The K-S1 and the 18-135 lens

Historicity wrote:

audiobomber wrote:

Cameras with one dial are compromised and annoying.

Dan,

Well, of course, I can't disagree precisely, but I think I can understand the position of your fellow Ontarian (if that's what you call each other), Peter, who loves the K-S1. He has taken pains to adapt himself to that little camera and its having only one dial doesn't bother him. He only uses the dial on special occasions and finds it useful rather annoying.

I have made an image of him in my mind, in which he's about 5'6" with small hands that are able to manage the dial without turning the switch from AF to MF. (I'm usually wrong about such imaginings. He's probably 6'5" and with huge hands.) He's nevertheless inspired me to work harder at learning to use the K-S1 without feeling annoyance. I rather doubt that's going to happen all the way, and am probably going to be much happier with the K-S2; nevertheless I can understand how someone else could use the K-S1 without annoyance and without believing it to be compromised.

Meanwhile I expect to have it in the same category as my EPN-2, to use if I wrench a knee or a shoulder and intend to limp off on a hike anyway. The last time that happened I wore a knee sleeve and with a hiking stick to keep me steady snapped photos one handed with my little EPN-2. Sounds pathetic, but in no time I was back to normal and using the K-3 again.

Lawrence

Lawrence,

I am exactly in the middle of your imagination (6", medium size hands ) and yes, I make the exposure adjustments very rarely. Why? Because Pentax is a very smart camera, it can set the exposure much more precisely than me, even with my 55 year experience in the photography. One wheel or two, who cares, if I do not need them. What bothers me more, is the AF. I am not complaining about its the speed at all. Just the camera (and I have the same experience with the other brands) can't select the most righteous AF point every time. On the K-x I use only the central AF point, as that camera even doesn't show you where it focuses. On the K-S1 I tried to use all (11) AF points, but the focus "failure" rate was too high. Currently I am using just 5 points, what I consider a compromise (11 vs. a single, central point). But again, I have absolutely no problems with the exposure.

So, I wish you (all) happy new year a many, many (properly exposed and sharp) pictures .

Regards,

Peter