My Pentax K5 has an autofocus fault.

[java61]

My Pentax K5 will take an auto-focus shot when the camera beeps, however when I download the image to my computer I can see that it is out-of-focus.

The lens is a Pentax 18-55mm.

I think that the camera or/and lens may just need a Service but the Pentax guy said that the camera is too old.



Any advice?

Thank you.

 

[one eye jack]

A dSLR has 2 sensors , one for image and another for focus so over time this electro mechanical mechanism can shift focus. Fortunately K5 has internal body fine tune af adjustments and the data can be saved in memory. So every time you use the lens you just select that particular lens calibrated data. Usually the memory can save from 5 or more lens calibration data for advanced cameras.

You can then Calibrate each lens using simple tools like a ruler or box or you can download a lens calibration target plus ruler and set it at 45 degree. Watch the video. In dSLR days people always talk of front and back focus but with mirrorless camera this is not required.

This is for Nikon cameras but the info is helpful for understanding.

Another calibration video.

You can also use software calibration and automate the process but it is not free. I don't know if the company has included other brands of camera other than canon or Nikon.

This is another video but in more detail parts 1 - 3 or 4.

 

[one eye jack]

Also take a look at Pentax catch in focus setting if you want to enable it or not. This is for K3.

 

[java61]

A dSLR has 2 sensors , one for image and another for focus so over time this electro mechanical mechanism can shift focus. Fortunately K5 has internal body fine tune af adjustments and the data can be saved in memory. So every time you use the lens you just select that particular lens calibrated data. Usually the memory can save from 5 or more lens calibration data for advanced cameras.

You can then Calibrate each lens using simple tools like a ruler or box or you can download a lens calibration target plus ruler and set it at 45 degree. Watch the video. In dSLR days people always talk of front and back focus but with mirrorless camera this is not required.

This is for Nikon cameras but the info is helpful for understanding.

Another calibration video.

You can also use software calibration and automate the process but it is not free. I don't know if the company has included other brands of camera other than canon or Nikon.

This is another video but in more detail parts 1 - 3 or 4.

Thank you for the information regarding the autofocus problem that I have with my Pentax camera. This morning (Sunday 7th July 2024) I took 3 photographs of a flower. I used a tripod, a 2 second delay, a single point for autofocus and all of these 3 shots were "out-of-focus" a lot. I will look for a reliable camera service guy in Singapore. But, then I ask myself, "is it worth it?" The camera is more than 10 years old, it may be better to quit while I'm ahead.