D40x - focus lock separate from shutter button?

[Red Dawn]

Hi,

helping a fren buy a D40x... is there a custom function for this body where we can enable to separate the focusing from the shutter button? in other words, focus using thumb with a button on the back of the camera, then release shutter to take the picture.

(i'm looking for something similar to Canon's custom function 4-1...)

thanks in advance for your help

[sweeper]

not that i know of ...
for Nikon, think it's D200 and above that have this separate "Af-on" button,
similar for Cannon, only for mid range models and above ...
not sure about the rest

[ah.zeep]

It exists on my D50. For D40x, see also: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond40x/page6.asp where the AE-L/AF-L button should serve as the same function.

HTH.

[sweeper]

Originally Posted by ah.zeep It exists on my D50. For D40x, see also: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond40x/page6.asp where the AE-L/AF-L button should serve as the same function. HTH.

you meant on your d50 , you can activate focusing by pressing AE-L/AF-L button ?
iirc, the TS is referring to focusing not locking the focusing

[Scaglietti]

Originally Posted by sweeper you meant on your d50 , you can activate focusing by pressing AE-L/AF-L button ? iirc, the TS is referring to focusing not locking the focusing

The button can be re-configured to perform AF-on. I am not familiar with D40, I am not sure whether there is this option for D40.

BC

[lsisaxon]

Originally Posted by Red Dawn Hi, helping a fren buy a D40x... is there a custom function for this body where we can enable to separate the focusing from the shutter button? in other words, focus using thumb with a button on the back of the camera, then release shutter to take the picture. (i'm looking for something similar to Canon's custom function 4-1...) thanks in advance for your help

I thought half pressing the shutter is a much easier way to achieve that?

[LeoDaddy]

Originally Posted by lsisaxon I thought half pressing the shutter is a much easier way to achieve that?

Some ppl dun wan to autofucus too often.. depends on shooting style.

[lsisaxon]

Originally Posted by LeoDaddy Some ppl dun wan to autofucus too often.. depends on shooting style.

But if using AF/AF-D lenses, you will still need to disengage the coupling to do MF. But since it's D40x we're talking about AF-S lenses can easily manual override by just turning the focusing ring.

Anywway, yes, the AE-L/AF-L button can be configured as AF-On button. This can be found on page 77 of the manual.

[LeoDaddy]

Originally Posted by lsisaxon But if using AF/AF-D lenses, you will still need to disengage the coupling to do MF. But since it's D40x we're talking about AF-S lenses can easily manual override by just turning the focusing ring. Anywway, yes, the AE-L/AF-L button can be configured as AF-On button. This can be found on page 77 of the manual.

No bro.. its not abt MF. Some ppl for example, AF once then take a few shots (perhaps in same focus range).. so there is no need to AF everytime they press shutter release.

By setting up their camera to "manually activated AF", they can shoot faster with less lag.

[Scaglietti]

Originally Posted by LeoDaddy No bro.. its not abt MF. Some ppl for example, AF once then take a few shots (perhaps in same focus range).. so there is no need to AF everytime they press shutter release. By setting up their camera to "manually activated AF", they can shoot faster with less lag.

Yes... especially when the subject is not exactly at the focusing point and you want to do mutliple shots. You don't have to repeat this for every shot:
put the focus point on subject --> half press to focus --> recompose --> shoot ---> put the focus point on subject --> half press to focus --> recompose --> shoot -->...

You just need to:
put the focus point on subject --> press focus-on --> recompose --> shoot --> shoot --> shoot

BC

[lsisaxon]

Originally Posted by LeoDaddy No bro.. its not abt MF. Some ppl for example, AF once then take a few shots (perhaps in same focus range).. so there is no need to AF everytime they press shutter release. By setting up their camera to "manually activated AF", they can shoot faster with less lag.

Usually, I would half-press, recompose and shoot, it did not occur to me that the AF-On can be useful in such situations as you described. I'll definitely try it when such a situation arise. Sounds quite useful indeed.

What I usually do now for such a situation is half press for AF, once locked, flip to MF, shoot shoot shoot.. But I remembered there were a few times I just half-press and shoot shoot shoot by not releasing the release button all the way, so effectively maintaining the half-press and focus lock.

Edit: I just tried the half-press and shoot shoot shoot without releasing the release button fully. I think it's easier.