Why can’t I focus my Sony α7S in Smart Remote when I’ve set the camera to back button focus?

I’ve discovered a problem with my Sony α7S when it’s configured for back button focus and using Sony remote control

I’m not sure if this is a fault with the Sony α7S or an oversight by Sony. Like my Nikon bodies I’ve set the Sony α7S to back button focus. I’m now used to that style of shooting and it feels natural. For back button focussing I have the AF/MF button set to autofocus and autofocus has been disabled on the shutter release button.

When I have connected the camera to PlayMemories Mobile (the Sony app on my iPhone and iPad) I can change aperture and exposure compensation but I can’t focus like I should be able to. The way it works is you have the camera set up aimed at the target and by touching the iOS device’s screen the camera should focus. In the back button focus configuration the focus option isn’t available in the Smart Remote app. When I return the camera to its factory settings so that the AF/MF button is set to toggle between AF and MF and the shutter release has AF enabled when holding down halfway, the focus function becomes evident in the Smart Remote app.

I was hoping the solution would be to set my back button focus configuration to a memory recall setting, e.g., M1 or M2, so I could switch between configurations. Sadly switching doesn’t change the settings for the buttons.

I suppose the good thing is I’m not planning to use the Sony α7S for remote shooting when my main use for the Sony α7S will be hand held restaurant review food photography.

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