K7 Shutter timing in M

derelict · 09-01-2013, 11:27 AM

I just got a K7 and started playing with it but am having trouble in M mode. I am used to my ist DS where I can control everything and am learning the differences now. Here is my issue. I set the iso, I set the aperture, and then I go to the front wheel and attempt to dial in the shutter timing but it seems to fight me. I can decrease the shutter timing with no issues at all. When I go to decrease it though, it will not smoothly do it. Is there some setting somewhere that is fighting me (like it is auto meter is telling me not to)? It is really quite annoying. I can hit the green button and have it meter and set the shutter and aperture for me but under or over is hard to adjust. Here is a quick video. You can see how it jumps around and you can hear it clicking as I try to make it adjust but it seems to refuse to smoothly increase shutter timing.

You Tube

Another question: can I dial in a custom shutter speed? Say, if I am light writing and want to start to shutter timing with my remote and end it with my remote?

JohnX · 09-01-2013, 11:46 AM

Unfortunately the answer might be in 'I just got a K7...' which points to if being second-hand.

Do you know its history? Could be a fault with the front e-dial.

How does it operate in other modes that involve the front e-dial, i.e. when switching between images in playback mode?

derelict · 09-01-2013, 11:51 AM

Very low shutter count, around 4k, and it great condition. Not a single issue with anything else. There are no issues with the dial in any other of its uses. In playback, the response is instantaneous.

AndrewG NY · 09-01-2013, 12:12 PM

Your description sounds a lot like a wonky e-dial. I have successfully straightened a problem like this on my old DS2 with a squirt of electrical contact cleaner and working the dial however this may be trickier on the sealed k-7. I am a current k-7 owner and wouldn't hesitate to try this again myself but we each have our own tolerances for risks and willingness to seek professional repair.

Does it seem just as finicky in TAv, X, or Tv mode or in M mode with the dial functions reversed? Or with D-BG4 grip if you have one?

I think I can help you with your other question -- check custom setting #17 'Remote with Bulb' -- can open/close shutter by clicking remote when in B mode.

derelict · 09-01-2013, 06:06 PM

Well, it is still a bit laggy but I have been working it and pulled out the can of Dust Off while working it. Seems to be improving but still a slight lag at times.

calsan · 09-01-2013, 06:58 PM

the way to check would be to reverse the function of the e-dials in the custom settings and see if the behaviour changes.

derelict · 09-02-2013, 07:31 AM

Originally posted by calsan

the way to check would be to reverse the function of the e-dials in the custom settings and see if the behaviour changes.

I switched the dial assignments in M mode setting the rear dial to be shutter timing. The adjustments were much more responsive. I mostly use Av and Tv since I use older M lenses so I will leave the settings like they are. I am in M mode when running my M42 lenses on it. I will keep working the dial and maybe try some contact cleaner. The dial works, just not as smoothly as the rear one.

bigdavephoto · 09-02-2013, 11:16 AM

If you try the contact cleaner, be sure and get the one that says "safe for plastic" . The normal cleaner will melt plastic.

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09-01-2013, 11:46 AM	#2
JohnX Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: London Posts: 1,116	Unfortunately the answer might be in 'I just got a K7...' which points to if being second-hand. Do you know its history? Could be a fault with the front e-dial. How does it operate in other modes that involve the front e-dial, i.e. when switching between images in playback mode?

09-01-2013, 11:51 AM	#3
derelict Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: NoVa Posts: 525 Original Poster	Very low shutter count, around 4k, and it great condition. Not a single issue with anything else. There are no issues with the dial in any other of its uses. In playback, the response is instantaneous.

09-01-2013, 12:12 PM	#4
AndrewG NY Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Chappaqua, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 688	Your description sounds a lot like a wonky e-dial. I have successfully straightened a problem like this on my old DS2 with a squirt of electrical contact cleaner and working the dial however this may be trickier on the sealed k-7. I am a current k-7 owner and wouldn't hesitate to try this again myself but we each have our own tolerances for risks and willingness to seek professional repair. Does it seem just as finicky in TAv, X, or Tv mode or in M mode with the dial functions reversed? Or with D-BG4 grip if you have one? I think I can help you with your other question -- check custom setting #17 'Remote with Bulb' -- can open/close shutter by clicking remote when in B mode.

09-01-2013, 06:06 PM	#5
derelict Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: NoVa Posts: 525 Original Poster	Well, it is still a bit laggy but I have been working it and pulled out the can of Dust Off while working it. Seems to be improving but still a slight lag at times.

09-01-2013, 06:58 PM	#6
calsan Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Perth, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,548	the way to check would be to reverse the function of the e-dials in the custom settings and see if the behaviour changes.

09-02-2013, 07:31 AM	#7
derelict Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: NoVa Posts: 525 Original Poster	Originally posted by calsan the way to check would be to reverse the function of the e-dials in the custom settings and see if the behaviour changes. I switched the dial assignments in M mode setting the rear dial to be shutter timing. The adjustments were much more responsive. I mostly use Av and Tv since I use older M lenses so I will leave the settings like they are. I am in M mode when running my M42 lenses on it. I will keep working the dial and maybe try some contact cleaner. The dial works, just not as smoothly as the rear one.

09-02-2013, 11:16 AM	#8
bigdavephoto Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: East central Indiana Photos: Gallery Posts: 893	If you try the contact cleaner, be sure and get the one that says "safe for plastic" . The normal cleaner will melt plastic.