JAK

Joined: 29th January 2010

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JAK
The camera looks to have focussed on the bush behind the intended target. As redbusa9 suggests turn off AF on shutter release and move it to the back button. Then focus first with the back button, recompose the shot and it doesn't matter where that point of focus ends up in the frame, the camera won't refocus when you press the shutter release.
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.

Comment by JAK posted on Fine focus adjusted but still back focuses!!! at 10/02/2019 - 12:08

JAK
Gwyn wrote:
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?
For me, even when I enable flash the map doesn't appear any more be it on Explorer or Firefox.
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

JAK
I've never suggested there's a major issue with Sigma lenses, just that Pentax's AF fine tuning system often doesn't support them (for reasons already stated.) I own several including their 8-16mm rectilinear which has nothing comparable elsewhere and does what it does well (apart from having the ability to write some of the the focal lengths to the exif as Sigma were too mean to request Pentax include it in their cameras and the detail wasn't present anywhere in other lenses to extract it from.)
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

JAK
Nothing wrong with fine focus on Pentax's own lenses... as far as I know all of them that support automatic focus can be fine tuned (up to 20 lens types.) As that doesn't always work for Sigma lenses given their use of generic lens type codes they instead market a dock which allows lens adjustments to be made directly to the lens for some of their offerings:
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

JAK
The image exif with the Sigma is
Quote:
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
And the 50mm Pentax:
Quote:
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
That should show the problem.
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

JAK
Quote:
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.
Problem is the K-5 doesn't recognise the lens, other than its a Sigma. Sigma have used the same code number for a variety of different lenses including: Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC; Sigma DL-II 35-80mm F4-5.6; Sigma DF EX Aspherical 28-70mm F2.8; Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 Macro; Sigma 55-200mm F4-5.6 DC so to the camera it isn't a valid ID. The only solution (as I've already said several times) is to contact Sigma for advice as to how to get it corrected, maybe they can update the firmware and adjust it. It isn't Pentax's fault that Sigma haven't registered the lens with Pentax to obtain an official ID code for it, instead using a generic one. That's the downside of purchasing third party lenses from a manufacturer who back engineers the firmware for their lenses without working with the camera manufacturer. Issues come home to roost. In other brand cameras often Sigma lenses just cease to work any more unless Sigma have a firmware update available and the lens is updated.
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

JAK
If that zoom lens is put of calibration, contact Sigma and ask if it is possible to get it recalibrated.
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

JAK
johnducguz wrote:
you wouldn't be able to use it when shooting a model for example who is changing their pose every second.
Try it and see! Some prefer live view (normally mirrorless fans) and some don't. There's no reason for it not being able to do what you want if you can cope with the image on the back screen. The focussing method need be no different to your normal workflow.

Comment by JAK posted on Fine focus adjusted but still back focuses!!! at 07/02/2019 - 19:12

JAK
redbusa99 wrote:
does the lens focus accurately in live view?
johnducguz wrote:
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.
It doesn't involve manual focussing (unless you want to.)
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

JAK
They put the Red Arrows to shame!

Comment by JAK posted on Murmuration at 06/02/2019 - 17:59

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