29BASIC OPERATION (SHOOTING)

II. BASIC OPERATION(SHOOTING)

30

Using the Programmed AE Mode

BASIC OPERATION (SHOOTING)

12Purpose
For easy picture taking, use this mode. In the Programmed
AE mode, the camera automatically selects the best combination of aperture and shutter speed settings allowing you totake pictures by simply pressing the shutter release button.

2. Turn the shutter speed dial to b while holding
down the shutter speed dial release button. The
shutter speed dial can be released from b in thesame manner.

To set1. Turn the lens aperture ring to the b position asshown in the illustration.
• To move the lens aperture ring to the b position, turnthe aperture ring while holding down the aperture-A lockbutton on the lens. The lens aperture ring can bereleased from the b position in the same manner.

• You can shift the program line of Programmed AE Modewith Pentax Function No.6. See page 80 for more details.
• See page 44, 46, 48, and 50 for other available exposure modes.

Using the Multi(6)-Segment Metering Mode

Set the metering mode switch to L.
• The center-weighted metering mode and spot
metering mode are also available in this camera.
See page 55 and 56 for more details.
• When the Adapter 645 for 67 lens or Helicoid
Extension Tube 645 attached, the center-weighted
metering mode is automatically set even if you
select the multi-segment metering mode. The multisegment mode cannot be used.

MULTI(6)-SEGMENT METERING
This camera incorporates a high-precision six-segment
TTL metering system. Light values are measured in six
segments within the image field, enabling an optimal
exposure to be made under a variety of lighting conditions. With conventional averaged metering systems,
underexposure of the subject results from the brightnessof the background affecting the overall metering. Withmulti(6)-segment metering, the camera records thebrightness in six zones within the image field and uses
these measurements to choose an exposure that will notunderexpose the subject. The multi(6)-segment meteringsystem also calculates exposure values for a scene toautomatically compensate for high-contrast and other difficult lighting conditions. Even a beginner can achieve
excellent results with ease.

BASIC OPERATION (SHOOTING)

In the multi(6)-segment metering mode, the metering system automatically measures light in six different zones, enabling proper exposure in a wide
variety of normal and adverse lighting conditions.

31

32

Using Autofocus Mode

BASIC OPERATION (SHOOTING)• Switching between the autofocus mode and manual focus mode depends on the lens you use. For
more details, read the operating manual of thelens.
• The camera does not provide the switch forswitching between the autofocus mode and manual mode.

With the Pentax 645 FA lens attached, the lensautomatically focuses when you press the shutter
release button halfway down.
Set the lens in the autofocus mode.

Using the Single AF Mode33• Continuous AF Mode is also available in this camera. See page 58.

Set the AF mode selector to z.

BASIC OPERATION (SHOOTING)

When you press the shutter button, the lens automatically focuses. As soon as the subject is infocus, the shutter is released. For normal use,
select this position. The shutter cannot be released
if the subject is out of focus.

Using the 3-Point AF Mode

Using the Single-Frame Drive ModeIn the 3-point autofocus system, the subject will befocused properly even if the main subject is slightly
off-center of the AF frame.

One picture is taken each time the shutter releasebutton is pressed.

34

BASIC OPERATION (SHOOTING)

Set the drive mode dial to O.
Set the AF mode selector to l.

Holding the Camera

35

Camera held vertically

For best results, be sure to hold the camera correctly
as shown in the illustrations.

• To reduce camera shake, support your body or the camera on a solid object - a table, tree, or a wall for instance.
• Although there are individual differences among photographers, in general the shutter speed with a handheld camera is lower than the inverse of the focallength. For example, 1/75 second when the focal lengthis 75mm, and 1/150 second when the focal length is75mm, and 1/150 second when it is 150mm. A tripod
should be used for shutter speeds slower than this.
• When using an ultra-telephoto lens, a tripod that isheavier than the total weight of the camera and lens is
recommended to avoid camera shake.
• This camera has provided two tripod sockets for verticaland horizontal format positions.
• When a tripod is used, use of an optional Cable SW CS105/CS-130 or Cable Release is also recommended.

Hold the camera firmly, with your left hand supporting thecamera and lens as shown in the illustrations. While taking a picture, hold your breath and gently press the shutter release button. (Sudden force on the shutter releasebutton will cause camera shake, making the pictureblurred.)BASIC OPERATION (SHOOTING)

Camera held horizontally

Taking a Picture

36
12BASIC OPERATION (SHOOTING)

Set the lens to the autofocus position.
1. Focus on the subject with the 3-point AF
frame l. When the shutter release button
is pressed halfway down, the lens automatically focuses.
2. When the subject is in focus, the focus indicator u lights up.
3. To release the shutter, gently press the shutter release button fully.

• When the shutter release button is pressed halfway down, the shutter speed and aperture setting
are displayed in the viewfinder.
• Select the Spot AF Mode to critically focus on aspecific spot of the subject. See details on page59.
• When the subject is in focus, the audible PCV signal can be emitted. See details on page 14.
• During autofocus operation, the focusing ringshould not be obstructed with your fingers, hands,
or any other object.
The focus indicator u blinks when the camera
is not able to obtain proper focus for one of thefollowing reasons.
1. The subject is too close. Adjust the camera
to subject distance.
2. The subject is difficult to autofocus. See"HARD-TO-AUTOFOCUS" on page 63.

37BASIC OPERATION (SHOOTING)• The shutter cannot be released if the subject isout of focus.
• The film counter indication advances each time
the shutter is released.
• Press the shutter release button halfway down.
Whileis on, the camera-to-subject distance isfixed (focus lock). To refocus on another subject,
lift your finger off the shutter release button.
• If the drive mode switch is set to the ConsecutiveFrame Mode with the Single AF Mode set, thecamera focuses only the first picture. From thesecond picture, the pictures are taken consecutively with the focus locked at the first picture.