White balance (Kelvin) CHECK option

**clivebennett** · 02-09-2023, 06:52 AM

Hi,

My first post/question and it's probably a dumb one but I can't find the answer anywhere, including the User Guide :-(
I'm using my Pentax K-7 and trying to investigate using the Kelvin colour temperature settings.

I don't have a problem with the colour theory, but with one minor point within the K-7 settings/functions.

When I go into the White Balance K settings, at the foot of the screen, in the middle, is a "Check" function (see my attachment) and I can't see what this is for and how to invoke it.

So -
1. Does that symbol/icon represent the AF button or the AEL button?
2. What does it actually do?

Any guidance would really be appreciated.

Thanks.

Attached Images

View Picture EXIF

Not a Number · 02-09-2023, 07:21 AM - **2 Likes**

The check function refers to taking a preview image so you look at the results on the LCD. It is activated from rotating the power switch around the shutter button to the preview position. There is a corresponding iris icon around the shutter button showing the position to rotate the power switch to.

Normally this switch position has one of two functions depending on your menu settings. Optical DOF preview will stop the lens down s you can check the DOF in the viewfinder. Digital preview will take an exposure for preview on the LCD but not save the image. There is also a needle match exposure mode that is under documented that the details escape me at the moment.

Ausable · 02-09-2023, 07:25 AM

Doesn't that indicate that you should press the shutter button? The camera will then show a preview image with the selected color temperature.

Edit: On 2nd thought, it may mean to activate the camera's depth-of-field control to produce a preview image.

**Digitalis** · 02-09-2023, 08:16 AM

Originally posted by Ausable

On 2nd thought, it may mean to activate the camera's depth-of-field control to produce a preview image.

It does, hence the iris icon next to it. Pressing the shutter will take the camera out of that menu.

**c.a.m** · 02-09-2023, 08:23 AM

Originally posted by clivebennett

Any guidance would really be appreciated.

Hi Clive,

Welcome to Pentax Forums!

Sometimes, it's difficult to find info in the printed manual, and often it's not obvious what to look for! I usually download a pdf version (from the Ricoh Imaging website) for an easier reference.

In this case, the K-7 Operating Manual mentions the "Main Switch" on p. 192 with respect to White Balance ("You can use Digital Preview to preview the background image with the setting applied."). See also p. 131 for info on the 'Digital Preview'.

I think you presented your question very well, and the attached image of the rear screen has been helpful.

Cheers,

- Craig

**clivebennett** · 02-09-2023, 08:28 AM

Originally posted by Not a Number

The check function refers to taking a preview image so you look at the results on the LCD. It is activated from rotating the power switch around the shutter button to the preview position. There is a corresponding iris icon around the shutter button showing the position to rotate the power switch to.

Normally this switch position has one of two functions depending on your menu settings. Optical DOF preview will stop the lens down s you can check the DOF in the viewfinder. Digital preview will take an exposure for preview on the LCD but not save the image. There is also a needle match exposure mode that is under documented that the details escape me at the moment.

Thank you for the rapid reply!

So it's really just "suggesting" that you use the DOF preview function to check the white balance? Is that right?

Thanks again.

**clivebennett** · 02-09-2023, 08:34 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by c.a.m

Hi Clive,

Welcome to Pentax Forums!

Sometimes, it's difficult to find info in the printed manual, and often it's not obvious what to look for! I usually download a pdf version (from the Ricoh Imaging website) for an easier reference.

In this case, the K-7 Operating Manual mentions the "Main Switch" on p. 192 with respect to White Balance ("You can use Digital Preview to preview the background image with the setting applied."). See also p. 131 for info on the 'Digital Preview'.

I think you presented your question very well, and the attached image of the rear screen has been helpful.

Cheers,

- Craig

Thanks Craig.
The question may not have been dumb, but I must be blind. You quoted - on p. 192 with respect to White Balance ("You can use Digital Preview to preview the background image with the setting applied.") I must have by-passed that line in the manual a dozen times!
Thanks very much for the help.
Clive

pschlute · 02-09-2023, 08:51 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by clivebennett

So it's really just "suggesting" that you use the DOF preview function to check the white balance? Is that right?

Activate the DOF preview button and you will get an image on the LCD screen for you to "check". The image is not saved to the SD card. You can then adjust the WB parameters again if you are not satisfied.

I think that is how it works at any rate. I shoot raw so never change the WB settings.

OrchidJulie · 02-09-2023, 09:16 AM - **2 Likes**

Hi, Clive...welcome to PentaxForums!

Note, there are NO dumb questions, only dumb mistakes. Nobody was born knowing any of this stuff!

**clivebennett** · 02-09-2023, 11:15 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by OrchidJulie

Hi, Clive...welcome to PentaxForums!

Note, there are NO dumb questions, only dumb mistakes. Nobody was born knowing any of this stuff!

Thank you, Julie. My "dumb" was reading the User Guide and missing this completely.

---------- Post added 02-09-23 at 11:17 AM ----------

Originally posted by pschlute

Activate the DOF preview button and you will get an image on the LCD screen for you to "check". The image is not saved to the SD card. You can then adjust the WB parameters again if you are not satisfied.

I think that is how it works at any rate. I shoot raw so never change the WB settings.

Thanks Peter. I've tried it out and it works just as you described.

OrchidJulie · 02-09-2023, 12:19 PM

Originally posted by clivebennett

Thank you, Julie. My "dumb" was reading the User Guide and missing this completely.

You're weclome. No worries, Clive. We've all done it!

02-09-2023, 07:25 AM	#3
Ausable Senior Member Join Date: May 2019 Posts: 149	Doesn't that indicate that you should press the shutter button? The camera will then show a preview image with the selected color temperature. Edit: On 2nd thought, it may mean to activate the camera's depth-of-field control to produce a preview image. Last edited by Ausable; 02-09-2023 at 07:49 AM.

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02-09-2023, 07:21 AM - 2 Likes	#2
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	The check function refers to taking a preview image so you look at the results on the LCD. It is activated from rotating the power switch around the shutter button to the preview position. There is a corresponding iris icon around the shutter button showing the position to rotate the power switch to. Normally this switch position has one of two functions depending on your menu settings. Optical DOF preview will stop the lens down s you can check the DOF in the viewfinder. Digital preview will take an exposure for preview on the LCD but not save the image. There is also a needle match exposure mode that is under documented that the details escape me at the moment.

02-09-2023, 08:16 AM	#4
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,695	Originally posted by Ausable On 2nd thought, it may mean to activate the camera's depth-of-field control to produce a preview image. It does, hence the iris icon next to it. Pressing the shutter will take the camera out of that menu.

02-09-2023, 08:23 AM	#5
c.a.m Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,194	Originally posted by clivebennett Any guidance would really be appreciated. Hi Clive, Welcome to Pentax Forums! Sometimes, it's difficult to find info in the printed manual, and often it's not obvious what to look for! I usually download a pdf version (from the Ricoh Imaging website) for an easier reference. In this case, the K-7 Operating Manual mentions the "Main Switch" on p. 192 with respect to White Balance ("You can use Digital Preview to preview the background image with the setting applied."). See also p. 131 for info on the 'Digital Preview'. I think you presented your question very well, and the attached image of the rear screen has been helpful. Cheers, - Craig

02-09-2023, 08:28 AM	#6
clivebennett Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: South-East London Posts: 27 Original Poster	Originally posted by Not a Number The check function refers to taking a preview image so you look at the results on the LCD. It is activated from rotating the power switch around the shutter button to the preview position. There is a corresponding iris icon around the shutter button showing the position to rotate the power switch to. Normally this switch position has one of two functions depending on your menu settings. Optical DOF preview will stop the lens down s you can check the DOF in the viewfinder. Digital preview will take an exposure for preview on the LCD but not save the image. There is also a needle match exposure mode that is under documented that the details escape me at the moment. Thank you for the rapid reply! So it's really just "suggesting" that you use the DOF preview function to check the white balance? Is that right? Thanks again.

02-09-2023, 08:34 AM - 1 Like	#7
clivebennett Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: South-East London Posts: 27 Original Poster	Originally posted by c.a.m Hi Clive, Welcome to Pentax Forums! Sometimes, it's difficult to find info in the printed manual, and often it's not obvious what to look for! I usually download a pdf version (from the Ricoh Imaging website) for an easier reference. In this case, the K-7 Operating Manual mentions the "Main Switch" on p. 192 with respect to White Balance ("You can use Digital Preview to preview the background image with the setting applied."). See also p. 131 for info on the 'Digital Preview'. I think you presented your question very well, and the attached image of the rear screen has been helpful. Cheers, - Craig Thanks Craig. The question may not have been dumb, but I must be blind. You quoted - on p. 192 with respect to White Balance ("You can use Digital Preview to preview the background image with the setting applied.") I must have by-passed that line in the manual a dozen times! Thanks very much for the help. Clive

02-09-2023, 08:51 AM - 1 Like	#8
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,223	Originally posted by clivebennett So it's really just "suggesting" that you use the DOF preview function to check the white balance? Is that right? Activate the DOF preview button and you will get an image on the LCD screen for you to "check". The image is not saved to the SD card. You can then adjust the WB parameters again if you are not satisfied. I think that is how it works at any rate. I shoot raw so never change the WB settings.

02-09-2023, 09:16 AM - 2 Likes	#9
OrchidJulie Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Magic City Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,008	Hi, Clive...welcome to PentaxForums! Note, there are NO dumb questions, only dumb mistakes. Nobody was born knowing any of this stuff!

02-09-2023, 11:15 AM - 2 Likes	#10
clivebennett Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: South-East London Posts: 27 Original Poster	Originally posted by OrchidJulie Hi, Clive...welcome to PentaxForums! Note, there are NO dumb questions, only dumb mistakes. Nobody was born knowing any of this stuff! Thank you, Julie. My "dumb" was reading the User Guide and missing this completely. ---------- Post added 02-09-23 at 11:17 AM ---------- Originally posted by pschlute Activate the DOF preview button and you will get an image on the LCD screen for you to "check". The image is not saved to the SD card. You can then adjust the WB parameters again if you are not satisfied. I think that is how it works at any rate. I shoot raw so never change the WB settings. Thanks Peter. I've tried it out and it works just as you described.

02-09-2023, 12:19 PM	#11
OrchidJulie Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Magic City Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,008	Originally posted by clivebennett Thank you, Julie. My "dumb" was reading the User Guide and missing this completely. You're weclome. No worries, Clive. We've all done it!