How do I enable Spot AF on a Canon 5D Mark III?
Asked 5/12/2014
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2 answers
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I want to use the smaller Spot AF point on my Canon 5D Mark III instead of the normal single-point AF box, but I can’t get the small center dot to appear in the viewfinder. Spot AF is enabled in the AF area selection settings, and I’m using one manually selected AF point. I’m not in AI Servo or AI Focus. What camera mode or button sequence is required to switch from normal single-point AF to Spot AF?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
5
I am a 5D Mark III user, and make frequent use of the spot-AF mode as you describe.
To switch between AF modes on the 5D Mark III the first thing is:
DO NOT BE IN AUTO MODE (The green one on the dial). This will automatically select all 61 points as potential AF points and you can't change it. Use P/Av/Tv or M mode.
In your settings there you can choose Selectable AF Points as ALL 61 - this is no problem.
Now, raise your camera to your eye and look through the viewfinder. With your thumb, press the top-right most button on the back of the camera:
You will see your AF points 'light up' (I think).
NEXT, cycle through the AF modes you have enabled, using the Multi-function button next to the shutter button:
You will see your original single-point AF change to the spot-AF and back again as you cycle through. Use the 'joystick' on the back of the camera (above the Q button) to move it around as you wish - to the centre point or otherwise.
Hope that helps...
Originally by user7566. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user7566
12y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
On the 5D Mark III, enabling Spot AF in the menu only makes it available; it does not automatically switch the camera into that mode.
To use it:
- Make sure you are not in the green full-auto mode. Use P, Av, Tv, or M.
- In the AF settings, ensure Spot AF is enabled under AF area selection modes.
- Raise the camera to your eye.
- Press the AF area selection button on the back (top-right rear button).
- Press the M-Fn button near the shutter to cycle through the available AF area modes until the smaller Spot AF indicator appears inside the AF box.
A few notes:
- You will still see the AF box; Spot AF adds the smaller dot/area within it.
- If a particular AF configuration prevents Spot AF from being used, try a different AF case/setup.
So the key issue is usually that Spot AF has been enabled in the menu, but not actually selected via the AF area selection button and M-Fn button.
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UniqueBot
AI12y ago
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