shooting with my Pentax k-5

JAYEOBA90 · 12-27-2017, 12:13 AM

i was shooting a traditional wedding then i decided to keep an eye outside of the venue there i got a lovely mountain then i pull forth my lovely k-5 and the picture taken was so fabulous and fascinating kudos to Ricoh......

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mcgregni · 12-27-2017, 12:59 AM

No kudos to Ricoh I'm afraid ..... The K5 was made when Pentax was owned by Hoya, I believe.

MrB1 · 12-27-2017, 07:34 AM

Just curious - why so much under-exposure?

Hidrieus · 12-27-2017, 10:41 AM

Originally posted by JAYEOBA90

i was shooting a traditional wedding then i decided to keep an eye outside of the venue there i got a lovely mountain then i pull forth my lovely k-5 and the picture taken was so fabulous and fascinating kudos to Ricoh......

I like the exposure, I do not think it is under exposured.

mcgregni · 12-27-2017, 12:13 PM

I agree with MrB1 about the exposure. It's about 0.7 stops under overall IMO, plus could do with a bit of contrast increase as well, mainly to lift the highlights. Assuming that no compensation was added then it looks as to be expected, considering the large amount of bright sky which dominates the frame, which would "fool" the metering somewhat.

It looks like a fairly quick grab shot without much consideration for the final result. I do agree with the photographer that the IQ is good..... The detail in the rocks and foliage is impressive, considering it's a fair distance. It would be interesting to know the lens that was used.

Paul the Sunman · 12-27-2017, 02:40 PM

If you have [3. Expanded Sensitivity] set in the C1 menu, I find the K5 does tend to underexpose.

MrB1 · 12-27-2017, 03:12 PM

Originally posted by mcgregni

I agree with MrB1 about the exposure. It's about 0.7 stops under overall IMO, plus could do with a bit of contrast increase as well, mainly to lift the highlights. Assuming that no compensation was added then it looks as to be expected, considering the large amount of bright sky which dominates the frame, which would "fool" the metering somewhat.

You are right in that the image is definitely under-exposed and lacking in highlight contrast, Nigel. Perhaps I should have been clearer in my previous comment:- the exif data shows minus 5 EV of exposure compensation! It was taken at about noon on a clear day, so 'sunny 16' should have given a good exposure, and the reported 1/1250s at f/4.5 is equivalent to 1/100s at f/16. But with -5 EC ???

mcgregni · 12-27-2017, 04:36 PM

That doesn't seem right really, it doesn't look 5 stops underexposed .... about 1 stop I thought. That is a strange indication from the exif .....

---------- Post added 27-12-17 at 23:37 ----------

Originally posted by Paul the Sunman

If you have [3. Expanded Sensitivity] set in the C1 menu, I find the K5 does tend to underexpose.

Interesting..... I thought that setting simply 'unlocked ' the higher ISO range if you needed it. I wonder why it would have an influence in metering?

**Ex Finn.** · 12-27-2017, 05:45 PM

Looks pretty good for being shot under your harsh sun. Well done and welcome to the forums!
Cheers.

BrianR · 12-30-2017, 10:08 AM

Originally posted by MrB1

You are right in that the image is definitely under-exposed and lacking in highlight contrast, Nigel. Perhaps I should have been clearer in my previous comment:- the exif data shows minus 5 EV of exposure compensation! It was taken at about noon on a clear day, so 'sunny 16' should have given a good exposure, and the reported 1/1250s at f/4.5 is equivalent to 1/100s at f/16. But with -5 EC ???

It also shows Manual mode. Exposure compensation in M mode applies a bias to the meter, you are free to ignore it and set whatever shutter, aperture, and iso you like.

MrB1 · 12-30-2017, 03:25 PM

Originally posted by BrianR

It also shows Manual mode. Exposure compensation in M mode applies a bias to the meter, you are free to ignore it and set whatever shutter, aperture, and iso you like.

Thank you for those interesting points, Brian. It then begs the question - what is the point of applying EC in Manual Mode, when one can simply adjust whichever parameter(s) one desires, to compensate for lighting that might be fooling the meter? Are there scenarios where setting EC in Manual Mode is more useful than applying suitable manual adjustments?

Paul the Sunman · 12-30-2017, 03:53 PM

Originally posted by MrB1

Thank you for those interesting points, Brian. It then begs the question - what is the point of applying EC in Manual Mode, when one can simply adjust whichever parameter(s) one desires, to compensate for lighting that might be fooling the meter? Are there scenarios where setting EC in Manual Mode is more useful than applying suitable manual adjustments?

None whatsoever. It's like daylight saving. It doesn't change the Earth's rotation, only our expectations. Set it so you aim for 0 to get the desired exposure.

BrianR · 12-30-2017, 04:04 PM

Originally posted by MrB1

Thank you for those interesting points, Brian. It then begs the question - what is the point of applying EC in Manual Mode, when one can simply adjust whichever parameter(s) one desires, to compensate for lighting that might be fooling the meter? Are there scenarios where setting EC in Manual Mode is more useful than applying suitable manual adjustments?

Bookkeeping- you might prefer to dial in +1EV then zero the meter as opposed to setting the meter to +1 all day (for example). As you say, there's no real difference in how the camera operates here, but one way or the other might be easier for a given photographer's brain.

The Green Button - in M mode the Green Button will respect the EV compensation.

P-TTL Flash - EV comp. seems to adjust this as well (I've only tested with the pop-up, I've no other P-TTL flash).

Honestly, I never use EV comp in Manual and I wouldn't mind a menu setting to disable it. When I first got my k5iis I spent an afternoon wondering why the heck the meter was always consistently off by over a stop. Then I realized I had accidentally set the EV comp in M mode, which my previous camera didn't allow.

mcgregni · 12-30-2017, 04:34 PM

I think that setting an EV offset in Manual mode would be somewhat mentally counter-intuitive. It could only be useful in situations where a permanent offset from 0 was needed ..... eg shooting on a snowy mountain in the same consistent light for a period of time. However, there's a lot to be said for keeping a mental reference point at 0, so as to give reassurance that the needed compensation is correct. I think that if I needed to shoot at, say, +1.7 stops, then it would be more helpful for me, even in Manual mode, to be always seeing the meter indication at +1.7, rather than at 0 and having to remember that I've set up the offset.

MrB1 · 12-30-2017, 04:39 PM

Several more interesting points there, particularly your final note - thanks again, Brian.

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12-27-2017, 12:59 AM	#2
mcgregni Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Surrey, England Posts: 2,603	No kudos to Ricoh I'm afraid ..... The K5 was made when Pentax was owned by Hoya, I believe.

12-27-2017, 07:34 AM	#3
MrB1 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2013 Location: Hertfordshire, England Posts: 845	Just curious - why so much under-exposure?

12-27-2017, 10:41 AM	#4
Hidrieus Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 326	Originally posted by JAYEOBA90 i was shooting a traditional wedding then i decided to keep an eye outside of the venue there i got a lovely mountain then i pull forth my lovely k-5 and the picture taken was so fabulous and fascinating kudos to Ricoh...... I like the exposure, I do not think it is under exposured.

12-27-2017, 12:13 PM	#5
mcgregni Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Surrey, England Posts: 2,603	I agree with MrB1 about the exposure. It's about 0.7 stops under overall IMO, plus could do with a bit of contrast increase as well, mainly to lift the highlights. Assuming that no compensation was added then it looks as to be expected, considering the large amount of bright sky which dominates the frame, which would "fool" the metering somewhat. It looks like a fairly quick grab shot without much consideration for the final result. I do agree with the photographer that the IQ is good..... The detail in the rocks and foliage is impressive, considering it's a fair distance. It would be interesting to know the lens that was used.

12-27-2017, 02:40 PM	#6
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,843	If you have [3. Expanded Sensitivity] set in the C1 menu, I find the K5 does tend to underexpose.

12-27-2017, 03:12 PM	#7
MrB1 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2013 Location: Hertfordshire, England Posts: 845	Originally posted by mcgregni I agree with MrB1 about the exposure. It's about 0.7 stops under overall IMO, plus could do with a bit of contrast increase as well, mainly to lift the highlights. Assuming that no compensation was added then it looks as to be expected, considering the large amount of bright sky which dominates the frame, which would "fool" the metering somewhat. You are right in that the image is definitely under-exposed and lacking in highlight contrast, Nigel. Perhaps I should have been clearer in my previous comment:- the exif data shows minus 5 EV of exposure compensation! It was taken at about noon on a clear day, so 'sunny 16' should have given a good exposure, and the reported 1/1250s at f/4.5 is equivalent to 1/100s at f/16. But with -5 EC ???

12-27-2017, 04:36 PM	#8
mcgregni Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Surrey, England Posts: 2,603	That doesn't seem right really, it doesn't look 5 stops underexposed .... about 1 stop I thought. That is a strange indication from the exif ..... ---------- Post added 27-12-17 at 23:37 ---------- Originally posted by Paul the Sunman If you have [3. Expanded Sensitivity] set in the C1 menu, I find the K5 does tend to underexpose. Interesting..... I thought that setting simply 'unlocked ' the higher ISO range if you needed it. I wonder why it would have an influence in metering?

12-27-2017, 05:45 PM	#9
Ex Finn. Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Maryland. Espoo. Kouvola. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,975	Looks pretty good for being shot under your harsh sun. Well done and welcome to the forums! Cheers.

12-30-2017, 10:08 AM	#10
BrianR Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,332	Originally posted by MrB1 You are right in that the image is definitely under-exposed and lacking in highlight contrast, Nigel. Perhaps I should have been clearer in my previous comment:- the exif data shows minus 5 EV of exposure compensation! It was taken at about noon on a clear day, so 'sunny 16' should have given a good exposure, and the reported 1/1250s at f/4.5 is equivalent to 1/100s at f/16. But with -5 EC ??? It also shows Manual mode. Exposure compensation in M mode applies a bias to the meter, you are free to ignore it and set whatever shutter, aperture, and iso you like.

12-30-2017, 03:25 PM	#11
MrB1 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2013 Location: Hertfordshire, England Posts: 845	Originally posted by BrianR It also shows Manual mode. Exposure compensation in M mode applies a bias to the meter, you are free to ignore it and set whatever shutter, aperture, and iso you like. Thank you for those interesting points, Brian. It then begs the question - what is the point of applying EC in Manual Mode, when one can simply adjust whichever parameter(s) one desires, to compensate for lighting that might be fooling the meter? Are there scenarios where setting EC in Manual Mode is more useful than applying suitable manual adjustments?

12-30-2017, 03:53 PM	#12
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,843	Originally posted by MrB1 Thank you for those interesting points, Brian. It then begs the question - what is the point of applying EC in Manual Mode, when one can simply adjust whichever parameter(s) one desires, to compensate for lighting that might be fooling the meter? Are there scenarios where setting EC in Manual Mode is more useful than applying suitable manual adjustments? None whatsoever. It's like daylight saving. It doesn't change the Earth's rotation, only our expectations. Set it so you aim for 0 to get the desired exposure.

12-30-2017, 04:04 PM	#13
BrianR Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,332	Originally posted by MrB1 Thank you for those interesting points, Brian. It then begs the question - what is the point of applying EC in Manual Mode, when one can simply adjust whichever parameter(s) one desires, to compensate for lighting that might be fooling the meter? Are there scenarios where setting EC in Manual Mode is more useful than applying suitable manual adjustments? Bookkeeping- you might prefer to dial in +1EV then zero the meter as opposed to setting the meter to +1 all day (for example). As you say, there's no real difference in how the camera operates here, but one way or the other might be easier for a given photographer's brain. The Green Button - in M mode the Green Button will respect the EV compensation. P-TTL Flash - EV comp. seems to adjust this as well (I've only tested with the pop-up, I've no other P-TTL flash). Honestly, I never use EV comp in Manual and I wouldn't mind a menu setting to disable it. When I first got my k5iis I spent an afternoon wondering why the heck the meter was always consistently off by over a stop. Then I realized I had accidentally set the EV comp in M mode, which my previous camera didn't allow.

12-30-2017, 04:34 PM	#14
mcgregni Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Surrey, England Posts: 2,603	I think that setting an EV offset in Manual mode would be somewhat mentally counter-intuitive. It could only be useful in situations where a permanent offset from 0 was needed ..... eg shooting on a snowy mountain in the same consistent light for a period of time. However, there's a lot to be said for keeping a mental reference point at 0, so as to give reassurance that the needed compensation is correct. I think that if I needed to shoot at, say, +1.7 stops, then it would be more helpful for me, even in Manual mode, to be always seeing the meter indication at +1.7, rather than at 0 and having to remember that I've set up the offset.

12-30-2017, 04:39 PM	#15
MrB1 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2013 Location: Hertfordshire, England Posts: 845	Several more interesting points there, particularly your final note - thanks again, Brian.