Small issue with back-button focus

Bui · 05-14-2019, 01:52 PM

Recently I started experimenting with back-button focus on my KP. In button customization menu I set the value of AE/AL to AF2 (only AE/AL can be used to focus). The result has been ok and I started feeling the benefit of this method, minus this issue:

Before, using shutter to focus, if the camera is idle (not being touch after some minutes), if I need to take a photo, I can simply half press the shutter, and the camera would “wake up” and then focus immediately. Now, with focusing action assigned sorely to AE/AL, if the camera is idle, I have to press shutter to wake it up, then press AE/AL to focus, as the camera doesn’t respond on pressing AE/AL alone. This doesn’t take a lot of time but is quite annoying.

Maybe I’m missing something with the setup, do you have an idea?

Thanks.

pepperberry farm · 05-14-2019, 02:06 PM

I use bbf on both of my K-3's, but I use the AF button...

I have the same behavior with both bodies, but find it less annoying...

rogerstg · 05-14-2019, 04:00 PM

Originally posted by Bui

Maybe I’m missing something with the setup, do you have an idea?

You're not missing anything, it's the same on my KP: the method of waking it doesn't change with back button focus. Lucky for me that I don't find it annoying.

**clackers** · 05-14-2019, 06:05 PM

The shutter button still wakes up the camera and takes the picture, the BB just does the focusing now.

**stevebrot** · 05-14-2019, 06:40 PM

Originally posted by Bui

Now, with focusing action assigned sorely to AE/AL, if the camera is idle, I have to press shutter to wake it up, then press AE/AL to focus, as the camera doesn’t respond on pressing AE/AL alone. This doesn’t take a lot of time but is quite annoying.

That is what you configured. Sorry it comes with the penalty of having to use the buttons according to set up.

You might be able to use the AE/AL button to wake the camera up, if that seems more natural.

Edit: Various buttons will wake the meter and/or camera. Which ones work for what depends on model.

Steve

shadowjester · 05-14-2019, 07:53 PM

So if it is possible, how can you configure the camera to wake up on BBF and/or Green button press?

**tljensen** · 05-14-2019, 10:12 PM

I tried back button focus on my KP for a few months but never really warmed up to it. Instead I reprogrammed it for back button exposure lock. For me, that's more usable. If there is an area that is getting blown out, like the light area of a cloud, then I simply point to the blown out area, hit the back button, then go back to the subject. An other use is to set the exposure on the subject then move the camera so the subject is not in the center of the image. Hitting the back AE button presents a "star" in the view finder so you know when it has locked exposure. Hit it again and the camera returns to normal. Both my KP and D750 are now set up this way and I find it much more useful than back button focus.

**stevebrot** · 05-15-2019, 01:56 PM

Originally posted by shadowjester

So if it is possible, how can you configure the camera to wake up on BBF and/or Green button press?

I need to edit my comment. Other buttons may be used to wake camera/meter. Which one's work depends on camera model.

Steve

Last edited by stevebrot; 05-15-2019 at 02:10 PM.

**TerryL** · 05-23-2019, 03:29 PM

The benefits of using BB focus are great. I love it and wouldn't change it.

ubjy · 05-30-2019, 08:41 PM

I wish I could use the green button for back button AF as I have to adjust my grip to reach ae button

05-14-2019, 01:52 PM	#1
Bui Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 211	Small issue with back-button focus Recently I started experimenting with back-button focus on my KP. In button customization menu I set the value of AE/AL to AF2 (only AE/AL can be used to focus). The result has been ok and I started feeling the benefit of this method, minus this issue: Before, using shutter to focus, if the camera is idle (not being touch after some minutes), if I need to take a photo, I can simply half press the shutter, and the camera would “wake up” and then focus immediately. Now, with focusing action assigned sorely to AE/AL, if the camera is idle, I have to press shutter to wake it up, then press AE/AL to focus, as the camera doesn’t respond on pressing AE/AL alone. This doesn’t take a lot of time but is quite annoying. Maybe I’m missing something with the setup, do you have an idea? Thanks.

05-14-2019, 06:40 PM	#5
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 32,713	Originally posted by Bui Now, with focusing action assigned sorely to AE/AL, if the camera is idle, I have to press shutter to wake it up, then press AE/AL to focus, as the camera doesn’t respond on pressing AE/AL alone. This doesn’t take a lot of time but is quite annoying. That is what you configured. Sorry it comes with the penalty of having to use the buttons according to set up. You might be able to use the AE/AL button to wake the camera up, if that seems more natural. Edit: Various buttons will wake the meter and/or camera. Which ones work for what depends on model. Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 05-15-2019 at 02:03 PM.

05-14-2019, 10:12 PM	#7
tljensen Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Idaho Posts: 18	Try using the back button for exposure. I tried back button focus on my KP for a few months but never really warmed up to it. Instead I reprogrammed it for back button exposure lock. For me, that's more usable. If there is an area that is getting blown out, like the light area of a cloud, then I simply point to the blown out area, hit the back button, then go back to the subject. An other use is to set the exposure on the subject then move the camera so the subject is not in the center of the image. Hitting the back AE button presents a "star" in the view finder so you know when it has locked exposure. Hit it again and the camera returns to normal. Both my KP and D750 are now set up this way and I find it much more useful than back button focus.

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05-14-2019, 02:06 PM	#2
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer / mod Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 14,426	I use bbf on both of my K-3's, but I use the AF button... I have the same behavior with both bodies, but find it less annoying...

05-14-2019, 04:00 PM	#3
rogerstg Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 440	Originally posted by Bui Maybe I’m missing something with the setup, do you have an idea? You're not missing anything, it's the same on my KP: the method of waking it doesn't change with back button focus. Lucky for me that I don't find it annoying.

05-14-2019, 06:05 PM	#4
clackers Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 12,820	The shutter button still wakes up the camera and takes the picture, the BB just does the focusing now.

05-14-2019, 07:53 PM	#6
shadowjester Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Posts: 69	So if it is possible, how can you configure the camera to wake up on BBF and/or Green button press?

05-15-2019, 01:56 PM	#8
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 32,713	Originally posted by shadowjester So if it is possible, how can you configure the camera to wake up on BBF and/or Green button press? I need to edit my comment. Other buttons may be used to wake camera/meter. Which one's work depends on camera model. Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 05-15-2019 at 02:10 PM.

05-23-2019, 03:29 PM	#9
TerryL Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Virginia, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 592	The benefits of using BB focus are great. I love it and wouldn't change it.

05-30-2019, 08:41 PM	#10
ubjy Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Aberdeen Posts: 57	I wish I could use the green button for back button AF as I have to adjust my grip to reach ae button

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