The novelty with Sv mode (K10D) and why an ISO button is not needed

Hi gang

In case you haven't discovered it yet, the Sv (Sensitivity value) mode in the K10D is a mix of Program shift and Aperture priority, with the ability to quickly change ISO.

Now, enable Program shift in the custom menu, so that one e-dial sets the ISO and the other sets Program shift. (the default is that the back dial sets ISO and the front dial sets program shift, but I prefer having it the other way around).

When you turn the e-dial for program shift, you scroll through aperture - shutter combinations, as program shift. But, when you have stopped turning the dial, it remembers the aperture and locks it, so the shutter gets changed but not the aperture. This practically means aperture priority. (this was tested on a K10D set to MTF program line, I expect it to behave the same on all program lines).

The aperture is memorised, even when the meter becomes inactive, so when you activate the meter again (for example by pressing the shutter button halfway down or activating the focus), the aperture is at the same value but the shutter speed changes. The aperture stays the same as long as you stay in Sv mode. When you change mode, the aperture is forgotten.

To get back to the combination set by the program line, you simply press the green button.

So, with ISO on one dial and program shift/aperture priority on the other, there's no need for a separate ISO button.

Sv mode will become my favourite mode on the K10D!

Another note - when you apply exposure compensation (in Sv mode by holding the + - button down and turning the front dial), the exposure compensation is memorised between the modes.

A third note: The metering system in the K10D, as with other Pentax DSLR's, are an active metering. That is, when it is activated it meters continously as long as it is active (default is 10 seconds (can be changed in the menu) after you haven't touch the camera, it is activated by a press on the shutter button, AF button or by turning the e-dials). To lock the meter, you press the AE-L button. By default, metering is not locked when the AF is locked. To have it locked (could be very useful when you have the AE linked to AF on), you must change this in the custom menu.

Take care
R