Inputting focal length on Kx

Not really a problem, as such, just that I'm not sure what I should be doing!

I have two old lenses that I used on my non digital Pentax : A Pentax-A 1:2 50mm lens and a Tamron SP 1:35 1:4210 70-210mm lens.

When I switch on, it asks me to input the focal length. I have to confess, I haven't the faintest idea what it means!
I've been inputting around 50 or 55mm which seems to work, but it can be a bit hit and miss.

What should I be calculating on ?
Other than that, everything seems to work fine.

Hi,

this usually appears when you have shake reduction switched on with a lens the camera doesn't have the required focal length info through the pins for to correctly set the shake reduction movement range.

All in your handbook

Thanks, Bill. Now you mention it, I believe someone once mentioned something about taking shake reduction off. I'll give it a go.

I downloaded the handbook in English (I bought my camera here in France) but am ashamed to say I don't always understand it

No shame in not understanding handbooks.

I'm impressed that Pentax still provide a printed pocketable book, as a CD or a download is little use to most out in the field.

I'm generally a typical male by reading the how to as a last resort. In the case of the sophisticated Pentax technology I do find you actaully learn new things.

I tend to print off the pages I want as I need them - but in PDF format on the computer, it's very easy to go straight to the section you need - just click on the item in the index.
And as a typical female, I also refer to the book as a last resort!
It's taken me quite a while to get to grips with the basics but I'm picking up new things as I go along.
How many times have I discovered something and thought "Why didn't I just read the manual?" !

It indeed needs the focal length for the shake reduction.
If you've a prime it's easy but with a zoom you might be better off not to use it because if the focal length isn't correct it will either under or over do the SR.

Stefan - what is a prime?

I turned it off but realised that shake with the zoom is a real problem for me unless I use a tripod. I'd forgotten just how heavy it is and a tripod isn't much use when you're moving around trying to catch butterflies and insects! It was great having the length to be able to zoom in and not get too close up, but not with the heavy lens

But when I took a shot of something that didn't move - a flower, for instance - the focus was sharp and I was pleased with the result. So I guess that's what I'll stick to for the moment unless I can sort my shaky hands out!!!

Thanks for the helpful comments - it's helping me realise what I can and can't do .... without a lot of practice.

A prime lens is a lens with a fixed focal length so not a zoom.

As for the zoom, i would set the focal length on the camera either in the middle or to the focal length you will use the most.

With modern lenses you don't need to input the focal length because the lens automaticly gives it.

Thanks for that.
The 50mm lens must be a prime and it is easier - I just input 50mm and because it is so much lighter, I didn't have a shake problem.

When I started with the K-x and the kit lens, I did have a problem - I pulled down when I pressed the shutter. But with practice, this has improved dramatically.
So just a case of persisting with the zoom and I'm sure it will come. The potential for good insect and butterfly shots is there so I'll keep at it.
I would love the same thing but the modern lighter equivalent (Father Christmas, are you listening?)

Lighter isn't always better for keeping steady.

I recall being given a 16mm film Arriflex in cradle to try when a skinny teenager and was amazed at how heavy but how stable it was even walking around!

Squeeze shutters rather than press and try to be breathing out gently as you do it. We never had fancy anti shake when taught such things but they are as valid today. High ISO digital of course is now a big help although fast lnses seem dearer than ever!