Originally posted by Ex Finn. Luckily it is instantly available from the custom wheel/ mode selector.
Not so instantly. The K-7/K-5 metering mode switch is simply more direct. It only does one thing. One thumb motion and you have quickly changed the metering pattern.
With K-3, K-1 etc adjusting AE mode with the AE mode button + rear e-dial method means perhaps 2 or 3 operations using both hands:
(1) press and hold the AE mode button with left hand (and since it doesn't toggle, you need to keep the button depressed as you adjust the setting, so one hand needs to be engaged throughout this operation);
(2) spin around the rear e-dial with right thumb (hand two).
Not as quick and simple as it once was.