The Custom Five User Modes

**BruceBanner** · 03-28-2017, 02:42 PM

Still getting to grips with my K-1, and coming from the K-50 I am seeing a lot more customizations and buttons available for things. The K50 only gave 2 User modes, and I set them up for things like Spot metering instead of matrix, or an HDR feature etc, but I'm slightly at a loss as to what to do with the 5 user modes available with the K-1. I know part of my issue is not fully being knowledgeable about what this camera is capable of doing, but there now seems to exist ways to very quickly change certain things via the new available buttons whereas before on the K-50 it was ZZzzzz by having to delve into menus. Certainly I won't have to configure the K-1 the same way as the K-50, so I'm curious.. what are K-1 owners (or other pentax owners) doing with your User modes?

I think I'll set one up for PixelShift Landscape bias etc but that leaves 4 more lol...

Do people set some up for certain Lenses?

Cheers,

Bruce

Adam · 03-28-2017, 03:03 PM

On the latest models 3 of the user modes now have defaults. Once could be for astrophotography, one could be for PSR, one could be for HDR landscapes, and so on. There are infinitely many ways to set things up, so I guess the question you should ask is what you use the camera for the most, and then configure the user modes accordingly. For example, I have one user more for burst shooting.

KiloHotelphoto · 03-28-2017, 03:15 PM

I have one set up for birds in flight and another for slower larger animals. Once spring arives I am going to set one up for using with pixel shift and give that a try with some buildings and monuments. I tried it once last spring one day but didn't really have the lens for it.

**kiwi_jono** · 03-28-2017, 03:34 PM

Must admit I have not really used mine much yet. I have set one to "Action" (continuous AF, continuous drive etc) as there are multiple settings needed for that (over my normal landscape settings).

I wanted to have a mode for "discrete" (museums, casual gatherings and such) but sadly you can't save sound settings which was annoying as it I would use this quite a bit. As it is I normally live with sounds on low.

I also have a "Long exposure" mode setup but again its a little annoying that I can't set it up to turn off indicator lamps and put camera into the new night vision display (which is in spanner menu).

Anyway enough griping, as its great to have customisation we have.

C_Jones · 03-28-2017, 07:25 PM

For example, if I am birding, I may set a mode to Shutter speed 1250, F8, and TAV mode for an Osprey, Shutter 1000, F8, and TAV mode for Seagulls and Herons, Shutter speed 320, F11, and in TAV mode for birds standing on tree limbs, and Shutter speed 125, F14, and 200 ISO in Manual mode for well lit flowers if I happen to see some. Those are just some examples.

GodsPetMonkey · 03-28-2017, 07:53 PM

I don't use the user modes for single setting changes, for that I have the awesome customisable info button panel (that thing is great!). For really frequently used things you can see if you can bind them to a physical button.

I tend to use them for 'use cases', currently I have 'wife mode' (P, AF on shutter button, bunch of other settings to make it easier for the other half, or anyone else), Astro mode (bulb, red screen, etc) and action (TAv, AF-C, setup to maximise my keeper rate for rapid shots and moving targets). At some point I'll probably set up one as a catch in focus preset. Not sure what I'll do with the last one, maybe something for lightning/storms.

Unregistered User 8 · 03-28-2017, 09:47 PM

Hi Bruce. A thread was started by @redcat about what members did with their USER modes on their K-3 's. It might give you a few ideas to think about. Good luck mate.

what is your U1 U2 U3 settings on your camera ? - PentaxForums.com

Last edited by Unregistered User 8; 03-28-2017 at 11:52 PM. Reason: typo

03-28-2017, 02:42 PM	#1
BruceBanner Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 5,404	The Custom Five User Modes Still getting to grips with my K-1, and coming from the K-50 I am seeing a lot more customizations and buttons available for things. The K50 only gave 2 User modes, and I set them up for things like Spot metering instead of matrix, or an HDR feature etc, but I'm slightly at a loss as to what to do with the 5 user modes available with the K-1. I know part of my issue is not fully being knowledgeable about what this camera is capable of doing, but there now seems to exist ways to very quickly change certain things via the new available buttons whereas before on the K-50 it was ZZzzzz by having to delve into menus. Certainly I won't have to configure the K-1 the same way as the K-50, so I'm curious.. what are K-1 owners (or other pentax owners) doing with your User modes? I think I'll set one up for PixelShift Landscape bias etc but that leaves 4 more lol... Do people set some up for certain Lenses? Cheers, Bruce

03-28-2017, 03:03 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	On the latest models 3 of the user modes now have defaults. Once could be for astrophotography, one could be for PSR, one could be for HDR landscapes, and so on. There are infinitely many ways to set things up, so I guess the question you should ask is what you use the camera for the most, and then configure the user modes accordingly. For example, I have one user more for burst shooting. 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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03-28-2017, 03:15 PM	#3
KiloHotelphoto Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Glen Mills, PA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,030	I have one set up for birds in flight and another for slower larger animals. Once spring arives I am going to set one up for using with pixel shift and give that a try with some buildings and monuments. I tried it once last spring one day but didn't really have the lens for it.

03-28-2017, 03:34 PM	#4
kiwi_jono Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,437	Must admit I have not really used mine much yet. I have set one to "Action" (continuous AF, continuous drive etc) as there are multiple settings needed for that (over my normal landscape settings). I wanted to have a mode for "discrete" (museums, casual gatherings and such) but sadly you can't save sound settings which was annoying as it I would use this quite a bit. As it is I normally live with sounds on low. I also have a "Long exposure" mode setup but again its a little annoying that I can't set it up to turn off indicator lamps and put camera into the new night vision display (which is in spanner menu). Anyway enough griping, as its great to have customisation we have.

03-28-2017, 07:25 PM	#5
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,084	For example, if I am birding, I may set a mode to Shutter speed 1250, F8, and TAV mode for an Osprey, Shutter 1000, F8, and TAV mode for Seagulls and Herons, Shutter speed 320, F11, and in TAV mode for birds standing on tree limbs, and Shutter speed 125, F14, and 200 ISO in Manual mode for well lit flowers if I happen to see some. Those are just some examples.

03-28-2017, 07:53 PM	#6
GodsPetMonkey Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 134	I don't use the user modes for single setting changes, for that I have the awesome customisable info button panel (that thing is great!). For really frequently used things you can see if you can bind them to a physical button. I tend to use them for 'use cases', currently I have 'wife mode' (P, AF on shutter button, bunch of other settings to make it easier for the other half, or anyone else), Astro mode (bulb, red screen, etc) and action (TAv, AF-C, setup to maximise my keeper rate for rapid shots and moving targets). At some point I'll probably set up one as a catch in focus preset. Not sure what I'll do with the last one, maybe something for lightning/storms.

03-28-2017, 09:47 PM	#7
Unregistered User 8 Closed Account Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,694	Hi Bruce. A thread was started by @redcat about what members did with their USER modes on their K-3 's. It might give you a few ideas to think about. Good luck mate. what is your U1 U2 U3 settings on your camera ? - PentaxForums.com Last edited by Unregistered User 8; 03-28-2017 at 11:52 PM. Reason: typo