Setting the Fn1 button to turn on Spot Metering

[jk3700]

I read Steve's explanation of spot metering on the d7500.

In his ebook, Secrets to exposure and metering, Steve takes you thru a procedure to assign spot metering to the Fn1 button.

I get thru the Custom Settings Menu, Controls, custom control assignment, Fn2 off, spot metering is grayed out.

When I highlight spot metering a message says, 'this option is not available at current settings or in the cameras state'.

I tried resetting all settings, hoping to clear any setting that might be conflicting. But no luck!

Anyone have any ideas?

 

[Thern]

According to the manual it should be no problem. (I don’t know the D7500)

The manual says

Certain roles can not be assigned simultaneously to both the “press” and “press + command” functions for some controls. Assigning such a role to “press” when it is already assigned to “press + command dial” sets the “press + command dial” option None, while assigning such a role to “press + command dials” when it is already assigned to “press” sets the “press” option None.

Since you say you did reset (custom?) settings it should however be no problem.
I take you have a lens on the camera?
Not that long ago another member ran into issues and the absence of a lens on his camera happened to be the cause.
(Don’t say this applies too here, but it might LOL)

 

[jeffnles1]

what shooting mode are you in? (Aperture, Shutter, Program, Manual)? Some shooting modes do not support all assignments.

 

[Steve]

If the camera is on the green "Auto" mode it'll do that. Go into a regular shooting mode and everything will work

 

[jk3700]

I did change the shooting mode to 'P' and the spot setting went from grey to whitish color for selection.

I think I have the spot metering turned on. No way to know though as I see noting in the viewfinder to tell me.

 

[dabhand16]

I think I have the spot metering turned on. No way to know though as I see noting in the viewfinder to tell me.

Does the metering icon in the top plate LCD and at the bottom of the viewfinder not show your metering mode? On my D850 and IIRC my D810 the icons change when I press the PV button that I've assigned the spot meter to. I could have chosen the FN1 button but I have that assigned to my menu.

 

[Steve]

There’s no viewfinder indication for the spot meter, you just have to have faith it’s on. If you look at the top LCD, you will see the metering pattern change there as you press.

With it assigned to the Fn buttons, it will only be active as you press. So, if you want to use it, you have to press and shoot at the same time.

 

[dabhand16]

That's 3 of us on the forum on Christmas day............

 

[jk3700]

I want you all to know how I appreciate you all taking time and effort to comment on my issues.

This is a great place to bring questions and concerns about photography.

thanks again to all!

 

[Maurie]

Don’t know the 7xxxx series, but on my Z7 I have Fn1 set to select focus mode, and Fn2 set to tracking. Works for me! I also use the movie button for 100% view. Thanks for getting my curiosity piqued enough to explore options Steve!

 

[LL4D500]

There’s no viewfinder indication for the spot meter, you just have to have faith it’s on. If you look at the top LCD, you will see the metering pattern change there as you press.

With it assigned to the Fn buttons, it will only be active as you press. So, if you want to use it, you have to press and shoot at the same time.

I am confused! If I have the camera set to Matrix meter, it shows on top LCD and on lower left in viewfinder. I have PV set to AE-L and must press to utilize (AE-L shows up next to Matrix metering icon in lower left of viewfinder). I have FN1 set to Spot Meter. When I press/hold FN1, the matrix icon in the lower left of viewfinder changes from matrix to Spot Meter while I am press/holding. Am I misinterpreting this? I have a D500.

 

[Steve]

I am confused! If I have the camera set to Matrix meter, it shows on top LCD and on lower left in viewfinder. I have PV set to AE-L and must press to utilize (AE-L shows up next to Matrix metering icon in lower left of viewfinder). I have FN1 set to Spot Meter. When I press/hold FN1, the matrix icon in the lower left of viewfinder changes from matrix to Spot Meter while I am press/holding. Am I misinterpreting this? I have a D500.

You have a D500 and the OP has a D7500 - different viewfinder displays.

 

[Rassie]

I did change the shooting mode to 'P' and the spot setting went from grey to whitish color for selection.

I think I have the spot metering turned on. No way to know though as I see noting in the viewfinder to tell me.

If I may make a suggestion: In my opinion it would probably benefit you more to learn to use the camera in other modes than A or P. You have way more control over the camera's behaviour if you shoot in Aperture or Shutter priority, or in full manual. Once you have those modes down pat, then only would I personally start looking at programming specific buttons for specific shortcuts.