Situations Where Autofocus May Not Work As Expected

Autofocus may not work as expected in the following situations. In such situations, focus manually using the clear matte field (page 43) or focus using the method described.

Very dark subject

Autofocus is possible when an optional Speedlight with the AF-Assist Illuminator (page 92) is used and center focus brackets are selected as the focus area.

Low-contrast scenes

For example, where the subject is wearing the same color clothing as a wall or other background.

• Focus on a different subject located at the same distance, use focus lock (page 40) then recompose.

Scenes with subjects within the focus brackets located at different distances from the camera

For example, when shooting an animal in a cage or a person in a forest.

• Focus on a different subject at the same camera- to-subject distance, use focus lock (page 40), then recompose.

Patterned subject or scene

For example, building windows.

Scenes with pronounced differences in brightness within the focus brackets

For example, when the sun is in the background

and the main subject is in shadow.

Manual Focus

Focus can be set manually when the focus mode selector is set to M.

Set the focus mode selector to M. Look through the viewfinder and rotate the lens focusing ring until a sharp image appears on the clear matte field in the viewfinder. The shutter can be released whether or not the subject is in focus, and / does not appear in the viewfinder.

Use Manual focus in situations where autofocus may not work as expected (page 42) or a lens other than an AF Nikkor (page 33) is attached.

Manual focus using Electronic Rangefinder

Focus

Set the focus mode selector to M. The focus can be confirmed with / indication in the viewfinder. The Electronic Rangefinder works with most Nikkor lenses (including AF Nikkors when operated manually) having a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster.

Lightly press the shutter release button and while the meter is on, rotate the lens focusing ring until / appears in the viewfinder. The shutter can be released anytime. Electronic Rangefinder can be activated with any of five focus brackets selected as the focus area (page 37).

If < appears in the viewfinder, focus region is in front of the subject. If > appears in the viewfinder, focus region is behind the subject. In either case, rotate the lens focusing ring until / appears.

42

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Image 22
Nikon F 100 Manual Focus, Low-contrast scenes, Patterned subject or scene, Manual focus using Electronic Rangefinder