K-5 Firmware v1.03 on Pentax Japan site

LeeRunge · 03-09-2011, 08:26 PM

Just in time. My k5 is scheduled for delivery tomorrow. Seems the two main issues are resolved. Now we can begin the autorotation complaint storm.

MrPetkus · 03-09-2011, 08:27 PM

This is a legitimate problem but I think, as you suggest, perhaps there are less regular flash shooters. Who knows. I've forgone PTTL on the K5 and set flash parameters manually with the AF540gz. Given the K5's high DR, I frequently set power output between 1/16 - 1/64, keep ISO @100 (even if it means under-exposing) and raise exposure in PP. My flash fires away all night without a battery change. Perhaps this isn't the most modern way to use a $1400 camera and $400 flash in 2011 but the results are great.

Originally posted by efkelly

Too bad the bounce flash overexposure issue still exists. As an event/wedding photographer it kind of stinks. I wonder why this does not get the same amount of attention as the sensor stain or FF issues (maybe not a lot of pentax shooters use flash?). I have had 4 bodies that exhibit all the same behavior. For the people who aren't aware of the problem, set your camera on Manual, f4-5.6, 1/50th second, and any ISO (as long as the scene is not over exposed to begin with. For example, indoors at an event, I will typically shoot at f4-5.6,1/50 sec, and ISO 800 (to conserve flash battery power- at a higher ISO the flash will not have to work as hard)) and try using any flash bounced off the ceiling and compare it to direct (IN PTTL). The flash will overexpose by about a stop or more every time. The only way I have found to control it is to put the camera's highlight expansion on and to dial down the flash exposure -1/3 or -1/5. This is not a permanent solution because when I need direct flash, I have to fumble around to dial the flash up again. When I get some more time, I will post some comparison shots.

Eric

ursamajor · 03-09-2011, 08:34 PM

Congratulations. Enjoy your K5!! It was a camera who deserved it! I must admit that I didn't believe they will be able to solve the issue. Good job! But I'm waiting the Kr firmware fix...

Smeggypants · 03-09-2011, 08:36 PM

Ok, been doing a lot of tests ... I will say there is some improvement, but the AF performance on my K-5 is still way behind the K20D. I'll post pictures tomorrow sometimes as it's 3:30an here, but here's the test I just did ....

K20D - Sigma 30/1.4 - exposure f1.4 1/60s ISO160 [apox EV6.5] tungsten light.

AF test chart focus spot on!

K-5 - Sigma 30/1.4 - exposure f1.4 1/60s ISO160 [apox EV6.5] tungsten light.

AF test chart focus spot on!

proves the above the two cameras perform equally well with the same lens and same settings at EV6.5

now taking the light down to EV2 ...

K20D - Sigma 30/1.4 - exposure f1.4 1/60s ISO3200 [approx EV2]

object in room - AF spot on

K-5 - Sigma 30/1.4 - exposure f1.4 1/60s ISO3200 [approx EV2]

object in room - phase AF way front focusses. contrast AF nails it.

---------------------------------------

Current conclusion: My K20D focus works perfectly at EV2 in all situations i've tried. the K-5 AF has worked in some situations at EV2 but there's many situations including the test above where it has failed miserably.

A lot more testing required.

efkelly · 03-09-2011, 08:37 PM

Great Suggestion MrPetkus. I will give it a try. Sounds a bit easier. I may just upgrade to the 58 AF2 and use the A mode...

efkelly · 03-09-2011, 08:41 PM

Originally posted by areidjr

I never was able to reproduce that fault with the 3 copies of the K-5 that I had, all of which suffered from severe FF. When I get another K-5 I'll test it using your settings. I shoot a lot with bounce flash and also with large bounce cards.

I can't believe you can't reproduce the problem. I've done it on every K5 I've touched. Just be indoors with a Negative EV (-1 to -3 or whatever), set the camera on Manual, f4, 1/50th second, and any ISO. Then bounce the flash and you will see. I've seen it on any ISO from 100 to 800 (I rarely go beyond ISO 800).

Pentax Kid · 03-09-2011, 08:43 PM

Yes I am very glad

Get 1.02 outa here! My k5 was not happy on 1.02 its auto focus was terrible and at one stage had to reset the camera because it was having freak outs! It kept changing the metering mode and changing from auto focus to manual with out me touching a button well on the screen that is but still !!! Hopefully 1.03 is much more kind

sjwaldron · 03-09-2011, 08:53 PM

Installed successfully. I never bothered looking into the issue on my own, but I'm glad they are willing to improve the camera's focus accuracy.

**Ash** · 03-09-2011, 09:50 PM

Great news - and I must say it was pretty quickly sorted out.

JayBee · 03-09-2011, 10:07 PM

Actually, very little improvement, if any.
Thoughts?

All shots DA 40mm f2.8 ISO 80. 3 sec, with 2-sec delay.

alexeyga · 03-09-2011, 10:14 PM

Originally posted by JayBee

Actually, very little improvement, if any.
Thoughts?

All shots DA 40mm f2.8 ISO 80. 3 sec, with 2-sec delay.

What were you focusing on?

Catalana · 03-09-2011, 10:18 PM

Does not look like an improvement to me, according to the posted images. Smeggypants is also not convinced. How about a default reset or reset of the AF fine adjustment parameters?

Smeggypants · 03-09-2011, 10:18 PM

Originally posted by alexeyga

What were you focusing on?

I would say the green leaves.

Ray Pulley · 03-09-2011, 11:47 PM

Originally posted by Smeggypants

Ok, been doing a lot of tests ... I will say there is some improvement, but the AF performance on my K-5 is still way behind the K20D. I'll post pictures tomorrow sometimes as it's 3:30an here, but here's the test I just did ....

K20D - Sigma 30/1.4 - exposure f1.4 1/60s ISO160 [apox EV6.5] tungsten light.

AF test chart focus spot on!

K-5 - Sigma 30/1.4 - exposure f1.4 1/60s ISO160 [apox EV6.5] tungsten light.

AF test chart focus spot on!

proves the above the two cameras perform equally well with the same lens and same settings at EV6.5

now taking the light down to EV2 ...

K20D - Sigma 30/1.4 - exposure f1.4 1/60s ISO3200 [approx EV2]

object in room - AF spot on

K-5 - Sigma 30/1.4 - exposure f1.4 1/60s ISO3200 [approx EV2]

object in room - phase AF way front focusses. contrast AF nails it.

---------------------------------------

Current conclusion: My K20D focus works perfectly at EV2 in all situations i've tried. the K-5 AF has worked in some situations at EV2 but there's many situations including the test above where it has failed miserably.

A lot more testing required.

Smeggy,

A request:

My K20 will not hold DOF in low light (EV2) at f1.4 (FA 50) and probably not at 2.0 either. It is close at 2.8 and in at f4, no trouble at f5.6.

If the K5 would do at least as well as that, it would be ok for most indoor shots I would be shooting (well, except for the bounce issue).

Can you shoot a comparison or test at f4 EV 2 or so?

If that looks ok, I will probably re-order the K5 as it will work about as well as my K20 does.

I must say that the Contrast and PDAF shots in this thread are not at all encouraging, as they look just like the results I saw with my earlier K5 bodies.

Thanks,

Ray

ursamajor · 03-09-2011, 11:56 PM

Originally posted by JayBee

Actually, very little improvement, if any.
Thoughts?

Did you used tungsten light? Or it's in low daylight?
Did you RESET camera after the update?

03-09-2011, 08:36 PM	#49
Smeggypants Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,536	Hmmm - K-5 still not as good as K20D Ok, been doing a lot of tests ... I will say there is some improvement, but the AF performance on my K-5 is still way behind the K20D. I'll post pictures tomorrow sometimes as it's 3:30an here, but here's the test I just did .... K20D - Sigma 30/1.4 - exposure f1.4 1/60s ISO160 [apox EV6.5] tungsten light. AF test chart focus spot on! K-5 - Sigma 30/1.4 - exposure f1.4 1/60s ISO160 [apox EV6.5] tungsten light. AF test chart focus spot on! proves the above the two cameras perform equally well with the same lens and same settings at EV6.5 now taking the light down to EV2 ... K20D - Sigma 30/1.4 - exposure f1.4 1/60s ISO3200 [approx EV2] object in room - AF spot on K-5 - Sigma 30/1.4 - exposure f1.4 1/60s ISO3200 [approx EV2] object in room - phase AF way front focusses. contrast AF nails it. --------------------------------------- Current conclusion: My K20D focus works perfectly at EV2 in all situations i've tried. the K-5 AF has worked in some situations at EV2 but there's many situations including the test above where it has failed miserably. A lot more testing required.

03-09-2011, 08:41 PM	#51
efkelly Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: New Haven, CT Photos: Albums Posts: 91	Wow! Originally posted by areidjr I never was able to reproduce that fault with the 3 copies of the K-5 that I had, all of which suffered from severe FF. When I get another K-5 I'll test it using your settings. I shoot a lot with bounce flash and also with large bounce cards. I can't believe you can't reproduce the problem. I've done it on every K5 I've touched. Just be indoors with a Negative EV (-1 to -3 or whatever), set the camera on Manual, f4, 1/50th second, and any ISO. Then bounce the flash and you will see. I've seen it on any ISO from 100 to 800 (I rarely go beyond ISO 800).

03-09-2011, 10:07 PM	#55
JayBee Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Manitoba Photos: Gallery Posts: 119	Actually, very little improvement, if any. Thoughts? All shots DA 40mm f2.8 ISO 80. 3 sec, with 2-sec delay. Attached Images

03-09-2011, 11:47 PM	#59
Ray Pulley Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Fallon Nevada Photos: Albums Posts: 504	A Request Originally posted by Smeggypants Ok, been doing a lot of tests ... I will say there is some improvement, but the AF performance on my K-5 is still way behind the K20D. I'll post pictures tomorrow sometimes as it's 3:30an here, but here's the test I just did .... K20D - Sigma 30/1.4 - exposure f1.4 1/60s ISO160 [apox EV6.5] tungsten light. AF test chart focus spot on! K-5 - Sigma 30/1.4 - exposure f1.4 1/60s ISO160 [apox EV6.5] tungsten light. AF test chart focus spot on! proves the above the two cameras perform equally well with the same lens and same settings at EV6.5 now taking the light down to EV2 ... K20D - Sigma 30/1.4 - exposure f1.4 1/60s ISO3200 [approx EV2] object in room - AF spot on K-5 - Sigma 30/1.4 - exposure f1.4 1/60s ISO3200 [approx EV2] object in room - phase AF way front focusses. contrast AF nails it. --------------------------------------- Current conclusion: My K20D focus works perfectly at EV2 in all situations i've tried. the K-5 AF has worked in some situations at EV2 but there's many situations including the test above where it has failed miserably. A lot more testing required. Smeggy, A request: My K20 will not hold DOF in low light (EV2) at f1.4 (FA 50) and probably not at 2.0 either. It is close at 2.8 and in at f4, no trouble at f5.6. If the K5 would do at least as well as that, it would be ok for most indoor shots I would be shooting (well, except for the bounce issue). Can you shoot a comparison or test at f4 EV 2 or so? If that looks ok, I will probably re-order the K5 as it will work about as well as my K20 does. I must say that the Contrast and PDAF shots in this thread are not at all encouraging, as they look just like the results I saw with my earlier K5 bodies. Thanks, Ray

03-09-2011, 11:56 PM	#60
ursamajor Banned Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 242	Originally posted by JayBee Actually, very little improvement, if any. Thoughts? Did you used tungsten light? Or it's in low daylight? Did you RESET camera after the update? Last edited by ursamajor; 03-10-2011 at 12:53 AM.

03-09-2011, 08:26 PM	#46
LeeRunge Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 993	Just in time. My k5 is scheduled for delivery tomorrow. Seems the two main issues are resolved. Now we can begin the autorotation complaint storm.

03-09-2011, 08:27 PM	#47
MrPetkus Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 387	This is a legitimate problem but I think, as you suggest, perhaps there are less regular flash shooters. Who knows. I've forgone PTTL on the K5 and set flash parameters manually with the AF540gz. Given the K5's high DR, I frequently set power output between 1/16 - 1/64, keep ISO @100 (even if it means under-exposing) and raise exposure in PP. My flash fires away all night without a battery change. Perhaps this isn't the most modern way to use a $1400 camera and $400 flash in 2011 but the results are great. Originally posted by efkelly Too bad the bounce flash overexposure issue still exists. As an event/wedding photographer it kind of stinks. I wonder why this does not get the same amount of attention as the sensor stain or FF issues (maybe not a lot of pentax shooters use flash?). I have had 4 bodies that exhibit all the same behavior. For the people who aren't aware of the problem, set your camera on Manual, f4-5.6, 1/50th second, and any ISO (as long as the scene is not over exposed to begin with. For example, indoors at an event, I will typically shoot at f4-5.6,1/50 sec, and ISO 800 (to conserve flash battery power- at a higher ISO the flash will not have to work as hard)) and try using any flash bounced off the ceiling and compare it to direct (IN PTTL). The flash will overexpose by about a stop or more every time. The only way I have found to control it is to put the camera's highlight expansion on and to dial down the flash exposure -1/3 or -1/5. This is not a permanent solution because when I need direct flash, I have to fumble around to dial the flash up again. When I get some more time, I will post some comparison shots. Eric

03-09-2011, 08:34 PM	#48
ursamajor Banned Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 242	Congratulations. Enjoy your K5!! It was a camera who deserved it! I must admit that I didn't believe they will be able to solve the issue. Good job! But I'm waiting the Kr firmware fix...

03-09-2011, 08:37 PM	#50
efkelly Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: New Haven, CT Photos: Albums Posts: 91	Great Suggestion MrPetkus. I will give it a try. Sounds a bit easier. I may just upgrade to the 58 AF2 and use the A mode...

03-09-2011, 08:43 PM	#52
Pentax Kid Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Sydney Posts: 22	Yes I am very glad Get 1.02 outa here! My k5 was not happy on 1.02 its auto focus was terrible and at one stage had to reset the camera because it was having freak outs! It kept changing the metering mode and changing from auto focus to manual with out me touching a button well on the screen that is but still !!! Hopefully 1.03 is much more kind

03-09-2011, 08:53 PM	#53
sjwaldron Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,235	Installed successfully. I never bothered looking into the issue on my own, but I'm glad they are willing to improve the camera's focus accuracy.

03-09-2011, 09:50 PM	#54
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Great news - and I must say it was pretty quickly sorted out.

03-09-2011, 10:14 PM	#56
alexeyga Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 838	Originally posted by JayBee Actually, very little improvement, if any. Thoughts? All shots DA 40mm f2.8 ISO 80. 3 sec, with 2-sec delay. What were you focusing on?

03-09-2011, 10:18 PM	#57
Catalana Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: California Posts: 190	Does not look like an improvement to me, according to the posted images. Smeggypants is also not convinced. How about a default reset or reset of the AF fine adjustment parameters?

03-09-2011, 10:18 PM	#58
Smeggypants Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,536	Originally posted by alexeyga What were you focusing on? I would say the green leaves.

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