Hello,

I would like to experiment self-portraits. My remote control device is the ML-L3. I recently found out that contrary to what is said on page 82 in the user manual (Focusing in Remote Control Mode), one must be in mode «Manual» to get the expected result.

I have tried the ML-L3 while being in Aperture Priority mode. If I press half-way the shutter-release button (focus), then the focus stays locked. There are two manners to unlock the focus, 1) swith from «A» to «M» and back to «A» and 2) set the release mode dial to «S» and focus then swith the mode dial to «Remote Control» and then use the ML-L3.

I would appreciate if others could comment on this. Moreover, I would like to know if there exists a clear and complete explanation (e.g. Nikon) on how to use the ML-L3.
Thank you. Jean-François

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Jean-François

I am Jean-Francois, the same person who posted the original message. I give it more thought and I come to the conclusion that what could be perceived as a flaw might be an intersting feature. It is a nice way to lock the focus! Gee, I should think of a way to creatively exploit this.

However, I still think there is a need for a clear and complete explanation of the ML-L3.
J.-F.

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This doesn't sound right. Do you have the auto focus set to AF-S , single servo mode? See page 91 of your manual. In this mode the camera should focus and release the shutter at the same time in Aperture priority mode when you press the ML-L3 button once. Try it. I don't have the D7000 but that's the way my D5100 works. Maybe someone with a D7000 and ML-L3 can verify that's the way it works.

As far as how the ML-L3 works the info is in the individual camera manuals. It only sends a signal to the camera. How this is interpreted is determined by the camera remote setup.

Len

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Set you lens to manual focus and use the remote.

Get an RF, Radio Frequency remote that supports the 2 position release. There are a number of these 3rd party devices that use adapter cords to connect the receiver to the camera so one only needs to buy a new cord if buy a new camera and the cord release plug changes. The remote for some can even be converted to a wired remote.

George
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Len is correct. In AF-S mode, aperture priority, when you depress the button on the ML-L3 wireless remote, the D7000 will first focus and then the shutter will release.

Rocky

Len,

My auto focus is set to AF-S. Besides, my camera works perfectly in manual mode. When I press de ML-L3 button, the camera focuses and releases the shutter (I take self-portraits). I can repeat the operation and if I want to check the focus, I could press half-way the shutter-release button. However, in aperture priority mode, once the camera is in focus, it stays locked.

You are much more experienced photographers than me. So, if you say that it should work in aperture priority mode, I just wounder what is the problem. Could it be my lens? I am using an AF Zoom-NIKKOR ED 80-200mm f/2.8 D.

Thank you again. J.-F.

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J.-F.,

I don't think this is the problem since you say it works in manual mode, but make sure you have custom setting a2 set to the default setting of Focus.

Also, have you tried using Live View in aperture priority mode to see if both the focus and shutter release operate when using the remote?

Rocky

J.-F.

Since you can get the remote to work in M mode and you're happy with it is the important thing. You can do what you want to do.

That you can't get it to work the way it should work in A mode means there may be a setting off somewhere. Take Rocky's advice and see where A2 is set. I would be surprised if the camera had a fault. I doubt that the lens is at fault but try another lens and see what happens. Are you at the end of the close focus distance of your lens?

Len

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Rocky,

Great snakes! My custom setting a2 was set to «Release». I did as you recommended and it works fine. Each time I press the ML-L3 button, the camera gets in focus and then the shutter releases.

Thanks to you Rocky (and to Leonard) for your advices. May I push my luck and ask one more question. Why is it necessary to set a2 to the default setting of Focus to use the ML-L3 in Aperture Priority mode while the ML-L3 works normally in Manual mode regardless of the a2 setting ?

OK, one more. What is the advantage of using a wireless remote device (eg. Vello Wireless Remote Shutter Release) over the ML-L3 ?

Thank you again,
J.-F.

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a2 setting. (This is how I think it works with a remote. Someone correct me if I'm wrong)
In release mode the shutter release must be pushed to fire the shutter, at least in A mode. In M mode pressing the ML-L3 button the second time is like pressing the shutter release.
In focus mode the shutter will fire when the AF system is in focus. It does not require pressing the shutter.

Wireless remote.
Systems like the Vello use RF transmission. It is not directional like the ML-L3 plus it has a much more extended range, up to 320 feet. It will work from the side or above the camera or anywhere. The ML-L3 must be pointed at the IR sensor on the camera body.

Len

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I meant to add that I prefer the MC-DC2 corded remote. It works like the shutter button on the camera, half press to focus and full press to release the shutter.

Rocky

This is an update about the use of the ML-L3.
First, I just want to remind that I documented the «anomaly» with my AF Zoom-NIKKOR ED 80-200mm f/2.8 D.
Now, I just found out that, using the AF-S VR Micro-105mm f/2.8G IF-ED,the ML-L3 works just fine (e.g. as described in the user manual) in Aperture Priority mode regardless of the a2 setting.

There must be a little something which makes older lenses incompatible with the Aperture Priority mode while using the ML-L3. But what? I did not try yet, but I guess the autofocus is bogus with my AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D (ML-L3, Aperture Priority mode, a2 set to Release).

J.-F.

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J.-F.

When you had the big 80-200 f2.8 on your camera, did you have the aperture locked to the smallest f/stop? With the older lenses, this must be done in the auto exposure modes or the camera will not fire.

Patrick,

The answer is yes.
J.-F.

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