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08-02-2012, 11:16 PM   #1
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Stops on the K-5

My question is about defining/quantifying a "full stop". If I understand correctly, in the old days of film a full stop down was achieved through 2 steps down because each step was a 1/2 increment (not sure if my terminology is correct). Whereas now, specifically on the K-5, a full stop is achieved through 3 steps down because each step is a 1/3 increment. So, on the K-5, in aperture terms, 3 steps/clicks down equals 1 full f/stop down; and in shutter speed terms, 3 steps/clicks down equals 1 full stop down? Any guidance would be appreciated!


Last edited by CMG; 08-02-2012 at 11:23 PM.
08-03-2012, 12:12 AM   #2
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Yes, although you can configure it to be 1/2 or 1/3 stops in custom menu #1, item #1 ("EV Steps")
08-03-2012, 01:41 AM   #3
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One stop is defined as halving or doubling one of the three elements of exposure - for ISO and shutter duration this is obvious as their scales are linear so you can mathematically double or half - with aperture it's the same principle but concerns area - so for aperture multiply by 1.4 to double the area. Doubling or halving the exposure does not offer much flexibility so cameras can work in half, third or smaller divisions of whole stops.
08-03-2012, 08:46 AM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by Darren Quote
One stop is defined as halving or doubling one of the three elements of exposure - for ISO and shutter duration this is obvious as their scales are linear so you can mathematically double or half - with aperture it's the same principle but concerns area - so for aperture multiply by 1.4 to double the area. Doubling or halving the exposure does not offer much flexibility so cameras can work in half, third or smaller divisions of whole stops.
Thanks for the multiplier....that's very helpful!

08-03-2012, 08:48 AM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by twitch Quote
Yes, although you can configure it to be 1/2 or 1/3 stops in custom menu #1, item #1 ("EV Steps")
Does the camera apply that change to each of the three components of exposure?
08-04-2012, 06:04 PM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by CMG Quote
Does the camera apply that change to each of the three components of exposure?
Aperture, yes.
Shutter speed, yes.
ISO, no.
08-04-2012, 06:11 PM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by alohadave Quote
Aperture, yes.
Shutter speed, yes.
ISO, no.
Thanks. Any thoughts on advantages/disadvantages of using 1/2 stops vs 1/3 stops? Seems like in the old days everyone used 1/2 stops. Is 1/3 a real plus or more of a "bells and whistles" type feature?

08-04-2012, 09:28 PM   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by CMG Quote
Thanks. Any thoughts on advantages/disadvantages of using 1/2 stops vs 1/3 stops? Seems like in the old days everyone used 1/2 stops. Is 1/3 a real plus or more of a "bells and whistles" type feature?
I use 1/2 stops because you can't get to the flash sync speed on 1/3 stops.
08-05-2012, 12:51 AM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by alohadave Quote
Aperture, yes.
Shutter speed, yes.
ISO, no.
There is an option to set ISO in full stops, or the same as aperture and shutter speed.
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