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12-15-2011, 08:58 AM   #1
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1/3 vs 1/2 EV stops

After reading the camera walkthrough in the K-5 review here on Pentaxforums, I noticed it said to set the EV steps custom function to 1/2 stops vs the default of 1/3 stops. Now before someone starts to explain stops, don't bother, I know well what f stops are. My question is, why would you switch it to 1/2, when the default will give you more precision? Is it that the sensor DR in the K-5 has more than enough exposure latitude to easily cover a larger stop interval? What is the reasoning behind setting 1/2 stops?

12-15-2011, 09:05 AM   #2
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No idea, but I know that the difference between them is very small. From 1/3th to 1/2 to 2/3th are small steps.
12-15-2011, 09:10 AM   #3
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I'd guess it's just a matter of personal preference. In my case, when I used 1/3 stop setting, the numbers look weird and it's tougher to calculate exposures. I'm used to 1/2 stop, so thats what I use. I'm sure some people have the opposite story.
12-15-2011, 09:15 AM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by cbope Quote
What is the reasoning behind setting 1/2 stops?
Same feature on my K20D. Why 1/2-stop steps? Larger intervals give greater range. With 1/3-stop steps we can adjust plus/minus 2EV; with 1/2-stop intervals, we can go 3EV. So we can choose between precision and range. And it's a matter of tradition for those of us used to 1/2-stop calculations.

12-15-2011, 09:29 AM - 1 Like   #5
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For most I use 1/3 stops. However, when I use my Cactus V5 triggers I have to switch to 1/2 stops in order to get the 1/180 shutter speed. My K-r doesn't pick up the Cactus as a flash and therefore when on 1/3 stops the shutter speed goes from 1/160 to 1/200. Sync speed is 1/180 (which is a 1/2 stop).

Last edited by ablundon; 12-15-2011 at 05:43 PM.
12-15-2011, 12:14 PM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by ablundon Quote
For most I use 1/3 stops. However, when I use my Cactus V5 triggers I have to switch to 1/2 stops in order to get the 1/180 shutter speed. My K-r doesn't pick up the Cactus as a flash and therefore when on 1/3 stops the shutter speed goes from 1/160 to 1/200. Sync speed is 1/180 (which is a 1/3 stop).
Yes, I noticed that when I was experimenting with my AF360FGZ flash. Top sync speed of 1/180 will not be available in non-program modes if you have the camera set to 1/3 stops.
12-15-2011, 02:37 PM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by ablundon Quote
For most I use 1/3 stops. However, when I use my Cactus V5 triggers I have to switch to 1/2 stops in order to get the 1/180 shutter speed. My K-r doesn't pick up the Cactus as a flash and therefore when on 1/3 stops the shutter speed goes from 1/160 to 1/200. Sync speed is 1/180 (which is a 1/3 stop).
Thanks for that!

12-15-2011, 02:57 PM   #8
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I was using 1/3 stops until I bought a couple of manual lenses, which use 1/2 stops on the aperture ring. Now I only use 1/2 stops, so I don't have to keep working with two systems. Now that I'm used to 1/2 stops, I wouldn't go back. With digital, it's too easy to tweak sensitivity during post-processing. There's no need for fractional precision in the field. Just keep that histogram between the lines, fine tune at home where required.

Last edited by audiobomber; 12-15-2011 at 03:40 PM.
12-15-2011, 03:15 PM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by ablundon Quote
For most I use 1/3 stops. However, when I use my Cactus V5 triggers I have to switch to 1/2 stops in order to get the 1/180 shutter speed. My K-r doesn't pick up the Cactus as a flash and therefore when on 1/3 stops the shutter speed goes from 1/160 to 1/200. Sync speed is 1/180 (which is a 1/3 stop).
Just turn the mode to X and you get 1/180 as well not matter what settings you use.
12-15-2011, 03:37 PM   #10
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The K-r has X mode? My K-x sure as hell doesn't.

I think the solution is to change the Sync speed to 1/500
12-15-2011, 03:41 PM   #11
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I don't believe so but all the advance cameras have it though.
And what is the difference between 1/160 and 1/180 anyway, you can't see that.

Replacing the mechanical shutter with an LCD shutter might do the trick as well but you will lose some light.
Last time i looked it was around 20% so maybe they have improve them with all the 3D going on at the moment.
12-15-2011, 03:42 PM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by Eruditass Quote
The K-r has X mode? My K-x sure as hell doesn't.

I think the solution is to change the Sync speed to 1/500
K-r doesn't either, but AnvH likes to type things without ever checking.
12-15-2011, 03:43 PM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by RonHendriks1966 Quote
K-r doesn't either, but AnvH likes to type things without ever checking.
I never said the Kr had one and i believe the topic was about the K5

QuoteOriginally posted by cbope Quote
After reading the camera walkthrough in the K-5 review here on Pentaxforums, I noticed it said to set the EV steps custom function to 1/2 stops vs the default of 1/3 stops. Now before someone starts to explain stops, don't bother, I know well what f stops are. My question is, why would you switch it to 1/2, when the default will give you more precision? Is it that the sensor DR in the K-5 has more than enough exposure latitude to easily cover a larger stop interval? What is the reasoning behind setting 1/2 stops?
12-15-2011, 03:48 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by ablundon Quote
For most I use 1/3 stops. However, when I use my Cactus V5 triggers I have to switch to 1/2 stops in order to get the 1/180 shutter speed. My K-r doesn't pick up the Cactus as a flash and therefore when on 1/3 stops the shutter speed goes from 1/160 to 1/200. Sync speed is 1/180 (which is a 1/3 stop).
QuoteOriginally posted by Anvh Quote
Just turn the mode to X and you get 1/180 as well not matter what settings you use.
Bite me
12-15-2011, 03:49 PM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by RonHendriks1966 Quote
Bite me
Not my fault he start to talk about the Kr
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