Focusing on the K1?

*Rich · 11-30-2018, 03:00 PM

I'm thinking about getting a K1 (not the Mark II), upgrading from a Nikon D750. Two questions about focusing:
1. Can you set up "Back-button Focusing?"
2. Can you easily select the focus point using the LCD screen in live view, then zoom in to check focus BEFORE you shoot?

Thanks.

pschlute · 11-30-2018, 03:12 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by *Rich

I'm thinking about getting a K1 (not the Mark II), upgrading from a Nikon D750. Two questions about focusing:
1. Can you set up "Back-button Focusing?"
2. Can you easily select the focus point using the LCD screen in live view, then zoom in to check focus BEFORE you shoot?

Thanks.

1. The options are: shutter button half press/shutter button half press AND/OR BB Focus button/ BB Focus button only. So all bases covered.

2. The screen is not "touch-screen" but you have a number of choices for AF method in LV. The one I prefer is to use a single AF Square, move it around the scene with the 4 way controller, then press the OK button to zoom in. The zoom is variable by using the rear dial, but you can set the OK button to jump to 100% view which is what I use. Never miss focus that way

derekkite · 11-30-2018, 04:33 PM - **1 Like**

There are more than one setting for the af button. One is to enable focus with the shutter, enable focus without the shutter or cancel focus. So yes, back button focus is configurable.

In live view you hit the ok button to zoom in on the image to check focus. There is also focus peaking on the live view screen.

rawr · 11-30-2018, 05:46 PM

Originally posted by derekkite

There is also focus peaking on the live view screen.

A very handy feature that the D750 notably lacks.

This video [in Polish] visually demonstrates all the camera menu features accessible via LiveView, including peaking and moving the focus point around in LV:

You Tube

Here's another short video directly demonstrating LV AF, including moving the AF point around:

You Tube

Last edited by rawr; 11-30-2018 at 05:59 PM.

Roadboat24 · 11-30-2018, 07:06 PM - **1 Like**

#1. Yes
#2. Yes.
The Pentax K1 is highly customizable. It will do as you want.
I love it. I particularly like being able to switch from full frame to crop frame with just a flick of a dial. This thing is built for a photographer.

**cdurfor** · 12-01-2018, 04:34 PM

Amen. As a photographer for Historic Jamestown I just picked up a second K-1. What is life without a back-up...

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11-30-2018, 03:00 PM	#1
*Rich Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Silver City, New Mexico, USA Posts: 31	Focusing on the K1? I'm thinking about getting a K1 (not the Mark II), upgrading from a Nikon D750. Two questions about focusing: 1. Can you set up "Back-button Focusing?" 2. Can you easily select the focus point using the LCD screen in live view, then zoom in to check focus BEFORE you shoot? Thanks.

11-30-2018, 03:12 PM - 1 Like	#2
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,202	Originally posted by *Rich I'm thinking about getting a K1 (not the Mark II), upgrading from a Nikon D750. Two questions about focusing: 1. Can you set up "Back-button Focusing?" 2. Can you easily select the focus point using the LCD screen in live view, then zoom in to check focus BEFORE you shoot? Thanks. 1. The options are: shutter button half press/shutter button half press AND/OR BB Focus button/ BB Focus button only. So all bases covered. 2. The screen is not "touch-screen" but you have a number of choices for AF method in LV. The one I prefer is to use a single AF Square, move it around the scene with the 4 way controller, then press the OK button to zoom in. The zoom is variable by using the rear dial, but you can set the OK button to jump to 100% view which is what I use. Never miss focus that way

11-30-2018, 04:33 PM - 1 Like	#3
derekkite Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Nelson B.C. Posts: 3,782	There are more than one setting for the af button. One is to enable focus with the shutter, enable focus without the shutter or cancel focus. So yes, back button focus is configurable. In live view you hit the ok button to zoom in on the image to check focus. There is also focus peaking on the live view screen.

11-30-2018, 07:06 PM - 1 Like	#5
Roadboat24 Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2017 Posts: 487	#1. Yes #2. Yes. The Pentax K1 is highly customizable. It will do as you want. I love it. I particularly like being able to switch from full frame to crop frame with just a flick of a dial. This thing is built for a photographer.

12-01-2018, 04:34 PM	#6
cdurfor Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Washington, DC Photos: Gallery Posts: 581	Amen. As a photographer for Historic Jamestown I just picked up a second K-1. What is life without a back-up...