Low light/pitch black DSLR focusing

**LaurenOE** · 05-12-2012, 04:52 PM - **1 Like**

I hear so many times that people have a hard time with "Low Light" focusing on Pentax DSLRs. Some folks feel that the in-camera illuminator light is not up to the task of competitor's low light performance.

When I am shooting in pitch blackness or in extreme darkness, I don't even try to use the in-camera illuminator.

I use the little used feature on many of Pentax flashes called "SB".

On many Pentax flashes, there is a mode called "SB" which stands for "Spot Beam".

Spot beam illumination is NOT the green light that flashes in-camera, but an IR beam that is part of the flash. The "IR" beam goes MUCH further and will not distract people or cause red-eye or pupil dilation - as in zero distraction to subjects.

The "SB" function is why you see that "red" plastic cover on flashes!

Before you give up on "Low light" focusing performance, get yourself a Pentax flash that has the "SB" mode, and you will be amazed at how well your Pentax focuses!

In the image below, you can see that SB function has been with Pentax flashes for a LONG time.

So before you give up on Pentax low light, try using the "SB" function on Pentax flashes.

hcc · 05-12-2012, 05:04 PM

LorenOE
Very good point. Thank you for the refresher which would be of interest to many.

Although I agree generally with you that "dome folks feel [too easily] that the in-camera illuminator light is not up to the task of competitor's low light performance", there are situations when the flash is not an option nor the in-camera illuminator. These include when you shoot outdoor at dusk and dawn, and I do so often. In that case, the best option is MF, irrespective of the camera brand

.

**LaurenOE** · 05-12-2012, 05:08 PM

Originally posted by hcc

LorenOE
Vety good point. Thank you for the refresher which would be of interest to many.

Although I agree generally with you that "dome folks feel [too easily] that the in-camera illuminator light is not up to the task of competitor's low light performance", there are situations when the flash is not an option nor the in-camera illuminator. These include when you shoot outdoor at dusk and dawn, and I do so often. In that case, the best option is MF, irrespective of the camera brand

.

True. However, most people that have a hard time with "Low light" would be amazed at how far "SB" throws a beam. It's quite extraordinary.

"SB" is one of those little used features, and if I can keep a Pentaxian with Pentax, then my mission is complete.

**LaurenOE** · 05-12-2012, 05:09 PM

A, "SB" illuminator like the O-GPS-1 as an accessory, would be amazing if Pentax made one.

I would kill for a Pentax version of this.

SC_29_TTL_Off_Camera_Shoe

It comes with a dedicated AF illuminator. I had one for a few days before I sold my Nikon D7000.

Last edited by LaurenOE; 05-12-2012 at 05:15 PM.

**Ash** · 05-12-2012, 05:18 PM

You're right Lauren. Though it isn't much good with even slightly moving subjects. The issue with SB to me is its frustratingly slow responsiveness with the camera, in cases when in camera LED AF assist would easily do the job better. And of course, neither method is of much use in near infinity focus, and the K-5 does struggle to focus (or even grossly front focus) long distance night subjects that are reasonably lit (like buildings with internals lighting). The K20D I had didn't seem to have a problem in these settings. But it's not a bit deal for me since I can just manually focus in this setting.

**LaurenOE** · 05-12-2012, 05:26 PM

Originally posted by Ash

You're right Lauren. Though it isn't much good with even slightly moving subjects. The issue with SB to me is its frustratingly slow responsiveness with the camera, in cases when in camera LED AF assist would easily do the job better. And of course, neither method is of much use in near infinity focus, and the K-5 does struggle to focus (or even grossly front focus) long distance night subjects that are reasonably lit (like buildings with internals lighting). The K20D I had didn't seem to have a problem in these settings. But it's not a bit deal for me since I can just manually focus in this setting.

Again, true, although I have not had an issue with things that are moving and using "SB".

**RKKS08** · 05-12-2012, 05:49 PM

On eBay you will occasionally see the old SCA Adapter with built in IR light (Metz SCA374/2 AF M1). It works well with my K200D.

It's from the thread https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/94644-auto-focus-...shoe-slot.html

**LaurenOE** · 05-12-2012, 06:24 PM

Originally posted by RKKS08

On eBay you will occasionally see the old SCA Adapter with built in IR light (Metz SCA374/2 AF M1). It works well with my K200D.

Cool!!!!!

05-12-2012, 04:52 PM - 1 Like	#1
LaurenOE Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Back in Florida, but worldwide gigs! Photos: Albums Posts: 3,690	Low light/pitch black DSLR focusing I hear so many times that people have a hard time with "Low Light" focusing on Pentax DSLRs. Some folks feel that the in-camera illuminator light is not up to the task of competitor's low light performance. When I am shooting in pitch blackness or in extreme darkness, I don't even try to use the in-camera illuminator. I use the little used feature on many of Pentax flashes called "SB". On many Pentax flashes, there is a mode called "SB" which stands for "Spot Beam". Spot beam illumination is NOT the green light that flashes in-camera, but an IR beam that is part of the flash. The "IR" beam goes MUCH further and will not distract people or cause red-eye or pupil dilation - as in zero distraction to subjects. The "SB" function is why you see that "red" plastic cover on flashes! Before you give up on "Low light" focusing performance, get yourself a Pentax flash that has the "SB" mode, and you will be amazed at how well your Pentax focuses! In the image below, you can see that SB function has been with Pentax flashes for a LONG time. So before you give up on Pentax low light, try using the "SB" function on Pentax flashes.

05-12-2012, 05:04 PM	#2
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,001	LorenOE Very good point. Thank you for the refresher which would be of interest to many. Although I agree generally with you that "dome folks feel [too easily] that the in-camera illuminator light is not up to the task of competitor's low light performance", there are situations when the flash is not an option nor the in-camera illuminator. These include when you shoot outdoor at dusk and dawn, and I do so often. In that case, the best option is MF, irrespective of the camera brand . Last edited by hcc; 05-13-2012 at 04:41 AM.

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05-12-2012, 05:08 PM	#3
LaurenOE Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Back in Florida, but worldwide gigs! Photos: Albums Posts: 3,690 Original Poster	Originally posted by hcc LorenOE Vety good point. Thank you for the refresher which would be of interest to many. Although I agree generally with you that "dome folks feel [too easily] that the in-camera illuminator light is not up to the task of competitor's low light performance", there are situations when the flash is not an option nor the in-camera illuminator. These include when you shoot outdoor at dusk and dawn, and I do so often. In that case, the best option is MF, irrespective of the camera brand . True. However, most people that have a hard time with "Low light" would be amazed at how far "SB" throws a beam. It's quite extraordinary. "SB" is one of those little used features, and if I can keep a Pentaxian with Pentax, then my mission is complete.

05-12-2012, 05:09 PM	#4
LaurenOE Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Back in Florida, but worldwide gigs! Photos: Albums Posts: 3,690 Original Poster	A, "SB" illuminator like the O-GPS-1 as an accessory, would be amazing if Pentax made one. I would kill for a Pentax version of this. SC_29_TTL_Off_Camera_Shoe It comes with a dedicated AF illuminator. I had one for a few days before I sold my Nikon D7000. Last edited by LaurenOE; 05-12-2012 at 05:15 PM.

05-12-2012, 05:18 PM	#5
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	You're right Lauren. Though it isn't much good with even slightly moving subjects. The issue with SB to me is its frustratingly slow responsiveness with the camera, in cases when in camera LED AF assist would easily do the job better. And of course, neither method is of much use in near infinity focus, and the K-5 does struggle to focus (or even grossly front focus) long distance night subjects that are reasonably lit (like buildings with internals lighting). The K20D I had didn't seem to have a problem in these settings. But it's not a bit deal for me since I can just manually focus in this setting.

05-12-2012, 05:26 PM	#6
LaurenOE Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Back in Florida, but worldwide gigs! Photos: Albums Posts: 3,690 Original Poster	Originally posted by Ash You're right Lauren. Though it isn't much good with even slightly moving subjects. The issue with SB to me is its frustratingly slow responsiveness with the camera, in cases when in camera LED AF assist would easily do the job better. And of course, neither method is of much use in near infinity focus, and the K-5 does struggle to focus (or even grossly front focus) long distance night subjects that are reasonably lit (like buildings with internals lighting). The K20D I had didn't seem to have a problem in these settings. But it's not a bit deal for me since I can just manually focus in this setting. Again, true, although I have not had an issue with things that are moving and using "SB".

05-12-2012, 05:49 PM	#7
RKKS08 Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Frankfurt am Main Posts: 1,241	On eBay you will occasionally see the old SCA Adapter with built in IR light (Metz SCA374/2 AF M1). It works well with my K200D. It's from the thread https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/94644-auto-focus-...shoe-slot.html

05-12-2012, 06:24 PM	#8
LaurenOE Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Back in Florida, but worldwide gigs! Photos: Albums Posts: 3,690 Original Poster	Originally posted by RKKS08 On eBay you will occasionally see the old SCA Adapter with built in IR light (Metz SCA374/2 AF M1). It works well with my K200D. Cool!!!!!

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