Pentax K10D hands free focus lock?

[russell2pi]

Quick question - after some help with the K10D for use in panaramas.

In manual mode - how do I lock focus? I have found 3 ways, neither overly satisfactory

1) try to keep shutter half pressed --- very tricky

2) try to keep AF button pressed --- quite tricky when holding camera in portrait and trying to hold steady and pan properly

3) half press to AF then switch to MF --- tends to lose focus as you brush the lens barrel. (The focus rings lenses i'm using at least - Sigmas - are very loose when in MF mode.)

Is there another way?

[GerryK]

Why not use 'pure' manual - manual setting aperture shutter speed and with manual focus and a tripod. It how it was done pre-technology and works fine. It also slows down the process to spped when you can think everything through.

[russell2pi]

I have done but as with option 3, this isn't great because the focus rings (on the lenses I have at least) are very sloppy and prone to being bumped off focus when they haven't got the AF motor holding them in place.

Ah well, that or option 3 it is. I wish I could mount my old Zuiko OM mount lenses - nice firm, smooth focus with no chance of knocking off focus. Maybe I should look for some older K-mount MF lenses.

[Frank 44]

I always use the full manual mode when taking panarama It is the only way to go and don't touch the lens just turn the camera on the tripod.

[Ozzi Paul]

When I use manual focus, I will normally us AF 1st then switch the focus mode to manual on the camera body, not the lens, then adjust as needed. I use a K20D but its the same set up as the K10D.

[Kym]

Try this technique ... http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showlibrary.php?title=Genre:Panorama_:_how_to_capture_and_process

And http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showthread.php?16414-Panoramic-Photography-Hints-and-Tips