I continue to be frustrated (and lose otherwise usable images) by the M-S-C autofocus mode selector switch on my Nikon D200 and D300. It never fails, when I'm doing an event shoot where I must grab the camera (already around my neck on its strap), quickly frame, and shoot, I knock the selector switch to M, turning off the autfocus. If it's a noisy or otherwise distracting environment, before I realize it I've shot a whole scene without autofocus, as there wasn't time to chimp the screen, and it was too noisy or busy to listen for the focus confirmation beep.
How do we get around this most fatal of Nikon flaws? Other than switching to Canon?
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
Re: How do you lock S or C mode without duct tape?
Coming from Canon 1-series bodies to the Nikon D3, it's the stupid focus mode selection switch (along with the other physical switches, such as for focus point area selection and metering mode) that I despise the most.
Nikon needs to take another page from Canon's book and eliminate these switches, IMO.
I am OFTEN trying to figure out why my D3's autofocus is not working. In my case, it's usually not the focus switch, but the fact that the lens has somehow lost its electronic connection with the body. To resolve the problem, I have to remove and remount the lens. This is embarassing when trying to do my job with people (models, a wedding party, etc.) waiting on me, and frankly, it's unacceptable for $5000 cameras and $1700 lenses.
I'm having second thoughts about selling off my Canon gear and moving to all Nikon stuff for a while...
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
Re: How do you lock S or C mode without duct tape?
In looking at the D300 I can see how you could inadvertently move the focus mode selector switch when handling the camera in a hurry. I've never encountered the problem you are having on any of my D2X or D3 bodies, but they both have considerably more of the camera body below the focus mode switch. Do you have the MB-D10 battery grip for the D300? That might put some distance between the bottom of the camera and the focus mode switch. This might help keep your fingers from inadvertently moving the switch. Otherwise a nice piece of black gaffer just screams "I'm a pro!" Good luck with it.
M
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
Re: How do you lock S or C mode without duct tape?
Terry - regarding the lens loosing contact. I had that problem with one of the D2X bodies. I learned the lens mount on the camera was the culprit, however, the techs needed the lens and the camera to confirm it. See if the lens loosing power only happens on one of your camera bodies or all of them. In my case, the problem was a misaligned lens mount caused by torque from long glass. It has been completely repaired and the problem has never recurred. Off to shoot football.
M
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
Re: How do you lock S or C mode without duct tape?
Having used the D200 for a few years now, I haven't had any problems with the auto focus switch. However, I leave it on the 'C' setting all the time. I did have problems with the meter mode switch, which now has a piece of black gaffer tape holding it in place.
I also have bits of gaffer tape covering switches on my 70-200, and the aperture rings on my 17-35 and 28-70 lenses. Gaffer tape also holds the lens hood on my 17-35. I use gaffer tape on a lot of my equipment, and it's not an uncommon site on professional gear.
Re: How do you lock S or C mode without duct tape?
Quote:
Originally Posted by David_Buzzard
I use gaffer tape on a lot of my equipment, and it's not an uncommon site on professional gear.
Uncommon "sight" maybe?
Kidding aside, I agree that black gaffer tape is commonly used around pro shoots. Matte finish is non-reflective, it's strong, waterproof, tears easily and never leaves any adhesive residue behind. Much better than the black electrical tape I used before someone turned me on to gaffer tape.
Of course, that doesn't address the op's core complaint that the body could use some ergonomic redesign help but that's another subject.
__________________ Felix
*****
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
Re: How do you lock S or C mode without duct tape?
I've used black masking tape for that problem since the old Nikon 8008 and N90 days..never have known a tape that didn't eventually leave residue, including $40-50 a roll gaffer's. What are the brand names of non-residue tape you guys are using?
Am amazed that Nikon allowed this problem to continue.
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
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