Wow! The K-5 has AMAZING focus accuracy in low yellowish light!

Christine Tham · 03-09-2011, 02:38 AM

Pictures of our possums in our backyard (they keep us as pets).

This is taken after 8pm at night (completely dark except for a single yellowish light bulb illuminating the courtyard at the back of our house)

It was so dark the K-5 hunted around a fair bit, and occasionally turned on the AF assist light, before locking focus.

But every time it locked focus, it got it right.

Here's a shot showing the K-5 correctly focusing on the possum (rather than the branches or the leaves in front of it)

And just to show that it is not front focusing, here's a shot focusing on the possum's back - as you can see it's feet and the branch is out of focus:

One final picture of the (female) possum posing for me:

Last edited by Christine Tham; 03-09-2011 at 02:44 AM.

**dcmsox2004** · 03-09-2011, 05:50 AM

it's posts like these that inspire confidence in the k-5's ability to 'work' properly in low light conditions..... what lens did you use? you have some superb 'fast' glass .. also, i assume you used your onboard flash, was it set at default settings?
(p.s. exif info would help us help ourselves

) thanks for the post christine, dave m

Smeggypants · 03-09-2011, 06:56 AM

The K-5's front focus fault in low light has been properly documented and even Falk has provided an excellent scientific report proving this fault.

My K-5 and the K-5 owned by many many others has this fault and we are all awaiting a fix.

The OP has even stated the focus assist light was used for some of these pictures, which would invalidate the report for such pictures

Here's two images taken by myself of the same number plate with my K-5 with attached Sigma 30mm/1.4

1/160 f/1.6 ISO6400 - both 100% crops. no PP - subject distance about 20 to 25 feet

Auto Focussing using Live view

Auto Focussing using regular focus

btw - that number plate wasn't even dim light, it was lit by the headlights of my car. K-5's regular AF failed. Live view focus nailed it.

Therefore I would respectfully contend the following claim "The K-5 has AMAZING focus accuracy in low yellowish light!"

dgaies · 03-09-2011, 07:04 AM

Originally posted by Smeggypants

The OP has even stated the focus assist light was used for some of these pictures, which would invalidate the report for such pictures

I have to agree.

If the AF assist light came on during these shots, then this doesn't really tell us anything about the K-5's ability to focus in low light. I've personally never had any focus issues when the AF assist light comes on. Then again, the number of FF/AF issues I've had with my K-5 are pretty minimal when I use fast glass in low light (though I can replicate the FF issue if I disable the AF-assit light and/or use slower glass).

Wheatfield · 03-09-2011, 07:06 AM

How often are you going to trot that horse out of the barn?
That was shot at ~EV2 with a partial spectrum light removing some EV from the scene.
You may well have been out of range for the AF system.

Jim Olson · 03-09-2011, 07:10 AM

I don't understand why you would not want to use the focus assist light in low light conditions.
Isn't this what makes it possible for the camera to focus properly in those situations. When would you not want to have the focus assist light come on. The OP seems to have demonstated that it does a fine job. It seems that until we know what lens he was using as compared to the lens used in the liscense plate photo it is hard to make a judgement. I am not sure that this is
a condition that would matter to me.
Jim

Smeggypants · 03-09-2011, 07:16 AM

Originally posted by Wheatfield

How often are you going to trot that horse out of the barn?]

I shall continue to prove the LL FF fault until it is fixed and there are styill those denying it exists

Quote:

That was shot at ~EV2 with a partial spectrum light removing some EV from the scene.
You may well have been out of range for the AF system.

It was well within the claimed range of the AF system. My K20D and K10D AF perfectly in the same condfitions.

Smeggypants · 03-09-2011, 07:21 AM

Originally posted by Jim Olson

I don't understand why you would not want to use the focus assist light in low light conditions.
Isn't this what makes it possible for the camera to focus properly in those situations. When would you not want to have the focus assist light come on. The OP seems to have demonstated that it does a fine job. It seems that until we know what lens he was using as compared to the lens used in the liscense plate photo it is hard to make a judgement. I am not sure that this is
a condition that would matter to me.
Jim

The OP doesn't demonstrate the K-5 does a fine job. It only demonstrate's the Op's K-5 works when the assist light comes on. I would expect the assist light to come on in a dark garden.

The assist light comes on well below the EV that the Front focussing fault appears, so there is no choice whether the use the assist light anyway in such conditions.

Furthermore there are plenty of scenarios where the assist light is obtrusive.

I advise you read Falk's report into the front focussing fault, as posted in the news and rumours forum.

Smeggypants · 03-09-2011, 07:48 AM

Here's an example from another K-5 user. This time one test tasken in natural light. Again EV levels way above where the assist light is enabled ..

From here

1st image - 10.56am, natural light indoors. EV3

2nd image - 9.47pm, indoors. Light source filament bulb and tv. EV2.3

pinholecam · 03-09-2011, 08:40 AM

Originally posted by Jim Olson

I don't understand why you would not want to use the focus assist light in low light conditions.
Isn't this what makes it possible for the camera to focus properly in those situations. When would you not want to have the focus assist light come on. The OP seems to have demonstated that it does a fine job. It seems that until we know what lens he was using as compared to the lens used in the liscense plate photo it is hard to make a judgement. I am not sure that this is
a condition that would matter to me.
Jim

If you'd read enough threads here in the K5 sub-forum you'd start to see a few names repeating the same thing and same samples

explosive · 03-09-2011, 08:46 AM

Originally posted by Smeggypants

Here's an example from another K-5 user. This time one test tasken in natural light. Again EV levels way above where the assist light is enabled ..

From here

1st image - 10.56am, natural light indoors. EV3

2nd image - 9.47pm, indoors. Light source filament bulb and tv. EV2.3

Thanks for quoting my post Smeggy...

explosive · 03-09-2011, 09:02 AM

Originally posted by pinholecam

If you'd read enough threads here in the K5 sub-forum you'd start to see a few names repeating the same thing and same samples

Pinholecam I think you'll find I haven't posted any samples here before. Yes I get FF at low levels, hopefully the firmware update will rectify the issue. If not it goes back for replacement/repair.

30v iPentax · 03-09-2011, 10:10 AM

Minulla oli jo 50 vuotta sitten jalusta.

Rupert · 03-09-2011, 10:37 AM

I won't question your particular results or your opinion.....other than to say that those that question Falc's extensive testing and disagree should be required to put up their credentials.

What I do question is your "Possum". Now I am an old Possum hunter, and I know a Possum when I see one.....I have no idea what that varmint is you posted, but here is a real Possum.....comes out in my shop to eat the cat food every night, has for years. This is his "baby picture"...he is much larger now...

More recent...shot through my office window with a tungsten porch light as lighting....K20D.
[IMG]

[/IMG]

I can not only spot a real Possum, I can spot a real Possum sandwich! Can you do that?

Possum, the "Other White Meat" !

[IMG]

[/IMG]

Best Regards!

LeeRunge · 03-09-2011, 10:42 AM

I think he has a Common Brushtail Possum, different continent but still a Possum.

Common Brushtail Possum - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

03-09-2011, 02:38 AM	#1
Christine Tham Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,269	Wow! The K-5 has AMAZING focus accuracy in low yellowish light! Pictures of our possums in our backyard (they keep us as pets). This is taken after 8pm at night (completely dark except for a single yellowish light bulb illuminating the courtyard at the back of our house) It was so dark the K-5 hunted around a fair bit, and occasionally turned on the AF assist light, before locking focus. But every time it locked focus, it got it right. Here's a shot showing the K-5 correctly focusing on the possum (rather than the branches or the leaves in front of it) And just to show that it is not front focusing, here's a shot focusing on the possum's back - as you can see it's feet and the branch is out of focus: One final picture of the (female) possum posing for me: Last edited by Christine Tham; 03-09-2011 at 02:44 AM.

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03-09-2011, 05:50 AM	#2
dcmsox2004 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: rhode island Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,522	it's posts like these that inspire confidence in the k-5's ability to 'work' properly in low light conditions..... what lens did you use? you have some superb 'fast' glass .. also, i assume you used your onboard flash, was it set at default settings? (p.s. exif info would help us help ourselves ) thanks for the post christine, dave m

03-09-2011, 06:56 AM	#3
Smeggypants Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,536	The K-5's front focus fault in low light has been properly documented and even Falk has provided an excellent scientific report proving this fault. My K-5 and the K-5 owned by many many others has this fault and we are all awaiting a fix. The OP has even stated the focus assist light was used for some of these pictures, which would invalidate the report for such pictures Here's two images taken by myself of the same number plate with my K-5 with attached Sigma 30mm/1.4 1/160 f/1.6 ISO6400 - both 100% crops. no PP - subject distance about 20 to 25 feet Auto Focussing using Live view Auto Focussing using regular focus btw - that number plate wasn't even dim light, it was lit by the headlights of my car. K-5's regular AF failed. Live view focus nailed it. Therefore I would respectfully contend the following claim "The K-5 has AMAZING focus accuracy in low yellowish light!"

03-09-2011, 07:04 AM	#4
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by Smeggypants The OP has even stated the focus assist light was used for some of these pictures, which would invalidate the report for such pictures I have to agree. If the AF assist light came on during these shots, then this doesn't really tell us anything about the K-5's ability to focus in low light. I've personally never had any focus issues when the AF assist light comes on. Then again, the number of FF/AF issues I've had with my K-5 are pretty minimal when I use fast glass in low light (though I can replicate the FF issue if I disable the AF-assit light and/or use slower glass).

03-09-2011, 07:06 AM	#5
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,981	How often are you going to trot that horse out of the barn? That was shot at ~EV2 with a partial spectrum light removing some EV from the scene. You may well have been out of range for the AF system.

03-09-2011, 07:10 AM	#6
Jim Olson Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 49	I don't understand why you would not want to use the focus assist light in low light conditions. Isn't this what makes it possible for the camera to focus properly in those situations. When would you not want to have the focus assist light come on. The OP seems to have demonstated that it does a fine job. It seems that until we know what lens he was using as compared to the lens used in the liscense plate photo it is hard to make a judgement. I am not sure that this is a condition that would matter to me. Jim

03-09-2011, 07:16 AM	#7
Smeggypants Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,536	Originally posted by Wheatfield How often are you going to trot that horse out of the barn?] I shall continue to prove the LL FF fault until it is fixed and there are styill those denying it exists Quote: That was shot at ~EV2 with a partial spectrum light removing some EV from the scene. You may well have been out of range for the AF system. It was well within the claimed range of the AF system. My K20D and K10D AF perfectly in the same condfitions.

03-09-2011, 07:21 AM	#8
Smeggypants Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,536	Originally posted by Jim Olson I don't understand why you would not want to use the focus assist light in low light conditions. Isn't this what makes it possible for the camera to focus properly in those situations. When would you not want to have the focus assist light come on. The OP seems to have demonstated that it does a fine job. It seems that until we know what lens he was using as compared to the lens used in the liscense plate photo it is hard to make a judgement. I am not sure that this is a condition that would matter to me. Jim The OP doesn't demonstrate the K-5 does a fine job. It only demonstrate's the Op's K-5 works when the assist light comes on. I would expect the assist light to come on in a dark garden. The assist light comes on well below the EV that the Front focussing fault appears, so there is no choice whether the use the assist light anyway in such conditions. Furthermore there are plenty of scenarios where the assist light is obtrusive. I advise you read Falk's report into the front focussing fault, as posted in the news and rumours forum.

03-09-2011, 07:48 AM	#9
Smeggypants Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,536	Here's an example from another K-5 user. This time one test tasken in natural light. Again EV levels way above where the assist light is enabled .. From here 1st image - 10.56am, natural light indoors. EV3 2nd image - 9.47pm, indoors. Light source filament bulb and tv. EV2.3

03-09-2011, 08:40 AM	#10
pinholecam Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,706	Originally posted by Jim Olson I don't understand why you would not want to use the focus assist light in low light conditions. Isn't this what makes it possible for the camera to focus properly in those situations. When would you not want to have the focus assist light come on. The OP seems to have demonstated that it does a fine job. It seems that until we know what lens he was using as compared to the lens used in the liscense plate photo it is hard to make a judgement. I am not sure that this is a condition that would matter to me. Jim If you'd read enough threads here in the K5 sub-forum you'd start to see a few names repeating the same thing and same samples

03-09-2011, 08:46 AM	#11
explosive Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 25	Originally posted by Smeggypants Here's an example from another K-5 user. This time one test tasken in natural light. Again EV levels way above where the assist light is enabled .. From here 1st image - 10.56am, natural light indoors. EV3 2nd image - 9.47pm, indoors. Light source filament bulb and tv. EV2.3 Thanks for quoting my post Smeggy...

03-09-2011, 09:02 AM	#12
explosive Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 25	Originally posted by pinholecam If you'd read enough threads here in the K5 sub-forum you'd start to see a few names repeating the same thing and same samples Pinholecam I think you'll find I haven't posted any samples here before. Yes I get FF at low levels, hopefully the firmware update will rectify the issue. If not it goes back for replacement/repair.

03-09-2011, 10:10 AM	#13
30v iPentax Inactive Account Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Suomi , Finland Posts: 368	Minulla oli jo 50 vuotta sitten jalusta.

03-09-2011, 10:37 AM	#14
Rupert Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 25,123	I won't question your particular results or your opinion.....other than to say that those that question Falc's extensive testing and disagree should be required to put up their credentials. What I do question is your "Possum". Now I am an old Possum hunter, and I know a Possum when I see one.....I have no idea what that varmint is you posted, but here is a real Possum.....comes out in my shop to eat the cat food every night, has for years. This is his "baby picture"...he is much larger now... More recent...shot through my office window with a tungsten porch light as lighting....K20D. [IMG] [/IMG] I can not only spot a real Possum, I can spot a real Possum sandwich! Can you do that? Possum, the "Other White Meat" ! [IMG] [/IMG] Best Regards!

03-09-2011, 10:42 AM	#15
LeeRunge Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 993	I think he has a Common Brushtail Possum, different continent but still a Possum. Common Brushtail Possum - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia