Hi All.

I have just bought a K-50 with the 18-55mm kit objective.

I am worried that I might have got a faulty one, as the AF points are not visible in the viewfinder. When I focus a red square is presented, but I was expecting constant dots in the viewfinder so that I can precisely aim my focus. That is actually the main reason i bought K-50 and not K-500.

I have gone through the menues and googled a lot without luck, so please help me Pentax gurus!

[Adam]

Go to the custom function menu- is setting #15 set to enabled?

Also, the dot(s) will only illuminate when the focus is confirmed. They are not on all the time or when the camera fails to focus.

[Steve.Ledger]

...I was expecting constant dots in the viewfinder so that I can precisely aim my focus.

That's where you have misunderstood how they work.

For first reply:
I will check as soon as I am back home with my camera, thanks!

Second reply:
I had expected something like this i the viewfinder, is that not possible with pentax: (google "viewfinder af dots")

Hmm, not allowed to link, but many other brands, like Nikon, have small black dots in the viewfinder besides the brackets. It hope I can get used to using just the brackets if that is the case..

[Adam]

Hmm, not allowed to link, but many other brands, like Nikon, have small black dots in the viewfinder besides the brackets. It hope I can get used to using just the brackets if that is the case..

Pentax VF's can't do the dots like Nikon does, unfortunately. Also, if you'd like to post links, create an account

Thanks again for your answers. I tried to create an account, but I guess it awaits approval and I was too eager to wait :-)

I guess I will have to learn to live with it and I guess I will considering all of you guys have done so - else I found this thread:

pentaxforums.com/forums/6-pentax-dslr-discussion/80171-kx-interchangeable-focusing-screen.html

It seems I can buy a new focus screen and replace the existing one, but I do not really like that with a brand new camera:

focusingscreen.com

[Adam]

Thanks again for your answers. I tried to create an account, but I guess it awaits approval and I was too eager to wait :-)

I guess I will have to learn to live with it and I guess I will considering all of you guys have done so - else I found this thread:

pentaxforums.com/forums/6-pentax-dslr-discussion/80171-kx-interchangeable-focusing-screen.html

It seems I can buy a new focus screen and replace the existing one, but I do not really like that with a brand new camera:

focusingscreen.com

Our accounts don't require approval- you can post right after registering (the first few posts may require approval if they contain links, however).

Adam
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[stevebrot]

You can precisely determine your focus by manually selecting the AF point. I have found that to be rather cumbersome and generally set my camera to center point only. I then focus and recompose.

Also, the dot(s) will only illuminate when the focus is confirmed...

The red dot indicates the active focus point. The green hexagon indicates focus confirmed.

Hmm, not allowed to link, but many other brands, like Nikon, have small black dots in the viewfinder besides the brackets.

Nikon projects the focus grid onto the viewfinder image. The technology is very cool and proprietary and not shared by other brand cameras.

It seems I can buy a new focus screen and replace the existing one

You can replace the focus screen, but it will not change the behavior of the focus point red dot.


Steve

[Steve.Ledger]

The red dot indicates the active focus point. The green hexagon indicates focus confirmed.
Steve

Agreed, and the manual says it is so..

[aleonx3]

but I was expecting constant dots in the viewfinder so that I can precisely aim my focus.

I have gone through the menues and googled a lot without luck, so please help me Pentax gurus!

It is very annoying to see all the dots on the screen when you try to focus.. not in Pentax land.

[mee]

If you're getting flustered and need the shot.. set the camera to center point focus, aim the center of the view to where you want the focus, and hold down the shutter release button half way -- the camera will then focus on that point -- keep your finger half pressed on the shutter release button and recompose the scene, then fully press the shutter release to take your photo.

That is an old school method that still works great today! (My first SLR body, the K-x didn't even have focus points -- it actually helped to learn how to use the camera and not rely on the AF technology as much!)