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**c.a.m** · 09-30-2013, 11:21 AM

Wired,

I recently adopted this technique. I guess I was aware of the function on the K-5, but didn't use it much before reading your post. Thanks for the great explanation. I can't say I'm getting perfect focus every time, but I do get more in-focus shots in certain situations, and the method is more effective than the half-press mode.

Krebsy75: Now THAT is a superb portrait! Wow.

- Craig

krebsy75 · 09-30-2013, 11:29 AM

Thank you. Credit to the 77 Limited and K-5IIs.

**c.a.m** · 09-30-2013, 12:03 PM

Originally posted by krebsy75

Credit to the 77 Limited and K-5IIs.

A fine testament to the 77 and K-5IIs. But, there's more to it than the equipment, and you're being modest. The composition, the lighting, and those eyes! Again, really well done - you nailed it.

Add: And I should also compliment the wonderful subject!

krebsy75 · 09-30-2013, 01:13 PM

That's my darling daughter, Brynlee Rae. She was lying on our bed. The backlight is a window.

polachekphotography · 10-02-2013, 12:15 PM

Interesting, I've been using the AF button for years but haven't experimented with AF-C mode very much at all. I'll have to give it another try. The AF button alone increased the number of keepers significantly, that's for sure!

The only caveat I would add is for those using a grip with the K-5 or K-7. It's incredibly easy to accidentally hit the Green button instead of the AF button when you flip to portrait mode and use the grip controls, due to the way the buttons are arranged vs. those on the camera. Other than that I have had no issues and wouldn't want to go back to the half-press method.

jake14mw · 10-02-2013, 01:28 PM

Interesting thread. I may try this. It just takes me so long to get used to new methods. I have always been a centerpoint focus and recompose guy.

One question I have is that I know there are certain differences in the way the camera operates in AF-C vs. AF-S other than the obvious. When going to AF-C doesn't the max fps go down? Are there other differences other than focusing continuously vs. single focus?

jake14mw · 10-02-2013, 01:34 PM

Originally posted by Michaelina2

As I understand things, actually, you can quite easily.

Keep in mind the K5 can configured to behave as five cameras in one via its USER mode. Simply save your current "Best of Show" settings as one USER mode with appropriate name, then Wired's configuration as another USER mode with a custom name like "AF+C+SEL" When you assess your setting, flick the MODE switch, adjust C and SEL to fine tune for the appropriate camera set-up and you are good to go.

Cheers...M

I really need to start using the User Modes. This would be a perfect use for it. My question is this - for any of the controls that are set with a lever on the body (like focus mode), these are still configurable in the user mode so that the camera will override how the physical switch is set on the body? Thanks.

**sergysergy** · 10-02-2013, 02:16 PM

Sorry, I have read the explanation 3 times and I still don't see the difference (benefit) between this and half pressing the shutter in C (continuous) AF.

krebsy75, lovely picture

Wired · 10-02-2013, 04:56 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by sergysergy

Sorry, I have read the explanation 3 times and I still don't see the difference (benefit) between this and half pressing the shutter in C (continuous) AF.

krebsy75, lovely picture

Doing so allows you to set the camera to continuous-servo AF (AF-C) mode permanently, while still being able to get the benefit of focus-lock like you do in single-servo (AF-S) mode on the fly without making any adjustments or changes in menus or switches.

his means that at any time, you can switch between a focus/recompose/shoot style of photography (portraits and landscapes) and continuous subject tracking (sports & wildlife) without having to change camera switches or menu settings.

In addition, since your always in AFC it allows your camera to adjust for the small movements you or your subject make naturally so that your target is always right in the slice of focus.

kswong_00 · 10-02-2013, 05:53 PM

thanks for sharing. I found the similar settings can also be done at my k200d. Definitely will try to master the technique to improve my focusing skill.

**sergysergy** · 10-02-2013, 08:37 PM - **1 Like**

Thanks Wired, now I get it

repaap · 10-03-2013, 05:46 AM

I have been using this technique for a while now, and I must say that it is brilliant. Even that I'm using K-7, wich sucks at AF. You mentioned about this(Wired) a long time a go in single in game, if I remember right, and I have been using it since then. So nice and really efficient in locking focus and recomp, or for example stitches, bracketing. It really gives more control for photographer.

Fat Albert · 10-03-2013, 05:50 AM

Is there any way to do this with a K-30?

daacon · 10-03-2013, 07:22 PM

I gave it a try tonight for the first time. It's gonna take some getting use to , but I am up for the challenge. Just a couple of quick landscape snaps to get the feel - only hit the green button 4 out of 10 times ha! Thanks for the tips Wired

carrrlangas · 10-03-2013, 07:32 PM

yes, hitting the green button happens to me often...
I noticed another great benefit of using the AF button and disabling the halfpress:
Quickshift is much easier to use! If using a DA lens, the system is in manual focus unless you presst the AF button. Pretty cool
I still wish the halfpress of the shuter could be configured to lock exposure

09-30-2013, 12:03 PM	#33
c.a.m Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,194	Originally posted by krebsy75 Credit to the 77 Limited and K-5IIs. A fine testament to the 77 and K-5IIs. But, there's more to it than the equipment, and you're being modest. The composition, the lighting, and those eyes! Again, really well done - you nailed it. Add: And I should also compliment the wonderful subject! Last edited by c.a.m; 09-30-2013 at 12:29 PM.

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09-30-2013, 11:21 AM	#31
c.a.m Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,194	Wired, I recently adopted this technique. I guess I was aware of the function on the K-5, but didn't use it much before reading your post. Thanks for the great explanation. I can't say I'm getting perfect focus every time, but I do get more in-focus shots in certain situations, and the method is more effective than the half-press mode. Krebsy75: Now THAT is a superb portrait! Wow. - Craig

09-30-2013, 11:29 AM	#32
krebsy75 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Chester County, Pa. Posts: 804	Thank you. Credit to the 77 Limited and K-5IIs.

09-30-2013, 01:13 PM	#34
krebsy75 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Chester County, Pa. Posts: 804	That's my darling daughter, Brynlee Rae. She was lying on our bed. The backlight is a window.

10-02-2013, 12:15 PM	#35
polachekphotography Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Alberta Posts: 77	Interesting, I've been using the AF button for years but haven't experimented with AF-C mode very much at all. I'll have to give it another try. The AF button alone increased the number of keepers significantly, that's for sure! The only caveat I would add is for those using a grip with the K-5 or K-7. It's incredibly easy to accidentally hit the Green button instead of the AF button when you flip to portrait mode and use the grip controls, due to the way the buttons are arranged vs. those on the camera. Other than that I have had no issues and wouldn't want to go back to the half-press method.

10-02-2013, 01:28 PM	#36
jake14mw Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Connecticut, USA Posts: 977	Interesting thread. I may try this. It just takes me so long to get used to new methods. I have always been a centerpoint focus and recompose guy. One question I have is that I know there are certain differences in the way the camera operates in AF-C vs. AF-S other than the obvious. When going to AF-C doesn't the max fps go down? Are there other differences other than focusing continuously vs. single focus?

10-02-2013, 01:34 PM	#37
jake14mw Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Connecticut, USA Posts: 977	Originally posted by Michaelina2 As I understand things, actually, you can quite easily. Keep in mind the K5 can configured to behave as five cameras in one via its USER mode. Simply save your current "Best of Show" settings as one USER mode with appropriate name, then Wired's configuration as another USER mode with a custom name like "AF+C+SEL" When you assess your setting, flick the MODE switch, adjust C and SEL to fine tune for the appropriate camera set-up and you are good to go. Cheers...M I really need to start using the User Modes. This would be a perfect use for it. My question is this - for any of the controls that are set with a lever on the body (like focus mode), these are still configurable in the user mode so that the camera will override how the physical switch is set on the body? Thanks.

10-02-2013, 02:16 PM	#38
sergysergy Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,175	Sorry, I have read the explanation 3 times and I still don't see the difference (benefit) between this and half pressing the shutter in C (continuous) AF. krebsy75, lovely picture

10-02-2013, 04:56 PM - 1 Like	#39
Wired Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Edmonton, AB Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,519 Original Poster	Originally posted by sergysergy Sorry, I have read the explanation 3 times and I still don't see the difference (benefit) between this and half pressing the shutter in C (continuous) AF. krebsy75, lovely picture Doing so allows you to set the camera to continuous-servo AF (AF-C) mode permanently, while still being able to get the benefit of focus-lock like you do in single-servo (AF-S) mode on the fly without making any adjustments or changes in menus or switches. his means that at any time, you can switch between a focus/recompose/shoot style of photography (portraits and landscapes) and continuous subject tracking (sports & wildlife) without having to change camera switches or menu settings. In addition, since your always in AFC it allows your camera to adjust for the small movements you or your subject make naturally so that your target is always right in the slice of focus.

10-02-2013, 05:53 PM	#40
kswong_00 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 63	thanks for sharing. I found the similar settings can also be done at my k200d. Definitely will try to master the technique to improve my focusing skill.

10-02-2013, 08:37 PM - 1 Like	#41
sergysergy Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,175	Thanks Wired, now I get it

10-03-2013, 05:46 AM	#42
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,242	I have been using this technique for a while now, and I must say that it is brilliant. Even that I'm using K-7, wich sucks at AF. You mentioned about this(Wired) a long time a go in single in game, if I remember right, and I have been using it since then. So nice and really efficient in locking focus and recomp, or for example stitches, bracketing. It really gives more control for photographer.

10-03-2013, 05:50 AM	#43
Fat Albert Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 966	Is there any way to do this with a K-30?

10-03-2013, 07:22 PM	#44
daacon Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Alberta,Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 20,914	I gave it a try tonight for the first time. It's gonna take some getting use to , but I am up for the challenge. Just a couple of quick landscape snaps to get the feel - only hit the green button 4 out of 10 times ha! Thanks for the tips Wired

10-03-2013, 07:32 PM	#45
carrrlangas Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Joensuu (Finland) Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,761	yes, hitting the green button happens to me often... I noticed another great benefit of using the AF button and disabling the halfpress: Quickshift is much easier to use! If using a DA lens, the system is in manual focus unless you presst the AF button. Pretty cool I still wish the halfpress of the shuter could be configured to lock exposure

Perfect focus everytime

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