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View Poll Results: Do you use back-button AF?
Yes, I use back-button AF 13780.59%
No, I don't use back-button AF 3319.41%
Voters: 170. You may not vote on this poll

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06-28-2015, 04:40 PM - 1 Like   #1
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How many of you use back-button AF?

I just ran into a mention of back-button AF again, and now I'm wondering: How many of you actually use back-button AF?

I understand the benefits of doing this: by decoupling the AF from the shutter button, one can pre-focus more easily for faster shooting. It also allows the user to just leave the camera on AF.C and let go of the AF button to lock once the camera has acquired focus, while being able to track a moving subject simply by holding down the AF button—this eliminates the need to change AF modes for most situations.

However, it does take some time to get used to, and for some, it simply doesn't feel right. What do you think?

For those who don't know what back-button AF is, answer "no" if your camera focuses when you press the shutter button halfway.

I'm trying it out on my K-3 II and will report back in a few days.

(Sorry for the repost; thought I made a mistake setting up the poll.)

—DragonLord


Last edited by bwDraco; 06-28-2015 at 04:59 PM.
06-28-2015, 04:55 PM - 1 Like   #2
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There is a back AF button?
06-28-2015, 05:00 PM   #3
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I use back button focus most of the time. I have this set up under User profiles so that if I'm letting some else (like the wife) use it then I can just flip it over to "P" mode and focus as they are used to.

Back button focus seems a pretty good way to operate once you are used to it. My only complaint is that being left eyed, I find the button awkward to use with my eye to the viewfinder - but then the whole camera is really set up for right eye use anyway so that more a general complaint.
06-28-2015, 05:26 PM - 2 Likes   #4
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The only way to fly, once you get used to it.

06-28-2015, 05:36 PM   #5
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I only switch back to the front button when I'm trying to use catch-in focus with old lenses (because it doesn't work with back button focus on my K-30). But those are the only times, so I voted "yes".
06-28-2015, 05:45 PM   #6
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I'm always using it !
06-28-2015, 05:53 PM   #7
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OK someone tell me why I should use the back AF button... and what it the proper way to use it.. Maybe I'm not using it because I'm not using it correctly.

06-28-2015, 06:05 PM   #8
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Simply put, BBF removes focus action from the shutter release. Having them independent means you can achieve focus with the back button and not worry about changing that focus point when you press on the shutter release. Would never go back to having focus on the shutter unless it is with catch-in-focus.
06-28-2015, 06:05 PM   #9
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Yes.. I have for years. Only problem I have is the DL and the K-30 use different buttons.So some times it takes a couple shots to get my mind in gear as to which one I am using ,and the muscle memory kicks in and I don't even think about it . It took a few days to get use to BBF, in the beginning but after that it is my preferred way.
06-28-2015, 06:09 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by jbinpg Quote
Simply put, BBF removes focus action from the shutter release. Having them independent means you can achieve focus with the back button and not worry about changing that focus point when you press on the shutter release. Would never go back to having focus on the shutter unless it is with catch-in-focus.
That sounds really useful, I'm going to go change my camera settings now.

But even if I like it, I can't change my vote.
06-28-2015, 06:09 PM   #11
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Always along with spot meter (often), exposure lock, AFc, TAv.
Very responsive, versatile, accurate and intuitive - after a while it just become very natural like is there any other way to use a camera?

Last edited by wildman; 06-28-2015 at 08:37 PM.
06-28-2015, 06:24 PM   #12
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Yes on the Q using the green button in "enable AF" mode.
As the Q lenses have no distance scale--I zone focus by using it--focusing on an intermediate distance.
(Does this count?)
06-28-2015, 06:24 PM   #13
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Hmm hadn't considered exposure lock along with it - but indeed I'm also a big fan of the back button for AF.
06-28-2015, 06:38 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by dms Quote
Yes on the Q using the green button in "enable AF" mode.
As the Q lenses have no distance scale--I zone focus by using it--focusing on an intermediate distance.
(Does this count?)
I did not know the Q could do it, too! Hmmm....
06-28-2015, 06:42 PM   #15
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Not yet but I plan on giving it a try.
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