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10-01-2016, 08:06 AM   #1
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Using Back Button focus vs Shutter release

Inspired by some friends reconfiguring their inferior Canon and Nikon cameras ( jk) to allow them to have a rear button to focus with, I am curious to know how many people actually use this feature on thier K3 (or other body if it has it), and to what end? Is there any benefit?
I have always stuck with using the shutter release method, probaby because it's a hard habit to break after 30 years, and just can't get into using the rear focus button on the K3.
Interested to hear some opinions.

10-01-2016, 08:20 AM   #2
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I used both methods, depends on the situation. I want to say weddings or any time that ensuring focus is locked is critical enough that I want that control separate from the shutter. I use the shutter activated AF 85-90% of the time. Most of the time I find using that button for exposure lock (K-30) is preferable.
10-01-2016, 08:23 AM   #3
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Very useful feature to use under some circumstances.
Read this: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/38-photographic-technique/236970-perfect-...everytime.html
and you will also find that this used on the K3 and K5 as well.
You might find some answers to your questions.
10-01-2016, 08:26 AM   #4
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I'm using back-button AF on all my cameras, from the *ist D to the K5. It does take some getting used to, but the results are worth it to me.

10-01-2016, 08:28 AM   #5
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I have used both methods too and likewise it depends on the situation. Most of the time I have AF on the shutter half-press but if I am doing macro work I will switch to the back button or go to manual focus, especially if I want to stack the shots.
10-01-2016, 09:01 AM - 1 Like   #6
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Changed to back button focus years ago. It is the first thing I change on a new body. I use it because it separates the focus function from the image taking function. Works for me, YMMV.
10-01-2016, 09:02 AM - 1 Like   #7
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I use back button all the time. Took some getting used to at first but now it's second nature. I set it for continuous focus. Press once for stationary subject and hold down for moving.

10-01-2016, 09:44 AM - 1 Like   #8
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Back button all the time too. It just seems intuitive as I don't want it to re-focus after I've composed and focused. AF.C, switching between spot and sel3 depending on need.
10-01-2016, 09:47 AM   #9
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Up until I read the article here, perfect focus every time, I had never used bb focus. Now, it's set up that way on all my cameras. For me at least, I had no problem adjusting. On the rare occasion I give my camera to someone to take a picture of me, it's difficult to explain to them how it works.
Try it!
10-01-2016, 10:09 AM - 1 Like   #10
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Same as others for. Back button on AF.C all the time.
10-01-2016, 10:14 AM   #11
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On my K5 I set up a User mode to allow me to revert to conventional shutter focus so I could give it to others to use. I had back button focus on continuous too.

On the K1, I find the back button in an awkward position so I have to reverted to shutter button focus.
10-01-2016, 10:28 AM   #12
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back button once/AF-C... and never look back; best setting for me.
10-01-2016, 10:47 AM   #13
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Back button all time too, i find easier to separate functions, work first on an accurate focus and work then on the picture without loosing the focus point
10-01-2016, 11:23 AM   #14
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+1 to back button from me. A big help shooting sports and action, too.

10-01-2016, 11:27 AM   #15
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I shoot long and it is indispensable. It also makes the quickshift on Pentax lenses work properly.

When I changed it took a couple weeks to not miss shots. Now it is second nature.
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