How to do a better manual focus in K1

kinkindoll · 05-03-2016, 06:33 PM

Hi all, i got my K1 yesterday and tried my old SMC 55 MF lens. It is very good but to me it is hard to do the manual focus in the OVF. May I please seek u guys advice ? Thanks in advance.

MattCard · 05-03-2016, 06:39 PM

You can use live view, and make sure to turn ON the focus peaking in the menus. You will see the things in focus highlighted in white

stevebrot · 05-03-2016, 06:40 PM - **1 Like**

Conventional wisdom is that additional magnification may help. The favorite on this site has been the Pentax O-ME53 magnifying eyepiece. I have not personally used it, so cannot give a strong recommendation. Until such time as alternative focus screens with focus aides become available, this is the best solution at present for the optical viewfinder.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/469574-REG/Pentax_30150_O_ME53_Magnifying_Eyecup.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/accessoryreviews/pentax-magnifier-eyecup-o-me53.html

Steve

Adam · 05-03-2016, 07:00 PM

Originally posted by kinkindoll

Hi all, i got my K1 yesterday and tried my old SMC 55 MF lens. It is very good but to me it is hard to do the manual focus in the OVF. May I please seek u guys advice ? Thanks in advance.

Live view magnification is the way to go for precise manual focus.

You can also use AF confirmation through the viewfinder.

Adam
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vinceloc · 05-03-2016, 07:10 PM - **1 Like**

Use the focus assist. When the green polygon shows up on the viewfinder and remains steady, shoot!

Wheatfield · 05-03-2016, 07:39 PM

Originally posted by vinceloc

Use the focus assist. When the green polygon shows up on the viewfinder and remains steady, shoot!

I haven't checked with non A series lenses, but with non AF A series, when focus is achieved a red flash can be seen for a moment in the viewfinder and the center spot turns bold.
I don't recall the setting, but it seems to work well.

One3rdEV · 05-03-2016, 08:11 PM

With the OVF, using the 'Catch in focus' mode is another option. For example; when this mode is set the shutter release button is pressed and held, while the focus to the lens is rotated, then when the subject comes into focus at the user specified AF sensor (e.g. center sensor) the camera will automatically actuate the shutter.

PePe · 05-03-2016, 08:24 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Conventional wisdom is that additional magnification may help. The favorite on this site has been the Pentax O-ME53 magnifying eyepiece. I have not personally used it, so cannot give a strong recommendation. Until such time as alternative focus screens with focus aides become available, this is the best solution at present for the optical viewfinder.

Pentax O-ME53 Magnifying Eyecup 30150 B&H Photo Video

PENTAX Magnifier Eyecup O-ME53 reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

Steve

I moved my O-ME53 magnifying eyepiece from the K-3 to the K-1. Works fine!

stevebrot · 05-03-2016, 08:48 PM

Originally posted by vinceloc

Use the focus assist. When the green polygon shows up on the viewfinder and remains steady, shoot!

Originally posted by One3rdEV

With the OVF, using the 'Catch in focus' mode is another option. For example; when this mode is set the shutter release button is pressed and held, while the focus to the lens is rotated, then when the subject comes into focus at the user specified AF sensor (e.g. center sensor) the camera will automatically actuate the shutter.

These two methods both use the PDAF system and are equivalent in regards to ability to detect an out of focus condition with catch-in-focus being somewhat less effective for real world use. When used with the center column focus points and a lens f/2.8 or faster both are about a stop better than the optical viewfinder with stock screen on the K-3. On the K-1, I am not sure which, PDAF vs. optical focus, is more effective (better focus sensitivity).

Probably the best approach is to do comparative tests with a non-ambiguous subject* tallying the number of successful (acceptably sharp) focus attempts out of 20 for each method.

Steve

* Typically a lens resolution test target mounted on a flat surface parallel to the camera sensor at about 20x - 40x the lens focal length. The aim is to make it as easy as possible to attain focus with the least number of uncontrolled variables.

kinkindoll · 05-03-2016, 10:54 PM

Thanks all, i may consider to buy the magnifying eyepiece. I tried LV but cannot enlarge the focus area, a bit confused.

ranchy · 05-03-2016, 10:58 PM

Originally posted by kinkindoll

Thanks all, i may consider to buy the magnifying eyepiece. I tried LV but cannot enlarge the focus area, a bit confused.

Once in LV, press the ok button to activate the zoom function, by default, should be 2x, turn the front wheel dial to change the zoom setting.

Hope i remember correctly.

**Digitalis** · 05-04-2016, 12:10 AM

Originally posted by stevebrot

The favorite on this site has been the Pentax O-ME53 magnifying eyepiece. I have not personally used it, so cannot give a strong recommendation.

I can recommend it. I use an O-ME53 viewfinder magnifier, and it enhances the focus snap of the focusing screen. I have a similar VF magnifier for the Pentax 645D/Z.

kinkindoll · 05-06-2016, 12:56 AM

Thanks all

**wtlwdwgn** · 05-06-2016, 08:53 AM

I've been using my A series lenses and I find manual focusing a joy now.

artobest · 05-06-2016, 09:56 AM

This may seem a bit obvious, but have you set the diopter adjustment on the VF to match your eyesight?

05-03-2016, 06:33 PM	#1
kinkindoll Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sydney Posts: 173	How to do a better manual focus in K1 Hi all, i got my K1 yesterday and tried my old SMC 55 MF lens. It is very good but to me it is hard to do the manual focus in the OVF. May I please seek u guys advice ? Thanks in advance.

05-03-2016, 08:48 PM	#9
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by vinceloc Use the focus assist. When the green polygon shows up on the viewfinder and remains steady, shoot! Originally posted by One3rdEV With the OVF, using the 'Catch in focus' mode is another option. For example; when this mode is set the shutter release button is pressed and held, while the focus to the lens is rotated, then when the subject comes into focus at the user specified AF sensor (e.g. center sensor) the camera will automatically actuate the shutter. These two methods both use the PDAF system and are equivalent in regards to ability to detect an out of focus condition with catch-in-focus being somewhat less effective for real world use. When used with the center column focus points and a lens f/2.8 or faster both are about a stop better than the optical viewfinder with stock screen on the K-3. On the K-1, I am not sure which, PDAF vs. optical focus, is more effective (better focus sensitivity). Probably the best approach is to do comparative tests with a non-ambiguous subject* tallying the number of successful (acceptably sharp) focus attempts out of 20 for each method. Steve * Typically a lens resolution test target mounted on a flat surface parallel to the camera sensor at about 20x - 40x the lens focal length. The aim is to make it as easy as possible to attain focus with the least number of uncontrolled variables. Last edited by stevebrot; 05-03-2016 at 09:02 PM.

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05-03-2016, 06:39 PM	#2
MattCard Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Mirabel,Qc Posts: 130	You can use live view, and make sure to turn ON the focus peaking in the menus. You will see the things in focus highlighted in white

05-03-2016, 06:40 PM - 1 Like	#3
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Conventional wisdom is that additional magnification may help. The favorite on this site has been the Pentax O-ME53 magnifying eyepiece. I have not personally used it, so cannot give a strong recommendation. Until such time as alternative focus screens with focus aides become available, this is the best solution at present for the optical viewfinder. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/469574-REG/Pentax_30150_O_ME53_Magnifying_Eyecup.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/accessoryreviews/pentax-magnifier-eyecup-o-me53.html Steve

05-03-2016, 07:00 PM	#4
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by kinkindoll Hi all, i got my K1 yesterday and tried my old SMC 55 MF lens. It is very good but to me it is hard to do the manual focus in the OVF. May I please seek u guys advice ? Thanks in advance. Live view magnification is the way to go for precise manual focus. You can also use AF confirmation through the viewfinder. 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:

05-03-2016, 07:10 PM - 1 Like	#5
vinceloc Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Philippines Photos: Gallery Posts: 367	Use the focus assist. When the green polygon shows up on the viewfinder and remains steady, shoot!

05-03-2016, 07:39 PM	#6
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,981	Originally posted by vinceloc Use the focus assist. When the green polygon shows up on the viewfinder and remains steady, shoot! I haven't checked with non A series lenses, but with non AF A series, when focus is achieved a red flash can be seen for a moment in the viewfinder and the center spot turns bold. I don't recall the setting, but it seems to work well.

05-03-2016, 08:11 PM	#7
One3rdEV Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: So-central, MI Posts: 285	With the OVF, using the 'Catch in focus' mode is another option. For example; when this mode is set the shutter release button is pressed and held, while the focus to the lens is rotated, then when the subject comes into focus at the user specified AF sensor (e.g. center sensor) the camera will automatically actuate the shutter.

05-03-2016, 08:24 PM	#8
PePe Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Helsinki, Finland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 597	Originally posted by stevebrot Conventional wisdom is that additional magnification may help. The favorite on this site has been the Pentax O-ME53 magnifying eyepiece. I have not personally used it, so cannot give a strong recommendation. Until such time as alternative focus screens with focus aides become available, this is the best solution at present for the optical viewfinder. Pentax O-ME53 Magnifying Eyecup 30150 B&H Photo Video PENTAX Magnifier Eyecup O-ME53 reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database Steve I moved my O-ME53 magnifying eyepiece from the K-3 to the K-1. Works fine!

05-03-2016, 10:54 PM	#10
kinkindoll Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sydney Posts: 173 Original Poster	Thanks all, i may consider to buy the magnifying eyepiece. I tried LV but cannot enlarge the focus area, a bit confused.

05-03-2016, 10:58 PM	#11
ranchy Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 570	Originally posted by kinkindoll Thanks all, i may consider to buy the magnifying eyepiece. I tried LV but cannot enlarge the focus area, a bit confused. Once in LV, press the ok button to activate the zoom function, by default, should be 2x, turn the front wheel dial to change the zoom setting. Hope i remember correctly.

05-04-2016, 12:10 AM	#12
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Originally posted by stevebrot The favorite on this site has been the Pentax O-ME53 magnifying eyepiece. I have not personally used it, so cannot give a strong recommendation. I can recommend it. I use an O-ME53 viewfinder magnifier, and it enhances the focus snap of the focusing screen. I have a similar VF magnifier for the Pentax 645D/Z.

05-06-2016, 12:56 AM	#13
kinkindoll Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sydney Posts: 173 Original Poster	Thanks all

05-06-2016, 08:53 AM	#14
wtlwdwgn Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Billings, MT Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,838	I've been using my A series lenses and I find manual focusing a joy now.

05-06-2016, 09:56 AM	#15
artobest Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Swansea, Wales Posts: 455	This may seem a bit obvious, but have you set the diopter adjustment on the VF to match your eyesight?