Would You Like To Be Able To Switch Among AF-S, AF-C and Manual Focusing On Your Fujifilm Camera Without Having To Change Any Settings?

If you want to have the convenience of being able to use all three focusing methods, you will have to give up a little something in return.  Read on.

When I had Nikon gear, I had my cameras set up for "Back Button" focusing, as it is called.  These are settings that a) remove the autofocusing function from the shutter button altogether and b) assign the autofocusing function to a button on the back of the camera.  In the case of my Nikons, there was a button labeled "AF-On."

The beauty and simplicity of setting up my Nikon cameras in this fashion was that if I set the camera to Manual Focus (M) with AF-On for autofocusing activation, effectively I had all three focusing modes (AF-S, AF-C and M) without having to make any changes when I wanted to switch among the three.  

For manual focusing don't press the AF-On button, just turn the lens barrel.  For AF-S, just press the AF-On button and release when the lens is in focus.  Focus is locked at the point until you once again press the button.  For continuous autofocus, just press and hold the AF-On button.  The lens continuously focuses until you release the button.  The best of all three worlds, so to speak.

Some photographers like this and some won't go near it.  I can use my cameras either way.  If you are interested in setting up your Fujifilm camera in a similar fashion, read on.

Back Button autofocus can be accomplished in the same fashion with your Fujifilm X-T1, X-T2, X-T3 and X-H1.  I don't have any experience with the other Fujifilm cameras, but I suspect you can do it with those bodies as well.  But I'm only speculating.  You will have to go into the menu system and ascertain for yourself.  I first wrote about this when I had my X-T1 on May 18, 2016 in this post.

Here is how to set up your Fujifilm camera to have AF-S, AF-C and Manual focusing without having to change anything when moving among those three options:

1)  Turn your camera on and press and hold the "Disp./Back" button.  That will display all of the custom function buttons on your camera. Each of these can be programmed for any of a large number of functions.  Scroll through the graphic and pick a button with which you want to use to autofocus your lens when you press it.  After deciding upon which button you want to use, press the right key of the 4-way pad and then scroll through the options to find "AF-On".  Press "Menu/Ok".  

I have had my X-T1, X-T2 and X-T3 cameras set up to use the AE-L button to activate autofocusing as it pretty much fits under my right thumb and is close to where the "AF-On" button was on my Nikons of yesteryear.  It is not exactly where I would want it, but close.  Additionally, I switch the functions of the "AF-L" and "AE-L" buttons so the "AF-L" button acts as the auto exposure lock if I ever need that, which I never do (I just half press the shutter button if I need AE-Lock).  

X-H1 has an AF-On button already programmed by default. The
other changes as outlined here will still need changed, however.

The Fujifilm X-H1 actually has an "AF-On" button so you could use that if you desire.  It is by default already programmed for that function so there is nothing to change.  See the image to the right.

Recently, I received a question from a reader who wanted to use the top front function button to activate autofocus.  I hadn't thought of that but using this button also makes sense as this button pretty much fits directly under your middle finger when gripping the camera.  It is relatively easy to use your middle finger to focus and your index finger to activate the shutter.  But you can use any function button, according to your preference.

2)  Go into the camera's Menu and in the "AF/MF" menu section locate the item called "Instant AF Setting."  It is on page 2.  Press the right button on the 4-way pad and set it for AF-C.

3)  Go back into the Menu and go to the "Wrench/Spanner" menu section.  There are a large number of items under the "Wrench/Spanner" menu section so you will have to scroll a bit to find the next item to change.  Try "Wrench/Spanner → Button Dial Setting → Shutter AF."  "Shutter AF" is on the second page of the Button Dial Setting menu items on the X-T2, X-T3 and X-H1.  Not sure for any other model cameras.

When you locate the "Shutter AF" menu item, again, press the right key in the 4-way pad and you will see options to turn off the shutter button autofocus actuation for both AF-S and AF-C.  If you want to use strictly Back Button Autofocus, turn both to off.  Now your shutter will have no effect on activating autofocus but that button you just programmed will.

With these three setting changes you can set your AF Switch (located on the front, bottom, left of your camera) to Manual and you will have instant autofocus (AF-S) by pressing and releasing the button you programmed or continuous autofocus by pressing and holding in the button you programmed.  For manual focusing, don't press the button, just focus your lens.  The focus assist modes, such as Peaking or Magnification, will still work.

That is it.  All three focusing modes without having to change a thing to move among them when necessary.

MY WARNING TO YOU!

Now, what to you have to give up?  You have to give up the habit of pressing your shutter button to activate autofocus and you will have to give up some time to practice and get used to this new method.

Don't make these changes and then go out and photograph something important.  Using back button autofocusing is a huge mental change from years of using the shutter button to autofocus.  You will need to practice and consciously think about pressing that button you programmed to focus.  At some point in time, and I'm betting this happens to almost everyone, you will press the shutter and you won't understand why your camera isn't focusing.  You'll drive yourself crazy trying to figure it out until you remember the changes you made.  That's happened to me more than once after I haven't picked up a camera for a long time.  Practice, practice, practice for a couple of weeks before assuming that this method will become second nature.

In the end, if you don't care for this, or if you just want Back Button Focus for just AF-C and not AF-S (you would have to go back into the menu and turn the AF-S setting under the Shutter AF back to the "on" position if you do), then you can go back to using the shutter and all will be fine.

As I said, some photographers like this method, others won't go near it.  It is all about choices and what works best for you.

If you have any questions, please ask and I'll clarify my writing.

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Thanks for looking. Enjoy! 

Dennis A. Mook 

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