Hi Lukasz. I just bought a Ricoh GR3X. Setting it up in Manual mode with Auto ISO I came across your videos. Great help, thanks! Where I'm not sure about though is the following. In street photography I like to alternate between 'fishing' and 'hunting'. I use BBF to prefocus during 'fishing': focus and release. I use the camera with two hands, so BBF on the Fn button doesn't bother me. After seeing this video and reading your comments on certain questions I'm not sure what to do though if I want to photograph moving subjects while 'hunting'. I prefer to separate exposure and focus. So I can press the shutter button halfway to lock the exposure seeing nice light and then autofocus (which I prefer over snap) on the moving subject. You recommend using Tracking AF for focussing, which I understand. Can I combine this with using BBF while 'hunting'': focus and hold? Keep using BBF for 'fishing' and 'hunting' seems to be an efficient way to alternate between the two.
You can totally use tracking focus with BBF! I don't use tracking AF on the Ricoh because it doesn't work so great at night. I prefer snap focus on the Ricoh. Hope that helps! :)
Thanks (again) for the video! One question: When using Back Button Focus, why would you change between AF-S and AF-C? As I understand: If you use BBF and set the focus mode to AF-C, you get the functions of AF-C while holding down the focus button whereas you get the AF-S-alike functions when you press the focus button once, release it and then take the shot. Would be cool if you could help me out! :-)
You are correct in what you say: with BBF, AF-C can be use kind of like AF-S. However, I'm not sure where I said that recommend changing between AF-S and AF-C? As I recommend in the video, I always use AF-C with 3D Tracking. I do say at the end, that if I'm using a camera without tracking then I prefer to use AF-S, such as on my Ricoh. And the reason is that AF-C is not that useful to me without tracking, because if I have to focus and recompose anyway, then there is really no benefit to use AF-C and AF-S is simply easier to use with or without BBF. Also, as a side note, BBF on the Ricoh is not very comfortable because I find it difficult to hold the camera in one hand while also using BBF and pushing the shutter.
Good summary, but I don’t follow your AF-S over AF-C rational, especially w/BBF. I use AF-C w/BBF for street photography. Once I obtain focus I release the focus button, so the cam does not re-focus somewhere else. (Focus removed from shutter button.)
Ah yes this is true! But not everyone uses BBF and not every camera is good with it. I could have explained this in more detail, but for example my Ricoh GR II is not great with BBF. It's very uncomfortable to use that way due to the small size of the camera. You need your thumb to hold the thing and it's not easy to reach the back button for focusing (for me at least). So, I don't use BBF, which means AF-C is not optimal. But you're right, with BBF AF-C works very well. And in fact, tracking focus is a specific form of AF-C, which is what I'm recommending in the video. So, on my Nikon it's AF-C, Tracking, BBF. There is one way to look at this as well: if you're using AF-C + BBF and then releasing focus before your recompose, how is this functionally different from AF-S? By releasing focus you are essentially locking the focus, which is what AF-S does.
That works too!! I'm not sure how I feel about eye track. I don't always find myself focusing on the face/eyes. Some day I will try it out in detail though.
I was going to say Peter McKinnon... Nooooo! Stay pure bro, don’t go down that gimmicky rabbit hole. I love that guy usually has no gimmicks or goofy stuff. Don’t change it!
When you use the tracking my AF mode, is the base tracking mode set to AFC or AFS? Also what’s your thoughts on the GR3’s tracking mode? I find it still kinda clunky and slow 😅 and my q2 monochrom sadly doesn’t have tracking :-(
In Nikon cameras (and likely most cameras) the tracking mode is under AF-C. As for GR3's tracking, I tried it. It was okay in the day time but not great at night. Due to how I shoot with the GR I find tracking not necessary or helpful in most cases (for me).
The Z6/Z7 are different and don't have this exact function. Instead you have to select Auto Area AF and then press OK on the back of the camera. You will not have a focus point selector that will lock on to subjects just like 3D tracking. :)
Wouldn't you be able to use back button focus on the Ricoh so you can have single point, af-c continously on? So when you recompose you simply stop focusing. It's basically like having both af-s and af-c at the same time without changing the setting.
This is technically true, but I don't really see the benefit. If it's basically the same as AF-S, then why not just use AF-S? You can argue that sometimes it's nice to have AF-C, even if only in the center, but I don't think this is so common for me. But the real reason is this: the camera is very small in my hands and hard for to hold while using BBF and actually pressing the shutter. It requires and awkward grip because I have to use my thumb to push the back button instead of holding the camera (the button is too close to the right side of the camera). So, I really don't like BBF on the Ricoh (it's one reason I generally don't like small cameras: ergonomics). This is, of course, very personal and subjective. Check out this video for how I handle focusing on my Ricoh: ruclips.net/video/eSNCeOmHKkA/видео.html
@@EYExplore The point is that you have both, af-s and af-c at the same time. So you dont have to change settings, or even take the camera off your eye.
@@JanneRanta But why do I need to change settings? I use one or the other. I never use AF-C with my Ricoh. On Nikon, as I explain in the video I only use AF-C (with tracking) so I don't change settings there either. Changing AF modes is something I very rarely do (and I do use BBF on the Nikon). But as I explained, I find BBF on the Ricoh to be quite uncomfortable for me, so I don't use it with that camera. So, in the case of the Ricoh I just use AF-S and never use AF-C.
Hi, Great channel for Street Photography. Thanks a lot. When you speak in (timecode 5:30) afc, which you don't like :). it is possible to remove your finger from the bbf, the focus is already done and is locked, like afs? Is that right?
I got a Nikon D780 which has the 3D Tracking, but I'm unclear if its automatically activated. I have AF-C selected. When I go into the Nikon Menu > Autofocus > a4 3D-tracking face-detection, it is greyed out. I noticed when I switch to the Optical Viewfinder, 3D Tracking Face-detection is selectable and 'ON'. It seems as though it's on in both Optical and Electronic Viewfinder, but I just want to make sure I'm not doing something wrong.
I'm not sure about face tracking specifically because my camera doesn't have it. But I do know that the 3D tracking gets enabled by holding the focus selection button on the bottom left of the camera. You have to select AF-C with the front or back dial, and then 3D tracking with the opposite dial. If you do that, you should be using 3D tracking.
@@EYExplore I ended up doing that before your reply but I appreciate it nevertheless. It seems so strange to have such a touted feature, but it can only be activated manually as opposed to in-menu. I have to say, it makes focusing extremely easy. I love it.
@@Insomnia_Central_ If I understand you correctly, I think that's working as intended. It only tracks while you hold the focus button. When you release it, the focus point goes back to where it started (usually in the middle).
Clear description in a friendly conversational manner. Especially the difference between AF-C and AF-S. Much appreciated.
Thank you!! :)
Your explanations are extremely easy to understand, thank you!
I'm happy to hear that! :)
Thank you very much for your videos! Didn't even realize until now that I could track with my fujifilm! It is changing my life XD
I'm so glad to hear that!! Always a pleasure to help out another photographer. :)
I have just tried this mode today and it works a treat. I am a Nikon user. Looking forward to the weekend putting it to use in the city.
That's great to hear! Thanks for letting us know! :)
Hi Lukasz. I just bought a Ricoh GR3X. Setting it up in Manual mode with Auto ISO I came across your videos. Great help, thanks! Where I'm not sure about though is the following. In street photography I like to alternate between 'fishing' and 'hunting'. I use BBF to prefocus during 'fishing': focus and release. I use the camera with two hands, so BBF on the Fn button doesn't bother me. After seeing this video and reading your comments on certain questions I'm not sure what to do though if I want to photograph moving subjects while 'hunting'. I prefer to separate exposure and focus. So I can press the shutter button halfway to lock the exposure seeing nice light and then autofocus (which I prefer over snap) on the moving subject. You recommend using Tracking AF for focussing, which I understand. Can I combine this with using BBF while 'hunting'': focus and hold? Keep using BBF for 'fishing' and 'hunting' seems to be an efficient way to alternate between the two.
You can totally use tracking focus with BBF! I don't use tracking AF on the Ricoh because it doesn't work so great at night. I prefer snap focus on the Ricoh. Hope that helps! :)
Thanks for your quick response Lucasz. And thanks for your advice to use Snap at night. Kind regards, Peter
@@peterknoester No problem! :)
Thank you for this tip, I'll test it next time I go out
Great! :)
Thanks (again) for the video!
One question: When using Back Button Focus, why would you change between AF-S and AF-C? As I understand: If you use BBF and set the focus mode to AF-C, you get the functions of AF-C while holding down the focus button whereas you get the AF-S-alike functions when you press the focus button once, release it and then take the shot.
Would be cool if you could help me out! :-)
You are correct in what you say: with BBF, AF-C can be use kind of like AF-S. However, I'm not sure where I said that recommend changing between AF-S and AF-C? As I recommend in the video, I always use AF-C with 3D Tracking. I do say at the end, that if I'm using a camera without tracking then I prefer to use AF-S, such as on my Ricoh. And the reason is that AF-C is not that useful to me without tracking, because if I have to focus and recompose anyway, then there is really no benefit to use AF-C and AF-S is simply easier to use with or without BBF.
Also, as a side note, BBF on the Ricoh is not very comfortable because I find it difficult to hold the camera in one hand while also using BBF and pushing the shutter.
Good summary, but I don’t follow your AF-S over AF-C rational, especially w/BBF. I use AF-C w/BBF for street photography. Once I obtain focus I release the focus button, so the cam does not re-focus somewhere else. (Focus removed from shutter button.)
Ah yes this is true! But not everyone uses BBF and not every camera is good with it. I could have explained this in more detail, but for example my Ricoh GR II is not great with BBF. It's very uncomfortable to use that way due to the small size of the camera. You need your thumb to hold the thing and it's not easy to reach the back button for focusing (for me at least). So, I don't use BBF, which means AF-C is not optimal. But you're right, with BBF AF-C works very well. And in fact, tracking focus is a specific form of AF-C, which is what I'm recommending in the video. So, on my Nikon it's AF-C, Tracking, BBF.
There is one way to look at this as well: if you're using AF-C + BBF and then releasing focus before your recompose, how is this functionally different from AF-S? By releasing focus you are essentially locking the focus, which is what AF-S does.
EYExplore good tip, i never thought doing af-c that way!
hello what is BBF meaning ?
@@danielbdbe Back Button Focus
nice tutorial. I am now using more the subject tracking on Z6ii. sometimes the yellow box jumps from a face to a tree but that's Nikon :-)
Thanks! That's not Nikon, that's just every camera on earth. None of them are perfect. :)
Great video. I just use AFC with eye track enabled. :P
That works too!! I'm not sure how I feel about eye track. I don't always find myself focusing on the face/eyes. Some day I will try it out in detail though.
Thank you, good explanation!
Glad you found it useful! :)
Awesome video and tips
Thanks!! :)
Really helpful
Thanks!! :)
Great video..thank you!!!
Glad you found it useful!! :)
Great vid. Thanks for the tip!
No problem!
Enjoy watching your videos. Great tips! 📷🇦🇺
Thank you!! :)
The camera, the ninja jump, someone is channeling his inner Peter Parker.
I was going to say Peter McKinnon... Nooooo! Stay pure bro, don’t go down that gimmicky rabbit hole. I love that guy usually has no gimmicks or goofy stuff. Don’t change it!
Haha yeah and the red and blue outfit!! :)
When you use the tracking my AF mode, is the base tracking mode set to AFC or AFS? Also what’s your thoughts on the GR3’s tracking mode? I find it still kinda clunky and slow 😅 and my q2 monochrom sadly doesn’t have tracking :-(
In Nikon cameras (and likely most cameras) the tracking mode is under AF-C. As for GR3's tracking, I tried it. It was okay in the day time but not great at night. Due to how I shoot with the GR I find tracking not necessary or helpful in most cases (for me).
Thanks, very useful
Glad to hear that!!
Does the GRIII handle tracking mode better?
Better than.... the D4 in this video? Maybe it bright light but in low light I would say no.
very useful thoughts.
Glad to hear that! :)
I like the 2 scenes cut
Thanks! We did two takes so we thought it would be cool to just use two different locations. :)
Great info thank you!
My pleasure!! :)
👏👏👏👏 amazing
Thank you!! :)
How do oyu set this up in the menu for Nikon Z6?
The Z6/Z7 are different and don't have this exact function. Instead you have to select Auto Area AF and then press OK on the back of the camera. You will not have a focus point selector that will lock on to subjects just like 3D tracking. :)
4 years since this video I wonder if his views have changed with the updated cameras 🤔
Not really! An in fact, I have an updated video on this topic: ruclips.net/video/_6j8kpa9KFw/видео.htmlsi=4TwegVq78B9innM0
Amazing video!
Thanks!! :)
Wouldn't you be able to use back button focus on the Ricoh so you can have single point, af-c continously on? So when you recompose you simply stop focusing. It's basically like having both af-s and af-c at the same time without changing the setting.
This is technically true, but I don't really see the benefit. If it's basically the same as AF-S, then why not just use AF-S? You can argue that sometimes it's nice to have AF-C, even if only in the center, but I don't think this is so common for me.
But the real reason is this: the camera is very small in my hands and hard for to hold while using BBF and actually pressing the shutter. It requires and awkward grip because I have to use my thumb to push the back button instead of holding the camera (the button is too close to the right side of the camera). So, I really don't like BBF on the Ricoh (it's one reason I generally don't like small cameras: ergonomics). This is, of course, very personal and subjective.
Check out this video for how I handle focusing on my Ricoh: ruclips.net/video/eSNCeOmHKkA/видео.html
@@EYExplore The point is that you have both, af-s and af-c at the same time. So you dont have to change settings, or even take the camera off your eye.
@@JanneRanta But why do I need to change settings? I use one or the other. I never use AF-C with my Ricoh. On Nikon, as I explain in the video I only use AF-C (with tracking) so I don't change settings there either. Changing AF modes is something I very rarely do (and I do use BBF on the Nikon). But as I explained, I find BBF on the Ricoh to be quite uncomfortable for me, so I don't use it with that camera. So, in the case of the Ricoh I just use AF-S and never use AF-C.
@@EYExplore That is exactly the point. When you have af-c on and back button focus you wont need to change any settings.
Great video.
Thanks!! :)
Hi, Great channel for Street Photography. Thanks a lot.
When you speak in (timecode 5:30) afc, which you don't like :). it is possible to remove your finger from the bbf, the focus is already done and is locked, like afs? Is that right?
I just saw that you had already answered...
Yes, if I understand you correctly. Once you have the focus you want, you can let go of the back button and the focus remains locked.
gold!
Thank you! :)
zone focus gang are you here ???
:)
I got a Nikon D780 which has the 3D Tracking, but I'm unclear if its automatically activated. I have AF-C selected. When I go into the Nikon Menu > Autofocus > a4 3D-tracking face-detection, it is greyed out. I noticed when I switch to the Optical Viewfinder, 3D Tracking Face-detection is selectable and 'ON'. It seems as though it's on in both Optical and Electronic Viewfinder, but I just want to make sure I'm not doing something wrong.
I'm not sure about face tracking specifically because my camera doesn't have it. But I do know that the 3D tracking gets enabled by holding the focus selection button on the bottom left of the camera. You have to select AF-C with the front or back dial, and then 3D tracking with the opposite dial. If you do that, you should be using 3D tracking.
@@EYExplore I ended up doing that before your reply but I appreciate it nevertheless. It seems so strange to have such a touted feature, but it can only be activated manually as opposed to in-menu. I have to say, it makes focusing extremely easy. I love it.
Such a useful function i must find it hahaha
Thanks! What camera are you using?
Canon eos 110d
AF servo on Canon 🥰
Very useful! :)
Nice channel.
Thanks!! :)
💕
Thanks! :)
Come to may nice duhok city in north iraq kurdistan
Would love to some day! :)
@@EYExplore i will so glad to see forgners to to come to may country
Not sure my Nikon d5600 can handle that 😂
I think it does have the 3D Tracking mode though right? Give it a try! :)
@@EYExplore it does but when you use bbf it will stop tracking one you use bbf I tried after I watched your video I’ll keep trying different things
@@Insomnia_Central_ If I understand you correctly, I think that's working as intended. It only tracks while you hold the focus button. When you release it, the focus point goes back to where it started (usually in the middle).