I only started working with AF equipped SLRs in 2001, all my prior
SLRs were manual focus only as were most of my favorite rangefinder
and viewfinder cameras as well.
AF-C only very occasionally handier for me.. I didn't really miss it
much on the DS prior to firmware v2.00, same as I've always done on
the Canon 10D and other digital or film cameras I've owned that had
it. Most of the time now I leave the camera in AF-S mode anyway ...
it's very easy to flip to MF when I want complete control of focusing.
I find the AF/MF switch handier than the OK button modes or AF-C, and
it means I don't have to remember whether I have a lens that supports
QuickShift focusing (only got one of those anyway).
About half the time, I have my cameras set to MF mode. I find MF
faster than AF most of the time, the notable exception is when I'm
shooting with the FA135/2.8 IF lens ... the AF seems to focus that
faster and with more consistency than I can, probably due to the
somewhat loose feeling and very short travel focusing ring.
Godfrey
