Manual focus distance indicator

[trojanrobmc]

Is there any way to get the manual focus distance indicator that shows subject distance when the camera is in M mode to appear in other modes. I really find this focus indicator useful in dark settings, especially when I need to match distances, but can’t find another way to access it besides being in M mode.

[XKAES]

It really would help if you clue us in as to what camera(s) and lens(es) you are working with.

[tadwil]

On my A7II, the manual focus distance indicator in the viewfinder or the LCD monitor is available on all modes ranging from Auto to PASM modes.  The focus setting must be in either MF or DMF.  And the lenses must have contacts to communicate with the camera, in another words no legacy manual focus lenses will work (the manual focus distance indicator does not show up in the viewfinder). 

I am not so certain of the efficiency of the distance indicator because the smallest increment of distance indicator is 0.1m, that's 10cm or about 4 inches, and in a close focus shots that's a lot of distance to cover.

[XKAES]

I can't speak about your camera -- it should be in the manual -- on my a850 the "IN-FOCUS" indicator lights up whether in Auto-focus mode (when the shutter release is pressed lightly and it find something to focus on --or in manual-focus mode.  In both cases, the camera's "IN-FOCUS" indicator lights may not be focused on what I want in focus.

I suspect your camera works the same.

[thebeardedgroundsman]

On my A7Rii the focus distance indicator works on all my lenses with electronic connectors, but not my Laowa 15mm which doesn't have them. However, the focus peaking works on the Laowa as well.

I love the fact Sony make manual focussing so easy!

[trojanrobmc]

FYI, I'm referring to the near/far focal point distance like the one on the image I uploaded below. From what I gather, it only shows up in the "photo" modes P/A/S/M. When you go into video mode, that option goes away. My camera is an a7siii with a Sony GM lens.

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[tadwil]

1 hour ago, trojanrobmc said:

FYI, I'm referring to the near/far focal point distance like the one on the image I uploaded below. From what I gather, it only shows up in the "photo" modes P/A/S/M. When you go into video mode, that option goes away. My camera is an a7siii with a Sony GM lens.

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This is how you should have phrased your question in the first place.  Your initial post has no information regarding the equipment nor what you were trying to achieve with them, leaving us to 'guess' what it is that you are asking about.

I believe you are right, the focus distance indicator is only available in Auto and PASM modes - still photography mode.  My A7II won't allow video recording to start unless the camera is in the Movie mode no matter what lens is mounted or not and I would guess your A7SIII isn't any different from the A7II.