Originally posted by audiobomber I already told him how to do that using TAv mode. Another name for TAv mode is "manual mode with auto ISO". The way I am suggesting to use it, you control ISO indirectly, by varying aperture and shutter speed. It achieves exactly what the OP requested. ISO is controlled to whatever value is desired simply by moving the front or rear dial.
In TAv mode, set the desired aperture and shutter speed. The camera will select the ISO to meter the scene. Say the ISO is higher than you would like. No problem, just open the aperture, or decrease the shutter speed. The ISO will automatically adjust to maintain exposure, without you touching any other buttons. Please try it so you can see what I'm talking about.
If I am not completely mistaken he wants no automatics involved at all. He wants to set _everything_ himself. As if it was a K1000 or so (just without having to change the film). Completely manual mode. And I agree, the way Pentax does _that_ is not ideal (for me). I'd prefer to hold the ISO button while using the dial, instead of having to press it once to get to ISO mode, use dial, then press again to get back to aperture. Yes, I know it shows in the viewfinder which mode I am in, but I still don't like it and mess up things.
@BrianR: Oh my god! Thank you! I didn't know that was possible. Deactivating the toggle would still be nice, but yeah, thank you
Now only one issue is left... there ought to be a Fn button like on much older Pentax DSLRs. Press Fn and then: WB, self timer, flash etc. They have that function. Don't press Fn, and those buttons let you pick focus points. I hate having to press OK in the center. Heck, I'd be fine if the OK button is the Fn button. Haven't found an option to do that, have I missed something?
Pentax seems just not that great at letting me personalize the camera, at letting me use the functions to the fullest extend. They like to dumb it down a bit.
About the TS... I think his blog post, his posting here should more be like "This is my shooting style, the Pentax K-50 isn't flexible enough to accomodate it. You just can't adjust it/personalize it that much." That's all.