Super Tak 55/1.8

jbuck92 · 01-24-2012, 04:39 PM

My lens came in the mail today (finally!) but whenever I shoot with it the pictures are all washed out white when used at any aperture other like maybe 8 or smaller. I know it's because of my built in flash, but if I turn off the flash I need a slower shutter. At 55mm, a shutter slower than maybe 1/20 hand held is going to account for bluriness.

Any ideas on how to eliminate the wash out white but still able to make use of the lower aperture values?

**Lowell Goudge** · 01-24-2012, 04:47 PM

Unfortunately except for the *istD series cameras that support TTL flash, all newer bodies will fire the flash at full power when using M42 or K mount lenses. You need KA mount or newer on the K series DSLRs to use P-TTL flash. You can, if an external flash supports AUTO mode use an external flash, but the best flash results are achieved with the *istD series bodies. If you have patience learn manual flash calculations. The body flash is about GN15 in meters which means 15 meters at F1 and 100iso. Each stop down from F 1 cuts distance in half so an F2 lens is 1/4 distance at ISO 100

jbuck92 · 01-24-2012, 04:51 PM

So basically for me to get enough light on my shots id need a slower shutter speed and be limited to a tripod when not using my flash?

I just experimented with it a bit more and I was able to get a few mediocre exposed shots from it but it's either flash on and completely washed out or flash off and too dark unless I have a slow shutter speed, leading to bluriness. I guess I could try a bit higher ISO but I don't want them to end up grainy

Ikarus · 01-24-2012, 04:57 PM

Try bumping up the sensitivity. With my K-x, I have used the 55/1.8 wide open for many shots indoors without flash at ISO 3200, e.g. these two:

Last edited by Ikarus; 01-24-2012 at 05:35 PM.

**Lowell Goudge** · 01-24-2012, 05:15 PM

Try stopIng down a little. Look up flash calculations. It is not that hard

**boriscleto** · 01-24-2012, 05:55 PM

How are you setting the exposure? Are you using M or AV mode?

foto guy · 01-24-2012, 06:09 PM

Sounds to me like the lens is in Auto mode. Check to see if the raised slide next to the aperture ring is showing an A or an M. It should be showing an M for Manual. This sets the aperture at the indicated f-stop opening, rather than keeping it wide open all the time as it does on A. Most Pentax screw mount lenses have this feature. The only downside is that if you're shooting at small apertures in dark environments, you may need to open up the lens to focus, then stop it down to take the shot. I have this lens and love it. I'm sure you will too.

jbuck92 · 01-24-2012, 10:57 PM

Thanks everyone. After a bit more experimenting I think imgetting the hang of it. The lens is showing an M and im using M mode as well. Nothing that new to me there since even with my kit lens I use manual quite a bit. Just getting used to the aperture ring. I do love the bokeh that this lens provides!

01-24-2012, 04:39 PM	#1
jbuck92 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 381	Super Tak 55/1.8 My lens came in the mail today (finally!) but whenever I shoot with it the pictures are all washed out white when used at any aperture other like maybe 8 or smaller. I know it's because of my built in flash, but if I turn off the flash I need a slower shutter. At 55mm, a shutter slower than maybe 1/20 hand held is going to account for bluriness. Any ideas on how to eliminate the wash out white but still able to make use of the lower aperture values?

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01-24-2012, 04:47 PM	#2
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,886	Unfortunately except for the istD series cameras that support TTL flash, all newer bodies will fire the flash at full power when using M42 or K mount lenses. You need KA mount or newer on the K series DSLRs to use P-TTL flash. You can, if an external flash supports AUTO mode use an external flash, but the best flash results are achieved with the istD series bodies. If you have patience learn manual flash calculations. The body flash is about GN15 in meters which means 15 meters at F1 and 100iso. Each stop down from F 1 cuts distance in half so an F2 lens is 1/4 distance at ISO 100

01-24-2012, 04:51 PM	#3
jbuck92 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 381 Original Poster	So basically for me to get enough light on my shots id need a slower shutter speed and be limited to a tripod when not using my flash? I just experimented with it a bit more and I was able to get a few mediocre exposed shots from it but it's either flash on and completely washed out or flash off and too dark unless I have a slow shutter speed, leading to bluriness. I guess I could try a bit higher ISO but I don't want them to end up grainy

01-24-2012, 04:57 PM	#4
Ikarus Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: California Photos: Albums Posts: 484	Try bumping up the sensitivity. With my K-x, I have used the 55/1.8 wide open for many shots indoors without flash at ISO 3200, e.g. these two: Last edited by Ikarus; 01-24-2012 at 05:35 PM.

01-24-2012, 05:15 PM	#5
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,886	Try stopIng down a little. Look up flash calculations. It is not that hard

01-24-2012, 05:55 PM	#6
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	How are you setting the exposure? Are you using M or AV mode?

01-24-2012, 06:09 PM	#7
foto guy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Vernon, Connecticut Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 292	Sounds to me like the lens is in Auto mode. Check to see if the raised slide next to the aperture ring is showing an A or an M. It should be showing an M for Manual. This sets the aperture at the indicated f-stop opening, rather than keeping it wide open all the time as it does on A. Most Pentax screw mount lenses have this feature. The only downside is that if you're shooting at small apertures in dark environments, you may need to open up the lens to focus, then stop it down to take the shot. I have this lens and love it. I'm sure you will too.

01-24-2012, 10:57 PM	#8
jbuck92 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 381 Original Poster	Thanks everyone. After a bit more experimenting I think imgetting the hang of it. The lens is showing an M and im using M mode as well. Nothing that new to me there since even with my kit lens I use manual quite a bit. Just getting used to the aperture ring. I do love the bokeh that this lens provides!

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