Horizon not level

Richard Briggs · 07-03-2013, 06:07 AM

Hi, I have had a K5 for just over a year. It was bought brand new. I have come to the conclusion that the sensor (or something) is not level. So I can take a photo that is perfectly horizontal and yet the result is the picture is slightly (but noticeably) not level with the RH side being slightly lower than the left. Now I tend to run virtually everything through Photoshop so this can be easily corrected. But I really should not have to do this. Problem occurs....

- Close ups or long distance.
- Any lens.
- Any focal length.

Has anyone got any ideas? is this adjustable? Or is it a manufacturing fault?

Richard

SpecialK · 07-03-2013, 06:15 AM

Many people have the same problem. The automatic level indicator also is not reliable.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-5/149797-how-adjust-calibrate-auto-level.html

Ole · 07-03-2013, 06:51 AM

Turn off Horizon Correction in the Record Mode menu page 4. Now your images should be level if you hold the camera level since you're bypassing the built-in, inaccurate level.

Richard Briggs · 07-03-2013, 09:01 AM

Brilliant. Absolutely right! Thanks very much.
Richard

Adam · 07-03-2013, 09:16 AM

Originally posted by Richard Briggs

Hi, I have had a K5 for just over a year. It was bought brand new. I have come to the conclusion that the sensor (or something) is not level. So I can take a photo that is perfectly horizontal and yet the result is the picture is slightly (but noticeably) not level with the RH side being slightly lower than the left. Now I tend to run virtually everything through Photoshop so this can be easily corrected. But I really should not have to do this. Problem occurs....

- Close ups or long distance.
- Any lens.
- Any focal length.

Has anyone got any ideas? is this adjustable? Or is it a manufacturing fault?

Richard

A firmware update may resolve this problem, BTW, if you haven't already tried that.

Driline · 07-03-2013, 07:36 PM

Originally posted by SpecialK

The automatic level indicator also is not reliable.

Yep, my camera is new too and the level indicator has never been right. I'm not going to send the camera in though and have to wait for 2 or 3 weeks. Who knows they may send me back some used model

My brother bought a used K5 and his level is right on. Must be a hit and miss.

07-03-2013, 06:07 AM	#1
Richard Briggs Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 106	Horizon not level Hi, I have had a K5 for just over a year. It was bought brand new. I have come to the conclusion that the sensor (or something) is not level. So I can take a photo that is perfectly horizontal and yet the result is the picture is slightly (but noticeably) not level with the RH side being slightly lower than the left. Now I tend to run virtually everything through Photoshop so this can be easily corrected. But I really should not have to do this. Problem occurs.... - Close ups or long distance. - Any lens. - Any focal length. Has anyone got any ideas? is this adjustable? Or is it a manufacturing fault? Richard

07-03-2013, 09:16 AM	#5
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Originally posted by Richard Briggs Hi, I have had a K5 for just over a year. It was bought brand new. I have come to the conclusion that the sensor (or something) is not level. So I can take a photo that is perfectly horizontal and yet the result is the picture is slightly (but noticeably) not level with the RH side being slightly lower than the left. Now I tend to run virtually everything through Photoshop so this can be easily corrected. But I really should not have to do this. Problem occurs.... - Close ups or long distance. - Any lens. - Any focal length. Has anyone got any ideas? is this adjustable? Or is it a manufacturing fault? Richard A firmware update may resolve this problem, BTW, if you haven't already tried that. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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07-03-2013, 06:15 AM	#2
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,481	Many people have the same problem. The automatic level indicator also is not reliable. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-5/149797-how-adjust-calibrate-auto-level.html

07-03-2013, 06:51 AM	#3
Ole Administrator Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Copenhagen, Denmark Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,409	Turn off Horizon Correction in the Record Mode menu page 4. Now your images should be level if you hold the camera level since you're bypassing the built-in, inaccurate level.

07-03-2013, 09:01 AM	#4
Richard Briggs Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 106 Original Poster	Brilliant. Absolutely right! Thanks very much. Richard

07-03-2013, 07:36 PM	#6
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,705	Originally posted by SpecialK The automatic level indicator also is not reliable. Yep, my camera is new too and the level indicator has never been right. I'm not going to send the camera in though and have to wait for 2 or 3 weeks. Who knows they may send me back some used model My brother bought a used K5 and his level is right on. Must be a hit and miss.