Focus/metering

[Shepp59]

Here is my question. With a D700, can I focus on one location in the composition while metering in another, Does the AE/AF lock button lock and hold both exposure and focus at the same time? Can i say, meter for exposure of the background of the subject then recompose to get focus on a foreground subject?

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by Shepp59

Here is my question. With a D700, can I focus on one location in the composition while metering in another, Does the AE/AF lock button lock and hold both exposure and focus at the same time? Can i say, meter for exposure of the background of the subject then recompose to get focus on a foreground subject?

You should be able to set that up in custom functions. Or, as an option, meter the scene in manual mode where you want to meter, keep that setting, then re-compose and focus on your primary subject.

[Shepp59]

Thanx. I'll give it a shot

[inkista]

You can also separate the AE/AF functions onto separate buttons if you set up your camera to do back-button autofocus. That article is for Canons, but it works pretty much identically on Nikon cameras as well.

[sk66]

Originally Posted by Shepp59

Here is my question. With a D700, can I focus on one location in the composition while metering in another

No, not simultaneously.

Originally Posted by Shepp59

Does the AE/AF lock button lock and hold both exposure and focus at the same time? Can i say, meter for exposure of the background of the subject then recompose to get focus on a foreground subject?

Yes, if set that way as noted... I have mine set to lock exposure only since 1/2 press of the shutter button locks focus (in Single mode)

[Shepp59]

Back button huh? never heard of that. Makes great sense though. Thank you

[Shepp59]

So what you are saying is that you customized your AE/AF button to make it AE only?

[sk66]

Originally Posted by Shepp59

So what you are saying is that you customized your AE/AF button to make it AE only?

yes.
And I normally use "back button focus" only, except when I need to use a remote release or want "focus lock" via 1/2 press. (no idea why nikons need the shutter release to be "focus enabled" for a wired remote to work)