Back button focusing with the 6D

[billybobboy42]

I cannot get my 6D's back button focus (AF-ON) to work.  After following directions on Canon's website on how to set it up, the button just does not do anything.  Auto focus only works  with the shutter button.  I have the function set to "P" which I understood to be o.k.  Would resetting the camera to factory default help?  I would prefer not to have to send the camera to Canon for a one button repair.  The camera body was purchased new and is still under warranty.

Thanks

[schewens]

I followed all the instructions to set up, but when I press shutter button it still focuses. When I use back button it focuses as well I thought by pressin half way would be disabled. I am new to photography and trying to understand this. Thanks in advance

Steve

[amfoto1]

I don't have 6D, so have to ask...

Does the camera have highly automatic settings on the Exposure Mode dial (the dial on the lefthand "shoulder" of the camera... "Scene Modes", I think Canon calls them) indicated by the "running man" for sports or "mountain" icon for scenic, etc.? If so, I think using some or maybe all those modes will automatically disable Back Button Focusing. Also the "Green Box" on older cameras or "A+" on newer models (both highly automated modes) might disable it, too.

I only shoot in Tv, Av, P and M exposure modes with my cameras (Canon calls them the "Creative" modes in some documentation I've seen), so am not sure if all the highly auto modes disable BBF or not. Try switching to "P" and see if it will BBF then (after disabling it from the shutter release button in the custom button assignment are of the Custom Function menu).

P is "Program" and is still a highly automatic exposure mode. It  will set both the aperture and the shutter speed for you, but it doesn't override other camera settings such as AF, color temp, file type, etc. For that matter, both Tv (Shutter Priority) and Av (Aperture Priority) are other types of auto exposure modes, too.

Let us know if this helps.  

[Sabine]

Hi,

sorry I forgot to answer....I too also shoot in Av or M but on one of my last photogs meeting I found a Canon user who played a bit with my camera and now I can focus on backbutton 🙂 

[xxtoolxx]

The other setting that helped me to enable back button autofocus on the 6D in live mode with auto focus disabled on the shutter was in  the menu, fifth icon from the left, the rear camera icon with 1 dot. The second option from the top titled AF Method, I changed it from Quick Mode to Live Mode.

Now in Live mode I can use the rear LCD to frame my shot with the back button to focus, however I still have to use the center focus point and recompose as I have yet to figure out how to move the focus point in Live mode.

[Dasunh]

For anyone reading these posts and still has questions, I made a guide with a bunch of images  that walks you through the process. As the others have said, its super simple, and super worth it!

[Mod note: Removed link per Forum Guidelines]