Nikon D40 manual focus

[ooverdrive]

I am getting a D40 probably next week...being new to Dslr world got a question
on D40 manual focus...so there is no internal focus motor and we have to focus manually with non Afs lenses...I understand there is a AF/MF button on lenses and all we have to do press the MF button ....so what happens next?is that a slow process to manually focus with D40 ..I mean is that a big issue in general
if the subject is stationery:confused:

[Daily Mik]

Your question made my head hurt at first, but I think I know what you're asking. As you are already aware, only AF-S lenses from Nikon, and HSM lenses from Sigma AF on the D40. All other lenses will be MF only. Because of that, there really isn't a need to switch the button on the lens to manual because, you're manual anyway. Zoom lenses have a two ring design; one that will zoom the lens and the other is used for manual focusing. On primes, there is only one ring, used for manual focusing. Stop by a camera shop and play with one of the cameras there to get a feel for it.

[Screenclutter]

For my 50mm lens, all I do is stick the lens on and use the focus wheel to focus. A focus indicator in the form of a green dot appears at the bottom left hand corner when you look through the viewfinder.

There is also an aperture ring on the 50mm lens that needs to be set to f/16 if you want the D40 to change and control the aperture for you. Unless I'm blind looking at this thing right in front of me, there is no AF/MF button or switch that I can see right now.

It's not that hard to manually focus, and there is no issue if the object you are focusing on is not moving quickly. If you are just getting the D40, you're going to use more effort remembering all the buttons than manually focusing.

[scupking]

Your question made my head hurt at first, but I think I know what you're asking. As you are already aware, only AF-S lenses from Nikon, and HSM lenses from Sigma AF on the D40. All other lenses will be MF only. Because of that, there really isn't a need to switch the button on the lens to manual because, you're manual anyway. Zoom lenses have a two ring design; one that will zoom the lens and the other is used for manual focusing. On primes, there is only one ring, used for manual focusing. Stop by a camera shop and play with one of the cameras there to get a feel for it.

Tamron also makes lenses that will AF for the D40 and D40x.

[hankbeblazin]

I am getting a D40 probably next week...being new to Dslr world got a question
on D40 manual focus...so there is no internal focus motor and we have to focus manually with non Afs lenses...I understand there is a AF/MF button on lenses and all we have to do press the MF button ....so what happens next?is that a slow process to manually focus with D40 ..I mean is that a big issue in general
if the subject is stationery:confused:

manual focus is as fast as you have learned it. learn it well and it can be as fast as you want, always zoom in on images on the LCD to be sure its in focus, if not readjust

[ooverdrive]

Because of that, there really isn't a need to switch the button on the lens to manual because, you're manual anyway.

Thanks for clearing the issue:):):)A bunch of nice people here at Nikon camp:D
i was just asking as there was a lot of material posted everywhere regarding this as a big issue against D40....will try to experiment the new cam and ask questions next time.Thank you again for everyones input.

[fionndruinne]

Well, it's the only real issue, thus has been talked about a lot. The other potential issues for this camera can all be excused when you take into account its price and intended market range.

Nikon's AF-S range is really pretty decent; all that's lacking is primes and macros in the mid-price range. Sigma basically picks up the slack in more expensive, large-aperture lenses, and does pretty well there with their HSM options. The 18-50mm f/2.8 HSM stands out.

[mugsisme]

I understand there is a AF/MF button on lenses and all we have to do press the MF button ....

Could the button you are referring to be the switch on the side of the AF lenses that make them manual? As was previously stated, on the 50mm lens, there is no switch. The only other button is the setting, M, on the dial. That is not a manual focus button though. That one lets you choose your aperture and shutter speed.

You just have to get used to looking at the green light. I find sometimes that outdoors, in very bright light, it is hard to see. I was advised to throw a coat over my head when I do photography outside, but with little kids running around, that is NOT going to happen.

You can take your camera into a local camera store, and try out the lens. That is what I did the day I bought my 50mm lens. Once I saw that it was really NOT that big of a deal, that baby was mine.