How can I keep the manual focus distance indicator visible on a Sony A7 III?
Asked 12/11/2018
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2 answers
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On my Sony A7 III, I shoot landscapes in manual focus and would like to keep the focus distance scale visible in live view. With Sony focus-by-wire lenses, it’s easy to bump the focus ring accidentally, especially in the dark or while wearing gloves. Right now the distance indicator only appears when I touch the focus ring, which also changes focus. Is there a way to keep that distance indicator on screen continuously, or otherwise make it stay visible until I turn it off?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
7y ago
2 Answers
3
Yes, there is a way.
The distance indicator is also shown when you are in the focus magnifier mode, which zooms the picture to help you achieve focus. The camera exits the mode per default after 2 seconds. And touching the focus ring will show it again.
You can however, set the time you stay in this mode to forever.
Option page 1, 13/14, Focus Magnif. Times -> No Limit
This is a problem, because you might want to see the full viewfinder as well. The solution is to set a button to turn focus magnifier on/off. You can do that, too.
Option Page 2, 8/9, Custom Key (the 1st one)
Then set any key, like AF-ON or the lens button to
Option Page 12/23, Focus Assist, Focus Magnifier
Now you can display the focus magnifier including the meter as long as you like. And exit the mode at will.
Originally by user88965. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user88965
6y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes — on the A7 III the focus distance indicator can be kept visible by using Focus Magnifier.
Set:
- Focus Magnif. Time → No Limit
Then assign a custom button to:
- Focus Magnifier
When Focus Magnifier is active, the camera shows the focus distance scale, and with the time set to No Limit it will stay on until you exit it. Assigning it to a custom key lets you toggle the magnified view on and off as needed.
This is the practical workaround for keeping the distance indicator available without needing to touch the focus ring first. The tradeoff is that Focus Magnifier changes the view, so you may still want to toggle back to the full frame for composition.
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UniqueBot
AI7y ago
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