toggle focus mode on Z9?

[PHXAZCRAIG]

Is it possible to set a function button to toggle between two AF modes? Not hold-down-button-and-shoot, but press-button-once-and-release to flip from say Auto AF to 3d-Tracking?

The problem I'm having with using function buttons to swap AF modes is that I can't use the joystick to position the 3d-tracking starting point.

I'm also trying to figure out how to set F3 to recall a (near minimum distance) focus point for my 500pf on FTZ. The idea there is to be able to quickly tell my lens to refocus on a new point and give up on the background.

 

[Roy Kikuta]

Is it possible to set a function button to toggle between two AF modes? Not hold-down-button-and-shoot, but press-button-once-and-release to flip from say Auto AF to 3d-Tracking?

The problem I'm having with using function buttons to swap AF modes is that I can't use the joystick to position the 3d-tracking starting point.

I'm also trying to figure out how to set F3 to recall a (near minimum distance) focus point for my 500pf on FTZ. The idea there is to be able to quickly tell my lens to refocus on a new point and give up on the background.

For your 500PF... set switch on lens to "MEMORY RECALL" position. Focus on desired distance and then press one of the round buttons closer to front of lens to memorize position. Thereafter - just press round button to recall preset focus position. Works on my Z9 + 500PF. Memory position saved even after power off.

Edit: Apologies - it doesn't work. Seems I happened to pick a focus setting that is already programmed on my lens.

Instruction in 500PF user manual. Set to tone "ON" Focus to desired distance and then press "memory Set" button on neck of lens barrel close to body. Position now set. Press round button to recall AF position.

 

[PHXAZCRAIG]

Yes, I'm trying to do that, but for multiple lenses (would love to apply to all) and with the F3 button so I can reach it in portrait or landscape mode.

Firmware has a bunch of places where improvements could be made in the Z9 in the future.

 

[Roy Kikuta]

Yes, I'm trying to do that, but for multiple lenses (would love to apply to all) and with the F3 button so I can reach it in portrait or landscape mode.

Firmware has a bunch of places where improvements could be made in the Z9 in the future.

I understand. Have you tried using "Prest focus point" under options for Fn3? I'm going to try it now.

Edit: Sorry - doesn't work. "point" is different from "position". I can't get the "save position" to work either. Stumped.

 

[westsdad]

Is it possible to set a function button to toggle between two AF modes? Not hold-down-button-and-shoot, but press-button-once-and-release to flip from say Auto AF to 3d-Tracking?

The problem I'm having with using function buttons to swap AF modes is that I can't use the joystick to position the 3d-tracking starting point.

I'm also trying to figure out how to set F3 to recall a (near minimum distance) focus point for my 500pf on FTZ. The idea there is to be able to quickly tell my lens to refocus on a new point and give up on the background.

Set one of the Fn buttons to Recall Shooting Function Hold and select the available options as desired -- maybe just changing the AF Mode only, or turning off Subject Detection, or changing every option available.

As for the Nikon 500mm PF lens, the only option may be to use the on lens memory set and recall functions as the Nikon Z9 lens memory and recall button assignments only work for Nikon Z lens. Not sure if the F series lens memory buttons work when the FTZ adapter is installed, so you would have to try it.


From Nikon 500mm PF lens manual

 

[Roy Kikuta]

Is it possible to set a function button to toggle between two AF modes? Not hold-down-button-and-shoot, but press-button-once-and-release to flip from say Auto AF to 3d-Tracking?

It's not as clean as a toggle, but Fn3 can be assigned Focus mode/AF-Area mode via Custom Controls (shooting). You would have to press and hold Fn3 while you rotate the front command dial to select 3D or Auto-area AF.

Edit: The only other possibility that comes to mind is to use the Recall Shooting Function (Hold) and deselect everything except AF-area mode. Then - assuming that you're normally in Auto-area AF mode - leave just the 3D box checked. Then, each press of Fn3 toggles you back and forth between Auto-area AF and 3D. I wish Nikon would make additional RSF settings available.

 

[PHXAZCRAIG]

OK, I think I have some of this figured out.

-To save Preset Focus Position, select a function button to assign it to, get your focus positioned where you want it saved, and then hold down both that function button and the left hand AF button for 2 seconds until the focus point blinks. You can have different preset focus points saved for portrait and landscape orientations.

-Or, assign a button to 'Save Focus Position' and another button to "Recall Focus Position". Use the button for saving the position to store one, and the other button to recall it. You can save multiple focus positions to different function buttons.

Important Limitations!!!

1. Preset Focus Point does NOT save the focus distance, just the point to be used.

2. Save Focus Position does save the focus distances - but it ONLY WORKS ON Z-Mount LENSES, probably because the positions are saved with the lens.

Which means I'm out of luck with my 500pf on FTZ trying to get a button to return it to close focus.

 

[Restoc]

Thanks a lot for enquiry and sharing. Nikon handbook let a long way remaining for understanding practically how to do.

As well you give the important warning to not confuse with the focus trap which enables the camera to take the automatically the picture at a selected distance and focus when the subject moves in. For info Z9 keeps focus trap working as with DSLR.

Probably possible to link AF point preset and trap focus with the Z9. I'll take time to test.

Thanks again.

 

[chambeshi]

Another useful Z9 Custom option is to turn f6 'ON' for 'Release button to use dial'. The DSLRs have had this option for some years already, certainly the D850 and D5. It's f8 in the D6

This allows only a single press for Command&Scroll setups eg Red Record button, so one can scroll simply between AFmodes without needing 2 fingers to keep pressing.

Turning f6 ON also controls the traditional DSLR styled AF selector button (front camera Left) as Press once then scroll....

Quite a few of the customizable buttons have several options for 'Press + Command Dials', which is the quickest solution I've found to almost toggle alternative metering modes, namely Spot Metering, which Nikon has inexplicably expunged off the D6 and now Z9. :-O :-O

 

[henk_hendriks]

OK, I think I have some of this figured out.

-To save Preset Focus Position, select a function button to assign it to, get your focus positioned where you want it saved, and then hold down both that function button and the left hand AF button for 2 seconds until the focus point blinks. You can have different preset focus points saved for portrait and landscape orientations.

-Or, assign a button to 'Save Focus Position' and another button to "Recall Focus Position". Use the button for saving the position to store one, and the other button to recall it. You can save multiple focus positions to different function buttons.

Important Limitations!!!

1. Preset Focus Point does NOT save the focus distance, just the point to be used.

2. Save Focus Position does save the focus distances - but it ONLY WORKS ON Z-Mount LENSES, probably because the positions are saved with the lens.

Which means I'm out of luck with my 500pf on FTZ trying to get a button to return it to close focus.

You should still look into the recall shooting function.

I have it set up that whenever I press FN3 on the front of the camera, it goes into single point focus mode. Press it again, and it goes back to the mode it was in.

It's in custom settings menu / controls / custom controls (f2) / Recall shooting functions (hold) / set your own options and AF mode.

This is a fantastic way to quickly switch back to a basic mode when it can't find your subject. I use it when a bird is somewhat hidden by leaves, for example.

 

[PHXAZCRAIG]

You should still look into the recall shooting function.

OK, I'm listening. Never used it.

I have it set up that whenever I press FN3 on the front of the camera, it goes into single point focus mode. Press it again, and it goes back to the mode it was in.

Well... isn't that just the toggle I was looking for? What's the catch?

It's in custom settings menu / controls / custom controls (f2) / Recall shooting functions (hold) / set your own options and AF mode.

This is a fantastic way to quickly switch back to a basic mode when it can't find your subject. I use it when a bird is somewhat hidden by leaves, for example.

Yes, indeed. I'm glad there are so many customization options on the Z9. One way or another, there is a way or a workaround.

 

[Hooligans Imagery]

Is it possible to set a function button to toggle between two AF modes? Not hold-down-button-and-shoot, but press-button-once-and-release to flip from say Auto AF to 3d-Tracking?

It's not as clean as a toggle, but Fn3 can be assigned Focus mode/AF-Area mode via Custom Controls (shooting). You would have to press and hold Fn3 while you rotate the front command dial to select 3D or Auto-area AF.

Edit: The only other possibility that comes to mind is to use the Recall Shooting Function (Hold) and deselect everything except AF-area mode. Then - assuming that you're normally in Auto-area AF mode - leave just the 3D box checked. Then, each press of Fn3 toggles you back and forth between Auto-area AF and 3D. I wish Nikon would make additional RSF settings available.

Roy, reading this thread solved something for me it. I had Fn3 set to AF Area Mode Single Point. In that manner it has to be held to focus so if I push it and half press the shutter it will refocus. I have BBF set to 3D. This discovery appears to mean I don't need the Save and Recall Focus Position functions. I will test further. This is important because a number of lens don't have FN buttons and when that is the case the other available buttons for Save Focus Position have greater priorities. I had started this thread.

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66358343

 

[chambeshi]

RSF can be useful in configuring the Z9, not least in getting around deficiencies in admittedly diverse options. Nikon added a great deal of flexibility to Customization. The choices in the Z9 for what can be assigned to respective buttons is widest yet for a Pro Nikon camera - both buttons and options. These even exceed the D6, which in turn improved on the D5....

Unfortunately, conspicuous gaps and the added complexity opens up several fixes to the Customization of the Z9, which become obvious after a couple of months in putting the Z9 to serious work.

Brad Hill has written a couple of essays on RSF - D5, D6 and recently Z9

Natural Art Images: Voice: Brad Hill Blog

The Blog of Brad Hill, wildlife photographer. Cameras, lenses, camera gear, field tests, conservation, photo tours, and other bits of questionable wisdom from a young-at-heart nature photographer!

www.naturalart.ca

Thom Hogan in his Z9 Review and Z9 e-book is far more critical.

Nikon Z9 Camera Review | Thom Hogan

Review of the Nikon Z9 mirrorless camera

www.zsystemuser.com

OK, I think I have some of this figured out.

-To save Preset Focus Position, select a function button to assign it to, get your focus positioned where you want it saved, and then hold down both that function button and the left hand AF button for 2 seconds until the focus point blinks. You can have different preset focus points saved for portrait and landscape orientations.

-Or, assign a button to 'Save Focus Position' and another button to "Recall Focus Position". Use the button for saving the position to store one, and the other button to recall it. You can save multiple focus positions to different function buttons.

Important Limitations!!!

1. Preset Focus Point does NOT save the focus distance, just the point to be used.

2. Save Focus Position does save the focus distances - but it ONLY WORKS ON Z-Mount LENSES, probably because the positions are saved with the lens.

Which means I'm out of luck with my 500pf on FTZ trying to get a button to return it to close focus.

You should still look into the recall shooting function.

I have it set up that whenever I press FN3 on the front of the camera, it goes into single point focus mode. Press it again, and it goes back to the mode it was in.

It's in custom settings menu / controls / custom controls (f2) / Recall shooting functions (hold) / set your own options and AF mode.

This is a fantastic way to quickly switch back to a basic mode when it can't find your subject. I use it when a bird is somewhat hidden by leaves, for example.

 

[Roy Kikuta]

Is it possible to set a function button to toggle between two AF modes? Not hold-down-button-and-shoot, but press-button-once-and-release to flip from say Auto AF to 3d-Tracking?

It's not as clean as a toggle, but Fn3 can be assigned Focus mode/AF-Area mode via Custom Controls (shooting). You would have to press and hold Fn3 while you rotate the front command dial to select 3D or Auto-area AF.

Edit: The only other possibility that comes to mind is to use the Recall Shooting Function (Hold) and deselect everything except AF-area mode. Then - assuming that you're normally in Auto-area AF mode - leave just the 3D box checked. Then, each press of Fn3 toggles you back and forth between Auto-area AF and 3D. I wish Nikon would make additional RSF settings available.

Roy, reading this thread solved something for me it. I had Fn3 set to AF Area Mode Single Point. In that manner it has to be held to focus so if I push it and half press the shutter it will refocus. I have BBF set to 3D. This discovery appears to mean I don't need the Save and Recall Focus Position functions. I will test further. This is important because a number of lens don't have FN buttons and when that is the case the other available buttons for Save Focus Position have greater priorities. I had started this thread.

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66358343

Whatever you might have gleaned from my post - I hope it helps. I’m starting to realize that there are so many combinations - some of which have unexpected consequences - that I’m beginning to think I should not post settings until I’ve had some significant time to test it.

 

[PHXAZCRAIG]

Is it possible to set a function button to toggle between two AF modes? Not hold-down-button-and-shoot, but press-button-once-and-release to flip from say Auto AF to 3d-Tracking?

It's not as clean as a toggle, but Fn3 can be assigned Focus mode/AF-Area mode via Custom Controls (shooting). You would have to press and hold Fn3 while you rotate the front command dial to select 3D or Auto-area AF.

It's the rotate part I'm trying to eliminate for the times when there is no time to fiddle in menus.

Edit: The only other possibility that comes to mind is to use the Recall Shooting Function (Hold) and deselect everything except AF-area mode. Then - assuming that you're normally in Auto-area AF mode - leave just the 3D box checked. Then, each press of Fn3 toggles you back and forth between Auto-area AF and 3D. I wish Nikon would make additional RSF settings available.

I'm going to work on RSF settings today, but last night I belatedly remembered that the 500pf lens has a Memory Set button on the right side, and 4 other buttons to recall the remembered position. So one method out of the 'stuck-on-background' woes would be to program a close-focus position with memory set, then just press one of the 4 buttons when it is needed. Just a reach to the front of the lens here, but at least something simple to use.

 

[Roy Kikuta]

Is it possible to set a function button to toggle between two AF modes? Not hold-down-button-and-shoot, but press-button-once-and-release to flip from say Auto AF to 3d-Tracking?

It's not as clean as a toggle, but Fn3 can be assigned Focus mode/AF-Area mode via Custom Controls (shooting). You would have to press and hold Fn3 while you rotate the front command dial to select 3D or Auto-area AF.

It's the rotate part I'm trying to eliminate for the times when there is no time to fiddle in menus.

Edit: The only other possibility that comes to mind is to use the Recall Shooting Function (Hold) and deselect everything except AF-area mode. Then - assuming that you're normally in Auto-area AF mode - leave just the 3D box checked. Then, each press of Fn3 toggles you back and forth between Auto-area AF and 3D. I wish Nikon would make additional RSF settings available.

I'm going to work on RSF settings today, but last night I belatedly remembered that the 500pf lens has a Memory Set button on the right side, and 4 other buttons to recall the remembered position. So one method out of the 'stuck-on-background' woes would be to program a close-focus position with memory set, then just press one of the 4 buttons when it is needed. Just a reach to the front of the lens here, but at least something simple to use.

 

[ARClark]

Is it possible to set a function button to toggle between two AF modes? Not hold-down-button-and-shoot, but press-button-once-and-release to flip from say Auto AF to 3d-Tracking?

The problem I'm having with using function buttons to swap AF modes is that I can't use the joystick to position the 3d-tracking starting point.

I'm also trying to figure out how to set F3 to recall a (near minimum distance) focus point for my 500pf on FTZ. The idea there is to be able to quickly tell my lens to refocus on a new point and give up on the background.

Set one of the Fn buttons to Recall Shooting Function Hold and select the available options as desired -- maybe just changing the AF Mode only, or turning off Subject Detection, or changing every option available.

This works like a charm for toggling between AF modes/other functions rather than having to hold the button.

Thanks, and thanks to PHSAXCRAIG for asking the question.