BetterPhoto Member |
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How to set up manual m with Pentax SF1
Hey. I have Pentax SF-1 AF/M mode. What are the steps/set up for a better shot with Manual mode. I have been using just AF, but don't know how to proceed with the M mode. Could you tell me? Thanks, Bob.
PS. Incase of low light or at night, how to focus with AF mode?
Thanks again, Bob.
January 10, 2004
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Jon Close |
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You can download the user manual for the SF-1 (and any other Pentax camera) from http://www.pentaxusa.com/docstore/index.cfm?show=6
It explains the conditions where autofocus may fail and how to focus manually.
January 10, 2004
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EDWARD E. FIGLEWICZ |
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Bob- I have an SF1 and am glad to see others still use this great camera. I've been on the PentaxUSA site and the manual is there. However to cut through the paperwork and give you an idea of the SF1's manual functions (there are 2), let me explain. When speaking of the SF1's "manual modes" do you mean "manual focus" or "manual meter"? Both are a little confusing.
A. For "manual focus" - on the lower left side of the camera's body there's the "manual/servo/single" focus button. To use manual focus slide the button up as far as it goes (it stops at "servo") as you probably have it set on "single" for 99% of your shots. Then slightly push-in the tab above it and slide the switch up again until it stops and locks. The switch's "white" line should line up with the word "manual". You're now in manual focus. You know you are because you can then "manually" turn the len's focusing ring. Using the focus ring you can focus and know you have done so properly when you see the green in-focus indicator light come on and the PVC "ting" sound, just like auto. Note, when in the autofocus mode(single shot or servo) you can not and should not manually force the focusing ring to turn.
B. If you mean "manual meter" - you must first change the aperture from auto to manual by picking any f/stop other than "A". To do so push in the little button on the lens next to "A" and select a wide/fast aperture. I use f/3.5 on my 28-300mm lens to get the biggest aperture possible for night time shots or when inside a dark cathedral or museum where no flash is allowed. Next push the "select switch" on the camera body (it's on the right side above the hot shoe cover) and hold/push "up" the "Mode/Drive" switch (on the left side) to "Mode" at the "same" time. If you hold the "Mode" switch at the "up position" and keep pushing the "select switch" you'll move through 4 of the SF1's meter modes. They are: "AUTO", "MAN bulb", "MAN 100" and the "MAN 250" mode. This last one (MAN 250) is the one you probably want as you can set any shutter speed you want from 1 sec. to 1/2000 with any aperture you want (other than "A") by moving the "select" switch. The LCD panel will show you what you're settings are. (Note, the "250" is the default setting.)
You'll probably hardly ever use the "MAN bulb" (for long time flash) or "MAN 100" (for a fixed shutter speed). "AUTO" is for the SF1's Aperture-Priority mode. To get the hang of it play with the SF1's switches with no film in it to see how our "dinosaur" works. I hope this helps. It takes longer to "write" this explanation than actually "do" as once you get the hang of it, it's really pretty fast to go from "autofocus mode to manual focus" and the "programmed/shutter priority meter mode to the manual/aperture priority meter modes". Sincerely,
Ed Figlewicz
January 13, 2004
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