What is the * button?

I tried to search but the term is too small, this is for a Rebel XT btw.

Holds exposure, aim the camera at something press the * and it'll lock that exposure (shutter speed, aperture etc.)...

once you press the * button and lock exposure...to cancel i assume you press it again? i know it's in the manual i'm sure but i'm at work and felt it appropriate to ask since this thread is here and open already

thanks

it's exposure lock. hold it to keep the same AV/TV setting...

of course, on my camera it's called my focusing button. i focus with that, and i have shutter button do the exposure lock

Without flash, it's exposure lock.
With flash, it's flash exposure lock.
Or if you set custom function 4 to 1 or 3, it activates the autofocus.

Welcome to POTN, Muntzster.

The manual for your XT tells you all about the * button. On page 13 of the maunal there's a diagram of the camera on which you can easily identify the * button. This then points you to pages 92, 99, 109, 110 and 134 where you will find out about the various things the * button can do.

I (and many other people here) would really urge you to read your manual thoroughly. Your camera is an incredibly complex device and the manual is the best place to start when you're learning how to use it.

StewartR wrote in post #2357242
I (and many other people here) would really urge you to read your manual thoroughly. Your camera is an incredibly complex device and the manual is the best place to start when you're learning how to use it.

I second and third that! I often wonder if some people can actually read!!!

Sorry! ..... rant over - must be getting old and grumpy!

John T wrote in post #2357687
I second and third that! I often wonder if some people can actually read!!!

Sorry! ..... rant over - must be getting old and grumpy!

Agreed... I wanted to reply to his topic with "What is the manual?"

:p

In defense of those that ask questions that are answered in the manual. Assuming that you're asking the question after having read the manual and tried to find the answer ... sometimes with a new camera or device, coupled with new technology that we might not yet understand, it is hard to read and fully comprehend the manual, even after several readings. Things that are obvious or terminology taken for granted by some might elude those that have never heard or used those terms.

Granted, many just run to the forum and ask without even spending a moment looking for the answer but I know personally that I have read manuals and tried to learn new technology and still had many questions that you could easily say "that's on page 47 of your user manual" but it did not sink in.

I did actually read through the manual and yes I expected a responce just like that. I was just looking for some further information. Is the * button almost like pressing the shutter half way in?

Muntzster wrote in post #2358668
I did actually read through the manual and yes I expected a responce just like that. I was just looking for some further information. Is the * button almost like pressing the shutter half way in?

If you use Custom Function 4 set to 1 or 3 then it is just like half pressing the shutter a auto focus as Curtis indicated above.

TMR Design wrote in post #2358641
In defense of those that ask questions that are answered in the manual. Assuming that you're asking the question after having read the manual and tried to find the answer ... sometimes with a new camera or device, coupled with new technology that we might not yet understand, it is hard to read and fully comprehend the manual, even after several readings. Things that obvious or terminology taken for granted by some might elude those that have never heard or used those terms.

Granted, many just run to the forum and ask without even spending a moment looking for the answer but I know personally that I have read manuals and tried to learn new technology and still had many questions that you could easily say "that's on page 47 of your user manual" but it did not sink in.

I agree whole-heartedly with you. some, as with myself too, find retention difficult at times with documentation. In fact, with some of my electronics (which most are made in other countries) their explanations can seem uncomprehensible due to a totally different way of learning...I guess?

Curtis N wrote in post #2353588
Without flash, it's exposure lock.
With flash, it's flash exposure lock.
Or if you set custom function 4 to 1 or 3, it activates the autofocus.

I assume you mean external flash not the built in? Also, is there any advantage to shooting this way..or is it just a personal preference thing. TIA

Read the manual.

xoxoxox

Hawg Hanner wrote in post #2358788
Read the manual.

xoxoxox

Read the rules. Section 4.9: If you know an answer to a question either answer it or say nothing. Giving newbies blunt answers like "search the forum" is not allowed - please use the typing effort to giving the answer instead. Or just give the link to that post you wished the newbie should have searched for. Respect newbies - you were a newbie once.