K70 issues

jacqui2 · 12-20-2019, 06:49 AM

Hi, I have just bought a K70 and the 55-300mm PLM lens, and although I love the camera, I am having real issues with getting sharp shots with it. I have been used to optical IS previously, so it took a little getting used to with the image not being stabilised in the viewfinder, but am gradually getting used to that. The problem is, my hands are not the steadiest, and even though I'm using reasonable shutter speeds, 1/400 - 1/500, I am not getting sharp shots, it doesn't seem like the shake reduction is doing very much? this is just generally taking shots in the garden etc. especially at a distance. I've tried all the normal advice, like standing/breathing correctly, elbows tucked in etc. but still not having much luck, and most photos coming out pretty soft. Any other advice? I read somewhere that you can check to see if shake reduction was active during the photo being taken on Photome, but can't find this on there at all. I haven't had this problem before at all with previous cameras, so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

VILLAINofOZ · 12-20-2019, 07:20 AM

Firstly, looking through the viewfinder of my K-70 and my 55-300PLM lens, the image is stabilized in the viewfinder and does not shake for me even if I purposely shake the camera a little. this suggests to me that there may in fact be an issue with your image stabilization.

After checking that camera stabilization is in fact turned on in camera via the camera menu, I would suggest setting the camera on a flat surface to eliminate potential shake, then set the self timer to two seconds, take a photo in Auto mode, and then see if the photos turn out sharp.

If not, there may be an issue with either the lens being faulty or camera stabilization is not working.

Looking at the picture from within the Pentax software "Silkypix", you can see if image stabilization was on in the "shooting information" on the right hand side once you scroll to near the bottom of that list.

Not a Number · 12-20-2019, 08:02 AM

Make sure the IS active icon (waving hand) is lit in the viewfinder before releasing the shutter. It should come in in a moment or two after the half press of the shutter button.

35mmfilmfan · 12-20-2019, 08:38 AM

Can you post some images, to help us evaluate the issue, please ?

jacqui2 · 12-20-2019, 09:07 AM

Ah ok, thanks for replies. Yes the SR is definately turned on, and yes it is definately shaking in the viewfinder, after half pressing and holding the shutter button for a while there is no sign of any less shaking. The little waving hand icon is on all the time when looking through the viewfinder, even before half pressing the shutter, and it doesn't change whether half pressed or not. does this sound like it could be faulty? The view through the viewfinder does not change whether shutter is half pressed or not. I will try to upload a couple of pics shortly. thanks again.

---------- Post added 20-12-19 at 09:11 AM ----------

Oh and I will try looking at the pic in the silkypix software and let you know, thanks. Jacqui.

**othar** · 12-20-2019, 10:06 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by VILLAINofOZ

Firstly, looking through the viewfinder of my K-70 and my 55-300PLM lens, the image is stabilized in the viewfinder and does not shake for me even if I purposely shake the camera a little. this suggests to me that there may in fact be an issue with your image stabilization.

This is impossible. The SR system only works by moving the sensor. How are you getting a stabilized image in an optocal viewfinder except you are using in-lens stabilisation with a Sigma lens?

**AstroDave** · 12-20-2019, 10:08 AM

Originally posted by VILLAINofOZ

Firstly, looking through the viewfinder of my K-70 and my 55-300PLM lens, the image is stabilized in the viewfinder and does not shake for me even if I purposely shake the camera a little.

Not so! If you are looking directly through the optical viewfinder, you DON"T see the effect of image stabilization, which is done by the sensor being moved around. As opposed to, say, Canon stabilized lenses, where you can indeed see the effect of shake reduction kicking in.

Not sure about live view.

**othar** · 12-20-2019, 10:12 AM

Originally posted by jacqui2

Ah ok, thanks for replies. Yes the SR is definately turned on, and yes it is definately shaking in the viewfinder, after half pressing and holding the shutter button for a while there is no sign of any less shaking. The little waving hand icon is on all the time when looking through the viewfinder, even before half pressing the shutter, and it doesn't change whether half pressed or not. does this sound like it could be faulty? The view through the viewfinder does not change whether shutter is half pressed or not. I will try to upload a couple of pics shortly. thanks again.

---------- Post added 20-12-19 at 09:11 AM ----------

Oh and I will try looking at the pic in the silkypix software and let you know, thanks. Jacqui.

SR has no effect on the optical viewfinder (only in-lens stabilisation provided by some older Sigma lenses can do that).

I think it would be good to rule out other possible problems like missed focus and the like first (by using a tripot and 2sec delay for instance)

**othar** · 12-20-2019, 10:14 AM

Originally posted by AstroDave

Not sure about live view.

LV should be stabilised in my opinion but I'll check with my K-3 when I am at home

Qman · 12-20-2019, 10:20 AM

I occasionally get a blurry shot and the only reason I can come up with is that the IBIS got it wrong. However, if all of your shots are soft the either IBIS is off, or broken, or you have a focusing error, or your ISO is set too high, or....?
Post some photos and someone on here should be able to help out.
Note: as previously stated, IBIS doesn't stabilize the viewfinder.

jacqui2 · 12-20-2019, 10:38 AM

Ok thanks. Yes this is happening with quite a lot of shots, and I have taken several of the same target. Unless it is just not as effective as optical which I have had previously, so therefore, this will take a bit of getting used to. How about what was mentioned regarding the waving hand icon showing up once the shutter button is half pressed? Mine is on all the time regardless of whether I have half pressed or not. Is this correct for the K70? Thanks.

**othar** · 12-20-2019, 10:54 AM

Originally posted by jacqui2

How about what was mentioned regarding the waving hand icon showing up once the shutter button is half pressed? Mine is on all the time regardless of whether I have half pressed or not. Is this correct for the K70? Thanks.

This seems odd to me, on my K-3 it only lights up when the shutter button is half pressed.

The best way to do a remote analysis is however with an image attached in a post so we can take a look at the exif data.

Penview52 · 12-20-2019, 10:55 AM

Originally posted by jacqui2

Hi, I have just bought a K70 and the 55-300mm PLM lens, and although I love the camera, I am having real issues with getting sharp shots with it. I have been used to optical IS previously, so it took a little getting used to with the image not being stabilised in the viewfinder, but am gradually getting used to that. The problem is, my hands are not the steadiest, and even though I'm using reasonable shutter speeds, 1/400 - 1/500, I am not getting sharp shots, it doesn't seem like the shake reduction is doing very much? this is just generally taking shots in the garden etc. especially at a distance. I've tried all the normal advice, like standing/breathing correctly, elbows tucked in etc. but still not having much luck, and most photos coming out pretty soft. Any other advice? I read somewhere that you can check to see if shake reduction was active during the photo being taken on Photome, but can't find this on there at all. I haven't had this problem before at all with previous cameras, so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

Other things to consider are reset the camera to default settings, turn off distortion corrections, select the best auto focus points of your lens, remove and reinstall the lens, flip AF to MF and try each shot and last is to test your lens for focus adjustments. Sample of photo can identify the weakness.

jacqui2 · 12-20-2019, 11:15 AM

Ok, thanks. I will try to get one uploaded shortly. I haven't tried a reset, but have tried AF micro adjust etc. but will have a play around with all your suggestions, and report back. thanks again. Jacqui.

jacqui2 · 12-20-2019, 11:24 AM

Heres one example.

12-20-2019, 06:49 AM	#1
jacqui2 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: sussex Posts: 30	K70 issues Hi, I have just bought a K70 and the 55-300mm PLM lens, and although I love the camera, I am having real issues with getting sharp shots with it. I have been used to optical IS previously, so it took a little getting used to with the image not being stabilised in the viewfinder, but am gradually getting used to that. The problem is, my hands are not the steadiest, and even though I'm using reasonable shutter speeds, 1/400 - 1/500, I am not getting sharp shots, it doesn't seem like the shake reduction is doing very much? this is just generally taking shots in the garden etc. especially at a distance. I've tried all the normal advice, like standing/breathing correctly, elbows tucked in etc. but still not having much luck, and most photos coming out pretty soft. Any other advice? I read somewhere that you can check to see if shake reduction was active during the photo being taken on Photome, but can't find this on there at all. I haven't had this problem before at all with previous cameras, so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

12-20-2019, 07:20 AM	#2
VILLAINofOZ Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Geelong, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 341	Firstly, looking through the viewfinder of my K-70 and my 55-300PLM lens, the image is stabilized in the viewfinder and does not shake for me even if I purposely shake the camera a little. this suggests to me that there may in fact be an issue with your image stabilization. After checking that camera stabilization is in fact turned on in camera via the camera menu, I would suggest setting the camera on a flat surface to eliminate potential shake, then set the self timer to two seconds, take a photo in Auto mode, and then see if the photos turn out sharp. If not, there may be an issue with either the lens being faulty or camera stabilization is not working. Looking at the picture from within the Pentax software "Silkypix", you can see if image stabilization was on in the "shooting information" on the right hand side once you scroll to near the bottom of that list. Last edited by VILLAINofOZ; 12-20-2019 at 07:26 AM.

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12-20-2019, 08:02 AM	#3
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Make sure the IS active icon (waving hand) is lit in the viewfinder before releasing the shutter. It should come in in a moment or two after the half press of the shutter button.

12-20-2019, 08:38 AM	#4
35mmfilmfan Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Norfolk, UK Posts: 4,326	Can you post some images, to help us evaluate the issue, please ?

12-20-2019, 09:07 AM	#5
jacqui2 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: sussex Posts: 30 Original Poster	Ah ok, thanks for replies. Yes the SR is definately turned on, and yes it is definately shaking in the viewfinder, after half pressing and holding the shutter button for a while there is no sign of any less shaking. The little waving hand icon is on all the time when looking through the viewfinder, even before half pressing the shutter, and it doesn't change whether half pressed or not. does this sound like it could be faulty? The view through the viewfinder does not change whether shutter is half pressed or not. I will try to upload a couple of pics shortly. thanks again. ---------- Post added 20-12-19 at 09:11 AM ---------- Oh and I will try looking at the pic in the silkypix software and let you know, thanks. Jacqui.

12-20-2019, 10:06 AM - 1 Like	#6
othar Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Linz Photos: Albums Posts: 3,098	Originally posted by VILLAINofOZ Firstly, looking through the viewfinder of my K-70 and my 55-300PLM lens, the image is stabilized in the viewfinder and does not shake for me even if I purposely shake the camera a little. this suggests to me that there may in fact be an issue with your image stabilization. This is impossible. The SR system only works by moving the sensor. How are you getting a stabilized image in an optocal viewfinder except you are using in-lens stabilisation with a Sigma lens?

12-20-2019, 10:08 AM	#7
AstroDave Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2007 Location: Flagstaff, Arizona Posts: 1,637	Originally posted by VILLAINofOZ Firstly, looking through the viewfinder of my K-70 and my 55-300PLM lens, the image is stabilized in the viewfinder and does not shake for me even if I purposely shake the camera a little. Not so! If you are looking directly through the optical viewfinder, you DON"T see the effect of image stabilization, which is done by the sensor being moved around. As opposed to, say, Canon stabilized lenses, where you can indeed see the effect of shake reduction kicking in. Not sure about live view.

12-20-2019, 10:12 AM	#8
othar Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Linz Photos: Albums Posts: 3,098	Originally posted by jacqui2 Ah ok, thanks for replies. Yes the SR is definately turned on, and yes it is definately shaking in the viewfinder, after half pressing and holding the shutter button for a while there is no sign of any less shaking. The little waving hand icon is on all the time when looking through the viewfinder, even before half pressing the shutter, and it doesn't change whether half pressed or not. does this sound like it could be faulty? The view through the viewfinder does not change whether shutter is half pressed or not. I will try to upload a couple of pics shortly. thanks again. ---------- Post added 20-12-19 at 09:11 AM ---------- Oh and I will try looking at the pic in the silkypix software and let you know, thanks. Jacqui. SR has no effect on the optical viewfinder (only in-lens stabilisation provided by some older Sigma lenses can do that). I think it would be good to rule out other possible problems like missed focus and the like first (by using a tripot and 2sec delay for instance)

12-20-2019, 10:14 AM	#9
othar Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Linz Photos: Albums Posts: 3,098	Originally posted by AstroDave Not sure about live view. LV should be stabilised in my opinion but I'll check with my K-3 when I am at home

12-20-2019, 10:20 AM	#10
Qman Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Posts: 232	I occasionally get a blurry shot and the only reason I can come up with is that the IBIS got it wrong. However, if all of your shots are soft the either IBIS is off, or broken, or you have a focusing error, or your ISO is set too high, or....? Post some photos and someone on here should be able to help out. Note: as previously stated, IBIS doesn't stabilize the viewfinder.

12-20-2019, 10:38 AM	#11
jacqui2 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: sussex Posts: 30 Original Poster	Ok thanks. Yes this is happening with quite a lot of shots, and I have taken several of the same target. Unless it is just not as effective as optical which I have had previously, so therefore, this will take a bit of getting used to. How about what was mentioned regarding the waving hand icon showing up once the shutter button is half pressed? Mine is on all the time regardless of whether I have half pressed or not. Is this correct for the K70? Thanks.

12-20-2019, 10:54 AM	#12
othar Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Linz Photos: Albums Posts: 3,098	Originally posted by jacqui2 How about what was mentioned regarding the waving hand icon showing up once the shutter button is half pressed? Mine is on all the time regardless of whether I have half pressed or not. Is this correct for the K70? Thanks. This seems odd to me, on my K-3 it only lights up when the shutter button is half pressed. The best way to do a remote analysis is however with an image attached in a post so we can take a look at the exif data.

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12-20-2019, 10:55 AM	#13
Penview52 Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Photos: Albums Posts: 327	Originally posted by jacqui2 Hi, I have just bought a K70 and the 55-300mm PLM lens, and although I love the camera, I am having real issues with getting sharp shots with it. I have been used to optical IS previously, so it took a little getting used to with the image not being stabilised in the viewfinder, but am gradually getting used to that. The problem is, my hands are not the steadiest, and even though I'm using reasonable shutter speeds, 1/400 - 1/500, I am not getting sharp shots, it doesn't seem like the shake reduction is doing very much? this is just generally taking shots in the garden etc. especially at a distance. I've tried all the normal advice, like standing/breathing correctly, elbows tucked in etc. but still not having much luck, and most photos coming out pretty soft. Any other advice? I read somewhere that you can check to see if shake reduction was active during the photo being taken on Photome, but can't find this on there at all. I haven't had this problem before at all with previous cameras, so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks. Other things to consider are reset the camera to default settings, turn off distortion corrections, select the best auto focus points of your lens, remove and reinstall the lens, flip AF to MF and try each shot and last is to test your lens for focus adjustments. Sample of photo can identify the weakness.

12-20-2019, 11:15 AM	#14
jacqui2 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: sussex Posts: 30 Original Poster	Ok, thanks. I will try to get one uploaded shortly. I haven't tried a reset, but have tried AF micro adjust etc. but will have a play around with all your suggestions, and report back. thanks again. Jacqui.