Eric Bornstein Loc: Toronto Canada

Advice and assistance required via two questions:
1. Can the Z6 be programmed to use back button focus?
2. If yes, can you tell me how to do it, please?
Thank you

steve33 Loc: Yarmouth MA

Maybe this will help

https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/products/493/Z_6.html

RLSprouse Loc: Encinitas CA (near Sandy Eggo)

Hi Eric:

1. Sure.

2. Sure. Here's how I do it on my Z7. I assume the Z6 is the same.

There are two menu items to change. First, go to the Custom Setting Menu (red pencil icon) and scroll down to AF activation. Select AF-ON only. This disables autofocus from the shutter button. I also recommend that you move to the right of AF-ON only, and make sure Out-of-focus release is Enabled. It drives me nuts when the shutter won't fire because it thinks I'm not focused where I want to be. But hey, that's me.

Oddly, the AF activation menu item now reads OFF. Don't let that scare you, that's referring to the AF activation on the shutter release button. You want that OFF.

Second, I recommend you make sure your Focus mode (on the Photo Shooting menu, green camera icon) is set to AF-C. You have to scroll down a ways to find this one. Having this set means that when you press and hold the AF-ON button, the focus system is active as long as you hold the button. When you release the button, the focus locks. So you have the advantages of both AF-C and AF-S on a single button.

~ Russ

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Good explanation. I will add one clarification.

Actually when you release the button the auto-focus mechanism stops Autofocusing, it doesn’t lock focus. Focus will remain at the distance set when the button was released. If you or the subject move then you will have to refocus.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Yes. Menu-AF ON only. I suggest you search out Steve Perry at Back Country Gallery. He is pretty much a Nikon guru on the Nikon system. Another good source is Hudson Henry. He's good with Nikon also.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

Hurry...get Steve Perry’s book on the Nikon mirrorless focusing system. There is much more there than you might think.

Yes, as explained above. Training my thumb to use it remains a work in progress.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

I'm sure that is a good suggestion, but you don't need to read a book just to set up BBF. It's basically 2 steps. Those steps were already outlined above.

The harder part is to remember to press the damn focus button before shooting, particularly when the image is "almost" in focus! ☺️
(I have NEVER done that).

Eric Bornstein Loc: Toronto Canada

Gentlemen,
Thank you for your guidance. Since I will assume that each of you shoots either Z6 or Z7, will you consider an upgrade to the
Z6 II or the Z7 II?
I was hoping that a firmware update would be available to upgrade the deficiencies.

RLSprouse Loc: Encinitas CA (near Sandy Eggo)

It is hard to add a second card slot or a vertical grip via a firmware update, but that said, I'm not sure I can justify a "II" model for my needs - I'm no Pro. But better AF performance is a big deal. Bottom line, I love my D850 and my Z7, and will probably wait for a Z8/9 before upgrading.

fantom Loc: Colorado

Thanks for using a title for your post that is descriptive and will be easy to find and access if someone is looking for a solution to a similar problem,

Bill_de Loc: US

Also, check Custom Control Assignment [f2] and be sure the AF-ON button is set to AF-ON. It can also be set to AF lock only, AE lock (Hold), and a number of other things.

From the factory it should be set to AF-ON, but it's possible to change it and then forget about it.

--

Kozan Loc: Trenton Tennessee

Right on, Brother.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

I have a Z7 I and I am happy with it. 😁

If you find that your Z6 is deficient then why not sell it and buy a camera that is not deficient?

I am Leary of firmware updates after having my OM-D EM-5 mii bricked by a failed update, and then having to send it back to Olympus for a reset. 😡

Bruce M Loc: Northern Utah

Thanks Russ, I have the Z7 and did not understand this feature.