K-1 Front Focus Problem with 55mm Lens

divert · 07-25-2016, 11:47 AM

Tested K-1 with Pentax 15-30 and 24-70. Manual and AF right on.

Tested with Pentax 55mm. Front focus problem about 0.5 inch focus in front of AF focus point. Manual focus okay. Close focus distance as I want to take photos of plants with focus stacking.

How do I adjust for this one lens? Menu items are greyed out.

I purchased the K-1 for its versatility and flexibility, so now I want to take advantage of these features.

Adam · 07-25-2016, 12:12 PM

You apply fine adjustments through C25 -> 3 (adjust one).

With 1:6 maximum reproduction, the 55mm isn't really a close-up lens, though, so just be aware of that when shooting, as it can easily catch you off-guard.

Also, AF accuracy up-close may vary from shooting at farther distances. Manual focus or live view may be a better bet for focus stacking.

KDD · 07-25-2016, 02:11 PM

I think close up about 3 feet to subject.

**chuck_c** · 07-25-2016, 02:57 PM

Minimum focus distance for the DA* 55mm ƒ1.4 is 45cm, or 17.71 inches.

For more information on this lens see:

SMC Pentax-DA* 55mm F1.4 SDM Reviews - DA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

divert · 07-25-2016, 11:27 PM

Thanks for the replies. Will try all of the suggestions. I was very close with the focus test, but was able to focus manually. Manual focus was spot on. No front or back focus issue. Pun intended. You are correct, I do need to use manual focus on macro, especially with focus stacking. My eyes don't work so well with manual focus, but they should be adequate. I will test the front and back focus again at a little greater distance with the 55mm before I attempt to adjust the camera settings for the lens. I am hoping that the single test allows me to select the lens by focal length, as I would hate to adjust for all lenses as the others all work. Just bought the 70-200 Pentax and tested it as well. Works very nicely. I think this is going to be a beautiful lens as it is fast (2.8), focuses relatively quickly(hopefully as fast as I need), and appears to be very sharp.

07-25-2016, 11:47 AM	#1
divert New Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 15	K-1 Front Focus Problem with 55mm Lens Tested K-1 with Pentax 15-30 and 24-70. Manual and AF right on. Tested with Pentax 55mm. Front focus problem about 0.5 inch focus in front of AF focus point. Manual focus okay. Close focus distance as I want to take photos of plants with focus stacking. How do I adjust for this one lens? Menu items are greyed out. I purchased the K-1 for its versatility and flexibility, so now I want to take advantage of these features.

07-25-2016, 12:12 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,593	You apply fine adjustments through C25 -> 3 (adjust one). With 1:6 maximum reproduction, the 55mm isn't really a close-up lens, though, so just be aware of that when shooting, as it can easily catch you off-guard. Also, AF accuracy up-close may vary from shooting at farther distances. Manual focus or live view may be a better bet for focus stacking. 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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07-25-2016, 02:11 PM	#3
KDD Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 403	I think close up about 3 feet to subject.

07-25-2016, 02:57 PM	#4
chuck_c Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Westerville, OH Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,588	Minimum focus distance for the DA* 55mm ƒ1.4 is 45cm, or 17.71 inches. For more information on this lens see: SMC Pentax-DA* 55mm F1.4 SDM Reviews - DA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

07-25-2016, 11:27 PM	#5
divert New Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 15 Original Poster	Thanks for the replies. Will try all of the suggestions. I was very close with the focus test, but was able to focus manually. Manual focus was spot on. No front or back focus issue. Pun intended. You are correct, I do need to use manual focus on macro, especially with focus stacking. My eyes don't work so well with manual focus, but they should be adequate. I will test the front and back focus again at a little greater distance with the 55mm before I attempt to adjust the camera settings for the lens. I am hoping that the single test allows me to select the lens by focal length, as I would hate to adjust for all lenses as the others all work. Just bought the 70-200 Pentax and tested it as well. Works very nicely. I think this is going to be a beautiful lens as it is fast (2.8), focuses relatively quickly(hopefully as fast as I need), and appears to be very sharp.

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