Use of focus points during manual focus mode

[k.udhay]

Hi,

I have got a Nikon D3200 camera. I see that there are 11 focus points in the viewfinder. I can understand its use during auto focus mode. But during manual focus mode, will it be of any use? The reason I ask is, when I turn my manual focus 'on', I still am able to change the active focus point. Will this affect the photo in any way? Thanks!

 

[Bush]

no, they have no effect on the photo or with what you are doing when you are manually focusing.

 

[KmH]

When you are in manual focus mode, the lens that came with your camera still sends distance information to the auto focus module in the camera.
Consequently, when focus has been manually achieved, at whichever of the 11 focus point you have selected, the camera will still light the in-focus indicator in the camera viewfinder.

Your D3200 has another manual focusing aid. It's called Rangefinder mode - see page 142 of your D3200 user's manual that is on the software disc that came with the camera.
Or you can download the users manual here - User's Manual - D3200 - Guide to Digital Photography

 

[deeky]

I use the autofocus points all the time when I shoot in manual focus mode. When I need something particularly straight or symetrical, I use the autofocus points in the viewfinder to line up the shot. Probably not exactly how they were meant to be used, but it works.

 

[k.udhay]

Thank you KmH! I wouldn't have realized this option if you hadn't told. Its unfortunate that Rangefinder cannot be used during 'M' mode shooting.

 

[David8]

Its unfortunate that Rangefinder cannot be used during 'M' mode shooting.

Really? Well that explains what I was doing wrong... I should probably read the manual more when things go wrong... Thanks!

 

[Patrice]

Check with yours, on some cameras the meter matrix reading is biased by the selected focus point.

 

[robinjohn]

The camera's AF sensors and selected focus point allow a wide area for focusing control. Working with one AF point can prove especially useful if a subject requiring critical focus is away from the center of the image.

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