Pentax dslr guidance needed

**mikesbike** · 08-27-2017, 12:49 AM

The K-5 series is still very highly-regarded with many satisfied owners. I still love mine. I always suggest to new Pentax DSLR owners, regardless of model, employ "Fine" sharpening in the custom menu, especially for the "Bright" and "Natural" categories. You can access this menu very easily with the K-5, as it is featured on the right side of the 4-way controller on the back. To adjust for "Fine", use the thumb dial, and when you get the setting, an "F" will appear next to the S indicating the Sharpness adjustment line. As to the degree of sharpness, one notch up from mid-point is the default for the "Bright" category. I like to set sharpness in the "Natural" category to be the same, but leave others, such as contrast, at default. Some have said not to employ "Fine" sharpening when shooting in low-light, high ISO situations. I've not noticed a difference here, but neither have I Imade comparisons.

Steve Beswick · 08-27-2017, 05:14 AM

For whoever might find this thread in the future:

If you have a collection of lenses without the "A" setting, you should be aware that the k10d is prone to pretty significant exposure errors using those lenses. Don't get me wrong, the k10d is a wonderful camera. I recently purchased one just because of how much I liked the one I had many years ago. It's just that you will need to learn how to shoot around the errors. In my personal experience, it's only a significant problem with lenses faster than f/2.8.

**twilhelm** · 08-27-2017, 06:22 AM

Originally posted by Steve Beswick

For whoever might find this thread in the future:

If you have a collection of lenses without the "A" setting, you should be aware that the k10d is prone to pretty significant exposure errors using those lenses. Don't get me wrong, the k10d is a wonderful camera. I recently purchased one just because of how much I liked the one I had many years ago. It's just that you will need to learn how to shoot around the errors. In my personal experience, it's only a significant problem with lenses faster than f/2.8.

I purchased my K10D new when they came out. It has seen a myriad of Takamurs, M and K series lenses. I've never had the exposure issues you mentioned. One of my favorite lenses with the K10D is the K 55/1.8 and it was always spot on for me.

Steve Beswick · 08-27-2017, 12:00 PM

Originally posted by twilhelm

I purchased my K10D new when they came out. It has seen a myriad of Takamurs, M and K series lenses. I've never had the exposure issues you mentioned. One of my favorite lenses with the K10D is the K 55/1.8 and it was always spot on for me.

I'm glad things have gone well for you. Others have not been as lucky.

K10D/K20D - Exposure Variations with M Lenses - PentaxForums.com

Kupernikos · 08-28-2017, 12:27 AM - **3 Likes**

First shots taken and it's a lovely camera, yet very different to my old, straightforward Canon 5D.

**aslyfox** · 08-28-2017, 03:08 AM

Originally posted by Kupernikos

First shots taken and it's a lovely camera, yet very different to my old, straightforward Canon 5D.

very nice

[ Hint: some times the EXIF identifies the exact lens I use, some times it does not, I don't know why, so if necessary I add it to the post. Your choice of course ]

**mikesbike** · 08-29-2017, 12:52 AM

Very fine shots, indeed! Your K-5 is in very capable hands. Congratulations to you for finding a K-5 so quickly!

Kupernikos · 08-29-2017, 10:26 AM

Thanks

Kupernikos · 09-03-2017, 03:11 AM

I'm pretty much in control for my new K-5 already and I'm beginning to like the menus, features and solution they've made with this camera...
Except for the blinking which I find Very Annoying. For example indoors all three displays are blinking like crazy even when shooting in manual mode.
I've already shut off the rear display and turned off the back light from the top display for the blinking wouldn't be so offensive.
I've seeked a solution to get rid of it completely, but seems like there are no solutions but to live with it?
Is it the same thing with newer Pentaxes too?

**Kevin B123** · 09-03-2017, 04:05 AM

The red/yellow blinking?, I'm pretty sure you can turn that off. I can on later models. Some one can advise where on the K-5, but on the K-3 it's menu 4 Instant review.

Kupernikos · 09-03-2017, 04:51 AM

No, but that's pretty annoying too

I've already turned off the over/under exposed area blinking.
I mean all the flash/ISO/exp.time/aperture indicators are flickering on every three display.

**twilhelm** · 09-03-2017, 01:22 PM

Originally posted by Kupernikos

No, but that's pretty annoying too

I've already turned off the over/under exposed area blinking.
I mean all the flash/ISO/exp.time/aperture indicators are flickering on every three display.

Does it do that with any lens? That's not something I experienced with my K5. I wonder if the lens contacts on the camera need to be cleaned...

Kupernikos · 09-03-2017, 09:36 PM

Yeah, it is supposed to be a pro- or advanced photographer's camera but it's acting like a first timer's guiding camera:
"WARNING, BLINKING, YOUR SHUTTER SPEED IS BELOW 1/30, USE FLASH, WARNING, BLINKING..."
Okay, I'll get used to it. I'll have to because I love about everything else in this camera. Sorry to bother you guys

**Kevin B123** · 09-04-2017, 01:44 AM

That's a behavior I don't see with my K-3ii, even with the lens cap on in any mode, I can take a picture without blinking settings. On the K-50, with the lens cap on I can get blinking when half pressing the shutter and while the meter I reading. I can't advise further on the K-5, that may be normal.

FreeSpirit9 · 09-04-2017, 02:46 AM

Excellent choice Kupernikos

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08-27-2017, 12:49 AM	#16
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,547	The K-5 series is still very highly-regarded with many satisfied owners. I still love mine. I always suggest to new Pentax DSLR owners, regardless of model, employ "Fine" sharpening in the custom menu, especially for the "Bright" and "Natural" categories. You can access this menu very easily with the K-5, as it is featured on the right side of the 4-way controller on the back. To adjust for "Fine", use the thumb dial, and when you get the setting, an "F" will appear next to the S indicating the Sharpness adjustment line. As to the degree of sharpness, one notch up from mid-point is the default for the "Bright" category. I like to set sharpness in the "Natural" category to be the same, but leave others, such as contrast, at default. Some have said not to employ "Fine" sharpening when shooting in low-light, high ISO situations. I've not noticed a difference here, but neither have I Imade comparisons.

08-27-2017, 05:14 AM	#17
Steve Beswick Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ontario, California Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,736	For whoever might find this thread in the future: If you have a collection of lenses without the "A" setting, you should be aware that the k10d is prone to pretty significant exposure errors using those lenses. Don't get me wrong, the k10d is a wonderful camera. I recently purchased one just because of how much I liked the one I had many years ago. It's just that you will need to learn how to shoot around the errors. In my personal experience, it's only a significant problem with lenses faster than f/2.8.

08-27-2017, 06:22 AM	#18
twilhelm Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,369	Originally posted by Steve Beswick For whoever might find this thread in the future: If you have a collection of lenses without the "A" setting, you should be aware that the k10d is prone to pretty significant exposure errors using those lenses. Don't get me wrong, the k10d is a wonderful camera. I recently purchased one just because of how much I liked the one I had many years ago. It's just that you will need to learn how to shoot around the errors. In my personal experience, it's only a significant problem with lenses faster than f/2.8. I purchased my K10D new when they came out. It has seen a myriad of Takamurs, M and K series lenses. I've never had the exposure issues you mentioned. One of my favorite lenses with the K10D is the K 55/1.8 and it was always spot on for me.

08-27-2017, 12:00 PM	#19
Steve Beswick Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ontario, California Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,736	Originally posted by twilhelm I purchased my K10D new when they came out. It has seen a myriad of Takamurs, M and K series lenses. I've never had the exposure issues you mentioned. One of my favorite lenses with the K10D is the K 55/1.8 and it was always spot on for me. I'm glad things have gone well for you. Others have not been as lucky. K10D/K20D - Exposure Variations with M Lenses - PentaxForums.com

08-28-2017, 03:08 AM	#21
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,576	Originally posted by Kupernikos First shots taken and it's a lovely camera, yet very different to my old, straightforward Canon 5D. very nice [ Hint: some times the EXIF identifies the exact lens I use, some times it does not, I don't know why, so if necessary I add it to the post. Your choice of course ]

08-29-2017, 12:52 AM	#22
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,547	Very fine shots, indeed! Your K-5 is in very capable hands. Congratulations to you for finding a K-5 so quickly!

08-29-2017, 10:26 AM	#23
Kupernikos New Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Photos: Gallery Posts: 19 Original Poster	Thanks

09-03-2017, 03:11 AM	#24
Kupernikos New Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Photos: Gallery Posts: 19 Original Poster	I'm pretty much in control for my new K-5 already and I'm beginning to like the menus, features and solution they've made with this camera... Except for the blinking which I find Very Annoying. For example indoors all three displays are blinking like crazy even when shooting in manual mode. I've already shut off the rear display and turned off the back light from the top display for the blinking wouldn't be so offensive. I've seeked a solution to get rid of it completely, but seems like there are no solutions but to live with it? Is it the same thing with newer Pentaxes too?

09-03-2017, 04:05 AM	#25
Kevin B123 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Hampshire Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,175	The red/yellow blinking?, I'm pretty sure you can turn that off. I can on later models. Some one can advise where on the K-5, but on the K-3 it's menu 4 Instant review.

09-03-2017, 04:51 AM	#26
Kupernikos New Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Photos: Gallery Posts: 19 Original Poster	No, but that's pretty annoying too I've already turned off the over/under exposed area blinking. I mean all the flash/ISO/exp.time/aperture indicators are flickering on every three display.

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09-03-2017, 01:22 PM	#27
twilhelm Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,369	Originally posted by Kupernikos No, but that's pretty annoying too I've already turned off the over/under exposed area blinking. I mean all the flash/ISO/exp.time/aperture indicators are flickering on every three display. Does it do that with any lens? That's not something I experienced with my K5. I wonder if the lens contacts on the camera need to be cleaned...

09-03-2017, 09:36 PM	#28
Kupernikos New Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Photos: Gallery Posts: 19 Original Poster	Yeah, it is supposed to be a pro- or advanced photographer's camera but it's acting like a first timer's guiding camera: "WARNING, BLINKING, YOUR SHUTTER SPEED IS BELOW 1/30, USE FLASH, WARNING, BLINKING..." Okay, I'll get used to it. I'll have to because I love about everything else in this camera. Sorry to bother you guys

09-04-2017, 01:44 AM	#29
Kevin B123 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Hampshire Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,175	That's a behavior I don't see with my K-3ii, even with the lens cap on in any mode, I can take a picture without blinking settings. On the K-50, with the lens cap on I can get blinking when half pressing the shutter and while the meter I reading. I can't advise further on the K-5, that may be normal.

09-04-2017, 02:46 AM	#30
FreeSpirit9 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Queensland, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 557	Excellent choice Kupernikos