Hey all.
As insane as this sounds, in all my years as a photographer I've never (properly) used an auto focus camera. Early on in my career I had an EOS 33 and hated the ergonomics and low level automation so ditched it in favor of a Nikon FM2 and MF glass. The MF glass and fully manual experience made me feel more confident and assertive in my craft and I missed less shots by not second guessing the camera. Then came Leica M cameras and I fell in love... Enough said about that...
Now, for practical reasons, I'm shooting with the D700. Mostly I use ZF glass, which I'm loving, but I also own the 24-70mm Nikkor. It's a brilliant lens but I'm totally useless at using it effectively. The auto focus system really gives me the sh*&s! Thing is, I know it's down to the user not the system or lens. I just have no idea on how to set up my camera or employ the AF system effectively to do what I want to do. Eg. I've got it set to only use the central focus point, I focus then recompose (while holding down the shutter release half way as to lock focus,) then take the shot. They I go to take another shot in quick succession and the camera focuses at a different place. So I've changed the setup so the focus button is on the rear AF-ON button and not the half press on the shutter. Is that how you all do it? How do the other AF point modes work and are they useful or reliable? I'm only using a millionth of the D700's capabilities and it's hindering my results. For the life of me I don't know how all you people get consistent AF results. :banghead:
So, please, please, please... Share your AF secrets (and even some common knowledge,) so this traditionalist can enjoy the fruits of technology!!! :clap:
As insane as this sounds, in all my years as a photographer I've never (properly) used an auto focus camera. Early on in my career I had an EOS 33 and hated the ergonomics and low level automation so ditched it in favor of a Nikon FM2 and MF glass. The MF glass and fully manual experience made me feel more confident and assertive in my craft and I missed less shots by not second guessing the camera. Then came Leica M cameras and I fell in love... Enough said about that...
Now, for practical reasons, I'm shooting with the D700. Mostly I use ZF glass, which I'm loving, but I also own the 24-70mm Nikkor. It's a brilliant lens but I'm totally useless at using it effectively. The auto focus system really gives me the sh*&s! Thing is, I know it's down to the user not the system or lens. I just have no idea on how to set up my camera or employ the AF system effectively to do what I want to do. Eg. I've got it set to only use the central focus point, I focus then recompose (while holding down the shutter release half way as to lock focus,) then take the shot. They I go to take another shot in quick succession and the camera focuses at a different place. So I've changed the setup so the focus button is on the rear AF-ON button and not the half press on the shutter. Is that how you all do it? How do the other AF point modes work and are they useful or reliable? I'm only using a millionth of the D700's capabilities and it's hindering my results. For the life of me I don't know how all you people get consistent AF results. :banghead:
So, please, please, please... Share your AF secrets (and even some common knowledge,) so this traditionalist can enjoy the fruits of technology!!! :clap: