what is your U1 U2 U3 settings on your camera ?

blackgnostic · 03-14-2016, 06:27 PM - **1 Like**

U1 set for HDR
U2 set for using manual lenses

emalvick · 03-15-2016, 12:50 PM

I've tried setting one up for bracketing with A mode as a basis. However, I don't use it much because I dislike that I seem to have to save the mode with a fixed Aperture setting. For instance, when I save the mode, the camera was set at f8, so everytime I switch the dial to U1, I end up in f8. I'd rather have the mode pick up the aperture from the last mode (much like occurs when you switch between M, Av, and even TAv); at least that's my recollection.

Reason: I shoot bracketed for scenes I think might need an HDR treatment. I mostly shoot in Av or M mode, and if I am going to shoot bracketed, I want the Aperture fixed. However, when I switch the U1, it usually changes aperture to whatever the mode was saved as. Of course I can change it, but I had actually hoped for something I could quickly change to.

Alternatively, and I know this is a digression, I had set the fx button to toggle bracketing, but I hate that I can't toggle back out of it with the same button. It's my only real issue with the operation of the K-3, and I think the user mode on the K-5 was the same way. It's a minor issue at that, but I mention it here in case I am missing something.

audiobomber · 03-15-2016, 01:27 PM

Originally posted by emalvick

I've tried setting one up for bracketing with A mode as a basis. However, I don't use it much because I dislike that I seem to have to save the mode with a fixed Aperture setting. For instance, when I save the mode, the camera was set at f8, so everytime I switch the dial to U1, I end up in f8. I'd rather have the mode pick up the aperture from the last mode (much like occurs when you switch between M, Av, and even TAv); at least that's my recollection.

I can't agree with you. I need User Mode to start up in my default settings, not whatever I had set last. That's the whole point of User mode. I can change all sorts of settings while I'm shooting, then all I have to do is turn the camera off and on and I'm back to the original setup.

If f8 is not suitable, select a more suitable aperture. The camera will hold the new aperture until you turn it off.

Or maybe you want to choose another default aperture. Let's say you use f5.6 most often for bracketing. Make the aperture change, then save the new setting in the User menu. I do this frequently depending on which lens I'm using. If I'm shooting action with the DA 55-300mm, my default aperture is f8. With the DA*300, default is f5.6. I choose the correct aperture when I mount the lens and save it in the User settings.

emalvick · 03-15-2016, 01:39 PM

Originally posted by audiobomber

I can't agree with you. I need User Mode to start up in my default settings, not whatever I had set last. That's the whole point of User mode. I can change all sorts of settings while I'm shooting, then all I have to do is turn the camera off and on and I'm back to the original setup.

If f8 is not suitable, select a more suitable aperture. The camera will hold the new aperture until you turn it off.

Or maybe you want to choose another default aperture. Let's say you use f5.6 most often for bracketing. Make the aperture change, then save the new setting in the User menu. I do this frequently depending on which lens I'm using. If I'm shooting action with the DA 55-300mm, my default aperture is f8. With the DA*300, default is f5.6. I choose the correct aperture when I mount the lens and save it in the User settings.

I do realize I can change the aperture setting, and I can see that being able to fix it could be a benefit. I think I just wish there was an option for it to stick with the current setting just as setting any other aperture is a setting. I shoot in all sorts of conditions, and I don't really favor a specific aperture. But, when I am out shooting and I find I want to invoke the bracket mode, I am usually already at the aperture I want (whatever that is); I'd rather not have to reset the exposure when I turn the dial. It's just a preference.

Like I said before, I can mostly get where I want customizing the fx button, too. I wish that worked more as a toggle, but I've managed with both.

ultraviolet · 03-15-2016, 06:50 PM - **1 Like**

U1 for Takumars @Av
U2 for K/M @M
with different e-dial setting
K-30

**gaweidert** · 03-15-2016, 06:59 PM

Gave up trying to figure out all that stuff. That "old dog, new trick" stuff and all.

wed7 · 03-21-2016, 04:42 AM - **1 Like**

Omg, those U's have purpose?

SarahU · 03-30-2016, 04:55 AM - **2 Likes**

I have a K S2, so have only U1 and U2. Since I use back button focus, which can be hard for casual shooters to understand, I have U2 set up for when I hand the camera off to someone else so I can get in the shot. Camera reverts to conventional half-press focusing and uses face recognition. Still deciding what to do with U1. This thread is giving me some great ideas.

redcat · 04-12-2016, 12:47 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by wed7

Omg, those U's have purpose?

hahaha that's what I thought before creating this thread =)))

Unregistered User 8 · 04-15-2016, 08:26 PM

Originally posted by redcat

hahaha that's what I thought before creating this thread =)))

Hi redcat. With so many choices given to you, what settings have you decided upon for your " USERS " ???

redcat · 04-16-2016, 12:07 PM

Originally posted by pjv

Hi redcat. With so many choices given to you, what settings have you decided upon for your " USERS " ???

I'm still trying and not decided yet, so many options indeed

Michi Joel · 04-16-2016, 03:04 PM

Tnx guys!

reh321 · 05-05-2016, 09:06 AM

Originally posted by ultraviolet

U1 for Takumars @Av
U2 for K/M @M
with different e-dial setting
K-30

What does U1 do besides Av {which is already on the same dial}?

What does U2 do besides M {which is already on the same dial}?

I'm asking because I have both Super Takumar and Pentax-M lenses, and I hadn't previously thought of using the "U" settings to support those lenses.

Trawlerman · 06-22-2016, 09:34 AM - **2 Likes**

I set my U1 on the K5 and K30 for B&W Shooting with the IR Filter on.
Produces some nice in camera B&Ws.

Raw files are unaffected.

Zafar Iqbal · 07-19-2016, 01:31 AM

I'm trying to find better use for the user modes: U1 for outdoor, U2 for normal indoor and U3 for low-light/high ISO indoor.

Doesn't seem like SR is saved as user setting? LCD brightness and card setting (single or dual) also isn't saved. Meh.

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03-14-2016, 06:27 PM - 1 Like	#46
blackgnostic New Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 6	U1 set for HDR U2 set for using manual lenses

03-15-2016, 12:50 PM	#47
emalvick Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Davis, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,642	I've tried setting one up for bracketing with A mode as a basis. However, I don't use it much because I dislike that I seem to have to save the mode with a fixed Aperture setting. For instance, when I save the mode, the camera was set at f8, so everytime I switch the dial to U1, I end up in f8. I'd rather have the mode pick up the aperture from the last mode (much like occurs when you switch between M, Av, and even TAv); at least that's my recollection. Reason: I shoot bracketed for scenes I think might need an HDR treatment. I mostly shoot in Av or M mode, and if I am going to shoot bracketed, I want the Aperture fixed. However, when I switch the U1, it usually changes aperture to whatever the mode was saved as. Of course I can change it, but I had actually hoped for something I could quickly change to. Alternatively, and I know this is a digression, I had set the fx button to toggle bracketing, but I hate that I can't toggle back out of it with the same button. It's my only real issue with the operation of the K-3, and I think the user mode on the K-5 was the same way. It's a minor issue at that, but I mention it here in case I am missing something.

03-15-2016, 01:27 PM	#48
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by emalvick I've tried setting one up for bracketing with A mode as a basis. However, I don't use it much because I dislike that I seem to have to save the mode with a fixed Aperture setting. For instance, when I save the mode, the camera was set at f8, so everytime I switch the dial to U1, I end up in f8. I'd rather have the mode pick up the aperture from the last mode (much like occurs when you switch between M, Av, and even TAv); at least that's my recollection. I can't agree with you. I need User Mode to start up in my default settings, not whatever I had set last. That's the whole point of User mode. I can change all sorts of settings while I'm shooting, then all I have to do is turn the camera off and on and I'm back to the original setup. If f8 is not suitable, select a more suitable aperture. The camera will hold the new aperture until you turn it off. Or maybe you want to choose another default aperture. Let's say you use f5.6 most often for bracketing. Make the aperture change, then save the new setting in the User menu. I do this frequently depending on which lens I'm using. If I'm shooting action with the DA 55-300mm, my default aperture is f8. With the DA*300, default is f5.6. I choose the correct aperture when I mount the lens and save it in the User settings.

03-15-2016, 01:39 PM	#49
emalvick Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Davis, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,642	Originally posted by audiobomber I can't agree with you. I need User Mode to start up in my default settings, not whatever I had set last. That's the whole point of User mode. I can change all sorts of settings while I'm shooting, then all I have to do is turn the camera off and on and I'm back to the original setup. If f8 is not suitable, select a more suitable aperture. The camera will hold the new aperture until you turn it off. Or maybe you want to choose another default aperture. Let's say you use f5.6 most often for bracketing. Make the aperture change, then save the new setting in the User menu. I do this frequently depending on which lens I'm using. If I'm shooting action with the DA 55-300mm, my default aperture is f8. With the DA*300, default is f5.6. I choose the correct aperture when I mount the lens and save it in the User settings. I do realize I can change the aperture setting, and I can see that being able to fix it could be a benefit. I think I just wish there was an option for it to stick with the current setting just as setting any other aperture is a setting. I shoot in all sorts of conditions, and I don't really favor a specific aperture. But, when I am out shooting and I find I want to invoke the bracket mode, I am usually already at the aperture I want (whatever that is); I'd rather not have to reset the exposure when I turn the dial. It's just a preference. Like I said before, I can mostly get where I want customizing the fx button, too. I wish that worked more as a toggle, but I've managed with both.

03-15-2016, 06:50 PM - 1 Like	#50
ultraviolet Pentaxian Join Date: May 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 687	U1 for Takumars @Av U2 for K/M @M with different e-dial setting K-30

03-15-2016, 06:59 PM	#51
gaweidert Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Rochester, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,325	Gave up trying to figure out all that stuff. That "old dog, new trick" stuff and all.

03-21-2016, 04:42 AM - 1 Like	#52
wed7 Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Manila, Philippines Posts: 1,421	Omg, those U's have purpose?

03-30-2016, 04:55 AM - 2 Likes	#53
SarahU Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 25	I have a K S2, so have only U1 and U2. Since I use back button focus, which can be hard for casual shooters to understand, I have U2 set up for when I hand the camera off to someone else so I can get in the shot. Camera reverts to conventional half-press focusing and uses face recognition. Still deciding what to do with U1. This thread is giving me some great ideas.

04-12-2016, 12:47 AM - 1 Like	#54
redcat Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Paris Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,939 Original Poster	Originally posted by wed7 Omg, those U's have purpose? hahaha that's what I thought before creating this thread =)))

04-15-2016, 08:26 PM	#55
Unregistered User 8 Closed Account Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,694	Originally posted by redcat hahaha that's what I thought before creating this thread =))) Hi redcat. With so many choices given to you, what settings have you decided upon for your " USERS " ???

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04-16-2016, 12:07 PM	#56
redcat Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Paris Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,939 Original Poster	Originally posted by pjv Hi redcat. With so many choices given to you, what settings have you decided upon for your " USERS " ??? I'm still trying and not decided yet, so many options indeed

04-16-2016, 03:04 PM	#57
Michi Joel Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Catalonia Photos: Albums Posts: 441	Tnx guys!

05-05-2016, 09:06 AM	#58
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,177	Originally posted by ultraviolet U1 for Takumars @Av U2 for K/M @M with different e-dial setting K-30 What does U1 do besides Av {which is already on the same dial}? What does U2 do besides M {which is already on the same dial}? I'm asking because I have both Super Takumar and Pentax-M lenses, and I hadn't previously thought of using the "U" settings to support those lenses.

06-22-2016, 09:34 AM - 2 Likes	#59
Trawlerman Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Hull, Yorkshire, UK Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 210	I set my U1 on the K5 and K30 for B&W Shooting with the IR Filter on. Produces some nice in camera B&Ws. Raw files are unaffected.

07-19-2016, 01:31 AM	#60
Zafar Iqbal Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,229	I'm trying to find better use for the user modes: U1 for outdoor, U2 for normal indoor and U3 for low-light/high ISO indoor. Doesn't seem like SR is saved as user setting? LCD brightness and card setting (single or dual) also isn't saved. Meh.