RiceHigh's Pentax Blog: K-X Debug Mode Tutorial - AF Adjustment

RiceHigh's Pentax Blog: K-x Debug Mode Tutorial - AF Adjustment 28.02.
2017, 09:37
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Sunday, January 31, 2010 Welcome!

K-x Debug Mode Tutorial - AF Adjustment
Welcome to RiceHigh's Pentax
Blog, the Most Popular and
As told in my last K-x review, the AF accuracy of the two different K-x
Fastest Updated Unofficial and
units I tested is just so-so. In fact, I found that my K-m is more accurate as
Non-affiliated Online Pentax
far as AF accuracy is concerned (although the AF of it is slower and with
Resource! Just make sure that
more hunting).
you won't get lost here, where
might be too much Pentax
The problem with K-x' AF system is that its tolerance for the final focused
related information and too
point is too large, although it hunts less and achieve focus faster.
many articles to dig up! ;-D
Moreover, the crappy loose QC standard at the Pentax factory is yet a
Start Explore Now!
problem. Putting aside the large inconsistency of the AF, there is a
baseline focusing error exists in both K-x units I tested, both are back
focusing in general, for the average focus point the camera units that
would select, putting aside the AF inconsistency they have for what I have
just mentioned.
As there is a method to open the Debug Mode menu as disclosed

previously by someone, I simply tried that and succeeded! This time, I
would write a quick tutorial with the relevant screen captures for the AF
adjustment in my this Blog Post.
May I repeat for what you need to do is to create a file "MODSET.492" Search This Blog
with the line [OPEN_DEBUG_MENU], which must be followed by a Enter Use This Search Function for
[CR] Character. If you don't know how to create the file, simply Download More Effective Searching!
it Here, for the file I created.
Copy the file to the Root of your SD card. Press the Av/+/- Button while
turning on the camera, then you will enter into the main Debug Mode Find
menu and screen, as seen below:-
Translate
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RiceHigh's Pentax Blog: K-x Debug Mode Tutorial - AF Adjustment 28.02.2017, 09:37
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Select the first Item for the Debug Mode from "DIS" (Disable) to "EN"
(Enable) by pressing the Left or Right Arrow. Then press the OK button, ► May 2010 (30)
you will be in the "Debug Mode"!:-
► April 2010 (16)
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K-x Debug Mode Tutorial
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Press the main Menu button, the AF Adjustment function is placed under
the new "Test Mode" function which can now be found as a new Tab in K-x Different Noise
between the Custom setting menu No. 1 and the Setting menu No. 4. Turn
the e-Dial to the Left after pressing the Menu button and you can access Reduction Settings and
the new Test Mode menu quickest:- Results...
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ToetSFX
OK THX for this lesson!
» 9 hours ago
ToetSFX
THX for your reaction! May be
you are right. And I apologize,
perhaps we should be grateful
with what...
» 9 hours ago
Marco
You can simply buy an FA
28/2.8 that is really cheap,
around 200 €/$ on ebay. It
might not be the...
Now under the Test Mode Tab, there is an Item named "AF Test", simply » 15 hours ago
enter into it to see its set value and to use the function:-
RiceHigh 110p
I bought my FA28 first hand
many years ago. Actually, it has
vignetting like that of the DAL35

and DA55...
» 1 day ago
ToetSFX
31 is not wide enough, not
everyone is blessed with such a
beautiful classic 28mm,
congratulations! For...
» 1 day ago
RiceHigh 110p
And, the FA31 might be even
better. ;-D
» 1 day ago
RiceHigh 110p
My FA28 works well for me. :-)
» 1 day ago
ToetSFX
I see no "big" telephoto lenses on
the roadmap ....
» 2 days ago
ToetSFX
I don't want to be negative after
33 years working with PENTAX,
however I am unable to find a
suitable...
» 2 days ago
ToetSFX
THX, I'm going to investigate.
The Treasure and Cure is now here! By default, everything is at Zero » 2 days ago
values as seen in the above. Btw, don't change the "AF Test" and "AF Area
Comments by IntenseDebate
Number", keep them both at the default Zero 0. What I am interested is to
adjust the central AF point only and to eliminate the Back Focusing
tendency that I have encountered. To do the adjustment, just pull down to 20,570 comments
by 7,126 readers
the "FocusCorr" Item to change the parameter..
IntenseDebate
Na tej stronie używamy plików cookie Google, by móc świadczyć Ci usługi, personalizować
Before doing the adjustment, I would give an important hint for how to
reklamy i analizować
use a PROPER TARGET for ruch. Informacje
to check o tym,
the AF! DON'T usejak
anykorzystasz
those 45 z tej strony, są udostępniane
Google.
Degree AFKorzystając
Test Chart, NOzMATTER
niej, zgadzasz się na"Nikon
it is the original to. D70" one nor About Me
those variants that are copied from the idea of that chart! SIMPLY use a
DOWIEDZ SIĘ WIĘCEJ ROZUMIEM RICEHIGH
completely flat surface with good contrasty pattern on it under daylight
(or artificial white light) as the target for AF adjustment. You can place the
Since 1988, I have been using a
three target stacking one from the other in steps so that you can have
more idea on the Front Focusing or Back Focusing during the focus Pentax SLR for shooting. My
adjustment. Like this setup, for example, focusing on the middle distance own profession is an electronics
object in the centre of the staired targets:- engineer. I am actually a
photographic gearaholic and a
true Pentax supporter owning
ALL Pentax camera systems
namely Pentax K and 645 (both
Film and Digital) and Q,
counting Five in Total. Over

years, I have huge investment
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my Pentax glass. After all,
Pentax is yet the brand I love
and concern most and that's
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(Above: My Old Setup in testing the AF Accuracy (actually it should be
IET - Formerly known as the
the Inaccuracy) of my old *ist DS)
IEE, UK)
Now, enter the Trial Value for the Adjustment. If you encounter Back
Focusing, try entering a +ve (Positive) Value. In contrast, if you experience
Blog Disclaimer
Front Focusing, enter a -ve (Negative) Value. After you entered the
Correction Value, the value will be updated and stored:-
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Do note that the value for the FocusCorr is not Absolute but Relative, it
indicates the Change (Delta) to the current stored value above the Focusing Accuracy (280)
adjustment bar. Just say if a further +30um is entered, the new value for
Full Frame (380)
the adjustment factor will become 80 (um):-
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After completing the calibration and adjustment, do remember to leave
the Debug Mode as follows. Turning Off the camera does NOT disable and K-x (208)
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Eventually, I found that the value of +70 (um) works well for my K-x and Pentax (716)
now focusing at large aperture, say, f/2.0 with my FA 43 Limited is way
more accurate no matter at dim environment or on bright days outdoor. In People (138)
fact, even stopped down shots can be seen to be even sharper with more Photos (41)
accurate AF! Really Nice!
Polls (41)
Do also remember to use infinity object to check for the focusing accuracy Prices (152)
for far objects (which might be affected also when you have changed the
above value). Q System (217)
Q-s1 (1)
Besides, if you just want this AF Adjustment "Feature" to be available all
the time. Simply leave the MODSET File left at the Root of the SD card so Q10 (34)
that you can call out the Debug Mode Menu whenever you need it (and
Disable the Debug Mode when done, I suggest). Q7 (25)
Quality Issues (150)

As a final reminder, you are advised that don't touch and play with other
items in the Debug Mode Menu. Do the thing you know what it is doing Reviews (422)
for you (as I have told and shared here, for example) and don't play other
Ricoh (189)
things that you have NO REASON to touch and take the risk! Do
remember that if you change things that you don't know would eventually Rumours (191)
mess up your camera in a serious way! As a second final reminder
and disclaimer, do anything at your own risk and you bear all Samples (506)
the responsibility and consequences for anything that you do Samsung (54)
yourself!
SDM (75)
P.S. The above Debug Mode Entering Method and Screen Captures are
Sensors (367)
for Firmware Version 1.00 (Only?), I have not tried if it works with
Newer Firmware 1.01 or Not. If you want to Adjust the Focus, just Keep Service Quality (40)
the Original 1.00 Firmware and it is Possible for Pentax to have banned
the Above Method in the Latest Firmware. (And, if any K-x user who Has Shake Reduction (68)
Upgraded to the 1.01 Firmware and found that if this Still Works or Not, Shopping (29)
please let me know!)
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Read Also:- K-m Debug Mode Unleashed! (For AF Correction)
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Videos (149)
jerrymouse12 · 369 weeks ago +1
This method still works in 1.01. Quick Pages

Reply HOME
Why This Blog?
Michael A. · 369 weeks ago 0
Updating of Blog Editing
RH, the Debug mode file loads with v1.01 as well. I didn't go any Direction
further, just loaded and exited, no time to play... Now you can upgrade
your "wife" with some 3 extra CP modes. Hope she'll cook some Posting Rules
surprise for you... :o) Have fun! Blog Disclaimer
Reply 1 reply · active 369 weeks ago Ten Things that I Want Ricoh
to Do for Pentax
kraijeck · 369 weeks ago 0
I have K-x My Reviews (Latest First)

and I have FA-43
K-5 Piecemeal Tests and
and I think that ONLY ME to set +70(um) to give better result on this Related Articles
lenses. WG-1 GPS Full Review
Reply Pentax AF Lenses - Full
Subjective Ratings
Pete S · 369 weeks ago 0 550D Full Review
+1 for v1.01, but didn't go further than loading either. Looks like a goer. Summary Matrix for
Equipment Tests and
Thanks for the info, RiceHigh Reviews
Reply AA Battery Chargers Compared

Pentax Standard Zooms (Single
koko · 369 weeks ago 0 Scene Shootout)
thanks a lot! gain huge advantage when using widest aperture. K-x Full Review
I`m using v1.01, my FA43 need -90um, but my FA31 need -70um :-( K-m Review, Tips and Tricks
Reply 1 reply · active 369 weeks ago Samsung NC10 Netbook Full
Review
Graystar · 368 weeks ago 0 K100D Full Review
I have 1.01.00.07 and I was able to use Debug mode to adjust my focus *ist DS Opinions
(-10 for me.) The only difference is that after selecting EN for DEBUG *ist D Opinions
MODE and pressing OK, I do not get the words DEBUG MODE. I just
press the MENU button and continue. MZ-S Opinions
Reply MZ-30 Opinions
James · 368 weeks ago +1 My Technical Article

Highlights (Latest First)
Interesting, I've just entered debug mode for the first time, because I
appeared to be getting slight front focussing, and it was already set to Supported Pentax DSLR
-20um. Functions with Different
Pentax Lenses
Reply
Live View & AF Methods Fully
Mystic · 367 weeks ago 0 Dissected
Effect of Ambient Colour
Hi RiceHigh, thanks for the tutorial, but the link which you've provided
Temperature on AF Accuracy
to download a file to enter the debug mode, isn't there.
could you reupload it? because it's not totally clear to me, what kind of of Pentax DSLRs
file should I create.. I sold K-7 and bought K-x, want to adjust the focus K-Mount Metering and
a little. Exposure Bases - A Technical
thanks.
Brief
Reply P-TTL Vs TTL: Is Newer
Better? (How Auto Flashes
Mystic · 367 weeks ago 0 Work?)
well, do not bother, I already found everything out. The Effects of Real and Digital
thanks for the info. Good luck! Exposure Compensations on
Exposure
Reply 1 reply · active 367 weeks ago
RiceHigh's (Pentax) DSLR &
Lens Exposure Measurbation
RobL · 367 weeks ago 0
Page
Hi RH I am still having problems getting into DeBug. When pressing
the AV I simply get a blank LCD. Obviously I have screwed up with
Recommended Links /
either the file or I don't have it in the right place on the SD. Could you
References (by Others)
please re-post your "how to create a file" instructions. I was just about
to send my camera in but if it is a focus issue I would really like to 1001 Noisy Cameras
correct it myself. Thanks for all the info.
Addictomatic | Pentax
Bojidar Dimitrov's Pentax K-
Mount Page
BigBen · 367 weeks ago 0
Camera Mounts & Registers
Hi, Rice, there is a "Focus Area" adjustment in there that looks very
CCD Vs CMOS
interesting. Could it be an adjustment for tolerance level for accuracy of
focus? It is too tempting or is it like the Forbidden Fruit? DC Watch (Japanese)
Reply 1 reply · active 367 weeks ago Digicame Info (Japanese)
DSLR Maniac (Japanese)

BigBen · 367 weeks ago 0 DxOMark Lens Tests (Guide
and Link)
Thanks, Rice.
Film Recommendations -
Reply
Edward C. Nemergut
Film Recommendations - Ken
grey · 367 weeks ago +1
Rockwell
can you explain a bit more the "My Old Setup in testing the AF Les tests de MonuniversPentax
Accuracy"?
(French)
how far should them be one from another?
Micro 4/3rds Photography
thanks
Mirrorless Rumors
Photo Rumors
PhotographyBB
Direr · 364 weeks ago -1
SLRGear.com - Lens Tests and
Thanks RH for the excellent tutorial and method to test using stacked Reviews
targets. I was worried my k-x was defective but after finding the right
adjustment (-50 in my case), have been getting excellent results from (Steven's Blog,
both 18-55 and 55-300 kit lenses. Traditional Chinese)
(Traditional
Direr Chinese)
Reply 1 reply · active 363 weeks ago Back Focus Distances
with Mount Photos
foivosloxias · 362 weeks ago 0 (Traditional Chinese)
Is there a default setting and if yes, is there an easy way to reset the
camera to it ?
Thank you !
Paul · 360 weeks ago 0
Thank you so much for this - I was worried that I would have to return
my Kx since I kept seeing soft images (or that it was all in my head), but
using this method I was able to determine that I needed at least a
correction of -70. It is night and day difference between -70 and 0. I
haven't been able to see much of a difference for the values between -70
and -130, although I do see slight improvements the lower I go.
Would you recommend I pick a number in the middle of this range (say
-90) and test again with a different lens? Should I be concerned about
the camera if I end up on a number like -120 or -130, or should I just be
thankful I figured out what was wrong and go take some pictures?
Reply 2 replies · active 360 weeks ago
Neildo · 352 weeks ago -1
Thanks for this post. My K-X needed +70. I'd been disappointed with
the AF on my K-X until making this adjustment. It's too bad Pentax hid
this setting in debug mode.
Reply
TonyhawkLookalike · 342 weeks ago +1
Uh, how do you get into Debug mode??? Doesn't do anything on my

KX. Please help...
Reply
TonyhawkLookalike · 342 weeks ago 0
Uh nevermind. I figured it out. At +80 and still experimenting...
Reply
Pablo · 319 weeks ago 0
Just found your site, KX and FA50/1.4 now are playing nicely!
thanks
ark747 · 318 weeks ago 0
Thanks for your excellent and very useful tutorial.

It works very well with my K-x, v1.01 and 35/f2.8 macro limited.
I had a back focus issue, that was successfully corrected (+40).
Day & night difference!
Reply
Arthur · 313 weeks ago 0
Did anyone try to debug a K-r? The K-r's range for focus correction is
only +/- 10 and it doesn't about the unit (um)of correction, and I was
wondering if the actual adjustment are the same for both cameras in
terms of um.....
Christopher O'Connor · 313 weeks ago +1
Software upgrade for my KX works well (version 1.02) but what about
the manual upgrade too.
Reply
thok · 313 weeks ago -1
nice tutorial!
but a little question by the way: why not use one of this 45° testcharts? i
think, especially with a ruler or something like that the front-
/backfocus is much more visible, isn't it?
Joni · 309 weeks ago 0
I feel a bit stupid, as I want to do this with my K-x, but I don't know
how to make the initial MODSET file...? Nothing I have tried has
worked once I put it on the SD card and try it in my camera, holding
down the Av button while turning it on. Help? I really want to try this
as lately my well-used K-x has been focusing very poorly.
Reply 2 replies · active 223 weeks ago
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RiceHigh's Pentax Blog: K-x Debug Mode Tutorial - AF Adjustment 28.02.

RiceHigh's Pentax Blog

Sunday, January 31, 2010 Welcome!

As there is a method to open the Debug Mode menu as disclosed

► November 2010 (66)

► October 2010 (56)

► September 2010 (54)

► August 2010 (28)

► July 2010 (24)

► June 2010 (20)

► March 2010 (21)

► February 2010 (13)

▼ January 2010 (15)

When Girl Friend Meets

How to Order a Custom

200 Colours of the Pentax

My K-x Review is Here!

Blog Disclaimer (Re-

Blog Notice: Image

The SDM Petition Online

K-x Sharpness Vs Fine

My K-m Olive Vs K-x

My New K-x Navy

12(.3)M Vs 12(.8)M: APS-

The last comments for

vignetting like that of the DAL35

counting Five in Total. Over

This Blog has been viewed

Email Me! (Remove

Copyright (c) - No Content

RiceHigh, CEng. MIET (The

Best Viewed with Screen

Up (in Width) and Don't

Camera Hacking (130)

Colour Accuracy (289)

K100D Super (44)

Off Topics (31)

Other Rumours (64)

Quality Issues (150)

Sound Quality (8)

User Friendliness (164)

Comments (82) Login Video Quality (26)

Sort by: Date Rating Last Activity Video Recording (114)

This method still works in 1.01. Quick Pages

I have K-x My Reviews (Latest First)

Reply AA Battery Chargers Compared

Reply MZ-30 Opinions

James · 368 weeks ago +1 My Technical Article

Reply 1 reply · active 367 weeks ago Digicame Info (Japanese)

DSLR Maniac (Japanese)

Reply 1 reply · active 362 weeks ago

Paul · 360 weeks ago 0

Reply 2 replies · active 360 weeks ago

Neildo · 352 weeks ago -1

TonyhawkLookalike · 342 weeks ago +1

Uh, how do you get into Debug mode??? Doesn't do anything on my

TonyhawkLookalike · 342 weeks ago 0

Uh nevermind. I figured it out. At +80 and still experimenting...

Pablo · 319 weeks ago 0

Reply 1 reply · active 319 weeks ago

ark747 · 318 weeks ago 0

Thanks for your excellent and very useful tutorial.

Arthur · 313 weeks ago 0