For those of you who use Cfn4-1 on your 20D . . .

[markubig]

Do you swtch back to the shutter when on a tripod and using the Remote Switch (RS-80N3) or do you keep AF on the *?

I've just been thinking about it, and it seems it would be difficult to AF w/ *, find something to meter, lock exposure, recompose and then shoot . . . all while one hand is holding the switch and the other is holding the ballhead release (i use the Bogen 322RC ballhead)

Am I missing something on how to make it easier?

[SkipD]

I leave autofocus assigned to the * button at all times (Cfn4=1).

While using the rig on a tripod, my tendency is to use M mode and set the exposure manually (sometimes using the camera's meter and sometimes my handheld meter). Then I can use the remote switch to trigger shots and not mess anything up with either the automatic exposure or automatic focus.

[DavidEB]

Seems to me like tripod with cable release is the place where CF4-1 shines.

I can center on the point I want in focus, hit the * button, move the camera to recompose, tighten the tripod position, then press the cable when I want without worrying that the focus will change. I've become a big fan of CF4-1.

the only two times I go to CF4-0 are (1) when I give camera to somebody else and (2) for Flash Exposure Lock


kind regards,

[markubig]

don't get me wrong, I love using Cfn4-1, but i've only used it handheld. I don't think my question concerns AF using *, but rather exposure. What if I want to meter on an area other than on the focus point? With the way that it's set, after AF lock using *, I have to reposition the camera to the area I want to meter. Then, I have to half-press the switch (which is just like half-pressing the shutter) and hold it while I move tripod head back into position (recompose). I haven't tried it yet, but I walked thorugh it in my mind, and it looked difficult . . . Once you're in Cfn4-1, there is no more exposure-lock, right?

[HJMinard]

Once you're in Cfn4-1, there is no more exposure-lock, right?

No, that's incorrect. With C.Fn-04-1 there is exposure lock with each half press of the shutter button (confirmed by the appearance of the "*" symbol in your viewfinder each time you press the shutter). It is with C.Fn-04-2 or C.Fn-04-3 that there is no AE lock.

[markubig]

No, that's incorrect. With C.Fn-04-1 there is exposure lock with each half press of the shutter button (confirmed by the appearance of the "*" symbol in your viewfinder each time you press the shutter). It is with C.Fn-04-2 or C.Fn-04-3 that there is no AE lock.but it is only locked while the shutter is half-pressed. once I let go, i lose the exposure. I was just trying to see if I could have AF lock and AE lock, so that I can free my hands to recompose my camera on the tripod . . . am I being an absolute moron about this?

[rent]

it's exactly as you described.

i'm usually in M when the scene requires recompsing after metering, especially on a tripod. btw, i'm always on CF4/1 or 3, tripod or not.

-alex

but it is only locked while the shutter is half-pressed. once I let go, i lose the exposure. I was just trying to see if I could have AF lock and AE lock, so that I can free my hands to recompose my camera on the tripod . . . am I being an absolute moron about this?

[HJMinard]

but it is only locked while the shutter is half-pressed. once I let go, i lose the exposure. I was just trying to see if I could have AF lock and AE lock, so that I can free my hands to recompose my camera on the tripod . . . am I being an absolute moron about this?

You're correct about that ... I wasn't sure so I just tested my camera. Unlike the standard AE lock (without C.Fn-04) you do have to hold the half-press to maintain the lock. I wonder why that is? Why didn't they program it to hold the AE lock just like the "*" button does when C.Fn-04 is defaulted to "0"? How odd ...

I don't have a remote switch (yet), so it's difficult for me to fully relate to the difficulty ... but I guess if holding the switch at a half-press feels awkward to you, then by all means switch back to C.Fn-04-0 under those circumstances.