[wtlwdwgn]

It doesn't look like it's back focusing as much as it's just out of focus. I think I would prefer to set the shutter speed instead of letting the camera set it for me. I would also use catch-in-focus. It doesn't really look like there's any blurring so I would say the SR was working. Just my 2d.

[paulh]

I agree with Steve - your shots just look out of focus. You're probably aware that shooting in AV on an M-lens will result in a wide-open shot. In this case, f/4 would probably be fine. Maybe bump up the iso to get a faster shutter speed. The white balance looks like it's off - under tungsten lighting, focus can be inaccurate. Do some more testing outdoors in good light.

[pentaxpete]

Thanks Friends -- I set the White Balance to 'Auto' and did a 'test' and it had too much green from the fluorescent lights so I added some Magenta on the control.
I will do some more tests as you suggest -- maybe focussing well forward on a subject and see if that gives better focus.

[Dartmoor Dave]

I know you're a skilled film photographer, so my question is: do you have a split-prism installed in your K10D? It would make it handle more like your film cameras with manual lenses, and it's a huge help in focusing in low light. I wouldn't trust the camera's electronic focus confirmation with the thin depth of field at 150mm and f/4 -- give me a properly calibrated manual focusing screen every time.

[tromboads]

Exactly! It's a real shame they don't, wait they do. Our Pentax's are great in that the focus screens are removable.

[wtlwdwgn]

The only problem is the focus screen frame is quite flimsy and easy to bend by those of us with fumble fingers.

[tromboads]

you'll be ok

I confess it took me 5min to change mine over, I was super paranoid, was very gentle. You'll be fine And honestly, it's super easy someone smaller with simple instruction could perform it for you without any drama

[pentaxpete]

I did not know that the focus screen was removable on a K10D -- I have an LX with a changed screen -- yes- if I could change the K10D screen it would make manual focus easier but I will do some more tests today --- thanks for all your input --- Peter
PS -- I just thought - I have a PRIME 150mm f4 SMC -Takumar I could try at f4 compared to the 75-150mm f4 SMC Pentax-M Zoom

[Dartmoor Dave]

PS -- I just thought - I have a PRIME 150mm f4 SMC -Takumar I could try at f4 compared to the 75-150mm f4 SMC Pentax-M Zoom

The Takumar is a bit smaller and a lot lighter than the zoom, so it should be easier to hold steady. And the shake reduction will have a lot less work to do if the camera is more stable to begin with. Of course the SR can't freeze movement within the frame, so you probably would have still had a touch of blur in the faces and hands at 1/60.

My personal feeling is that shake reduction is over-rated, exactly because it can't freeze movement within the frame. There's a lot to be said for the old-fashioned approach of using a monopod and a shutter speed to match the focal length.

[Rondec]

K10 and DA 70

[paulh]

K10 and DA 70

Nice ones, Rondec - love the owl. Didn't know you owned a K10!

The Sig 17-70 has been glued to my K10D for a couple months now - a couple shots:

[saladin]

The Owl is fantastic.

[forestG]

I miss my k10, which is a bit strange since it was hopeless above 400iso, rubbish auto focus, and cr@p dynamic range. But oh the colour, skin tone was second to NONE!
A real photographers camera, very similar to film. a few have commented that it was the camera that took them away from film, and for good reason.
Long live the K10

some pics from the old girl

[tromboads]

Well for 100bucks and less you can re live the dream

Then are nearly ten yrs old Tehehe.

[RussV]

Well for 100bucks and less you can re live the dream

Then are nearly ten yrs old Tehehe.

And with a little patience it can be one in excellent condition!

Truly a bargain.