Nikon D7000 - Manual (Page 117)

97
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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 93), 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 auto-
area AF is selected for AF-area mode (
0 94).
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 pressed halfway (q), press the AE-L/AF-L
button (w) to lock both focus and exposure (an
AE-L icon will be displayed in the viewfinder).
Focus will remain locked while the AE-L/AF-L
button is pressed, even if you later remove your
finger from the shutter-release button.
AF-S focus mode : Focus will lock automatically
when the in-focus indicator appears, and remain
locked until you remove your finger from the
shutter-release button. Focus can also be locked
by pressing the AE-L/AF-L button (see above).
Shutter-release button
AE-L/AF-L button