How does the "Program" mode works?

**ismaelg** · 07-08-2009, 08:58 PM

Hi,

I'm looking at an old Super Program body. l understand Aperture priority and shutter priority. But how does the early "Program" setting works? It chooses both parameters, but there is not a single combination that works. Does it favors higher shutter speeds? or certain apertures? Just curious...

Thanks,

Damn Brit · 07-08-2009, 10:34 PM

Moved to film forum Ismael, you should get a faster response there.

KungPOW · 07-08-2009, 10:57 PM

Are you using a Pentax A lens?

You need to put the aperture ring into the "A" setting, then the camera into Program.

Here is a link to the manual: Pentax Super Program, pentax super A,* instruction manual, user manual

**ismaelg** · 07-09-2009, 04:21 AM

Thanks Gary.
Thanks Kungpow, I know how to use it.
My question is more about how does the camera determines the settings, given that there is a range of possible exposures. For instance: 1/60-f11, 1/125-f8 and 1/250-f5.6 are roughly the same exposure.
In other words, how does the algorithm works?
Does it starts at a midpoint aperture and selects the corresponding speed and adjusts from there if too slow? Does it starts with a particular speed? etc.

Thanks,

k100d · 07-09-2009, 05:55 AM

iirc, there are graphs in the manual that show what the program will be at each EV
page 12 on guide number two on the above link

hate to say it, but this is a case of RTFM

**ismaelg** · 07-09-2009, 06:43 AM

I DID RTFM.
Just the first part

Sorry....

07-08-2009, 08:58 PM	#1
ismaelg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Puerto Rico Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,681	How does the "Program" mode works? Hi, I'm looking at an old Super Program body. l understand Aperture priority and shutter priority. But how does the early "Program" setting works? It chooses both parameters, but there is not a single combination that works. Does it favors higher shutter speeds? or certain apertures? Just curious... Thanks,

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Program line: "MTF"?	WMBP	Photographic Technique	37	11-04-2015 03:58 PM
K20d-Frame Count on panals..works w/"M" & "P" mode only?	arbib	Pentax DSLR Discussion	1	08-28-2009 05:47 PM
I saw "Fire(works) & I saw Rain" James Taylor Tanglewood (10 pictures)	vievetrick	Post Your Photos!	8	07-06-2008 09:49 PM
"USER" program mode on the K20D	yetidesign	Pentax DSLR Discussion	17	06-19-2008 10:23 AM
Flash firing immediately on "2s delay" drive mode	oguzgel	Pentax DSLR Discussion	5	03-30-2008 01:20 PM

07-08-2009, 10:34 PM	#2
Damn Brit Guest	Moved to film forum Ismael, you should get a faster response there.

07-08-2009, 10:57 PM	#3
KungPOW Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Vancouver, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,699	Are you using a Pentax A lens? You need to put the aperture ring into the "A" setting, then the camera into Program. Here is a link to the manual: Pentax Super Program, pentax super A,* instruction manual, user manual

07-09-2009, 04:21 AM	#4
ismaelg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Puerto Rico Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,681 Original Poster	Thanks Gary. Thanks Kungpow, I know how to use it. My question is more about how does the camera determines the settings, given that there is a range of possible exposures. For instance: 1/60-f11, 1/125-f8 and 1/250-f5.6 are roughly the same exposure. In other words, how does the algorithm works? Does it starts at a midpoint aperture and selects the corresponding speed and adjusts from there if too slow? Does it starts with a particular speed? etc. Thanks,

07-09-2009, 05:55 AM	#5
k100d Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 3,911	iirc, there are graphs in the manual that show what the program will be at each EV page 12 on guide number two on the above link hate to say it, but this is a case of RTFM

07-09-2009, 06:43 AM	#6
ismaelg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Puerto Rico Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,681 Original Poster	I DID RTFM. Just the first part Sorry....