MF assist point

photoman1 · 12-22-2012, 09:09 PM

on the camera, you can use a mf lens and get only the center af point to confirm focus
is it possible to set the other points to do the same thing?

**jatrax** · 12-22-2012, 09:16 PM

Not on any manual focus lens I have tried.

It might be possible on one of the newer MF lenses like the Samyangs since I assume they have electrical contacts and except for the focus act like modern lenses. I don't have one and that would be a good question if someone has one of them and can answer.

But older lenses, no.

stevebrot · 12-22-2012, 10:32 PM

Sort of a strange question.

I guess the easiest way to answer would be to simply take the camera and see whether it is possible to do what you suggest with the lens you are interested in.

On my K10D, if the lens provides focal-length information to the camera, the AF system will support both auto AF multi-point and SEL mode. For Pentax brand, this would include DA, D FA, FA J, FA, and F series lenses. This information is in the camera manual.

Steve

Adam · 12-22-2012, 10:47 PM

Originally posted by photoman1

on the camera, you can use a mf lens and get only the center af point to confirm focus
is it possible to set the other points to do the same thing?

You can use any point you want to via SEL mode

Adam
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stevebrot · 12-22-2012, 10:54 PM

Originally posted by Adam

You can use any point you want to via SEL mode

Which camera with what lenses, Adam?

Steve

Adam · 12-22-2012, 11:17 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Which camera with what lenses, Adam?

Steve

I just tried it on my K-5, it'll work with any lens I'm pretty sure.

JinDesu · 12-22-2012, 11:18 PM

Doesn't seem to work on my k-x - going into SEL mode and moving the point, then going back into SEL mode and it's still on center point.

vrrattko · 12-22-2012, 11:40 PM

Originally posted by Adam

I just tried it on my K-5, it'll work with any lens I'm pretty sure.

Doesn't work with K5 and SMC ''K'' lenses for sure......are you using A lenses, Adam?

photoman1 · 12-23-2012, 06:20 AM

Originally posted by Adam

You can use any point you want to via SEL mode

on my k20, i have tried moving the af point while using a manual lens and it doesn't work ;-(

Adam · 12-23-2012, 08:57 AM

Originally posted by vrrattko

Doesn't work with K5 and SMC ''K'' lenses for sure......are you using A lenses, Adam?

You're right- with an M lens, all of a sudden nothing happens. Did with with auto lenses in MF mode, though!

mcgregni · 12-26-2012, 07:36 AM

My understanding is that with any MF lens (my new Samyang 14mm included - which does not send focal length data to the camera) then only the centre point af indicator will function.

From a discussion we had on the UK forum a few weeks ago, I think it was made clear that the most reliable guide to focus confirmation is the green 'hexagon' light in the bottom of the viewfinder. This is solid green when focus is good - the red flashing indicator is only a guide to the area that is in focus.

12-22-2012, 09:09 PM	#1
photoman1 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 88	MF assist point on the camera, you can use a mf lens and get only the center af point to confirm focus is it possible to set the other points to do the same thing?

12-22-2012, 10:32 PM	#3
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Sort of a strange question. I guess the easiest way to answer would be to simply take the camera and see whether it is possible to do what you suggest with the lens you are interested in. On my K10D, if the lens provides focal-length information to the camera, the AF system will support both auto AF multi-point and SEL mode. For Pentax brand, this would include DA, D FA, FA J, FA, and F series lenses. This information is in the camera manual. Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 12-22-2012 at 10:57 PM.

12-22-2012, 11:17 PM	#6
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by stevebrot Which camera with what lenses, Adam? Steve I just tried it on my K-5, it'll work with any lens I'm pretty sure. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

12-23-2012, 08:57 AM	#10
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by vrrattko Doesn't work with K5 and SMC ''K'' lenses for sure......are you using A lenses, Adam? You're right- with an M lens, all of a sudden nothing happens. Did with with auto lenses in MF mode, though! Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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12-22-2012, 09:16 PM	#2
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Not on any manual focus lens I have tried. It might be possible on one of the newer MF lenses like the Samyangs since I assume they have electrical contacts and except for the focus act like modern lenses. I don't have one and that would be a good question if someone has one of them and can answer. But older lenses, no.

12-22-2012, 10:47 PM	#4
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by photoman1 on the camera, you can use a mf lens and get only the center af point to confirm focus is it possible to set the other points to do the same thing? You can use any point you want to via SEL mode Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

12-22-2012, 10:54 PM	#5
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Adam You can use any point you want to via SEL mode Which camera with what lenses, Adam? Steve

12-22-2012, 11:18 PM	#7
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Doesn't seem to work on my k-x - going into SEL mode and moving the point, then going back into SEL mode and it's still on center point.

12-22-2012, 11:40 PM	#8
vrrattko Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 753	Originally posted by Adam I just tried it on my K-5, it'll work with any lens I'm pretty sure. Doesn't work with K5 and SMC ''K'' lenses for sure......are you using A lenses, Adam?

12-23-2012, 06:20 AM	#9
photoman1 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 88 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam You can use any point you want to via SEL mode on my k20, i have tried moving the af point while using a manual lens and it doesn't work ;-(

12-26-2012, 07:36 AM	#11
mcgregni Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Surrey, England Posts: 2,603	My understanding is that with any MF lens (my new Samyang 14mm included - which does not send focal length data to the camera) then only the centre point af indicator will function. From a discussion we had on the UK forum a few weeks ago, I think it was made clear that the most reliable guide to focus confirmation is the green 'hexagon' light in the bottom of the viewfinder. This is solid green when focus is good - the red flashing indicator is only a guide to the area that is in focus.