Fujifilm Back Button Focus (NEW)

How to enable back button focus on Fujifilm cameras. This is a revised and expanded video from a few years ago. It covers two methods for photography, as well as a way to enable back button focus for video.
📔 Table of Contents
00:00 - Intro and Welcome
00:10 - What Is Back Button Focus?
01:22 - How To Set Up Back Button Focus on Fujifilm Cameras
06:02 - Back Button Focus and Video Using Fujifilm Cameras
08:45 - Geariguana Ceremony
09:35 - Conclusion and Outro
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pal2tech offers fun and easy-to-follow photography and camera training videos, tech products, and help for camera owners. Also, camera settings, tips/tricks, photography techniques, Capture One photo editing, and business strategies. You'll also find technology and device reviews, video production training, Fujifilm X series camera information, and lens reviews.
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#fujifilm #pal2tech #photography

[@pal2tech]

Do you have any different (or better) methods for BBF for Fujifilm?

[@RipeOldBanana]

Been using BBF on my XT20 for two years but your tip about the MF method just made my day! It's been a real pain to hand off the camera and explain how to take the picture. Thank you. I'll go outside and try this out tomorrow in the snow.

[@BonyK20]

@pal2tech Now i have for you an inposible task :D Fuji X-H2s, burst mode and i need exposure metering with every frame, so page 112 of the manual. "To vary exposure with each shot, select OFF for BUTTON/DIAL SETTINGS > SHUTTER AE." But unfortunetly with this settings, after half pressed shutter i dont know which ISO settings will be used with first photo. So I don't know how much "space" I have to go further. Manual mode, SS on my needs, and Auto ISO. If i turned ON "SHUTTER AE", with half pressed shutter button i can see what ISO will be used, but the same ISO for every shoot in burst will be used. So is there any posibility to have SUTTER AE on OFF for metering on any frame together with half pressed shutter which will show used ISO ?

[@phlotographer]

last thing I would ever do when travelling -- let someone you don't know have hold of the camera you own but might no longer.@@RipeOldBanana

[@MacBookUser100]

I've been using the rear shutter speed dial as the back button focus. I've a question regarding the BBF on manual focus only. That is probably using only AF-S, not AF-C right?

[@joaomartins9121]

@@MacBookUser100 In the AF-MF menu, set INSTANT AF SETTING to AF-C. While you hold down your back button to focus, you are now in AF-C mode, but when you lift your finger, focus is locked on the last thing you focussed on.

[@MegaLolStorm]

I just want to tell you that you are probably responsible for 90% of fujifilm community knowledge of fujifilm menu and settings. I love your videos, you go in so deep into the fine details that, quite honestly, I wouldnt have learned by myself even in 5 years of using my fujifilm. Thank you so much for all of your hard work and dedication to this channel - and all of the fujifilm community.

[@rumporridge1]

Pal is the best out there for us Fuji guys.

[@dykam]

It's the combination of settings which make these videos so valuable to me. You'd never figure those out on your own without spending hours going through settings. I'm used to normal auto focus, but I'll for sure be enabling AF+MF, I've been missing that option and wasn't aware it existed.

[@michellewhite6692]

I’ve always found back button focusing confusing. This is the best explanation I’ve seen. Thank you.

[@SomOutdoors]

I just want to say thanks! I tried method 2 today with some wildlife and WOW, I got an incredible hit rate! Like never before! I’m going to back button focus forever, but still have the normal focus option for when my wife takes the camera. Thanks Chris, you are awesome!

[@brentmiller3250]

This. Is. Exactly. What. I. Was. Looking. For.!!! I wanted to be able to back-button focus in manual mode (when I shoot), but also have the option of half-pressing the shutter button in AFS and AFC when my wife is using the camera. Thanks so much!!!

[@rodneytopor1846]

I don't think you mentioned this addition to your MF method. In the AF-MF menu, set INSTANT AF SETTING to AF-C. Now, while you hold down your chosen back button to focus, you are effectively in AF-C mode, but when you lift your finger, focus is locked on the last thing you focussed on. I find that useful.

[@stephengray1973]

I’ve never fully understood the purpose of back button focus. Now I do! Thank you.

[@carolingrimaldi]

Saw the Back Button Focus video 2yrs ago. Since then I used the second method (manual focus + BBF with dedicated button) and it works great for me.

[@GregoryLopez1]

The instant AF menu setting seems pretty important here, too. My preferred method is the MF method, and setting instant AF settings to AF-C. That way I can get the best of all worlds: if I want effective AF-S, I tap the AF ON button in MF mode, and hold it if I want effective AF-C. Having the Instant AF settings set to AF-S doesn't grant such flexibility. I'm a noob, though, so there's a good chance I don't know what I'm talking about!

[@DavidApunkt]

This is a great idea and (at least to me) it seems very intuitive. Thanks for sharing, i'll definitely try it out

[@jeannedesmond985]

I never tire of these great reminders- 2024 is a great year to refocus (pun intended) on priorities of all sorts. Well done Chris, and as always thank you.

[@nvrumi]

I hadn't thought about using manual focus with a back focus button. This is an excellent tip and I just made the changes to my X100V setup. I like it. I've had just that experience of handing my camera to another person for a photograph of a buddy and me and had to explain back-button focusing. No more!

[@stuartriley4976]

I used to have my back dial set for BBF, but I realized the dial is better to use for magnifying the image during manual focus. So I use the AF/ON button for BBF, allowing me to magnify as needed.

[@pablopicasosz]

Chris it is so good to have you back another helpful video!!!!

[@Kiite702]

That crosswalk scene made me cackle so loud! 😂 Great video good Sir! 👍

[@GmailDanny]

Hi Pal I am a photojournalist and I am using your method and your advice, with my Fujifilm X-T5. This about focusing is really very very useful. Thanks, you're amazing. The only flaw, if I may say so, is that you speak too quickly and I, who know little of the language, have difficulty keeping up with you, even the subtitles scroll too quickly.

[@andreasniggemann]

Thats not a big of a deal. In youtube you can set the play speed to 0.75 or 0.5 and it will slow down. Just click on the gear icon on the bottom right of the video and adjust the speed to your liking.

[@norberthani]

I use the back button focus for video on my X-S10 to avoid breathing and al sorts of focus search. Simply put it to manual focus and hit AFL for acquiring focus. The red focus peeking is quite useful.

[@shutterbyifan7958]

im using xpro3. I use rear wheel as my af on button and front dial as my ae lock button. I put my camera on AF-M, so I can focus on button and adjust manually, thus, i can lock my exposure and re-compose. its very useful when i do street photography and playing with shadows.

[@dan.allen.digital]

Great video Chris. I solve all these focus problems by using manual focus lenses. It's so much faster most of the time. I will try some of the things you showed today with my autofocus lenses. Thanks!

[@bao.n.nguyen]

Wow I've never known that my camera has that back button focus until I watch this clip. This is a game changer for me. Thanks for sharing.

[@MichaelFrederickPhoto]

I am a BBF person till I die! I just find it so much easier for off/on need to focus.

[@sophietucker1255]

I have a GFX 50SII and your technique of MF back button focus has made this camera so much more enjoyable to use. I only have the GFX from Fuji but I have found many of your ideas work on it also.

[@PaulParkinson]

That's outstanding. I've been using BBF for years and it's been a trade off of convenience versus control. Your MF Method is brilliant and is my new go-to method for BBF. Thank you.

[@ArifRahmanOnGoogle]

it just new to me using af on on manual mode. thank you chris. you still the best teacher on fujifilm gear ever.

[@user-pb5ku5qp9r]

This was a fabulous explanation of back button via manual mode - thank you!!

[@gilcarag274]

I used the first method when I was shooting Fuji. The benefit of BB focusing is to be able to go seamlessly from continuous to single AF(without having to use the front toggle and potentially miss the shot) which the second method does not allow. The thing with most Fuji except the XH body style is that the buttons are really crap and it’s hard to have a good feel using those buttons. Even Sony makes better buttons and control wheels ! Not a Fuji haters. 😊

[@spikehodge5412]

I agree about the buttons, not easy to get at. You might want to try a front button if your model has one.

[@sadiebelgrave6988]

Your channel is so helpful. Thank you so much. Do you ever do 1-1 tutoring? If you do I would be very interested. You are amazing. Thank you 🙏 From England x

[@davidstanton8668]

On my x-t30 I have repurposed the Q button for back button focus. The Q button was nothing but trouble and now it is useful.

[@aucourant9998]

I use the front button. It means I don't have to fiddle around at the back and I can keep my eye locked to the viewfinder.

[@snoogly]

Put a tiny blob on the button at the back, and your finger will find it at once.

[@thomasemory4352]

I don’t know how you’d fiddle if it’s always in the same spot

[@aucourant9998]

@@snoogly When your index finger is on the shutter button, your second finger sits naturally on the front button. Try it.

[@dypsoman]

merci pour les tips! j'attendais ce genre de video spécial pour fujifilm depuis tellement de temps! j'en ai vu passé pour canon, sony ou nikon. rien d'aussi précis pour fujifilm! tellement de merci!

[@mr_jarble]

I love you little cutaways like to the pulp fiction seen :)

[@Ed-lz4jv]

HUGE thanks to you.....I have the T5, never liked back button focus in S, C, modes. I did up the M mode changes like you said works GREAT. WHY don't Fuji just add a software change so if you hit back button focus button it also disables shutter focus, having to go into menus no good

[@tjschmal]

You are genius ! Since i only want to use BBF in some special situations and sometimes need manual focusing because of the lens anyway, the MF-BBF-method how you call it or the pal2tech-focusing-technique how i will call it from now on is perfect for me. I do photography for more than 45 years and i am into the Fuji-System for approx. 10 years, but i always find new and useful stuff on your channel. Thank you so much for your work.

[@albertphillips447]

Give FBF a try! I use the F2 button for focus. I find it is the easiest button for my finger to find. I know you (and others) use it for display, but I do usually look at the LCD if I am viewing my photos, so it is easy for me to keep the use the DISP button as set.

[@carlosmozephoto]

Great video Chris! Wish I could visit the channel more often! Having into consideration the comments below you are a significant part of so many Fujifilm shooters (including myself) and I am sure for newcomers as well. There isn't a single person that I see new to Fuji that I immediately recommend the channel. It has been a while and there isn't no commercial interest, just you utmost quality of content and entertaining as well. Where can it get better than this?!!! Cheers Btw working regularly with XH2S and the standard AF ON button works great. Both AF-C S shutter button unable.

[@ImagesbyCeciSnow]

Excellent video. I had to do a factory reset on my X-T5 due to a write error issue and I'd forgotten some of these set up ideas. Thank you.

[@sjuhav]

Appreciate the very good explanation that made it easy to follow the steps required, and also making the benefits clear. The 2nd solution was totally new for me, while the 1st solution had eroded from my memory, even though I have it on my X-H2S

[@happynikitas]

Thank you! Very helpful! I’ve always had video focus issues and now I won’t have any issues

[@jimocamb2935]

Great video as always - thank you! I have been using BBF on my XT-5 because I found the shutter to be a little too sensitive - I was snapping a pic before I was fully ready!

[@barracuda976]

I use the 2nd method almost de 80% of my shoots. I love it.

[@samedersay8864]

Amazing tutorial as usual. I'm so glad you're renewing some of the dated tutorials!

[@mikerubin9278]

On my X-T3, I have the front button programmed for BBF. When I hold my camera, my finger naturally falls where that button is. If I accidently press and release it when taking my camera out of the bag it's no problem because it won't change anything.

[@Justtellmetheanswer6910]

Cheers Chris. Slowly learning how to use my camera thanks to you. Absolute legend. ❤❤❤

[@brendon408]

I use the MF BBF method for anything other than when I want to use subject detection .Thanks for your Fuji content it's been a great resource other the past couple of years with my XT4 and XT5.

[@4x4_travel]

I appreciate these tips. I used BBF on my Nikon but never messed with it on the Fuji. Going out for a Eagle shoot in a few days and will make these changes.

[@plouie49]

Excellent tip. Thanks for your videos. I learn so many tips

[@fpokenny]

this was really helpful to understand back button focus but still not sure I get the allure. If I keep focus on the shutter button I can use my thumb to move the focus area with the joystick. But if I use back button focus it's not as smooth changing the focus point because my thumb needs to be two places at once. FWIW I'm in single point focus.

[@barrywolpin5800]

Really enjoyed this video. Looking forward for the next one.

[@bobharper7014]

Love you Chris. Happy New Year. Hope this year affords you your wildest dreams. Really.

[@sstokoe2301]

You are awesome…. I can’t tell you how much you have helped me!!

[@robmas57]

Thanks for another great informative video. I’ve been using the MF method for some time as it’s so easy to flip a switch before handing off the camera to someone who doesn’t need to understand BBF.

[@JackieDElia]

Very helpful video, Chris. Love the options Fujifilm has.

[@fengshuischoolindonesia6161]

Amazing teaching, thank you Chris.

[@davebenson1504]

Thank you... I might like to try the Manual back button method for stills... 🙂

[@icogicog8287]

A little twist that I use is to do spot metering in the context of back button focusing. As you can separate the 2 functions completely and do the metering with the shutter button and use the back button for focus. I find this quite handy

[@supdota2]

can you assign metering and back button focus on the same button? on my canon when i press the back button for focus, the metering automatically starts. on my fuji i ahve to press both back button focus and half press the shutter to check my metering which is annoying, how do you combine them into 1 button?

[@icogicog8287]

I believe there is a menu item about coupling or uncoupling focus and metering. In spot metering I prefer to keep them separate as the focus point may not be the place I want to do the spot metering.

[@supdota2]

@@icogicog8287 i can't find the setting! google doesn't give me an answer and i can't find that setting no matter how hard i try. do you remember vaguely what the setting is called or under which menu item?

[@s.vancourt9541]

What are your thoughts on using "On when Pressed" vs "On when Pressing"? (This question also applies to AEL). X-S10 user

[@BryanButton]

Love BBF and set all my bodies to use it. I have BBF set up for manual focus as well. The only issue I have with using manual focus as my "BBF Mode" is that you miss out on previewing your DOF with electically compatible lenses. The camera forces the lens open for focusing and only closes it down when the shutter button gets pressed half way. Haven't figured out a good workaround yet, maybe exposure locking would work but then it's another button. On an only slightly related note, it's a little triggering seeing all the covers and close-outs missing from your camera 😂

[@GrenvilleMelonseedSkiff496]

Best Fuji BBF video by a country mile … thanks! 📷 (X100V) 😀

[@charliejg]

On my X-T3 I've always used the AE-L button as back button focus. It's in a more comfortable spot for me that the AF-L button. I do get confused with AF-C sometimes though. If eye/face detection is enabled once it acquires the subject's face/eye it will continue to attempt to track that subject. But, what happens when eye/face detection is disabled? BTW, I'm talking about photography here, not video. Does it continuously attempt to acquire focus if I keep the button depressed? But, if I do a single press will the focus be set and not change even if I pan around?

[@KennyVo120]

Thanks for this vid, new shooter and was wondering what people meant by back button focusing!

[@mrhelichopper]

Awesome information Chris, thanks so much!

[@Ebrospot]

Thanks for information Chris, I will try it

[@number6705]

Question - on my X-T4, the AF ON button on the camera back is already there for this purpose, correct? If not, what is its purpose? Thanks, good video.

[@steveh8658]

Yep. A dedicated BBF button are the norm for modern cameras.

[@SanjibDas-tq6ek]

Thanks for this video very much...this is very useful for birding and wildlife.. Thank u very much sir

[@effiecat4702]

thanks pal2tech... big help for me

[@rachel.isabelle]

This was extremely helpful! thank you! I'm glad that you explained the benefits of back button focus as I've heard of it but never really understood why one would use it! I definitely want to try out the MF method and see how that goes!

[@user-ue8pw7lf6e]

Great info and am using it; however, I can no longer "punch in" using the rear command dial while using my manual Nikon 55mm macro lens for fine focusing.... I want to have that option back. Please advise. Best Regards, Jay

[@mikkoleinonen5696]

Thanks bud, very useful tips!

[@juanroque92]

This is amazing content. Thank you!

[@scottkrahn-uu4sm]

how can I program either the AF ON button or AEL button on my Fuji XT5 to focus and meter at same time

[@Cenit_Pro]

As always Chris! Thank you so much.

[@ourholm]

Thanks for your excellent videos for us Fuji owners. I enjoyed this one, however, I don't think you mention AE that also happens with shutter release half-way down. What is happening with BBF technique when it comes to AE detection? I also tried configuring a BBF button and the the Traditional approach. Yet when I half-press the shutter, I see focus change but not to the point of the subject being in focus. I expected focus to have have no change on half-press, so I'm wondering what is going on?

[@brsaravia]

Again , great video , thank you !!! one problem solved for me. !!

[@jmbgermany]

very helpful, even when you're using a X-S!0 with a PASM wheel!

[@billwhite2818]

I’d like to know if you can assign two buttons for BBF? Specifically one for zone and one for eye w/o having to change it in the menu?

[@steveh8658]

No you can't have two buttons for BBF. The way I would achieve it is to use the C1-C7 custom settings to program your different AF needs. Then, if using X-T5 go to Q menu to select the appropriate custom setting on the fly. It's easier on the X-H2 and X-H2S with their custom dial.

[@kentcrawford1007]

Chris - I have an X-T4 and have always used bbf on continuous - just releasing the bb to freeze on subject. My question and your thoughts on using wide area tracking to focus then release to assist with reframing for composition.

[@asd7959]

can you please help and advice how can i assign automode scene selection to a button in fujitsu xs20?

[@mac69041]

Great video Chris.. thank you.

[@Goldmangun]

Really useful, thank you!

[@FlorianCortese]

Great review, Chris. I've been a BBF guy for a very, very long time. almost since when I began taking photography seriously. I use the MF method, BTW.

[@pal2tech]

Thanks Florian! Yeah, once you start using it, you never go back!

[@ryankelly3743]

Is there a way to have the shutter in afc with wide focus area, and the back button as afs on spot focus?

[@frankartale1026]

That was awesome !

[@Dabba_2021]

Hi Chris, I use the traditional back button method. I think the MF method is great, but unfortunately the face recognition doesn't work and I can't switch it on. Is there a solution? Thank you very much!

[@EthanMPhillips]

A little bit different, but It'd be cool to see you do a plane spotting session with a fuji 100-400 or something, show the steps you'd take for fast moving distant objects but still getting sharp balanced photos :) ✈️

[@johnnyway8667]

Back button focus for video doesn't work for Fuji XT4 in AF-S mode. It only focuses once in AF-S when pressing BBF, but if I hold the button it's not continuously focusing.

[@spikehodge5412]

As alway, informative and understandable. I've use BBF on my Cannons for years. So far I havent on my X100V simply because I use it mainly for street photography and can't always get to the viewfinder and spend time there. But your excellent tip about doing the MF's way, does indeed give you best of both worlds! As an aside, if you have an X100 with an aftermarket thumb grip (or you just have a big thumb!) you might find it easier to use the Front button on the focus lever for "back" button focus. You probably already have your middle finger on it already :-)

[@EZ-lj3hv]

My AF functions (Need to enable it from the settings) are on the touch screen on the X-S20. Seems to be doing well. I can click on the object I want to focus on the screen and it immediately focus on that. I have not tried moving objects yet, not sure how efficient that would, probably not so much :-)

[@frankthissen3338]

Hi Chris, this method is fine. But using MF the eye recognition is no longer available. Is there a way in using it in MF with back button focus?

[@paulirving989]

I've been trying out the NF BBF method and the only thing that gets me sometimes is it seems that with MF set my face / eye auto detect custom button no longer works. I have to put it back into C or S to get that working again.

[@wimepictures648]

Thanks a lot for these great tips, and for your videos in general. I've got a XT-3 and it's look like different for video parameters. I can't shoot with this BBF. Is it normal or it's me? 😉 Thanks in advance.

[@OwenChikazawa]

Is there anyway to achieve the BBF/AF-S in video with a camera that doesn't have a physical focus mode dial? For instance, the XH2 and XH2-S? It's grayed out in the menu so it can't be selected.

[@iandisney4872]

Just watched the video again and have installed and used your second option on my XH1 successfully. However, have been trying to set it up on my XS10 and can do so however the manual focus ring does not work at all once I have hit the AF on button even though it's set to manual focus. So, either I'm doing something wrong (most likely) or as the XS10 doesn't have the MCorS switch, (yes is done via the menu), maybe this doesn't work. Any thoughts welcome.

[@barrywolpin5800]

I am going on a trip to the South Pacific soon. Can you please do a video on presets setting to same time when you really have no time to take. the shot.

[@herveblanchon1530]

I have always used the MF method, I thing I learned that on you channel a long time ago. Cheers!

[@blueyhills]

Personally, I like the Fn2 button for BBF but it's actually FBF

[@robertgrenader858]

With my Fuji XT-4, the AF-On button was more or less flush with the camera back; I could never find it, particularly when wearing gloves. On the XT-5, the Fuji ergo engineers woke up and smelled the coffee the AF-On button is raised and rounded, making BBF possible,

[@samuelhorvath8818]

@pal2tech do you have a beginners guide to the xs20? I got that body as a Christmas gift from my wife and I am trying to get a good handle on the platform before we go to Greece this summer! Thank you, I appreciate all your videos so far!

[@russstamp5965]

Thanks for this great description of BBF. I've used the traditional way on my previous X-T2 and now on my X-T5. I'm heading to the Pacific Coast in a week to shoot waves. This year I was thinking I might use the Fuji RR-100 Remote Release. After testing it, it appears I need to have the focus set to the shutter button in order for the remote to focus when half pressing the remote. Wondering if you know of a workaround to let me use the RR-100 with BBF enabled? No problem switching back and forth between shutter button focusing and BBF, but would be nice if I didn't have to make that switch. Thinking I can't have it both ways!

[@frankfavale3872]

Chris, this was great. I like the MF option..best of both worlds.

[@buyaport]

Thanks for the "AF+MF on" tip, didn't know that one.