Sony AF/MF Switching Focus Modes Underwater [VIDEO]

Featuring Logan Wood

While Sony's autofocus system leaves little to be desired, there may be some situations where you want to switch between autofocus and manual focus underwater. That is possible through the menu system on certain Sony mirrorless cameras and Logan shows you how to set that up. 

Recently we got a question asking how to switch between autofocus and manual focus when using the Sony 90mm Macro in conjunction with our Focus Gear for Sony 90mm Macro # 5509.47. Let me show you an easy way to set that up.

 

Changing Focus Modes Internally

So this all works off of the Sony cameras ability to internally switch focus modes. Unfortunately if you're shooting a Sony A1 or A9, this won't work for you since those cameras use a physical dial to change focus modes. But if you're using other Sony cameras like the A7RV, your focus menus can be changed internally and they're found in the menus or programmed into the function menu.

 

Programming Focus Mode to the Fn Menu

You can program this by going to the Setup Menu > Operation Customize > Fn Menu Settings, and choose a slot for focus mode. Now when you press the Fn button you can change your focus mode.

 

Assigning a Custom Button

However, you can get there even faster by programming a custom button to access the Focus Mode Menu.

Back in the Setup Menu, go to Custom Key/Dial Set for either photo or video > and I'll choose custom button 3, but you can choose whatever button works for you > AF/MF > And choose Focus Mode.

Back on the shooting screen I'll press my custom button and go directly to the Focus Mode Menu. Here I can switch between autofocus modes and manual focus.

 

Move the barrel on your lens up to switch it into autofocus mode and adjust the focus gear so that the tabs slide down into the slots, as pictured here.

 

Set the Lens to Autofocus

Now when you’re setting up your camera and lens with the manual focus gear, you typically set the lens to manual focus and set it all up normally. You can check out Sony 90mm Macro Focus Gear Installation // Ikelite 200DL Underwater Housing [VIDEO] if you still need the basics on how to set up the manual focus gear.

However, this time we're going to switch the lens to autofocus by moving the barrel up and adjust the focus gear so that it still slides down into the slots. Turn the knob to make sure you’re still making contact.

Now the camera will work in autofocus mode while still giving you the ability to switch to manual focus mode with full control over the focus ring.

I hope this quick tip makes shooting underwater a little bit easier for you and if you have any questions shoot us an email to ikelite@ikelite.com.

 

Additional Viewing

Sony 90mm Macro Focus Gear Installation // Ikelite 200DL Underwater Housing [VIDEO]

Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS Review and Results

Sony Custom White Balance Shortcut for Use in Underwater Housings [VIDEO]

Customizing the Dial Functions on a Sony Mirrorless Camera for Underwater Use [VIDEO]

Sony a7R V Underwater Camera Review with Sample Footage [VIDEO]

Logan Wood is a published photographer, cinematographer, and Producer at Ikelite. Stemming from a great appreciation for the outdoors and living an active lifestyle, his work focuses on capturing and sharing the natural world through the latest technologies. When not in the studio, Logan can be found cruising on his bike, going to concerts, and researching where to go next. You can see more of his work at loganwood.net and on Instagram @jlowood