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06-01-2008, 12:45 AM
|  | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: SE Northumberland
Posts: 2,164
| | | Neat little trick for Nikon DSLR users
I came across this by accident while looking on a Nikon forum,and tried it with my own cam (Fuji S2 Pro, based on a Nikon D100 body)and it works really well.
If your camera has an option to program autofocus to be operated by the exposure/AF lock button, instead of the shutter button, you can use this to prefocus on a specific spot, and by locking the shutter down anything coming into focus will trigger the shot.You can try it by setting AF as above, in the custom settings menu, then prefocussing on an object with the AE/AF lock button - focus will then be set and locked - then move the camera back slightly with the shutter button locked down constantly with a cable release. Move whatever object you`ve prefocussed on, back towards the cam slowly and as soon as it comes into focus the shot will be taken.It`s a neat little trick and could prove very useful during sit and wait photography, such as shooting birds at feeders or prebaited spots.I can think of one example where it will prove useful at a local reserve photographing for Kingfishers which use the same perch regularly - prefocussing on the perch then moving the camera slightly up so the subsequent perched bird is properly framed - as soon as the bird lands the camera will start shooting 
It`s not something widely publicised so thought it worth posting 
Mark H |
06-01-2008, 10:31 PM
|  | Member of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 306
| | | Re: Neat little trick for Nikon DSLR users
thats a pretty cool trick,
going to have try this one, we have just got our Blackcap back in the garden and he isnt the easiest to photograph so i will try it on a perch which he goes on and let you know the outcome |
06-01-2008, 10:53 PM
|  | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Belvedere, Kent
Posts: 2,398
| | | Re: Neat little trick for Nikon DSLR users
Thanks for the tip Mark.
My D70 doesn't appear to have this option and even if it did there's no way to attach a cable release - it's strictly wireless remote only. But I'm getting very close to my D300, another couple of months should do it! It came down in price by £100 before Christmas and has dropped another £100 since. If it keeps that up it'll be under a grand soon and then I'll jump. Checking out this option will be one of the first things I do.
Dave P.
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"Everywhere I turn, all the beauty just keeps shaking me." - Amy Ray |
06-01-2008, 11:00 PM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: SE Northumberland
Posts: 2,164
| | | Re: Neat little trick for Nikon DSLR users
I`ll look forward to hearing whether it works for you Stephen
Dave, thats a shame.Fingers crossed when you get the new cam it allows this feature.Hope the prices continue to drop too, so you can get it soon. I`m still trying to scrape the cash together for a long lens for the Fuji
Mark H |
07-01-2008, 07:49 AM
|  | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Leigh, Lancashire
Posts: 2,238
| | | Re: Neat little trick for Nikon DSLR users
Quote:
Originally Posted by mh68  I came across this by accident while looking on a Nikon forum,and tried it with my own cam (Fuji S2 Pro, based on a Nikon D100 body)and it works really well.
If your camera has an option to program autofocus to be operated by the exposure/AF lock button, instead of the shutter button, you can use this to prefocus on a specific spot, and by locking the shutter down anything coming into focus will trigger the shot.You can try it by setting AF as above, in the custom settings menu, then prefocussing on an object with the AE/AF lock button - focus will then be set and locked - then move the camera back slightly with the shutter button locked down constantly with a cable release. Move whatever object you`ve prefocussed on, back towards the cam slowly and as soon as it comes into focus the shot will be taken.It`s a neat little trick and could prove very useful during sit and wait photography, such as shooting birds at feeders or prebaited spots.I can think of one example where it will prove useful at a local reserve photographing for Kingfishers which use the same perch regularly - prefocussing on the perch then moving the camera slightly up so the subsequent perched bird is properly framed - as soon as the bird lands the camera will start shooting
It`s not something widely publicised so thought it worth posting
Mark H | Does Canon do it too I wonder? Next time I get the camera out will have a look cos there is exposure lock AF lock and cable release which also has a lock feature on it........... Mmmmm - thanks Mark will look into that........
Pauline |
07-01-2008, 11:53 AM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: SE Northumberland
Posts: 2,164
| | | Re: Neat little trick for Nikon DSLR users
I`m totally unfamiliar with Canon cameras Pauline unfortunately, but I would have thought it isnt restricted to Nikons as long as the AE/AF lock button can be programmed to operate the focussing.
Mark H |
07-01-2008, 12:17 PM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: SE Northumberland
Posts: 2,164
| | | Re: Neat little trick for Nikon DSLR users
Quote:
Originally Posted by pressld2 Thanks for the tip Mark.
My D70 doesn't appear to have this option and even if it did there's no way to attach a cable release - it's strictly wireless remote only. But I'm getting very close to my D300, another couple of months should do it! It came down in price by £100 before Christmas and has dropped another £100 since. If it keeps that up it'll be under a grand soon and then I'll jump. Checking out this option will be one of the first things I do.
Dave P. | Dave, I`ve just had a look at the pdf user manual for the D70, and you can indeed set the camera up in that way.Its custom setting 15, AF-ON. All you`d need to do then is to keep the shutter release button on your wireless remote pressed down, once focus is locked with the AF/AE lock button, and the shutter will fire once something comes into focus
Mark H |
07-01-2008, 10:27 PM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Belvedere, Kent
Posts: 2,398
| | | Re: Neat little trick for Nikon DSLR users
Quote:
Originally Posted by mh68 Dave, I`ve just had a look at the pdf user manual for the D70, and you can indeed set the camera up in that way.Its custom setting 15, AF-ON. All you`d need to do then is to keep the shutter release button on your wireless remote pressed down, once focus is locked with the AF/AE lock button, and the shutter will fire once something comes into focus
Mark H | So it is - well spotted! I re-read the focusing section of the manual which doesn't mention it. 
I can get it to work using the camera's shutter release (with my finger - as mentioned there's no way to connect a cable release). I focus using the AF/AE lock button, back away from the subject, press down the shutter release all the way and move back in slowly. As soon as focus is achieved the shutter fires. Unfortunately, if I try the same trick with the wireless remote the shutter fires as soon as I press the button and it takes a blurred picture. I'm off now to re-read the "Using a Remote Control" chapter to see if it gives any clues...
Dave P.
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"Everywhere I turn, all the beauty just keeps shaking me." - Amy Ray |
07-01-2008, 10:35 PM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: SE Northumberland
Posts: 2,164
| | | Re: Neat little trick for Nikon DSLR users
I bookmarked the manual just in case, and from reading the section on remotes, it seems the remote triggers the shutter regardless. Only way I can think of is to put some sort of band round the cam body over the shutter button, and putting something underneath to hold the shutter down once its all setup (large bead or something)? It would be a bit fiddly but if using the method for sit and wait type shooting a minute or two to setup wont do much harm.
Mark H |
08-01-2008, 12:16 AM
|  | Knight Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Chilterns
Posts: 8,110
| | | Re: Neat little trick for Nikon DSLR users
Quote:
Originally Posted by PMG Does Canon do it too I wonder? Next time I get the camera out will have a look cos there is exposure lock AF lock and cable release which also has a lock feature on it........... Mmmmm - thanks Mark will look into that........
Pauline | I think it do -at least on the 20/30/40D series but it is buried in the custom settings bit of the menu. I cant tell you exactly where as the manual is in the loft and i'm not going up there at this time of night
also note that the bog standard cable releases you buy in jessops and such wont fit a canon dslr - you need the much more expensive electronic release.
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08-01-2008, 12:20 AM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: SE Northumberland
Posts: 2,164
| | | Re: Neat little trick for Nikon DSLR users
I had a feeling it wouldnt be unique to Nikon/Fuji cameras
Mark H |
08-01-2008, 08:51 AM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Belvedere, Kent
Posts: 2,398
| | | Re: Neat little trick for Nikon DSLR users
Quote:
Originally Posted by mh68 I bookmarked the manual just in case, and from reading the section on remotes, it seems the remote triggers the shutter regardless. Only way I can think of is to put some sort of band round the cam body over the shutter button, and putting something underneath to hold the shutter down once its all setup (large bead or something)? It would be a bit fiddly but if using the method for sit and wait type shooting a minute or two to setup wont do much harm.
Mark H | Good thinking! A strong elastic band with a small piece of dowel of the right diameter glued to it would do the job. A bit "Heath Robinson" but as the saying goes, if it works don't knock it!
This little tip was a great find Mark - thanks again for sharing it!
Dave P.
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"Everywhere I turn, all the beauty just keeps shaking me." - Amy Ray |
08-01-2008, 08:55 AM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: SE Northumberland
Posts: 2,164
| | | Re: Neat little trick for Nikon DSLR users
No probs Dave. Provided the band etc created enough pressure to keep the shutter down it should work fine.You could even have the band in place while setting up and pop the dowel or whatever under it to press the shutter down once everything was focussed...Hope you get it to work mate
Mark H |
11-01-2008, 04:48 PM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Leigh, Lancashire
Posts: 2,238
| | | Re: Neat little trick for Nikon DSLR users
Quote:
Originally Posted by eeyore I think it do -at least on the 20/30/40D series but it is buried in the custom settings bit of the menu. I cant tell you exactly where as the manual is in the loft and i'm not going up there at this time of night
also note that the bog standard cable releases you buy in jessops and such wont fit a canon dslr - you need the much more expensive electronic release. | thanks eeyore - I've just printed the original instructions from Mark cos I tried to remember what he'd said this last 3 days in Norfolk and just couldn't get it right!!! I've got the canon release cord and use it in certain situations - like sitting waiting for the crested tits last year but then the camera refocuses itself slightly every time something lands - logic tells me this is best - then at least the shot is either pin sharp or missed entirely. If I've understood the above then I can see the sense in a pre focus and wait followed by a mere split second click - but what if the bird hasn't landed in exactly the same or right spot and its midgeons out of focus......... I still think I'd prefer to refocus and get it clear or miss..... but I will investigate with the instructions next time I'm out - thanks to both yourself and Mark ........
Pauline |
11-01-2008, 05:00 PM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: SE Northumberland
Posts: 2,164
| | | Re: Neat little trick for Nikon DSLR users
The camera cant take the shot unless focus is achieved Pauline,the subject has to reach the pre-focussed distance before the shutter can trip.Once I get a locking cable release i intend to give it a good try out, and if there are any pitfalls and i find a way round them, i`ll add them to this thread
Mark H |
11-01-2008, 05:15 PM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Leigh, Lancashire
Posts: 2,238
| | | Re: Neat little trick for Nikon DSLR users
Quote:
Originally Posted by mh68 The camera cant take the shot unless focus is achieved Pauline,the subject has to reach the pre-focussed distance before the shutter can trip.Once I get a locking cable release i intend to give it a good try out, and if there are any pitfalls and i find a way round them, i`ll add them to this thread
Mark H | Thanks Mark - I realised after I'd written this that it would be focussed - so I shall give it a go next time the camera comes out as it sounds just the job for those waiting situations!!
Pauline |
11-01-2008, 05:20 PM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: SE Northumberland
Posts: 2,164
| | | Re: Neat little trick for Nikon DSLR users
No, you were partly right Pauline, as it depends which part of the bird/animal comes into focus first - eg the tail, which may leave the head and body out of focus depending on how wide the depth of field is youre working with.Then again even if we sit and wait shooting the normal way not every shot turns out the way we want eh By being able to lock the shutter down it allows multiple shots to be taken automatically whenever the subject comes into focus , so chances are at least one will turn out ok.
Mark H |
11-01-2008, 09:15 PM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Leigh, Lancashire
Posts: 2,238
| | | Re: Neat little trick for Nikon DSLR users
Quote:
Originally Posted by mh68 No, you were partly right Pauline, as it depends which part of the bird/animal comes into focus first - eg the tail, which may leave the head and body out of focus depending on how wide the depth of field is youre working with.Then again even if we sit and wait shooting the normal way not every shot turns out the way we want eh By being able to lock the shutter down it allows multiple shots to be taken automatically whenever the subject comes into focus , so chances are at least one will turn out ok.
Mark H | Err - I've got to try this - have I understood properly - does it mean that I can set it up and retire to a distance and it will take pics whenever something gets in focus???? I hope thats right - cos the implications of this are stunning - for things like Badger photography where the camera will get a better pic closer to - but me and my human scent will be better further away? If this is right I will be chasing to 'our' sett to try this out and the better half willl be delirious (I might not even tell him) I might just photograph a few Badgers and then say 'yea I got a few shots.........'!!! 
Pauline |
11-01-2008, 09:17 PM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: SE Northumberland
Posts: 2,164
| | | Re: Neat little trick for Nikon DSLR users
Thats exactly what it means Pauline, and I also plan to try it early Summer with our Badgers up here (great minds think alike eh ).
Mark H |
11-01-2008, 09:43 PM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Leigh, Lancashire
Posts: 2,238
| | | Re: Neat little trick for Nikon DSLR users
Quote:
Originally Posted by mh68 Thats exactly what it means Pauline, and I also plan to try it early Summer with our Badgers up here (great minds think alike eh ).
Mark H |
Like I said the implications of what can be done with this are stunning! We are reeling round here at the thought of it (well I had to let him in on it didn't I - well I did if I wanted to stay married! )
When I think the times we've plotted and planned to get pics of Badgers and failed for one reason and another ........ I'm stunned and delighted and so glad you've found this out! We've already immediately thought that if we use the wide angle lens - lay our usual trail of peanuts and raisens to a predetermined spot then measure the distance from that cut off point to the lens and focus - set it as you've said and retire back half the distance again and just wait.......... with at least f16 set (its already on the tripod so that should not be a prob) all the animal should be in focus and the pic can be cropped after to a pleasing shape........... oh wow - bring IT ON 
Thankyou Mark! You're instructions are printed and in my camera bag already!
Pauline |
11-01-2008, 09:50 PM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: SE Northumberland
Posts: 2,164
| | | Re: Neat little trick for Nikon DSLR users
Thats very much along the lines of my idea....spooky or what !!
You could also go one further and wrap something round the camera as a baffle to dampen the shutter noise once set up - a fella I know who does a lot of close range hide photography uses an old jumper round the camera to lessen the noise
In a similar vein, I was thinking of trying this tactic for small mammals - voles etc with baited spots.The possibilities are endless really.
Mark H |
11-01-2008, 10:06 PM
| | Active Member | | Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Lincoln
Posts: 36
| | | Re: Neat little trick for Nikon DSLR users
Hi,
I am just trying to get my head around what this all means so bear with me | |
