http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/ New to Pentax or Photography? Post your questions here and get quick answers! en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:43:29 GMT vBulletin 30 http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/images/pentaxforums/misc/rss.jpg http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/ http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80844-pentax-lx.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:21:05 GMT I discovered my olde Pentax LX in the garage. I put new batteries in it, but it still does not work on Automatic, so my question is does it need fim for the measuring to work? I discovered my olde Pentax LX in the garage. I put new batteries in it, but it still does not work on Automatic, so my question is does it need fim for the measuring to work? ]]> AL48 http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80844-pentax-lx.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80835-cant-get-raw-k-x-working.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:00:35 GMT I'm trying to use RAW mode, but can't seem to get the images to open in Windows.

I installed a WIC codec from the Pentax site, and also the Fastpictureviewer WIC codec pack from Fast Picture Viewer | WIC RAW Codec Pack for Windows 7, Vista and XP

I can see a preview of the images (and they look good, dammit!! :lol:) but can't open them in Photo Viewer.

I get an error that says "The file may be unsupported, damaged or corrupted"

Similarly, if I try to open them in CS3, I get an error.

I'm wondering - has the RAW format changed for the K-x?

can anyone suggest what I need to install to be able to use/manipulate these .PEF files? ]]> TheoJones http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80835-cant-get-raw-k-x-working.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80823-loading-film-into-spotmatic.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:04:16 GMT Yes, it's the 1960's version.

Help? I need help OPENING the back. AND loading the film :(

This is only the second or third time I've ever really dealt with a 35mm camera like this.

:hmm:

Help?

]]> sk1ra http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80823-loading-film-into-spotmatic.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80817-newer-lens-multi-coatings-better-than-old-ones.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:33:19 GMT Is there a difference between coatings done for newer lens and lens made for films (say those bought or made in early 2000)? & what about ghosting and flares?-- someone told me-- ghosting inside digital sensors are caused not by front elements but inside reflection due to incompatibilty between films lens and dgital sensors? is this true? ]]> voltraizer http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80817-newer-lens-multi-coatings-better-than-old-ones.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80792-trailing-curtain-sync-problem.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:47:50 GMT Hi. Please anyone help me to verify this: I am using K20 with a manual focus lens (classic 50mm f1.4). What I am trying to do is set the flash to trailing curtain sync. It is not possible. Why? Can anyone... Hi. Please anyone help me to verify this:
I am using K20 with a manual focus lens (classic 50mm f1.4). What I am trying to do is set the flash to trailing curtain sync. It is not possible. Why? Can anyone check this for me? If I use the kit lens (18-55mm), it is OK to set to trailing curtain sync.

My question is:
When I am using manual focus lenses in manual mode, the camera should not care about the settings and just fire the flash - in trailing curtain. I set the speed, that should be the only parameter that will affect the sync.
Is it a bug in firmware? I am expecting completely manual.

The menu gray out the trailing curtain option on manual lenses. Can anyone test the new FA 50mm f1.4 for me?

Best regards, Hoanpham ]]> hoanpham http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80792-trailing-curtain-sync-problem.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80773-help-taking-candid-pictures-people-low-light.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:00:08 GMT Hello Out There, I am attending a party tomorrow and am the designated photographer. The party will be in a low lit environment and obviously people will be moving around quite a bit. I dont want to use the... Hello Out There,

I am attending a party tomorrow and am the designated photographer. The party will be in a low lit environment and obviously people will be moving around quite a bit. I dont want to use the flash as I've noticed that people get annoyed with that after awhile. I've played around with increasing the ISO which in turn increased the shutter speed, but not by much. Long story short.......is there a way to get good (preferrably great) photographs in this situation w/o the flash?

Any and all comments welcome.

Tanya ]]> trickashay http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80773-help-taking-candid-pictures-people-low-light.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80758-photo-printing.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:36:56 GMT I am fairly new to all of this and was wondering where some of you get your photos printed? I have taken a few shots that I would like to get printed, say 11 x 17 or 8 x 10, have them dry mounted and framed.... I am fairly new to all of this and was wondering where some of you get your photos printed? I have taken a few shots that I would like to get printed, say 11 x 17 or 8 x 10, have them dry mounted and framed. Do most of you get this done locally, or is there a place that you send your images (digitally) to have this service done for you?

Thanks, ]]> mi77915 http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80758-photo-printing.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80754-help-lens-selection.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:37:14 GMT OK. Thanks for the advise in a previous post about scene modes. I have decided to go ahead and buy the K7. Now I have to choose the lenses. Again the use is mainly taking photos of the kids at home, at... OK. Thanks for the advise in a previous post about scene modes. I have decided to go ahead and buy the K7. Now I have to choose the lenses. Again the use is mainly taking photos of the kids at home, at play, and on holiday. Prices taken from Amazon. My knowledge of modern lenses is limited especially as to choosing being Pentax, Tamron and Sigma. I would call my budget moderate. I cannot afford the best, but I do want good quality that will last me for a long time. I have tried to choose lenses in that budget band with a lower f stop for broader use.

The main lens should be a good all-arounder. The options I came up with were:
Pentax 17-70 DA f4 $480.00
Sigma 17-70 2.8-4.5 DC macro $450.00
Pentax 18-250 f3.5-6.3 $338.00
Pentax 18-55 WR f/3.5-5.6 free with camera or trade for SD card
I am leaning towards the Sigma 17-70

Then our kids do a lot of sports - Basketball and soccer. Because they are young we can be right on the sidelines. My choices here were:
Pentax SMC DA* 50-135 f/2.8 $820.00
Tamron AF70-200 f/2.8 $769.00
Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG HSM $780.00
SIgma 70-300 F/4-5.6 DG $400.00
I am leaning towards the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8

Then I would like a good low light lens for at home for Xmas photos and birthday photos. The best options I thought would be the
Pentax DA 40mm f/2.8 $390.00
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC $439.00
Pentax SMCP FA 35mmf/2.0 $500.00
leaning towards the Sigma (again!)

And I think that would cover all of my immediate needs until I get a better wide angle perhaps. These are just the lenses I found and I appreciate any suggestions.... ]]> splurf http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80754-help-lens-selection.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80746-ev-compensation-flashing.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:51:27 GMT Hello all,

This may be a real rookie question but i've been using my K200D in Manual mode more often (forcing myself more like it..lol) Anyway i've noticed that when im working in manual mode the EV compensation is always flashing -3.0 no matter what light im in. I know you cant adjust EV in Manual mode, however im still wondering why it is flashing -3.0 when I try to auto focus. Im unable to find why in the K200D manual either. Any thoughts?

Also, a total topic change. Does anyone know where to find some guides or tutorials on using a 540FGZ. I've read the manual several times but still dont really know what im doing. I've been to the strobist website and learned technique but it doesnt talk about adjusting flash or options.

Thanks ]]> Nick SD http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80746-ev-compensation-flashing.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80743-pentax-k100d-preview-display-lcd-quit-working.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:37:46 GMT Hi,
I'm new to posting here but I read as much as I can of your posts. Can anyone assist me? I've owned 4 Pentax cameras and purchased the K100D 2 1/2 years ago. Love it! But suddenly The Preview Display (in digital setting) on the LCD monitor is not working when I go to take a picture. I can hit 'menu' and work in that screen in the LCD. But the screen is dark & blank when I try to preview a picture I'm composing. So I'm using the viewfinder...would rather use the LCD to preview..any ideas out there?

Thank you so much... ]]> mysharonna http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80743-pentax-k100d-preview-display-lcd-quit-working.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80735-k7-wont-work-after-firmware-upgrade.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:55:13 GMT upgraded firmware on k7 per written instructions by using memory card reader. waited until complete message was there. removed memory card. checked to see if it was version 1.02 and that checked out.... upgraded firmware on k7 per written instructions by using memory card reader. waited until complete message was there. removed memory card. checked to see if it was version 1.02 and that checked out. deleted update and reinserted card and message flashed that there was a memory card error and camera won't work. nothing on but top lcd. what happened and is there anything i can do? tia ]]> obxeye http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80735-k7-wont-work-after-firmware-upgrade.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80714-exposure.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:57:11 GMT I was out shooting some photos of waves last night with the sunlight fading fast. Checking the image (and histogram) on the LCD showed that the images were somewhat underexposed. As a result, I cranked open... I was out shooting some photos of waves last night with the sunlight fading fast. Checking the image (and histogram) on the LCD showed that the images were somewhat underexposed. As a result, I cranked open the aperture and reduced the shutter speed to levels which caused camera shake to be quite noticable. (Wind was 40mph).

When I got home I imported one of the DNG files and was surprised how well exposed it was given the conditions. (I posted it in the pictures thread).

The problem I see here is that I rely on the image and histogram that are telling me to increase exposure through whatever means which makes for shaky handheld photos. I find it misleading when the exposure is fine in the RAW files.

Any tips?
Thanks. ]]> sebberry http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80714-exposure.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80691-setting-indoor.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:04:58 GMT Hi I have my Pentax K-7 and 18-55mm f3.5-56 lens. How can i setting for indoor? I tried to shoot it but little blurry. Not enough fast. My kids play around indoor. Can you inform me how to setting? ... Hi
I have my Pentax K-7 and 18-55mm f3.5-56 lens. How can i setting for indoor? I tried to shoot it but little blurry. Not enough fast. My kids play around indoor. Can you inform me how to setting? Thanks. ]]> Danny Delcambre http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80691-setting-indoor.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80683-k-7-question-focus-mode-lever-af-point-switching-dial.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:54:33 GMT Hello,
I've been test driving K-7 and got a little bit deeper 'under the
hood'. Today I'm trying to comprehend AF Point Switching Dial
and Focus Mode Lever.

Can I have this explained in lamer's terms? I guess I don't grasp
the concept and a difference.

Thanks.

aldo ]]> romualdinho http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80683-k-7-question-focus-mode-lever-af-point-switching-dial.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80677-does-shooting-long-exposure-like-30sec-consumes-more-battery.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:09:15 GMT Does shooting a long exposure like 30sec consumes more battery? Does shooting a long exposure like 30sec consumes more battery? ]]> rustynail925 http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80677-does-shooting-long-exposure-like-30sec-consumes-more-battery.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80662-carl-zeiss-50mm-f1-1-4-a.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:06:48 GMT Does anyone have comments / comparrisons about the Zeiss 50mm f1.4 K mount manual focus lens listed at B & H at $550? ]]> JohnKSA http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80662-carl-zeiss-50mm-f1-1-4-a.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80636-does-having-sturdy-monopod-matter.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:23:12 GMT I recently the effects of SR with a 300mm lens. Since then, I tested the effects of throwing a monopod into the mix. Very much to my surprise, I found that, even with SR on, the monopod at best made no... I recently the effects of SR with a 300mm lens. Since then, I tested the effects of throwing a monopod into the mix. Very much to my surprise, I found that, even with SR on, the monopod at best made no difference, and in some cases made things worse. The only place where it helped a little was at 3-stops less than 1/focal length.

So the only explanation I can come up with is that my monopod is too flimsy. I did notice that, while the amplitude of the movement was less with the monopod, there was more of a high frequency wobble when using it. Maybe the SR is less suited to handling this type of high frequency movement, as compared to how it handles the lower frequency but higher amplitude movement associated with pure handholding.

So my question is, does having a sturdy monopod make a big difference compared to a flimsy one? Should I go out and a get a better monopod (mine is a real cheapo one), or am I better off just going either handheld with SR on, or on a tripod with SR off?

Thanks! ]]> joshnl http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80636-does-having-sturdy-monopod-matter.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80631-pentax-lack-scene-mode.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:09:24 GMT Went into my two local dealers interested in the K7 because of its weather sealing, sturdy construction and small size. I mainly take family photos of the kids at home, at play, and on holiday. Both dealers... Went into my two local dealers interested in the K7 because of its weather sealing, sturdy construction and small size. I mainly take family photos of the kids at home, at play, and on holiday. Both dealers tried to steer me to Canon or Nikon product because of the scene modes - portrait, sport, landscape. While I have not had a DSLR in a while, I would rate my photographic skills as average. Is NOT having the scene modes with the Pentax K7 a big drawback? ]]> splurf http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80631-pentax-lack-scene-mode.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80622-question-about-k-x.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:23:17 GMT Hello all. I received my K-x today and have been looking through the manual. So far I have resisted the urge to slap a lens on and start firing away. Since I am new to this, I wanted to ask the more... Hello all.

I received my K-x today and have been looking through the manual. So far I have resisted the urge to slap a lens on and start firing away.

Since I am new to this, I wanted to ask the more experienced if there are any settings on the K-x that you would recommend I use other than the defaults.

Thanks.
Bill M. ]]> DSLRnoob http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80622-question-about-k-x.html http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80556-warranty-info.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:54:48 GMT Reposting a question which got buried in another thread. Can anyone tell me the difference between a Pentax international warranty that I can get purchasing a camera off Ebay vs. a US warranty received when... Reposting a question which got buried in another thread. Can anyone tell me the difference between a Pentax international warranty that I can get purchasing a camera off Ebay vs. a US warranty received when buying from an authorized Pentax dealer?

Thanks ]]> Gregor http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/80556-warranty-info.html