ML-L3 not Autofocusing w/ D7200

[User5511277733]

So I was taking some test shots and realized that for repeat-ability I should probably tripod mount and then use a remote to pull me out of the equation...and I noticed some oddly OOF images. If I "pre-focus" by half depressing the shutter, they're fine.

So I did some reading, looked at Nikon's website for the functioning of the ML-L3 and it seems to state that I should have no issues as long as I am in AF-S / S. So I tried that and no change. I cycled through all the options for both AF-S and AF-C and none of them would change the focus distance. I did not check the camera release button on all settings, but anytime I directly interacted with the body and half depressed the button my camera had no issue with immediately focusing.

I thoroughly tested all options with my Sigma 17-50 2.8 @ F2.8. I did some other tests with my Tamron 12-24 F4, Sigma 85 1.4 and Sigma 50-150 2.8. All wide open, all center point. Moderately lit room by both sunlight and multiple bulbs. Shutter speeds were around 40 - 60 for the 2.8 and ISO was at 100. Battery was fully charged and only has my test photos on it. I've tried immediate as well as 2 second delay for the remote with no change in performance.

Again, there are no issues at all with manually using the camera. It is only an issue when I try to use the remote.

 

[Mako2011]

So I was taking some test shots and realized that for repeat-ability I should probably tripod mount and then use a remote to pull me out of the equation...and I noticed some oddly OOF images. If I "pre-focus" by half depressing the shutter, they're fine.

So I did some reading, looked at Nikon's website for the functioning of the ML-L3 and it seems to state that I should have no issues as long as I am in AF-S / S. So I tried that and no change. I cycled through all the options for both AF-S and AF-C and none of them would change the focus distance. I did not check the camera release button on all settings, but anytime I directly interacted with the body and half depressed the button my camera had no issue with immediately focusing.

I thoroughly tested all options with my Sigma 17-50 2.8 @ F2.8. I did some other tests with my Tamron 12-24 F4, Sigma 85 1.4 and Sigma 50-150 2.8. All wide open, all center point. Moderately lit room by both sunlight and multiple bulbs. Shutter speeds were around 40 - 60 for the 2.8 and ISO was at 100. Battery was fully charged and only has my test photos on it. I've tried immediate as well as 2 second delay for the remote with no change in performance.

Again, there are no issues at all with manually using the camera. It is only an issue when I try to use the remote.

What remote mode are you in? Are you in AF-S? Did you let the meter time out before you tried to focus with the ML-L3? What do you have set for remote timer delay?

"On a d7200 the remote shutter always focuses unless you have focused yourself with whatever focus button since you've enabled the remote. Once you set focus yourself using the camera controls the remote won't focus again until you turn off and on again"

 

[m1964]

So I was taking some test shots and realized that for repeat-ability I should probably tripod mount and then use a remote to pull me out of the equation...and I noticed some oddly OOF images. If I "pre-focus" by half depressing the shutter, they're fine.

So I did some reading, looked at Nikon's website for the functioning of the ML-L3 and it seems to state that I should have no issues as long as I am in AF-S / S. So I tried that and no change. I cycled through all the options for both AF-S and AF-C and none of them would change the focus distance. I did not check the camera release button on all settings, but anytime I directly interacted with the body and half depressed the button my camera had no issue with immediately focusing...

Again, there are no issues at all with manually using the camera. It is only an issue when I try to use the remote.

On my D7100, after I turn it on, if I press the shutter release button the camera wil not AF for consecutive shots when I use the same remote.

HOWEVER , if I do not press shutter release after turning the camera on and use the remote the camera will AF just fine, regardless of the AF mode used or if using delayed response or quick response.

So, after the turning the remote mode ON do not use shutter button and the cam will AF . No difference if Nikon or Tamron lenses were used.

Hope it helps

 

[User5511277733]

So I was taking some test shots and realized that for repeat-ability I should probably tripod mount and then use a remote to pull me out of the equation...and I noticed some oddly OOF images. If I "pre-focus" by half depressing the shutter, they're fine.

So I did some reading, looked at Nikon's website for the functioning of the ML-L3 and it seems to state that I should have no issues as long as I am in AF-S / S. So I tried that and no change. I cycled through all the options for both AF-S and AF-C and none of them would change the focus distance. I did not check the camera release button on all settings, but anytime I directly interacted with the body and half depressed the button my camera had no issue with immediately focusing.

I thoroughly tested all options with my Sigma 17-50 2.8 @ F2.8. I did some other tests with my Tamron 12-24 F4, Sigma 85 1.4 and Sigma 50-150 2.8. All wide open, all center point. Moderately lit room by both sunlight and multiple bulbs. Shutter speeds were around 40 - 60 for the 2.8 and ISO was at 100. Battery was fully charged and only has my test photos on it. I've tried immediate as well as 2 second delay for the remote with no change in performance.

Again, there are no issues at all with manually using the camera. It is only an issue when I try to use the remote.

What remote mode are you in?

I've tried immediate as well as 2 second delay for the remote with no change in performance.

Are you in AF-S?

I cycled through all the options for both AF-S and AF-C and none of them would change the focus distance

Did you let the meter time out before you tried to focus with the ML-L3?

Not sure what that means.

What do you have set for remote timer delay?

I've tried immediate as well as 2 second delay for the remote with no change in performance.

"On a d7200 the remote shutter always focuses unless you have focused yourself with whatever focus button since you've enabled the remote. Once you set focus yourself using the camera controls the remote won't focus again until you turn off and on again"

After reading this, I picked up my camera, turned it on, enabled remote, hit the button and no focus. I turned it off and on again 3 more times; no change in status.

 

[Mako2011]

Did you let the meter time out before you tried to focus with the ML-L3?

Not sure what that means.

The metering and focus times out after you let go the half press...in a certain time. You then have to half press again to restart metering/focus

What do you have set for remote timer delay?

I've tried immediate as well as 2 second delay for the remote with no change in performance.

Have you half pressed the shutter release before using the ML-L3. Half press of the shutter release tells the camer to ignore the ML-L3 regards focus/metering

"On a d7200 the remote shutter always focuses unless you have focused yourself with whatever focus button since you've enabled the remote. Once you set focus yourself using the camera controls the remote won't focus again until you turn off and on again"

After reading this, I picked up my camera, turned it on, enabled remote, hit the button and no focus. I turned it off and on again 3 more times; no change in status.

Batteries in the ML-L3 are good/fresh?

 

[User5511277733]

Did you let the meter time out before you tried to focus with the ML-L3?

Not sure what that means.

The metering and focus times out after you let go the half press...in a certain time. You then have to half press again to restart metering/focus

What do you have set for remote timer delay?

I've tried immediate as well as 2 second delay for the remote with no change in performance.

Have you half pressed the shutter release before using the ML-L3. Half press of the shutter release tells the camer to ignore the ML-L3 regards focus/metering

"On a d7200 the remote shutter always focuses unless you have focused yourself with whatever focus button since you've enabled the remote. Once you set focus yourself using the camera controls the remote won't focus again until you turn off and on again"

After reading this, I picked up my camera, turned it on, enabled remote, hit the button and no focus. I turned it off and on again 3 more times; no change in status.

Batteries in the ML-L3 are good/fresh?

I thought the whole point of trying to get the remote to focus is so that i do not need to half press. In fact half pressing means that the remote is not focusing but I am.

I am going to re-describe my problem. When I hit the remote button, the camera does focus differently than what the preexisting focus is. Be that manually done or auto as a result of half depress. I want to be able to focus only with the remote and without any interaction with the camera other than to enable remote. I currently have full grasp on how to focus without the remote and then employing the remote to actuate the shutter.

 

[Mako2011]

Did you let the meter time out before you tried to focus with the ML-L3?

Not sure what that means.

The metering and focus times out after you let go the half press...in a certain time. You then have to half press again to restart metering/focus

What do you have set for remote timer delay?

I've tried immediate as well as 2 second delay for the remote with no change in performance.

Have you half pressed the shutter release before using the ML-L3. Half press of the shutter release tells the camer to ignore the ML-L3 regards focus/metering

"On a d7200 the remote shutter always focuses unless you have focused yourself with whatever focus button since you've enabled the remote. Once you set focus yourself using the camera controls the remote won't focus again until you turn off and on again"

After reading this, I picked up my camera, turned it on, enabled remote, hit the button and no focus. I turned it off and on again 3 more times; no change in status.

Batteries in the ML-L3 are good/fresh?

I thought the whole point of trying to get the remote to focus is so that i do not need to half press. In fact half pressing means that the remote is not focusing but I am.

True...unless you bypass the ML-L3 and use the half-shutter release...then you are telling the camera to ignore the ML-L3 regards metering/focus and just use it for shutter release

I am going to re-describe my problem. When I hit the remote button, the camera does focus differently than what the preexisting focus is.

As it should

Be that manually done or auto as a result of half depress. I want to be able to focus only with the remote and without any interaction with the camera other than to enable remote. I currently have full grasp on how to focus without the remote and then employing the remote to actuate the shutter.

Pressing the shutter release while remote function is enabled...removes focus/metering from the ML-L3. You have to turn remote mode off and on to re-enable. Are your ML-L3 batteries fresh?

 

[User5511277733]

Pressing the shutter release while remote function is enabled...removes focus/metering from the ML-L3. You have to turn remote mode off and on to re-enable.

So how do I "give" focus to the ML-L3? It is a problem from when I turn it on, immediately change to remote, and then press the remote button.

Are your ML-L3 batteries fresh?

Yes

 

[Mako2011]

Pressing the shutter release while remote function is enabled...removes focus/metering from the ML-L3. You have to turn remote mode off and on to re-enable.

So how do I "give" focus to the ML-L3?

In the past, you had to leave remote mode and then go back in. May have been changed with a firmware update. I don't think you have to turn the camera off and then back on. Some used to do that

It is a problem from when I turn it on, immediately change to remote, and then press the remote button.

You said it would focus the first time. Are you now saying you have never been able to focus with the ML-L3? I may be misunderstanding your description... " When I hit the remote button, the camera does focus differently than what the preexisting focus is." What do you mean by "differently" ?

 

[User5511277733]

Pressing the shutter release while remote function is enabled...removes focus/metering from the ML-L3. You have to turn remote mode off and on to re-enable.

So how do I "give" focus to the ML-L3?

In the past, you had to leave remote mode and then go back in. May have been changed with a firmware update. I don't think you have to turn the camera off and then back on. Some used to do that

How does one stay in remote mode? Once I select a mode, it brings me back to the menu one level up and I am off to shooting. Not like the D7100 or D7000 where it is a mode on the option dial on the left of the camera. It is only a menu option. That said, I will look into the latest firmware.

It is a problem from when I turn it on, immediately change to remote, and then press the remote button.

You said it would focus the first time. Are you now saying you have never been able to focus with the ML-L3? I may be misunderstanding your description... " When I hit the remote button, the camera does focus differently than what the preexisting focus is." What do you mean by "differently" ?

Crap. Does not*

 

[Mako2011]

Pressing the shutter release while remote function is enabled...removes focus/metering from the ML-L3. You have to turn remote mode off and on to re-enable.

So how do I "give" focus to the ML-L3?

In the past, you had to leave remote mode and then go back in. May have been changed with a firmware update. I don't think you have to turn the camera off and then back on. Some used to do that

How does one stay in remote mode?

They simply stay in that mode by not changing it in the menu.

Once I select a mode, it brings me back to the menu one level up and I am off to shooting.

In remote mode... yes

Not like the D7100 or D7000 where it is a mode on the option dial on the left of the camera. It is only a menu option.

Correct. Functionality has changed...but it's the same in practical terms as the mode dial is ignored when remote mode is active in the menu (set to other than "off")

That said, I will look into the latest firmware.

Always a good thing to check

It is a problem from when I turn it on, immediately change to remote, and then press the remote button.

You said it would focus the first time. Are you now saying you have never been able to focus with the ML-L3? I may be misunderstanding your description... " When I hit the remote button, the camera does focus differently than what the preexisting focus is." What do you mean by "differently" ?

Crap. Does not*

That leads me to think maybe your ML-L3 could be faulty. Has happened before but a rare thing

--
My opinions are my own and not those of DPR or its administration. They carry no 'special' value (except to me and Lacie of course)

 

[m1964]

Pressing the shutter release while remote function is enabled...removes focus/metering from the ML-L3. You have to turn remote mode off and on to re-enable.

So how do I "give" focus to the ML-L3?

In the past, you had to leave remote mode and then go back in. May have been changed with a firmware update. I don't think you have to turn the camera off and then back on. Some used to do that

How does one stay in remote mode?

They simply stay in that mode by not changing it in the menu.

Once I select a mode, it brings me back to the menu one level up and I am off to shooting.

In remote mode... yes

Not like the D7100 or D7000 where it is a mode on the option dial on the left of the camera. It is only a menu option.

Correct. Functionality has changed...but it's the same in practical terms as the mode dial is ignored when remote mode is active in the menu (set to other than "off")

That said, I will look into the latest firmware.

Always a good thing to check

It is a problem from when I turn it on, immediately change to remote, and then press the remote button.

You said it would focus the first time. Are you now saying you have never been able to focus with the ML-L3? I may be misunderstanding your description... " When I hit the remote button, the camera does focus differently than what the preexisting focus is." What do you mean by "differently" ?

Crap. Does not*

That leads me to think maybe your ML-L3 could be faulty. Has happened before but a rare thing...

If he is able to release shutter using the remote then he should be able to focus the camera as well- there is something wrong with interaction between the camera and the remote.

On my D7100, I:

1. turn the camera ON.

2. go to menu item remote-press OK

3. enable the remote (quick or delayed response)

4. use the remote to focus and release the shutter.

There could be a situation when the shutter is set to "release" even if the cam did not focus (I think in Continuous AF mode?), so he would have to set the shutter to "focus".

Just another thought.

 

[User5511277733]

If he is able to release shutter using the remote then he should be able to focus the camera as well- there is something wrong with interaction between the camera and the remote.

On my D7100, I:

1. turn the camera ON.

2. go to menu item remote-press OK

3. enable the remote (quick or delayed response)

4. use the remote to focus and release the shutter.

There could be a situation when the shutter is set to "release" even if the cam did not focus (I think in Continuous AF mode?), so he would have to set the shutter to "focus".

Just another thought.

As stated earlier, the remote does not focus in AFS either.