Nikon D40X - Manual (Page 38)

26 Reference: More on Photography (All Modes)/Focus
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 area in the final composition. It can also be
used when the autofocus system is unable to focus ( 27). Single or dynamic area AF is rec-
ommended when using focus lock ( 24).
The shutter-release button can not be used to lock focus in mode ( 19), continuous
shooting mode ( 32), or continuous-servo autofocus ( 23), or when continuous-servo
autofocus is selected in auto-servo AF ( 23). Use the AE-L/AF-L button to lock focus. At
other settings, focus will remain locked between shots if the shutter-release button is kept
pressed halfway.
Focus Lock
Controls used Shutter-release button/AE-L/AF-L button
1 Focus lock can be used with any focus area. Position the sub-
ject in the selected focus area ( 25) and press the shutter-
release button halfway to initiate focus.
2 Check that the in-focus indicator (z) appears in the view-
finder. Focus will lock automatically when the in-focus indica-
tor appears, and remain locked while the shutter-release
button is pressed halfway. Focus can also be locked by press-
ing the AE-L/AF-L button while the shutter-release button is
pressed halfway. 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.
3 Recompose the photograph and shoot.
12—AE-L/AF-L ( 77)
This option controls the behavior of the AE-L/AF-L button.