9 replies to this topic

[meddyliol]

I am having all sorts of problems with my D7000. Nothing wrong with the camera, the problem is me. I am not really interested in moving objects, to that end, what setting to I put the camera to with regards to autofocus? I would like to have single point focus for a start. Is it possible to have a single point focus 'locked' to the centre of the viewfinder instead of moving the point around by the five way control at the back. I really don't know what my problem is, i just cannot seem to get my head around this autofocus thing.

 

Thanks

 

Brian

[Merco_61]

Set the camera to Single-servo AF for static scenes.

Set the AF-Area mode to single point AF.

Center the focus point.

Lock the multiselector by setting the focus selector lock lever below the multiselector to L.

 

You have now turned your modern, advanced AF system to something very similar to what was in the F601, F801 and F4 bodies ca 1988. My prediction is that you will soon get tired of the misfocus caused by focus-and-recompose and want to start moving the focus point again.

[meddyliol]

Thanks a lot. Will do as you suggest but suspect you are correct with me getting tired. I really must get to grips with this camera after my D90. As a matter of interest, what suggestions could you give me as I am really having problems with this.

 

Brian

[TBonz]

Not a major difference between the D90 and the D7000.  Back in the day, I had both.  The focus wasn't as advanced on the D90 but it still had the same capabilities.  Did you turn it off too?  What part of the transition are you having problems with?

[Ron]

My suggestion, which I employ on my own D7000, is to configure it for Back Button Focus.

 

Here's a short primer on setting this up from improvephotography.com.

 

1) You need to assign the AE-L, AF-L button (yes, that button that you've never used before and always wondered what it does) on the back of the camera to be AF-On. To do this, go to your camera menu and look in the custom setting menu (the pencil).  In the custom setting menu, go to Controls, and then choose F5 “Assign AE-L/AF-L button.”  Within this menu, choose “AF-On.”

 

2) Now you need to set up the camera so it will take a picture even when focus has not been achieved.  This is preferable in most situations because you may have focused and recomposed the shot.  To do this, go to your Custom Setting Menu and choose Autofocus.  Within this menu, select A1 “AF-C priority selection” and set it to “release.”  Then set AF-S priority selection to “release” as well.

 

--Ron

[meddyliol]

Thanks everyone. I have read about this 'back focus' thing and must admit I totally switched off. I am in the process of reading the link and WILL have a go at it. The trouble is, my brain is still in the 1960's with my Kodak Retinette. I must drag myself into the present day. I am not stupid but do wonder about myself sometimes LOL.

 

Message to Sportz Guy - What do you mean by 'Did you turn it off too?  What part of the transition are you having problems with?'

 

Thanks to all

 

Brian

[TBonz]

I was asking if you turned off the focusing capabilities in the D90 to the same settings you are discussing for the D7000.  It did not have the capabilities of the D7000, but it could do more than the settings of one center point focus,  The Back Button Focus is a good choice to try.  I use it all the time.

 

The other part of my question was if there were any other areas of the transition between the D90 and D7000 where you were having problems...

[meddyliol]

Thanks for your reply Sportz Guy, I think I will go to centre point focus and definitely back button although some people seem to think that the  AE-L, AF-L button is in an inconvenient position. I will try and persevere with it, if it is a little awkward maybe a different button could be assigned.

As far as other areas in the transition from the D90 I am not sure yet. When and if I do you can be sure I will ask even more stupid questions.

 

Sometimes I think I might be better off taking up origami as a hobby! LOL

 

Ta Ta

 

Brian

[Ron]

The AE-L/AF-L button one the back of the D7000 (as well as some other Nikons of that era) is in a somewhat awkward location ... even if you use it as an AE-L/AF-L button. However, I've found that with practice using it as and AF-On button soon becomes second nature and uncoupling it from your shutter button gives you much greater control over auto focus in general.

 

In my opinion all cameras that even hint at being prosumer should have a dedicated AF-On button.

 

I would encourage you to experiment with different AF point and track settings so that you understand what each setting is capable of achieving. You may be surprised. 

 

--Ron

[meddyliol]

Thanks Ron, good advice which I will take on board.

 

 

Cheers

 

Brian