Concerning using a single focus point

generous88

New member
Hello Everyone,

I have this problem while using my D7100 with a Nikkor 35mm f/1.8. with my previous nikon D70, I used to press the shutter button halfway to set the focus on the object, then I could move the frame around as I want, then complete the shutter press and I used to get my object in focus. when I do the same with the D7100, apparently the focus is always in the middle..so when I do the same, and just before pressing one complete press, the object is in focus (even if it is on the side of the frame) as soon as I press, it gets out of focus and so is the photo at the end. Anyone has explanation for this?

There are several options regarding autofocus in the menu, but I cannot get most of them honestly.

Thanks for the help!
 

Dave_W

The Dude
I suspect you have the shutter release set to "focus" so that the camera will not release the shutter until it achieves focus, in addition, I suspect you have your focus locked so that when you press the shutter release all the way it quickly reverts to the center. The focus lock in located on the back of your camera and looks like a flat lever with the letter "L" and a dot. It's connected to the pad you use to change the focus spot. Change that lever from L to dot and the problem of your focus point should go away and you'll be able to push the focus to any point in your field of view

Take a moment or two and go through each and every one of the shooting options and menu items with your camera in one hand and your manual in the other. Also, consider picking up a copy of Darrel Young's "Mastering the D7100". His books are probably THE best books to help you fully understand your new camera. Here is a link to his book. See Mastering the Nikon D7100: Darrell Young: 9781937538323: Amazon.com: Books
 

generous88

New member
Many thanks for the helpful tips! Actually the first post solved it. It was set to AF-A not AF-S, I also didn't know how to change that and it was provided in that Focus manual. Thanks a lot again.
 

Dave_W

The Dude
Many thanks for the helpful tips! Actually the first post solved it. It was set to AF-A not AF-S, I also didn't know how to change that and it was provided in that Focus manual. Thanks a lot again.

Good to hear. Just one more thing. AF-S is designed to shoot things that are still, like mountains and flowers. AF-C are for things that might move, like kids or birds, etc.
 

rbjfalcon

Senior Member
Interesting question I just bought a D7100 to replace my D200.
Because I do landscapes and portraits I always had a single focus point in the centre.
I have managed to achieve this but the rectangle is small . How do I increase it's size.
 

Geoffc

Senior Member
Interesting question I just bought a D7100 to replace my D200.
Because I do landscapes and portraits I always had a single focus point in the centre.
I have managed to achieve this but the rectangle is small . How do I increase it's size.

I don't think you can change the size. It may be that the D200 has 11 AF points and the D7100 has 51.
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
Interesting question I just bought a D7100 to replace my D200.
Because I do landscapes and portraits I always had a single focus point in the centre.
I have managed to achieve this but the rectangle is small . How do I increase it's size.
I may not be understanding you correctly but maybe you want to change the size of the focus-point array?

If you're using auto-focus area-mode AF-A you can choose to use either a Single (meaning 1), 9, 21 or 51 focus point array on the D7100. When you see one red rectangle illuminated in your viewfinder that rectangle is the center-most point of the focus array. To see the entire array lit up in your viewfinder press the the AF/M button on the camera body located just below the lens release button.

You can move the central focus point around in the viewfinder using the four-way switch, but what you're really doing is moving the entire array around. Unless of course you're using just one focus point, but I've never really seen the point in using just one.

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