4 replies to this topic

[EJB]

I need to auto focus on a single point. Hold the shutter release half way then recompose.

Seem to have read the manual many times and I still can't achieve it or it defaults to the area focus on next start up. 

Advice Please.

[Merco_61]

What shooting mode are you in? At least some of the older D3xxx bodies have had the focus mode revert to defaults when you leave the PASM part of the control wheel or the camera is shut down in the "creative" modes. I am not familiar with how the D3500 works in that aspect.

 

The second question is why do you need to focus and recompose? Is it *that* difficult to move the focus point where you need it with the D3500? As you don't pivot around the optical null point, recomposing will always move the focus plane slightly.

[EJB]

Thank you sorry for delay.

30/70% Auto/Aperture priority.

Mainly landscape and urban but wildlife and plants is mostly where my problem occurs.

In certain lights I have difficulty in seeing the focus points flash as the camera moves. Whereas If the centre point was always the default it would prove much easier.

Thank you. 

[Merco_61]

Having lived through the bad old days when the center single-point AF was all we had, I would never willingly give up the multiple points and get the focus errors caused by recomposing again. The F4 and the F801 at least had a usable focusing screen so one saw the misfocus in the finder and could correct for it. A modern DSLR would be a nightmare to use like that, at least with fast lenses or up-close where the DOF is miniscule.

 

Does it keeo the set AF mode if you are in the PASM shooting modes? In that case, weaning yourself from the green and creative modes would let you do what you want to.

[EJB]

Point taken I'll select single point as and when I need it.

Thanks for your help.