I have found that the degree of error varies from lens to lens as well as the f-stop you are using. Given that my usual method of shooting with modern lenses is: shoot, check histogram, adjust EV comp, re-shoot, using manual lenses is almost the same with just the "get it in the ballpark" step at the start of a batch of images. I very rarely find the K20D's metering spot on first time with any lens, old or new.

K.

Sure did. K.

I was taking photos at our "street party" on Friday with my DA* 50-135mm. Unfortunately, the winning line for the three-legged race was into the sun.







Even the much vaunted DA* can suffer on occasion...

K.

The K/M series lenses would be fine if the metering with them on the K10D/K20D wasn't bordering on useless. Although the A series lenses are more convenient they do feel plasticy in comparison. I've never handled an A* series lens to compare, though. Anyone have an A* 85mm I could 'borrow' for a few years?

K.

Dangermouse is talking about K and M series lenses.

K.

I'll take that as a complement! I've thrown a lot of images away however...

Yes it is an old chestnut but here goes...

Somewhere buried in your menus there is an option to "allow use of aperture ring". Turn that to 'on'.

If you are using the original K-mount lenses (the so-called 'K' series lenses) or the M series ones, you have to use manual exposure mode. If you are using A series or later lenses, i.e., those with an A on the aperture ring, all modes are available.

Assuming you are using K/M series, you press the green button to shut the lens down to your selected aperture momentarily and take a light reading.

With the K10D and K20D this will usually be wrong and over-expose. With the K-7 I believe the results are more reliable but as I have never used one I do not know.

I find the easiest thing to do is make sure the preview image you get when you take the picture is overlain with the histogram. Adjust the exposure until you have no blown highlights. I usually take several shots of a nearby piece of grass to get the exposure in the right ballpark and then go from there.

Remember to set the focus to manual.

That is it, I think.... have fun. I use old manual glass 75% of the time.

K.

I thought it was a pleasingly positive review. Well the conclusions were, I didn't read the rest of it. I don't usually read camera reviews as I have some paint to watch drying somewhere...

K.

I'm glad I can sit at home and look at your photos rather than be in that melee. As pretty as the girls are, the crowd would be a living hell to me. I have zero interest in cars as well!

K.

If I didn't already have one I'd buy it. A lovely piece of glass. K.