I'm trying to figure if there is a setting for the Mamiya AFDIII in order NOT to trigger AF with the shutter button and use on of the AFL (the one near the lens collar) or AEL buttons. I went trough the manual and Custom settings but I can't find a combination leading to this. Has anyone found it?
Thanks!
On the Mamiya 645 AFD III and Phase One 645AF body, you can make the Auto Focus Lock (AFL) button deactivate autofocus. For this, set Custom Function 19 to 2.
Custom Fuction 19
Autofocus Lock button:
0 Focus locked while holding the AFL button
1 Perform Autofocus
2 Focus always locked until you release it
Then, when you depress the AFL button, AF will be deactivated and the focus confirmation light will stay on.
So you will still focus with the shutter release button. Once you have achieved focus, simply press the AFL button. Then you have achieved your goal to not trigger AF with the shutter button.
Remember, you need to depress the AFL button again to restore autofocus to the shutter release button. Otherwise, you'll find the camera's autofocus isn't working, and the green AF confirmation light is permanently on. Even after cycling the camera on and off or battery removal, you must depress the AFL button a second time to deactivate it.
--Steve.