K30 Fuzzy Images [Sample Attached]

dmazimoto · 06-07-2013, 06:41 AM

Good morning everyone.

Im a beginner photographer coming from Sony systems. I love my K30 but lately something has been bothering me. I got a Pentax SMC FA 1.7 50mm lens hoping it would help my indoor, flash-less, photography; but the results have not been good. I first thought it was the lens but same results with the kit lens. The images look blurry when magnified. All setting are stock, except focusin, I chose my own focusing point (third option in AF Active Area). I've tried manual focusin, center focus, auto 5 and auto 9. Same results. Can anyone help me figure this out? I'm going nuts over here.

Thanks in advance

Unretouched JPEG
F2.8
1/80 sec shutter
ISO-1250
Focal Lenght 50mm
Auto White Balance
No flash, shot indoors

Attached Images

JinDesu · 06-07-2013, 06:43 AM - **1 Like**

That looks out of focus. Set your camera on a tripod, turn on liveview, zoom in to the maximum zoom, and manually focus until the zoomed image looks sharp - then take a picture. If that picture is still fuzzy, then post it for us. If that picture is not fuzzy, your autofocus isn't hitting the mark.

As for why the autofocus isn't hitting the mark - there can be multiple reasons. Your lens may need some focus adjustment to be accurate, or it may have some issues with focus.

Giklab · 06-07-2013, 06:53 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by JinDesu

zoom in to the maximum zoom

I think this was meant 'magnify with the INFO button', not zoom the lens.

JinDesu · 06-07-2013, 06:54 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Giklab

I think this was meant 'magnify with the INFO button', not zoom the lens.

Yes, I apologize, I should be clear with my terms. Do exactly as Giklab described.

Na Horuk · 06-07-2013, 06:58 AM - **1 Like**

Hey, welcome

Can you try that lens on another camera? Also, remove any filters on the lens, they can severely lower the IQ.
One more thing, is the SR (Shake reduction) turned on? Did you dial in the correct number (50mm)? I think the shutter speed, 1/80, is a bit slow for handholding a 50mm lens, unless you have very steady hands. Try with a faster shutter speed, like 1/125. If the shutter speed is too slow, hand-shake can show up in the photo. And if the camera has the wrong FoV dialed into the SR, the SR can actually make the photo look worse, instead of better.
But yes, try manually focusing, even try focus peaking in live view. See if you can get any sharp results at all. The way I like to do that is to use a tripod, turn off AF, set the lens to its MFD (minimum focusing distance) and put it at 45 degrees to a newspaper and use a measuring tape to make sure the newspaper is not quite as far from the sensor as the number on the distance scales, so that the focus point would be somewhere on the newspaper. Then I use the 2sec timer and take a photo.

altopiet · 06-07-2013, 07:11 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by JinDesu

your autofocus isn't hitting the mark.

I also think that this might be the problem, especially at f2.8 with the thin DOF; I don't think 1/80 on a 50mm lens is too slow for handholding...

dmazimoto · 06-07-2013, 07:16 AM

Originally posted by JinDesu

That looks out of focus. Set your camera on a tripod, turn on liveview, zoom in to the maximum zoom, and manually focus until the zoomed image looks sharp - then take a picture. If that picture is still fuzzy, then post it for us. If that picture is not fuzzy, your autofocus isn't hitting the mark.

As for why the autofocus isn't hitting the mark - there can be multiple reasons. Your lens may need some focus adjustment to be accurate, or it may have some issues with focus.

Thank for the quick reply. I will try that right now and post pics.

dmazimoto · 06-07-2013, 07:17 AM

Originally posted by Giklab

I think this was meant 'magnify with the INFO button', not zoom the lens.

Noted, thanks!

dmazimoto · 06-07-2013, 07:20 AM

Originally posted by Na Horuk

Hey, welcome

Can you try that lens on another camera? Also, remove any filters on the lens, they can severely lower the IQ.
One more thing, is the SR (Shake reduction) turned on? Did you dial in the correct number (50mm)? I think the shutter speed, 1/80, is a bit slow for handholding a 50mm lens, unless you have very steady hands. Try with a faster shutter speed, like 1/125. If the shutter speed is too slow, hand-shake can show up in the photo. And if the camera has the wrong FoV dialed into the SR, the SR can actually make the photo look worse, instead of better.
But yes, try manually focusing, even try focus peaking in live view. See if you can get any sharp results at all. The way I like to do that is to use a tripod, turn off AF, set the lens to its MFD (minimum focusing distance) and put it at 45 degrees to a newspaper and use a measuring tape to make sure the newspaper is not quite as far from the sensor as the number on the distance scales, so that the focus point would be somewhere on the newspaper. Then I use the 2sec timer and take a photo.

Sadly I only have one camera

No filters used. SR is off, but I will turn on and also post pics. Option to dial in focal lenght is grayed out on this lens, it's available when I use my M42 Takumar though. I will try the tripod method, will post pics.

dmazimoto · 06-07-2013, 07:21 AM

Originally posted by altopiet

I also think that this might be the problem, especially at f2.8 with the thin DOF; I don't think 1/80 on a 50mm lens is too slow for handholding...

If this is the problem, is it the camera or the lens? I heard so many good things about this lens before I bought it and it hasn't taken one good, clear pic yet

altopiet · 06-07-2013, 07:38 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by dmazimoto

If this is the problem, is it the camera or the lens? I heard so many good things about this lens before I bought it and it hasn't taken one good, clear pic yet

Look at Na Hurok's second paragraph, and try it, it is not abnormal for some slight front or back focus on a lens, and in the settings menu, you can adjust for that (menu=C-22)

EDIT: You can also try this method http://cameralightlens.com/newsblog/?p=264

wsteffey · 06-07-2013, 07:42 AM - **1 Like**

High ISO, slow (ish) shutter, no shake reduction, no tripod = tough conditions for any camera/lens combo. Is this too demanding a task, or should this combo really do better?

dmazimoto · 06-07-2013, 09:20 AM

So I took the image below, outside with a wider aperture, faster shutter and lower ISO, looks pretty in focus to me. I took some indoor pics that also came out clear but not on the focus point the camera focused on. That's my initial problem, the fuzziness on the intended focus point. I'm also posting an outdoor shot I did at a high shutter speed, lower ISO so you can see the fuziness is still there (I have to look for the pic). I didn't have a newspaper but I did the test with something that had a lot of color and detail (I guess). Does the K5 have better focusing engine than K30? I am seriously not a happy camper with the K30 at the moment, and this is coming from a Sony A230 with kit lens.

My frustration is, I suck at manual focusing, I found out when I bought a M42 Takumar 1.8. I bought the 1.7 Pentax auto focus due to it's wide aperture and good reviews. I know the lens is soft at 1.7 but from I read at 2.8 it should be sharp. I don't like when I am at my daughters class, with the windows open and sun light coming in, and my iPhone pictures look better when magnified than my "better" K30.

/rantover

dmazimoto · 06-07-2013, 09:22 AM

Originally posted by altopiet

Look at Na Hurok's second paragraph, and try it, it is not abnormal for some slight front or back focus on a lens, and in the settings menu, you can adjust for that (menu=C-22)

EDIT: You can also try this method Checking Your Camera for Front Focus or Back Focus. | Camera Light & Lens Forum – News

Great article thanks!

JinDesu · 06-07-2013, 09:43 AM - **1 Like**

Was this done with manual focus? Do you have a full size image or a 100% crop of that newer shot?

06-07-2013, 06:41 AM	#1
dmazimoto Junior Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 45	K30 Fuzzy Images [Sample Attached] Good morning everyone. Im a beginner photographer coming from Sony systems. I love my K30 but lately something has been bothering me. I got a Pentax SMC FA 1.7 50mm lens hoping it would help my indoor, flash-less, photography; but the results have not been good. I first thought it was the lens but same results with the kit lens. The images look blurry when magnified. All setting are stock, except focusin, I chose my own focusing point (third option in AF Active Area). I've tried manual focusin, center focus, auto 5 and auto 9. Same results. Can anyone help me figure this out? I'm going nuts over here. Thanks in advance Unretouched JPEG F2.8 1/80 sec shutter ISO-1250 Focal Lenght 50mm Auto White Balance No flash, shot indoors Attached Images

06-07-2013, 07:38 AM - 1 Like	#11
altopiet Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: The Gem of the Karoo, South Africa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,307	Originally posted by dmazimoto If this is the problem, is it the camera or the lens? I heard so many good things about this lens before I bought it and it hasn't taken one good, clear pic yet Look at Na Hurok's second paragraph, and try it, it is not abnormal for some slight front or back focus on a lens, and in the settings menu, you can adjust for that (menu=C-22) EDIT: You can also try this method http://cameralightlens.com/newsblog/?p=264 Last edited by altopiet; 06-07-2013 at 07:44 AM.

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06-07-2013, 06:43 AM - 1 Like	#2
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	That looks out of focus. Set your camera on a tripod, turn on liveview, zoom in to the maximum zoom, and manually focus until the zoomed image looks sharp - then take a picture. If that picture is still fuzzy, then post it for us. If that picture is not fuzzy, your autofocus isn't hitting the mark. As for why the autofocus isn't hitting the mark - there can be multiple reasons. Your lens may need some focus adjustment to be accurate, or it may have some issues with focus.

06-07-2013, 06:53 AM - 1 Like	#3
Giklab Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Slovenia Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,182	Originally posted by JinDesu zoom in to the maximum zoom I think this was meant 'magnify with the INFO button', not zoom the lens.

06-07-2013, 06:54 AM - 1 Like	#4
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Originally posted by Giklab I think this was meant 'magnify with the INFO button', not zoom the lens. Yes, I apologize, I should be clear with my terms. Do exactly as Giklab described.

06-07-2013, 06:58 AM - 1 Like	#5
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Hey, welcome Can you try that lens on another camera? Also, remove any filters on the lens, they can severely lower the IQ. One more thing, is the SR (Shake reduction) turned on? Did you dial in the correct number (50mm)? I think the shutter speed, 1/80, is a bit slow for handholding a 50mm lens, unless you have very steady hands. Try with a faster shutter speed, like 1/125. If the shutter speed is too slow, hand-shake can show up in the photo. And if the camera has the wrong FoV dialed into the SR, the SR can actually make the photo look worse, instead of better. But yes, try manually focusing, even try focus peaking in live view. See if you can get any sharp results at all. The way I like to do that is to use a tripod, turn off AF, set the lens to its MFD (minimum focusing distance) and put it at 45 degrees to a newspaper and use a measuring tape to make sure the newspaper is not quite as far from the sensor as the number on the distance scales, so that the focus point would be somewhere on the newspaper. Then I use the 2sec timer and take a photo.

06-07-2013, 07:11 AM - 1 Like	#6
altopiet Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: The Gem of the Karoo, South Africa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,307	Originally posted by JinDesu your autofocus isn't hitting the mark. I also think that this might be the problem, especially at f2.8 with the thin DOF; I don't think 1/80 on a 50mm lens is too slow for handholding...

06-07-2013, 07:16 AM	#7
dmazimoto Junior Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 45 Original Poster	Originally posted by JinDesu That looks out of focus. Set your camera on a tripod, turn on liveview, zoom in to the maximum zoom, and manually focus until the zoomed image looks sharp - then take a picture. If that picture is still fuzzy, then post it for us. If that picture is not fuzzy, your autofocus isn't hitting the mark. As for why the autofocus isn't hitting the mark - there can be multiple reasons. Your lens may need some focus adjustment to be accurate, or it may have some issues with focus. Thank for the quick reply. I will try that right now and post pics.

06-07-2013, 07:17 AM	#8
dmazimoto Junior Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 45 Original Poster	Originally posted by Giklab I think this was meant 'magnify with the INFO button', not zoom the lens. Noted, thanks!

06-07-2013, 07:20 AM	#9
dmazimoto Junior Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 45 Original Poster	Originally posted by Na Horuk Hey, welcome Can you try that lens on another camera? Also, remove any filters on the lens, they can severely lower the IQ. One more thing, is the SR (Shake reduction) turned on? Did you dial in the correct number (50mm)? I think the shutter speed, 1/80, is a bit slow for handholding a 50mm lens, unless you have very steady hands. Try with a faster shutter speed, like 1/125. If the shutter speed is too slow, hand-shake can show up in the photo. And if the camera has the wrong FoV dialed into the SR, the SR can actually make the photo look worse, instead of better. But yes, try manually focusing, even try focus peaking in live view. See if you can get any sharp results at all. The way I like to do that is to use a tripod, turn off AF, set the lens to its MFD (minimum focusing distance) and put it at 45 degrees to a newspaper and use a measuring tape to make sure the newspaper is not quite as far from the sensor as the number on the distance scales, so that the focus point would be somewhere on the newspaper. Then I use the 2sec timer and take a photo. Sadly I only have one camera No filters used. SR is off, but I will turn on and also post pics. Option to dial in focal lenght is grayed out on this lens, it's available when I use my M42 Takumar though. I will try the tripod method, will post pics.

06-07-2013, 07:21 AM	#10
dmazimoto Junior Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 45 Original Poster	Originally posted by altopiet I also think that this might be the problem, especially at f2.8 with the thin DOF; I don't think 1/80 on a 50mm lens is too slow for handholding... If this is the problem, is it the camera or the lens? I heard so many good things about this lens before I bought it and it hasn't taken one good, clear pic yet

06-07-2013, 07:42 AM - 1 Like	#12
wsteffey Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 106	High ISO, slow (ish) shutter, no shake reduction, no tripod = tough conditions for any camera/lens combo. Is this too demanding a task, or should this combo really do better?

06-07-2013, 09:22 AM	#14
dmazimoto Junior Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 45 Original Poster	Originally posted by altopiet Look at Na Hurok's second paragraph, and try it, it is not abnormal for some slight front or back focus on a lens, and in the settings menu, you can adjust for that (menu=C-22) EDIT: You can also try this method Checking Your Camera for Front Focus or Back Focus. \| Camera Light & Lens Forum – News Great article thanks!

06-07-2013, 09:43 AM - 1 Like	#15
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Was this done with manual focus? Do you have a full size image or a 100% crop of that newer shot?