Trouble dialing in 1/180 directly on my K-3

RodBoy · 02-20-2015, 04:54 PM

Maybe I'm missing something but I am unable to directly dial in a 1/180 shutter speed on my K-3. I wanted to set that for shutter priority when I use flash so I don't go over the sync speed set by Pentax. I can get 1/160 but the next setting is 1/200. No 1/180. Is this something that just gets set when using flash and is not a general choice?
What I want to do is to make sure I don't go over the limit. Maybe there is another way to do this other that shutter priority. I'm still learning so be gentle.

Last edited by RodBoy; 02-20-2015 at 05:02 PM. Reason: More clarity as to what I want to do

stevebrot · 02-20-2015, 05:03 PM - **1 Like**

Set your exposure increments to ~~1/3 stop~~ 1/2 stop.

Steve

DoubleD · 02-20-2015, 05:10 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by RodBoy

Maybe I'm missing something but I am unable to directly dial in a 1/180 shutter speed on my K-3. I wanted to set that for shutter priority when I use flash so I don't go over the sync speed set by Pentax. I can get 1/160 but the next setting is 1/200. No 1/180. Is this something that just gets set when using flash and is not a general choice?
What I want to do is to make sure I don't go over the limit. Maybe there is another way to do this other that shutter priority. I'm still learning so be gentle.

Hi RodBoy

In Custom menu 1
Change EV steps from 1/3 EV steps to 1/2 EV steps
That should fix it.

---------- Post added 21st Feb 2015 at 10:15 AM ----------

Originally posted by DoubleD

Hi RodBoy

In Custom menu 1
Change EV steps from 1/3 EV steps to 1/2 EV steps
That should fix it.

To slow on the key board and then I come up with the opposite to Stevebrot said.
I have mine set ti 1/2 EV steps and I get 1/180 shutter speed, if I change it to 1/3 EV steps I end up with the same shutter speed that RodBoy gets

RodBoy · 02-20-2015, 05:20 PM

Thanks a lot DD. I did that and it pops right into 1/180. I hoped it would be something simple.
This should help others as well. I never see that mentioned in anywhere else.
That fixes my problem.
I would be nice to here what others do to keep from going over 1/180 in flash mode.

derekkite · 02-20-2015, 05:24 PM - **1 Like**

You can also use X mode. It sets the shutter speed and you can set the aperture and iso.

RodBoy · 02-20-2015, 05:30 PM

That's what I wanted to hear. Thanks derekkite .
Any downside to using "X" all the time for flash?

derekkite · 02-20-2015, 05:49 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by RodBoy

That's what I wanted to hear. Thanks derekkite .
Any downside to using "X" all the time for flash?

It is a manual mode; the p-ttl will adjust the flash for proper exposure so you have to know what you are doing. If you mount a flash in TAV mode, turn it on it will set the shutter speed to 1/180 and allow you to go lower. I found the iso too high in TAV mode when it is set to auto. None of the modes will allow the shutter speed to be higher than 1/180.

RodBoy · 02-20-2015, 06:19 PM

Originally posted by derekkite

It is a manual mode; the p-ttl will adjust the flash for proper exposure so you have to know what you are doing. If you mount a flash in TAV mode, turn it on it will set the shutter speed to 1/180 and allow you to go lower. I found the iso too high in TAV mode when it is set to auto. None of the modes will allow the shutter speed to be higher than 1/180.

I don't have pttl with my v850 cheetahlight so that's not a problem.
Thanks

stevebrot · 02-20-2015, 08:16 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by DoubleD

To slow on the key board and then I come up with the opposite to Stevebrot said.

Sorry about that, I have been fooling with settings and had it backward.

Steve

Prakticant · 02-22-2015, 04:45 AM

Depends on your flash unit.
When using Pentax, Sigma, Metz flash pls set the flash to HSS (High Speed Syncro - set it on the flash itself, not in the camera body), then you may set whatever camera body shutter speed you want (with Pentax DA lenses).
You may leave HSS setting on the flash as permanent and choose slow speed sync / trailing curtain sync mode of your choice in the camera menu then.

sterretje · 02-23-2015, 03:58 AM

Originally posted by RodBoy

Any downside to using "X" all the time for flash?

Yep, if you want ambient light to have a bigger influence in the resulting picture.

**Rondec** · 02-23-2015, 04:50 AM

Depending on the light, I often set the camera to "X Sync" and set my iso at 800 or even 1600 to allow for some ambient light to get in and then use bounce flash. The results are usually pretty good. If it is bright enough, you can turn down your iso.

The biggest mistake I see folks make with flash is not to have a high enough iso set. That will give the flashed person in a black environment effect.

ScooterMaxi Jim · 02-23-2015, 02:46 PM

Do you have an optical slave you can put on the Cheetah? I use a Wein HS (mounts to flash shoe), and it works great if you set the on-board flash to M. The on-board can dial down to next to nothing (1/128), serving effectively as a Controller, or provide a small ratio as Master. Easy to balance the two flashes however is most pleasing. The camera won't allow you to set the shutter speed above 1/180th with the on-board flash raised, so you can retain the 1/3rd stop shutter preference - going from 1/160 (or anything lower) to 1/180 but not beyond. I get especially good, soft light results when using the Joe Demb deluxe pop-it on the on-board, and the LumiQuest 80/20 system on the larger flash.

RodBoy · 02-23-2015, 06:02 PM

I think I can do that with my transmitter for the cheetah. The flash has a receiver on the side that talks to the transmitter. The transmitter sits on the hotshoe.

---------- Post added 02-23-15 at 08:14 PM ----------

The cheetah will also trigger from the onboard flash so I can use that to trigger the cheetah and also get some additional light from the camera with a diffuser.
At least I think I can, haven't tried that yet.

ScooterMaxi Jim · 02-24-2015, 08:50 AM

Originally posted by RodBoy

I think I can do that with my transmitter for the cheetah. The flash has a receiver on the side that talks to the transmitter. The transmitter sits on the hotshoe.

---------- Post added 02-23-15 at 08:14 PM ----------

The cheetah will also trigger from the onboard flash so I can use that to trigger the cheetah and also get some additional light from the camera with a diffuser.
At least I think I can, haven't tried that yet.

Yeah, I didn't know if you had the transmitters. Nice to have, but I like to travel as light as possible, and worry about as few batteries as possible. And to state what's obvious, anything mounted on the hotshoe takes away the ability to use the on-board flash. So, yes, I would encourage you to play with your set-up sans transmitters. Remember, only M is completely dependable (single flash) because you introduce potential error with a pulse (pTTL preflash). Also, M is the only mode that gets you instant shutter release as the K-3 is particularly slow in pTTL. Its a shame so few users understand just how great it is to have M ratio on-board, freeing us from the pitfalls inherent in pTTL.

02-20-2015, 04:54 PM	#1
RodBoy New Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 21	Trouble dialing in 1/180 directly on my K-3 Maybe I'm missing something but I am unable to directly dial in a 1/180 shutter speed on my K-3. I wanted to set that for shutter priority when I use flash so I don't go over the sync speed set by Pentax. I can get 1/160 but the next setting is 1/200. No 1/180. Is this something that just gets set when using flash and is not a general choice? What I want to do is to make sure I don't go over the limit. Maybe there is another way to do this other that shutter priority. I'm still learning so be gentle. Last edited by RodBoy; 02-20-2015 at 05:02 PM. Reason: More clarity as to what I want to do

02-20-2015, 05:03 PM - 1 Like	#2
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Set your exposure increments to ~~1/3 stop~~ 1/2 stop. Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 02-20-2015 at 08:17 PM.

02-22-2015, 04:45 AM	#10
Prakticant Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 274	HSS (High Speed Syncro) mode. Depends on your flash unit. When using Pentax, Sigma, Metz flash pls set the flash to HSS (High Speed Syncro - set it on the flash itself, not in the camera body), then you may set whatever camera body shutter speed you want (with Pentax DA lenses). You may leave HSS setting on the flash as permanent and choose slow speed sync / trailing curtain sync mode of your choice in the camera menu then.

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02-20-2015, 05:10 PM - 1 Like	#3
DoubleD New Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 15	Originally posted by RodBoy Maybe I'm missing something but I am unable to directly dial in a 1/180 shutter speed on my K-3. I wanted to set that for shutter priority when I use flash so I don't go over the sync speed set by Pentax. I can get 1/160 but the next setting is 1/200. No 1/180. Is this something that just gets set when using flash and is not a general choice? What I want to do is to make sure I don't go over the limit. Maybe there is another way to do this other that shutter priority. I'm still learning so be gentle. Hi RodBoy In Custom menu 1 Change EV steps from 1/3 EV steps to 1/2 EV steps That should fix it. ---------- Post added 21st Feb 2015 at 10:15 AM ---------- Originally posted by DoubleD Hi RodBoy In Custom menu 1 Change EV steps from 1/3 EV steps to 1/2 EV steps That should fix it. To slow on the key board and then I come up with the opposite to Stevebrot said. I have mine set ti 1/2 EV steps and I get 1/180 shutter speed, if I change it to 1/3 EV steps I end up with the same shutter speed that RodBoy gets

02-20-2015, 05:20 PM	#4
RodBoy New Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 21 Original Poster	Thanks a lot DD. I did that and it pops right into 1/180. I hoped it would be something simple. This should help others as well. I never see that mentioned in anywhere else. That fixes my problem. I would be nice to here what others do to keep from going over 1/180 in flash mode.

02-20-2015, 05:24 PM - 1 Like	#5
derekkite Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Nelson B.C. Posts: 3,782	You can also use X mode. It sets the shutter speed and you can set the aperture and iso.

02-20-2015, 05:30 PM	#6
RodBoy New Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 21 Original Poster	That's what I wanted to hear. Thanks derekkite . Any downside to using "X" all the time for flash?

02-20-2015, 05:49 PM - 1 Like	#7
derekkite Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Nelson B.C. Posts: 3,782	Originally posted by RodBoy That's what I wanted to hear. Thanks derekkite . Any downside to using "X" all the time for flash? It is a manual mode; the p-ttl will adjust the flash for proper exposure so you have to know what you are doing. If you mount a flash in TAV mode, turn it on it will set the shutter speed to 1/180 and allow you to go lower. I found the iso too high in TAV mode when it is set to auto. None of the modes will allow the shutter speed to be higher than 1/180.

02-20-2015, 06:19 PM	#8
RodBoy New Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 21 Original Poster	Originally posted by derekkite It is a manual mode; the p-ttl will adjust the flash for proper exposure so you have to know what you are doing. If you mount a flash in TAV mode, turn it on it will set the shutter speed to 1/180 and allow you to go lower. I found the iso too high in TAV mode when it is set to auto. None of the modes will allow the shutter speed to be higher than 1/180. I don't have pttl with my v850 cheetahlight so that's not a problem. Thanks

02-20-2015, 08:16 PM - 1 Like	#9
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by DoubleD To slow on the key board and then I come up with the opposite to Stevebrot said. Sorry about that, I have been fooling with settings and had it backward. Steve

02-23-2015, 03:58 AM	#11
sterretje Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Roodepoort, South Africa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,561	Originally posted by RodBoy Any downside to using "X" all the time for flash? Yep, if you want ambient light to have a bigger influence in the resulting picture.

02-23-2015, 04:50 AM	#12
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,653	Depending on the light, I often set the camera to "X Sync" and set my iso at 800 or even 1600 to allow for some ambient light to get in and then use bounce flash. The results are usually pretty good. If it is bright enough, you can turn down your iso. The biggest mistake I see folks make with flash is not to have a high enough iso set. That will give the flashed person in a black environment effect.

02-23-2015, 02:46 PM	#13
ScooterMaxi Jim Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,520	Do you have an optical slave you can put on the Cheetah? I use a Wein HS (mounts to flash shoe), and it works great if you set the on-board flash to M. The on-board can dial down to next to nothing (1/128), serving effectively as a Controller, or provide a small ratio as Master. Easy to balance the two flashes however is most pleasing. The camera won't allow you to set the shutter speed above 1/180th with the on-board flash raised, so you can retain the 1/3rd stop shutter preference - going from 1/160 (or anything lower) to 1/180 but not beyond. I get especially good, soft light results when using the Joe Demb deluxe pop-it on the on-board, and the LumiQuest 80/20 system on the larger flash.

02-23-2015, 06:02 PM	#14
RodBoy New Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 21 Original Poster	I think I can do that with my transmitter for the cheetah. The flash has a receiver on the side that talks to the transmitter. The transmitter sits on the hotshoe. ---------- Post added 02-23-15 at 08:14 PM ---------- The cheetah will also trigger from the onboard flash so I can use that to trigger the cheetah and also get some additional light from the camera with a diffuser. At least I think I can, haven't tried that yet.

02-24-2015, 08:50 AM	#15
ScooterMaxi Jim Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,520	Originally posted by RodBoy I think I can do that with my transmitter for the cheetah. The flash has a receiver on the side that talks to the transmitter. The transmitter sits on the hotshoe. ---------- Post added 02-23-15 at 08:14 PM ---------- The cheetah will also trigger from the onboard flash so I can use that to trigger the cheetah and also get some additional light from the camera with a diffuser. At least I think I can, haven't tried that yet. Yeah, I didn't know if you had the transmitters. Nice to have, but I like to travel as light as possible, and worry about as few batteries as possible. And to state what's obvious, anything mounted on the hotshoe takes away the ability to use the on-board flash. So, yes, I would encourage you to play with your set-up sans transmitters. Remember, only M is completely dependable (single flash) because you introduce potential error with a pulse (pTTL preflash). Also, M is the only mode that gets you instant shutter release as the K-3 is particularly slow in pTTL. Its a shame so few users understand just how great it is to have M ratio on-board, freeing us from the pitfalls inherent in pTTL.