Pentax K2 - out of focus photos?

bbrimage · 11-26-2018, 10:10 AM

Hi,

I recently bought a Pentax K2 which is in fantastic condition externally and internally. All functions work well and I was very happy with it.

Going from a Canon AE1 with a split prism to the ground class screen of the K2 was a little disorientating at first but I have gotten used to it.

I put my first roll through it and discovered that nearly all photos were out of focus. When I looked through the viewfinder it was perfectly fine.

You can see in the attached photos that everything in the foreground (which I was focused on) is out of focus and the background, nearly to infinity in some cases, is sharp.

However, a couple of photos are in sharp focus, which makes me wonder what the problem is.

When I looked inside the camera body at the focusing screen, it doesn’t look entirely flat - it seems raised ever so slightly towards the front end. Though I’m not sure if this is just my eyes. The mirror seems to be fine.

I’d appreciate any advice if anybody has an idea what the problem could be

Thanks

Docrwm · 11-26-2018, 10:30 AM

No attachments - sorry.

bbrimage · 11-26-2018, 10:33 AM

Here's the photo's:

Docrwm · 11-26-2018, 10:47 AM

I see what you mean. The background is in focus but not the central object which was presumably your intended focal point.

bbrimage · 11-26-2018, 10:53 AM

Originally posted by Docrwm

I see what you mean. The background is in focus but not the central object which was presumably your intended focal point.

Yes, it's quite strange. Seems like the focus was set to infinity and therefore everything in the foreground was too close. But the focusing screen showed differently...

Docrwm · 11-26-2018, 11:03 AM

Originally posted by bbrimage

Yes, it's quite strange. Seems like the focus was set to infinity and therefore everything in the foreground was too close. But the focusing screen showed differently...

The mirror might be out of spec or the focusing screen may have jarred loose. The more likely cause is the focusing screen having come loose or in at an angle.

bbrimage · 11-26-2018, 11:33 AM

Originally posted by Docrwm

The mirror might be out of spec or the focusing screen may have jarred loose. The more likely cause is the focusing screen having come loose or in at an angle.

The mirror seems to move as it should and sits in the correct position, I was thinking it might be the focusing screen. The more I look at it, it does seem to be sitting at a very slight angle, with the end closest to the lens being more upright. Does that correspond with the type of focusing issues I'm experiencing.

Thanks for the suggestion

Docrwm · 11-26-2018, 11:38 AM

Originally posted by bbrimage

The mirror seems to move as it should and sits in the correct position, I was thinking it might be the focusing screen. The more I look at it, it does seem to be sitting at a very slight angle, with the end closest to the lens being more upright. Does that correspond with the type of focusing issues I'm experiencing.

Thanks for the suggestion

It could but its been decades since I had that problem and I just can't recall the specifics, sorry.

**twilhelm** · 11-26-2018, 11:54 AM

The focus screen in this case is the likely culprit. When changing out screens there would be times you would have to add shims to the back side to get proper focus (think cutting down one brand to fit another camera). The usual issue would be the problem you are describing, with the foreground not being focused.

I don’t think it’s too difficult to remove the screen from the K2, although I’ve never had to remove mine. Just be cautious about smudges or scratches.

On another note, don’t dismiss the mirror being out. I’ve had that happen to a camera. When i would focus to 3ft, the camera would actually be at 5ft.

**pentageek** · 11-26-2018, 12:21 PM

Originally posted by twilhelm

don’t dismiss the mirror being out

I experienced the same problem with mirror in LX - the rubber on mirror's limiter did not keep its dimensions and focus was slightly off.

g026r · 11-26-2018, 12:29 PM

Originally posted by twilhelm

I don’t think it’s too difficult to remove the screen from the K2, although I’ve never had to remove mine. Just be cautious about smudges or scratches.

Assuming the focusing screen can be accessed without tearing the entire top apart. I couldn't find any guides specific to the K2 online, and the official repair manual doesn't mention anything about it.

**gofour3** · 11-26-2018, 12:39 PM - **1 Like**

Focusing screens on the K2 were not user replaceable and were to be done by a Pentax service tech.

So not as easy as an LX, but if you know what you are doing go for it.

Phil.

stevebrot · 11-26-2018, 12:41 PM

Originally posted by twilhelm

I don’t think it’s too difficult to remove the screen from the K2, although I’ve never had to remove mine. Just be cautious about smudges or scratches.

I believe you are correct. I have not done the task, but the parts diagrams seem to indicate that the K2 may be one of the models where focusing screen frame might be released into the mirror box without removal of the top plate and pentaprism.

Edit: I did some additional Internet research and am not sure this is the case. It may be best to take the camera in to have the screen calibration checked or perhaps even a full CLA.

Originally posted by twilhelm

On another note, don’t dismiss the mirror being out. I’ve had that happen to a camera. When i would focus to 3ft, the camera would actually be at 5ft.

Tis' true. Another thing to check is that the pressure plate on the film door is present and proper. Strangely enough there is the occasional used camera where this essential part is simply missing.

Steve

longbow · 11-26-2018, 12:46 PM - **1 Like**

There's 3 adjustment screws for the focusing the screen that are easily accessed from inside the mirror box. These should always be left alone, as they are factory adjusted, but it's possible someone turned them not knowing what they were for.

---------- Post added 11-26-18 at 11:55 AM ----------

Originally posted by stevebrot

I believe you are correct. I have not done the task, but the parts diagrams seem to indicate that the K2 may be one of the models where focusing screen frame might be released into the mirror box without removal of the top plate and pentaprism.

It's accessed like the other K and Spotmatic models, removing the top cover and prism frame. It takes a bit of time and patience.

stevebrot · 11-26-2018, 01:01 PM

Originally posted by longbow

There's 3 adjustment screws for the focusing the screen that are easily accessed from inside the mirror box. These should always be left alone, as they are factory adjusted, but it's possible some turned them not knowing what they were for.

---------- Post added 11-26-18 at 11:55 AM ----------

It's accessed like the other K and Spotmatic models, removing the top cover and prism frame. It takes a bit of time and patience.

Thanks for the clarification. That is my conclusion as well.

Steve

11-26-2018, 10:10 AM	#1
bbrimage New Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Posts: 4	Pentax K2 - out of focus photos? Hi, I recently bought a Pentax K2 which is in fantastic condition externally and internally. All functions work well and I was very happy with it. Going from a Canon AE1 with a split prism to the ground class screen of the K2 was a little disorientating at first but I have gotten used to it. I put my first roll through it and discovered that nearly all photos were out of focus. When I looked through the viewfinder it was perfectly fine. You can see in the attached photos that everything in the foreground (which I was focused on) is out of focus and the background, nearly to infinity in some cases, is sharp. However, a couple of photos are in sharp focus, which makes me wonder what the problem is. When I looked inside the camera body at the focusing screen, it doesn’t look entirely flat - it seems raised ever so slightly towards the front end. Though I’m not sure if this is just my eyes. The mirror seems to be fine. I’d appreciate any advice if anybody has an idea what the problem could be Thanks

11-26-2018, 10:33 AM	#3
bbrimage New Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Posts: 4 Original Poster	Here's the photo's: Attached Images

11-26-2018, 12:41 PM	#13
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by twilhelm I don’t think it’s too difficult to remove the screen from the K2, although I’ve never had to remove mine. Just be cautious about smudges or scratches. I believe you are correct. I have not done the task, but the parts diagrams seem to indicate that the K2 may be one of the models where focusing screen frame might be released into the mirror box without removal of the top plate and pentaprism. Edit: I did some additional Internet research and am not sure this is the case. It may be best to take the camera in to have the screen calibration checked or perhaps even a full CLA. Originally posted by twilhelm On another note, don’t dismiss the mirror being out. I’ve had that happen to a camera. When i would focus to 3ft, the camera would actually be at 5ft. Tis' true. Another thing to check is that the pressure plate on the film door is present and proper. Strangely enough there is the occasional used camera where this essential part is simply missing. Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 11-26-2018 at 12:49 PM.

11-26-2018, 12:46 PM - 1 Like	#14
longbow Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: NW Oregon Posts: 905	There's 3 adjustment screws for the focusing the screen that are easily accessed from inside the mirror box. These should always be left alone, as they are factory adjusted, but it's possible someone turned them not knowing what they were for. ---------- Post added 11-26-18 at 11:55 AM ---------- Originally posted by stevebrot I believe you are correct. I have not done the task, but the parts diagrams seem to indicate that the K2 may be one of the models where focusing screen frame might be released into the mirror box without removal of the top plate and pentaprism. It's accessed like the other K and Spotmatic models, removing the top cover and prism frame. It takes a bit of time and patience. Last edited by longbow; 11-26-2018 at 01:20 PM.

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11-26-2018, 10:30 AM	#2
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	No attachments - sorry.

11-26-2018, 10:47 AM	#4
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	I see what you mean. The background is in focus but not the central object which was presumably your intended focal point.

11-26-2018, 10:53 AM	#5
bbrimage New Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Posts: 4 Original Poster	Originally posted by Docrwm I see what you mean. The background is in focus but not the central object which was presumably your intended focal point. Yes, it's quite strange. Seems like the focus was set to infinity and therefore everything in the foreground was too close. But the focusing screen showed differently...

11-26-2018, 11:03 AM	#6
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by bbrimage Yes, it's quite strange. Seems like the focus was set to infinity and therefore everything in the foreground was too close. But the focusing screen showed differently... The mirror might be out of spec or the focusing screen may have jarred loose. The more likely cause is the focusing screen having come loose or in at an angle.

11-26-2018, 11:33 AM	#7
bbrimage New Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Posts: 4 Original Poster	Originally posted by Docrwm The mirror might be out of spec or the focusing screen may have jarred loose. The more likely cause is the focusing screen having come loose or in at an angle. The mirror seems to move as it should and sits in the correct position, I was thinking it might be the focusing screen. The more I look at it, it does seem to be sitting at a very slight angle, with the end closest to the lens being more upright. Does that correspond with the type of focusing issues I'm experiencing. Thanks for the suggestion

11-26-2018, 11:38 AM	#8
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by bbrimage The mirror seems to move as it should and sits in the correct position, I was thinking it might be the focusing screen. The more I look at it, it does seem to be sitting at a very slight angle, with the end closest to the lens being more upright. Does that correspond with the type of focusing issues I'm experiencing. Thanks for the suggestion It could but its been decades since I had that problem and I just can't recall the specifics, sorry.

11-26-2018, 11:54 AM	#9
twilhelm Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,369	The focus screen in this case is the likely culprit. When changing out screens there would be times you would have to add shims to the back side to get proper focus (think cutting down one brand to fit another camera). The usual issue would be the problem you are describing, with the foreground not being focused. I don’t think it’s too difficult to remove the screen from the K2, although I’ve never had to remove mine. Just be cautious about smudges or scratches. On another note, don’t dismiss the mirror being out. I’ve had that happen to a camera. When i would focus to 3ft, the camera would actually be at 5ft.

11-26-2018, 12:21 PM	#10
pentageek Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 420	Originally posted by twilhelm don’t dismiss the mirror being out I experienced the same problem with mirror in LX - the rubber on mirror's limiter did not keep its dimensions and focus was slightly off.

11-26-2018, 12:29 PM	#11
g026r Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,074	Originally posted by twilhelm I don’t think it’s too difficult to remove the screen from the K2, although I’ve never had to remove mine. Just be cautious about smudges or scratches. Assuming the focusing screen can be accessed without tearing the entire top apart. I couldn't find any guides specific to the K2 online, and the official repair manual doesn't mention anything about it.

11-26-2018, 12:39 PM - 1 Like	#12
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,091	Focusing screens on the K2 were not user replaceable and were to be done by a Pentax service tech. So not as easy as an LX, but if you know what you are doing go for it. Phil.

11-26-2018, 01:01 PM	#15
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by longbow There's 3 adjustment screws for the focusing the screen that are easily accessed from inside the mirror box. These should always be left alone, as they are factory adjusted, but it's possible some turned them not knowing what they were for. ---------- Post added 11-26-18 at 11:55 AM ---------- It's accessed like the other K and Spotmatic models, removing the top cover and prism frame. It takes a bit of time and patience. Thanks for the clarification. That is my conclusion as well. Steve