Perhaps single point AF is the answer.

Richard

twosummers Loc: Melbourne Australia or Lincolnshire England

Scroll to your focus point and then push your BBF button - job done!

Richard12000 Loc: Ontario, Canada

Thanks. Will give it a try. I had assumed that I had to have the bbf pressed to enable focus points.

Richard

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

Richard12000 wrote:

I did a search on the forum and found some useful advice but nothing specific to my immediate issue. I am just starting to use bbf and like it a lot so far. I have assigned the AE/AF button to focus. The main issue is how do I scroll focus points with the multiswitch around the OK button while my right thumb is busy on the AF button? This may be an issue with my AF settings, too. Perhaps single point AF is the answer.

Richard

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzqQskGoURE

david vt Loc: Vermont

Richard12000 wrote:

Thanks. Will give it a try. I had assumed that I had to have the bbf pressed to enable focus points.

Richard

I have a D7200 and use BBF. The focus system needs to be activated to see where you are moving the points, but you do not need to hold the BBF (AE/AF) button continuously while moving them.

Also of note is that BBF does make it easy to focus on the object you want, let you thumb off the button (I have mine set up to freeze there), recompose, and shoot. This does make it a bit easier to use the prime focus points in the center of the field (including single point) without having the scroll through points.

Good luck

photoman43

Richard12000 wrote:

Thanks. Will give it a try. I had assumed that I had to have the bbf pressed to enable focus points.

Richard

When I use BBF I do not move the focus point. I leave it set at its middle point. Instead I move the camera and lens to the point in the viewfinder I want to be in focus and then push the button to focus. Once focus is obtained, I release the focus, recompose the picture and then hit the shutter button. This is much faster than moving the focus point.

If I am locked in n a particular composition and the subject is static, then I might move the focu point, then usethe focus button then take the picture.

Richard12000 Loc: Ontario, Canada

Everyones advice have been very helpful. Thanks a lot, to all.

Richard

Bayou

photoman43 wrote:

When I use BBF I do not move the focus point. I leave it set at its middle point. Instead I move the camera and lens to the point in the viewfinder I want to be in focus and then push the button to focus. Once focus is obtained, I release the focus, recompose the picture and then hit the shutter button. This is much faster than moving the focus point...

Rick from NY Loc: Sarasota FL

photoman43 wrote:

When I use BBF I do not move the focus point. I leave it set at its middle point. Instead I move the camera and lens to the point in the viewfinder I want to be in focus and then push the button to focus. Once focus is obtained, I release the focus, recompose the picture and then hit the shutter button. This is much faster than moving the focus point.

Apparently you are not shooting moving subjects that way. If you are shooting moving critters including children, you have to keep the bbf button pressed. The easiest solution was mentioned above. Trigger the focus points, move them as needed and then bbf.

CamB Loc: Juneau, Alaska

Richard12000 wrote:

I did a search on the forum and found some useful advice but nothing specific to my immediate issue. I am just starting to use bbf and like it a lot so far. I have assigned the AE/AF button to focus. The main issue is how do I scroll focus points with the multiswitch around the OK button while my right thumb is busy on the AF button? This may be an issue with my AF settings, too. Perhaps single point AF is the answer.

Richard

One of the reasons I use BBF at all (on a 7500) is so that I don't have to scroll focus points. Hold the button, aim at the spot you want to focus, release the button, reframe. Takes less than a second which is faster than futzing with shifting the focus points. I've always thought that the point of BBF was to get away from the slowdown and hassle of shifting focus points. Since moving to BBF about four years ago I don't think I have ever moved my focus point except a little when using a tripod. If you are going to move your focus points it kind of takes away the need for BBF. You might as well just use the shutter button to focus. Remember also the the BBF button doesn't have to be the AE/AF button. My BBF is controlled by the fn2 button on the front of my 7500.
...Cam

Richard12000 Loc: Ontario, Canada

Thanks. Making very good progress. Your approach, if you think about it, is very similar to the old split prism focusing I am used too in the way one composes. Thanks for pointing that out. One frustration, for which hopefully there is a setting adjustment, is that I have to reset to the centre focus point mode whenever I turn the camera off and on again. I have tried a number of ways to set the camera in AF-C with a single focus point in the middle of the field. As I said, I can set it with the AF button and wheel, but I have to reset it all the time.

Any advice?

Richard12000 Loc: Ontario, Canada

CamB wrote:

One of the reasons I use BBF at all (on a 7500) is... (show quote)

Thanks. Making very good progress. Your approach, if you think about it, is very similar to the old split prism focusing I am used too in the way one composes. Thanks for pointing that out. One frustration, for which hopefully there is a setting adjustment, is that I have to reset to the centre focus point mode whenever I turn the camera off and on again. I have tried a number of ways to set the camera in AF-C with a single focus point in the middle of the field. As I said, I can set it with the AF button and wheel, but I have to reset it all the time.

CamB Loc: Juneau, Alaska

Richard12000 wrote:

Thanks. Making very good progress. Your approach... (show quote)

Have you locked the focus point when you get it where you want it using the lock setting that is in the ring by the OK button? Put it on L.
...Cam