5DM3 how to set a separate button to meter only

Hi, I did watch the Canon video tutorial but I can't figure out the answer to my question and is it even possible. I was taking a photo of my wife at sunset and I needed to meter off the sky, yet AF off my wife's face.

Is there a way to set one of the rear buttons to lock METERING only and then the shutter button to only AF and take a picture, but not to meter. Another words, can I remove METERING only (not metering and AF) from the shutter button? If yes, what functions do I assign to each button?

Thanks!

Uh... I'm pretty sure (as I just confirmed on my 5d3), that if you use the exposure lock button (*), you can meter and exposure lock on the skies, and then just use the shutter button to lock and shoot.

Do note, it'll reset after you completely release the shutter button tho, so you'll have to re-meter each time.

jwcdds wrote in post #15630570
Uh... I'm pretty sure (as I just confirmed on my 5d3), that if you use the exposure lock button (*), you can meter and exposure lock on the skies, and then just use the shutter button to lock and shoot.

Do note, it'll reset after you completely release the shutter button tho, so you'll have to re-meter each time.

Thanks, I appreciate it, I just did it myself and noticed the same. On my Olympus OM-D if one presses that AEL button, the exposure (but not AF) can be locked for all future shots. I guess Canon does not have that option?

This doesn't really answer your question but more of a work around.

In back lit situations as you describe, I usually shoot in manual and spot meter for the background (sky, whatever) then focus and compose and just ignore the meter reading (since I already metered for the bg).

I also use the exposure lock if shooting in AV or TV mode.

CJCMarquez wrote in post #15630582
This doesn't really answer your question but more of a work around.

In back lit situations as you describe, I usually shoot in manual and spot meter for the background (sky, whatever) then focus and compose and just ignore the meter reading (since I already metered for the bg).

I also use the exposure lock if shooting in AV or TV mode.

I see, so using manual focus is one solution, thanks

absolutic wrote in post #15630586
I see, so using manual focus is one solution, thanks

I should clarify, I meant M (manual mode) not manual focus -- you can definitely still use AF.

Example: Metered for sunset and used 430EX for fill.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/cjcmarquez/8363​827990/

I have my 5D3 set up to separate metering from AF on the shutter button. I don't have my camera with me but I believe the closest you will get is to have metering on the shutter button and AF on the dedicated button on the rear of the body.

Of course only useful in the program modes, like Av, but a half press and HOLD of shutter button will allow you to meter on the background, then focus is achieved using your right thumb on the rear AF button.

Further depressing the shutter button will trip the shutter and then you chimp and smile.

Reassigning the shutter button to "AE lock" is easy...but you do have to wade through some menus. Not really a problem since it is something you don't change frequently.

Go to the 2nd group of of custom menus (there are 4 groups I believe). From there scroll down to "Custom Controls" and select. This will allow you to change many ways various buttons behave on the camera.
The first option is to reassign how the shutter button behaves. Select the option you want ("AE lock") and then hit "set" then "menu" to get back out of the system.

Then try it out.

I've been shooting this way for years with 5Dc, 7D, 5D2 and now the 5D3. I rarely change my metering mode. I leave it at "evaluative", point lens at sky, half depress and hold shutter, recompose and focus on subject with rear AF button, then click. Great for sunset silhouettes or when using flash to better balance subject with bright background.

Note...switching the mode dial to "P" or whatever the fully automated mode is will bring metering and focus back to the shutter button. This is good when you hand your camera to someone to take you pic and they are only familiar with point and shoot type cameras.

Hope this helps.

jgogums wrote in post #15637057
I have my 5D3 set up to separate metering from AF on the shutter button. I don't have my camera with me but I believe the closest you will get is to have metering on the shutter button and AF on the dedicated button on the rear of the body.

Of course only useful in the program modes, like Av, but a half press and HOLD of shutter button will allow you to meter on the background, then focus is achieved using your right thumb on the rear AF button.

Further depressing the shutter button will trip the shutter and then you chimp and smile.

Reassigning the shutter button to "metering start" is easy...but you do have to wade through some menus. Not really a problem since it is something you don't change frequently.

Go to the 2nd group of of custom menus (there are 4 groups I believe). From there scroll down to "Custom Controls" and select. This will allow you to change many ways various buttons behave on the camera.
The first option is to reassign how the shutter button behaves. Select the option you want ("metering start") and then hit "set" then "menu" to get back out of the system.

Then try it out.

I've been shooting this way for years with 5Dc, 7D, 5D2 and now the 5D3. I rarely change my metering mode. I leave it at "evaluative", point lens at sky, half depress and hold shutter, recompose and focus on subject with rear AF button, then click. Great for sunset silhouettes or when using flash to better balance subject with bright background.

Note...switching the mode dial to "P" or whatever the fully automated mode is will bring metering and focus back to the shutter button. This is good when you hand your camera to someone to take you pic and they are only familiar with point and shoot type cameras.

Hope this helps.

Thanks. Now the problem I have is I don't want to remove the AF from the shutter button, since my wife often uses the camera and it will be too much for her. And she is easily agitated)) I suppose I can remove AF from the shutter button and assign it to one of the three "C" so when my wife is using the camera it does not mess her up.

CJCMarquez wrote in post #15630590
I should clarify, I meant M (manual mode) not manual focus -- you can definitely still use AF.

Example: Metered for sunset and used 430EX for fill.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/cjcmarquez/8363​827990/
Sunset by cjcmarquez, on Flickr

This is what I wanted to achieve, yes

Very easy once you learn.

The technique I learned, which is very simple, spot meter for the sunset -- take a test shot to make sure it's exposed as you desired.

I then used my 430EX on camera and set to E-TTL.

CJCMarquez wrote in post #15637458
Very easy once you learn.

The technique I learned, which is very simple, spot meter for the sunset -- take a test shot to make sure it's exposed as you desired.

I then used my 430EX on camera and set to E-TTL.

but what difference does it make if you shoot in M mode as oppose to Aperture priority for example, just wondering?

With manual, you won't have to use exposure lock, which only stays on for a set amount of time.

I prefer manual bc I'm in control of all settings aside from the flash.

There is nothing wrong with using aperture priority. I have used it before. Just not my preference.

CJCMarquez wrote in post #15637517
With manual, you won't have to use exposure lock, which only stays on for a set amount of time.

I prefer manual bc I'm in control of all settings aside from the flash.

There is nothing wrong with using aperture priority. I have used it before. Just not my preference.

ohhhh, i had no idea, so exposure locks in manual and you can just keep shooting?

Exposure lock is used in AV, TV, and P mode.

But back to the point, you can keep shooting so long lighting is consistent since your settings won't change unless you change it.

I knew I shouldn't have posted without having my camera with me...hahaha. The custom control selection you want to make is not "metering start"...but rather "AE lock".
I edited my original post.
Annnd...I agree...don't agitate the wife