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Comment by JAK posted on Fine focus adjusted but still back focuses!!! at 10/02/2019 - 12:08
There certainly aren't many around my area, and I'm not even in the area marked on that map anymore. I'm not loading Flash to edit it though. What's 150km between friends?
Wonder why this thread came back to life after a two year gap?
Comment by JAK posted on Pentax User Members Map at 09/02/2019 - 00:45
As to the K-5 and later cameras, if the K-5 had been the ultimate Pentax camera and offered all we required we'd never have purchased their newer offerings as they'd have been no point. I presume we purchased the newer ones as they offered improvements to features such as AF. With regards to video on Pentax cameras however it may well be true that the K-5 was the ultimate release but that's a different discussion!
By the way Sigma's reverse engineering isn't just with Pentax mounts, it seems they are reluctant to licence protocols from most if not all camera manufacturers. It's quite common for Sigma lenses in mounts other than Pentax to require re-chipping when a new camera body comes along. If the lens is under warranty they re-chip it under warranty but that isn't always possible.
This makes an interesting short read: https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2011/02/things-you-should-know-about-your-lense...
Comment by JAK posted on Fine focus adjusted but still back focuses!!! at 08/02/2019 - 23:19
https://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/accessories/sigma-usb-docks/
I don't think it will help with your lens though so don't rush and order one before checking for compatibility (there's a list of supported lenses on that link to Sigma.)
Should you or someone reading the thread decide a dock would be useful in any event, there's a source for them here (Wex).
Comment by JAK posted on Fine focus adjusted but still back focuses!!! at 08/02/2019 - 22:20
Date 2019-02-02 14:12:59 +0000
Make PENTAX
Model PENTAX K-5
Software Adobe Photoshop Camera Raw 9.10.1 (Windows)
Exposure Time 0.0010s (1/1000)
Aperture ƒ/2.8
Exposure Manual
ISO equivalent 100
Exposure Bias none
Metering Mode Matrix
Flash Fired No (enforced)
Focal Length 70.0mm 105mm=35mm equivalent
Exposure Mode Manual
White Balance Auto
Focal Length (35mm) 105
LensModel Sigma Lens
Lens Sigma Lens
Date 2019-02-02 14:43:26 +0000
Make PENTAX
Model PENTAX K-5
Software Adobe Photoshop Camera Raw 9.10.1 (Windows)
Exposure Time 0.0005s (1/2000)
Aperture ƒ/2.8
Exposure Manual
ISO equivalent 100
Exposure Bias none
Metering Mode Matrix
Flash Fired No (enforced)
Focal Length 50.0mm 75mm=35mm equivalent
Exposure Mode Manual
White Balance Auto
Focal Length (35mm) 75
LensModel smc PENTAX-FA 50mm F1.4
Lens smc PENTAX-FA 50mm F1.4
Some readers may have a sense of deja vue!
https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/topic/k-5-af-problems-29648
I note the problem was also with a Sigma lens.
Pentax have worked on improving low light AF in cameras since the K-5 so it would be a good idea to try the lens on another body (didn't I suggest that earlier??) The whole issue could be just that particular camera and lens combination.
Comment by JAK posted on Fine focus adjusted but still back focuses!!! at 08/02/2019 - 00:42
Second is an issue with the lens itself and/or the calibration. Again it takes a bit of time to correctly calibrate the lens adjustment, so don't rush this.
But the OP needs to do another test to confirm the test he did remains valid in other conditions.
Comment by JAK posted on Fine focus adjusted but still back focuses!!! at 07/02/2019 - 23:47
https://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/repairs-support/
If its duff they may replace it for you or some other suggestion.
Comment by JAK posted on Fine focus adjusted but still back focuses!!! at 07/02/2019 - 21:18
you wouldn't be able to use it when shooting a model for example who is changing their pose every second.
Comment by JAK posted on Fine focus adjusted but still back focuses!!! at 07/02/2019 - 19:12
does the lens focus accurately in live view?
I did optimise the long end, it's a 24-70. Not tried live view, I've never used it. Never thought i'd need to if the body & lens could manage to work together. If I've got to start manual focusing I may as well get a 6x7.
You'd better have a read of this:
https://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/K5/K5LIVEVIEW.HTM
You appreciate there isn't a digital 6x7. 645D or Z perhaps and you'll be free of Sigma lenses.
Comment by JAK posted on Fine focus adjusted but still back focuses!!! at 07/02/2019 - 18:34
Comment by JAK posted on Murmuration at 06/02/2019 - 17:59


The camera doesn't actually know what you want in focus, you have to make sure it does what you want! Leaving it to the camera to sort out when you take the photo often ends up with it focussed on something other than the intended target. Some might be right (eg your 50mm prime shot) others not; it's a very hit or miss way of taking photos to simply rely on the camera to get it right, every time. If you want to get it right, take charge of the process and don't rely on the camera to do it for you at the moment of exposure. You'll guarantee many failures if you do whatever the camera/lens combination.