I just feel like smashing it!

[glamy]

I am trying to take pictures without the flash at f4 with the 32 f:2 in a room that is normally lit. The crap thing can't even focus every time. It may come from the lack of contrast of some areas...Should the "focus assist" light come on in that case (it does not)? I got r09 showing in the control panel, what is that supposed to mean?
It's not the first time I get frustrated with that b##*# thing, I am afraid some day it will end up in a disaster! I really need to vent some air...
Gerard

[Matt. K]

Gerard
You may have the focus assist light turned off in the menu. Get in there and turn it back on.

[Glen]

Gerard R09 means 9 shots available in the buffer. Guess you are shooting jpg. Aim at a high contrast well lit area at the same distance as your subject. Focus, then press the AE-L AE-F button on the right of the viewfinder. Whilst keeping it pressed, press shutter release.

Focus assist light can be turned by custom menus, but I find it just peeves subjects (well it peeves my dog). I would bump the ISO up as this sounds dark. If none of this works I will give you $50 for your 35 f2

[glamy]

Thanks guys,
The "focus assist" is always on in the menu, but does not always come on. I manage to get around the difficulties, but that is more than annoying seeing that darn thing hunting and hunting.... I am trying to test my settings for a 360 so I do not have much choice but do a manual focus.

[digitor]

Thanks guys,
The "focus assist" is always on in the menu, but does not always come on.

If the focus assist light has been in use a lot, it will shut off for a while so it doesn't overheat - this may be why it doesn't work all the time for you.

Cheers

[Glen]

Use the lightswitch on the wall, doesn't shut off and is a great focus assist

[glamy]

Digitor, thank you for the info. Glen, if one day I really smash the whole thing, I'll give you the lens... The problem is more the poor focussing ability of the D70 in average conditions. I can't help but getting upset everytime this happens!
Cheers,
Gerard

[birddog114]

Digitor, thank you for the info. Glen, if one day I really smash the whole thing, I'll give you the lens... The problem is more the poor focussing ability of the D70 in average conditions. I can't help but getting upset everytime this happens!
Cheers,
Gerard

Glamy!
Calm down! there's a D200 in the horizon or perhaps a D2x will be more suitable, if it's the case

[Onyx]

Gerard, sorry for your frustrations. To address the issues:

The AF-assist beam - unfortunately it cannot be forced on for every shot. If it's set to on in the menu and it's not coming on as expected, it could be because the camera deems there is sufficient light to focus.

The D70's focusing abilities under the circumstances you outlined can be average at best... I've experienced it myself. Pending a body upgrade (that rumoured D200 is sounding sweet right now) it's one weakness I guess we have to work around.

My best advice is to -

Stick with centre focus point, as this is the only cross hatched AF sensor on the D70.

Focus on the edge of an object instead of directly at the object itself.

Do as the people in the 1960s had to do - focus manually (highlighting yet another shortfall of the D70 - its viewfinder size).