Instruction manuals

Pentax K1-ii and MZ6
Pentax Lenses 28-80 F, 300 DA*, 80-200 F, 35 F2.4 AL, M50 F1.7, 28-105 DFA, 20 F4 SMC
ONE UNITED Member
I would for example have liked to have had a decent explanation of when to use what combination of the myriad of revised AF priorities, segments, hold delays etc. A pdf would fit on a smart phone. I don't carry one and my eyes would struggle with the tiny print. Ever tried scrolling a zoomed pdf?
For real understanding there has to be some photographic context, an explanation of any choice making rationale that would go into making specific settings. How much this is for camera makers to offer, and how much the responsibility should remain with the photographer to educate themselves, is open to debate ....
My Guides to the Pentax Digital Camera Flash Lighting System : Download here from the PentaxForums Homepage Article .... link
Pentax K7 with BG-4 Grip / Samyang 14mm f2.8 ED AS IF UMC / DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR / SMC A28mm f2.8 / D FA 28-105mm / SMC F35-70 f3.5-4.5 / SMC A50mm f1.7 / Tamron AF70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD macro / SMC M75-150mm f4.0 / Tamron Adaptall (CT-135) 135mm f2.8 / Asahi Takumar-A 2X tele-converter / Pentax AF-540FGZ (I & II) Flashes / Cactus RF60/X Flashes & V6/V6II Transceiver
I shot an obscene number of pictures in Spain last week and left the little MX-1 on aperture priority with aperture to suit the subject, a limited auto-ISO range and usually a little negative exposure compensation.
I'm sure I don't fully exploit the camera's features and as for the K5... well, there are deep, dark and murky areas of the menu system where even angels fear to tread.
There seems to be a fine opportunity for educating the technologically challenged though how this could best be accomplished, I don't know. Nigel's flash guide is an example of what could be done...
Best wishes,
Andrew
"These places mean something and it's the job of a photographer to figure-out what the hell it is."
Robert Adams
"The camera doesn't make a bit of difference. All of them can record what you are seeing. But, you have to SEE."
Ernst Hass
My website: http://www.ephotozine.com/user/bwlchmawr-199050 http://s927.photobucket.com/home/ADC3440/index
https://www.flickr.com/photos/78898196@N05

I found great benefit from my copy of the 'Magic Lantern' guide book to the K7 .... all the details and settings and options, but with accompanying explanation of the expected effect on the photo taking process ... practical implications if you like.
It is this guiding principle of support with the settings that I have used when writing the flash guide .... a little bit of 'what you could do' ....a little bit of 'what would happen if you did' ..... and a little bit of 'why would you want to do it anyway' ....

My Guides to the Pentax Digital Camera Flash Lighting System : Download here from the PentaxForums Homepage Article .... link
Pentax K7 with BG-4 Grip / Samyang 14mm f2.8 ED AS IF UMC / DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR / SMC A28mm f2.8 / D FA 28-105mm / SMC F35-70 f3.5-4.5 / SMC A50mm f1.7 / Tamron AF70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD macro / SMC M75-150mm f4.0 / Tamron Adaptall (CT-135) 135mm f2.8 / Asahi Takumar-A 2X tele-converter / Pentax AF-540FGZ (I & II) Flashes / Cactus RF60/X Flashes & V6/V6II Transceiver
'Photography...it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten....' (Aaron Siskind)
I've just bought a K-50 under the triple discount scheme and the fact that it came with a fully comprehensive operating manual was a factor in my decision. Not a deal breaker admittedly, however If choosing between two cameras with not much between them i'd go for the one with the paper manual.
I can't believe they can be that expensive when they are printed in their tens and hundreds of thousands.
PDF copy has its place but the printed word works better for me to dib in and out of.
Bob
RobL
Member
Warwickshire