K200 shake reduction

I originally used an MEsuper for transparencies, moved to a digital compact, then bought the K200intending to make use of my old lenses which had been giving good results (vivitars 28mm and 75-150 with a 2x multiplier). However, cropping the shots taken with the kit zoom are just as good as using the old lenses, apart from the original 50mm pentax which is marginally better.
I can't tell whether the shake reduction is working, test shots are inconclusive, I can't hear any motor noise.
What is the best way to check ?
I'm considering getting the 55-300, and then shake reduction might become more of an issue.

Is the camera asking you to input the focal length when you mount the old lenses?

You can check with a timed exposure and no lens/body cap on the camera, you should be able to see the sensor move when looking into the lens mount throat. IIRC there's a youtube video of it somewhere. Be careful not to get dust on the sensor.

John

Thanks for the quick response.
Yes, I've been manually inputting the focal length with the old lenses; though I've mainly tried the testing with the kit lens otherwise I'm on full aperture.

John, thanks, I've just tried that. I can't see a movement , though I can hear a faint noise

Did you try moving the camera? I assume the dust removal function is working when you use it.

John

John,
Thanks.
I've tried with S.R. turned on and turned off.
At both settings ( on bulb ) I can hear a faint noise, abit like a geiger counter, but it seems to much less if the camers is on a firm base. Though with the current gale blowing there is still probably a bit of shake on the dining table.
When the camera is being hand held, I can see the reflection of a window in the sensor , but I can't see any diference in the image , whatever the SR setting, and I can't spot any relative movement of the sensor and the fixed part of the camera.
Despite your best efforts you are being limited by the skills and competence of the operator !
Feels like I should perhaps take it back to the original dealer, and ask his advice, he must be more experienced at fault identification than I am.
Rgds David

Hi David,

I'm not sure SR works in B (bulb) as you would generally have the camera tripod mounted. I apologise for using the term "timed exposure" I was thinking in the region of 1-2 seconds on the shutter speed, you should see some sensor shift if you move the camera.

John

It's much easier than that to test SR.

First, take a series of shots from fast to slow shutter speeds, with SR off. Then repeat with SR on. If necessary, do the complete test several times.

Then you will see what advantage is being gained using SR. I typically find 2-3 stops of slower speeds are, with care, available for successful hand held exposures.

Johnwhit
Well spotted, I tried it on Manual, occasionally there is pronounced movement of the sensor, but usually nothing.
John Riley
I'll try that, the last time I tried to do a comparison it was inconclusive, but no harm in a more structured repeat.
I only joined the forum this week, well pleased with results so far !
Thanks to you both
David

I hope you get it sorted David.

John

I have tried the test shots, with the kit lens at 55mm.
"No SR at 1/90th at f5.6" looks similar to "with SR at 1/15th at f16".
Generally, based on about 30 shots, having Shake Reduction turned on seems to produce a sharper shot at around 1/15th , and 1/30th.
The benefits are not noticeable at faster shutter speeds; and at slower speeds I can't see a difference, I guess because it's camera movement causing the problem as well as camera shake.
So, my camera seems to be working, and, if I get the 55-300 lens, what will be the shutter speeds where SR gives the maximum benefit ?

There's an interesting if rather convoluted article here if you're up for a good read:

http://falklumo.blogspot.com/2010/04/pentax-shake-reduction-revisited.html

John