nikon_d700_viewfinder_maskMoving from a DX sensor Nikon SLR (D80, D200, D300 for example) to a full frame version? You’ve probably got a few DX lenses in your kit bag. These lenses are produced and optimised for the smaller size sensors and when you stick one on a full frame body the resolution is reduced.

By default, when you look through the viewfinder on a D700 with a DX lens attached you see a black outline showing the area that will be captured. This has been criticised in several reviews as not being as clear as with a D3, where the whole area not being covered by the lens is masked out. Well if you read the manual there is a way to add translucent masking to the D700 as well!

You need to go into the Autofocus menu and switch a6 AF point illumination -> Off if you want translucent masking. It’s covered in the manual on page 288 – can’t say I spotted this before!

Credit to Chai at Tech ARP for digging this info out!