D70 Auto focus issue

Today for the first time, my D70 and AF-S Nikkor 18-70mm 3.5-4.5G ED DX lens are starting to act up. I thought it as an issue with software and requiring a reboot. Didn't see any button for that. Several times I attempted to shoot and nothing happened. The only time the auto focus works, is when I press the AE-L/AF-L button near the view finder. Never happened before. The half press on the button still doesn't work.

Check your custom settings menu. It sounds like you assigned 'AF-On' to the ae/af lock button. Set it back to 'ae/af lock' to restore auto focus to the shutter button.

Brilliant! it worked like a charm. Good to know someone out there really knows their craft. The tougher question now. Why would you want that ability to transfer the control of auto focus to the small button beside the viewfinder. Give me a situation/ example where this would be desirable...
Mike

Some people just like it. But the main reason is it lets you keep your camera in af-c, but by simply letting go of the button, you lock auto focus, just like you could if you were in af-s. So you have two auto focus servo modes instantly available. Focus and recompose is not possible in af-c servo mode with the shutter button, but with the back button technique you can focus and recompose even though you are in af-c. Just let go of the back button. I have come to like the technique.

This explains it well:

How to use Nikon's AF-ON and back button autofocus | Nikon Rumors

What he does not mention is that some cameras will not fire when recomposing because it no longer sees focus at the focus point. On those models, you have to set your menu up so that af-c uses 'release priority'. I think your d70 automatically gives you release priority when in af-c mode.

I must say, that video was very informative. Now I have a fairly good Idea of what to expect. It appears the backbitton AF-c is the way to go. It will take some getting used to though I'm sure.
mike

It took me a long while, many months. I thought I had it at one point, but when a sudden photo opportunity surprised me, I forgot and didn't focus. Recently, I picked up one of my other camera's and I was momentarily thrown when nothing happened as I pushed the back button. That was a good sign that my thumb now has the muscle memory to do the right thing without me thinking.
Its a great technique for anticipated action. Focus on a basketball hoop, home plate, a finish line, bird feeder, etc. When the moment arrives you'll get your shot off much quicker. Sort of like manually prefocusing.