Nikon D7100 Product Manual - Page 104

Focus Lock Focus lock can be used to change the composition after focusing, making it possible to focus on a subject that will not be in a focus point in the final composition. If the camera is unable to focus using autofocus (0 72), focus lock can also be used to recompose the photograph after focusing on another object at the same distance as your original subject. Focus lock is most effective when an option other than autoarea AF is selected for AF-area mode (0 73). 1 Focus. Position the subject in the selected focus point and press the shutter-release button halfway to initiate focus. Check that the in-focus indicator (I) appears in the viewfinder. 2 Lock focus. AF-A and AF-C focus modes: With the shutter-release button N pressed halfway (q), press the A AE-L/AF-L button (w) to lock both focus and exposure (an f icon will be displayed in the viewfinder). Focus and exposure will remain locked while the A AE-L/AF-L button is pressed, even if you later remove your finger from the shutter-release button. Shutter-release button AF-S focus mode: Focus locks automatically when the in-focus indicator (I) appears, and remain locked until you remove your finger from the shutter-release button. Focus can also be locked by pressing the A AE-L/AF-L button (see above). A AE-L/AF-L button 3 Recompose the photograph and shoot. Focus will remain locked between shots if you keep the shutter-release button pressed halfway (AF-S) or keep the A AE-L/AF-L button pressed, allowing several photographs in succession to be taken at the same focus setting. Do not change the distance between the camera and the subject while focus lock is in effect. If the subject moves, focus again at the new distance. 76