PentaxForums.com - Off-Brand (Canon, Nikon, etc.) Camera Talk

Canon FL 200mm f/3.5 on Canon 40D

Fixcinater — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:56:00 GMT

I recently got a pretty good shape FL 200mm f/3.5 that won't stop down, and I don't shoot on FL/FD equipment anymore, so I decided to adapt it to EOS.

I've got it focusing out to about 30ft, which is probably as far as I'm going to need it to focus for the limited portraiture I'm going to use it for, but with more dremeling/filing, I can hit infinity (just more work).

It definitely suffers from CA (both red/green) in the OOF areas and/or in high contrast. I'll try it again in better light, but sharpness/resolution look pretty darn good at wide-open.

Anyway, anybody else here shoot with this lens? I'll post up some results after I take better than test shots with it.

Anscomark M/Ricoh 999 help.

Raptorman — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:24:45 GMT

My father has an old Anscomark M model camera, also known as the "Ricoh 999" . Everything on the camera works, except the lens apeture leaves are stuck completley shut. Can anyone point me in the direction of a good repair shop that would repair the lens, and CLA the camera?

I researched for hours last nite trying to find info on this camera, and any links for a new lens for this camera with no luck.

Thank ya'll so much!

has anyone used this site?

reynb — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:02:48 GMT

has anyone used this site? their prices seem too good to be true.
www.lllyh.com

Canon has me crying to carry Pentax again

Rhizo — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:51:33 GMT

I wont say I hate my Canon 7D. When it comes to deliver it does all that and much more. The 8FPS is amazing, and shooting sports has never been this easy for me. However, try carrying it for a whole day as an everyday shooter... yea... :hmm: I'm thinking about getting a Kx for my normal pictures, and only use the 7D for when I need it.

I sold all my gear, but I did keep my DA* 16-50mm. It was my first high end glass, and I wanted to keep it as a memory.

Is the Kx really that small? I'm going out tomorrow after class to play around with one. My biggest concern is that it takes AA batteries?

If any Kx owner does not mind to chime, please let me know what you think so far.

O yea and I am aware Canon has a small DSLR, but the Rebel is absolutely horrible! It feels like a kids play toy in your hand. :p

Olympus - Will it blend?

yeatzee — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:50:20 GMT

:eek::fedup::lol::eek::lol:

Problems focusing with D40

ecoronin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:07:28 GMT

I have a hard time with proper focus. Its not the cameras fault but mine... I think it always seems to focus on the background and look bad, I so miss manual focus. Ill add pics later

Problems focusing with D40

ecoronin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:51:40 GMT

I have a hard time with proper focus. Its not the cameras fault but mine... I think it always seems to focus on the background and look bad, I so miss manual focus. Ill add pics later

Need help researching old camera: Sears Tower automatic 127

ismaelg — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:29:46 GMT

Hello,

I recently acquired this camera for my collection:

A Sears Tower automatic 127 Electric Eye. The camera is mint in the box but I can't find information on it.
In what years was it offered? Who made it? How rare is it? Any other variations?
All I find is a similar camera called the Tower Camflash without the electric eye.
Does anybody know anything about this model? Anyone has an early 60's SEARS catalog? Any ideas or pointing in the right direction?

Thanks,

Another Canon 7D indepth review

Samsungian — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:34:12 GMT

Another Canon 7D indepth review.

Still no price drops on 7D while Nikon D300s remains $220 lower than launch price, so $120 less than Canon 7D... In USA

Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR Camera Review

Mamiya medium format?

Jools — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:42:24 GMT

Anybody shoot with Mamiya TLR, RB, RZ, 645, 6 or 7?

Just curious. I shoot every so often and more often than not. Love the format.

I shoot with a C33, and I am always amazed at the beauty of the beast. Well made and great lenses. Man, if they only made them like this, these days.

What's this stuff worth?

miniman82 — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:08:41 GMT

Not sure if this is the right place to put this, just let me know and I'll have it moved.

I went to an estate sale the other day, and some Can*n stuff followed me home:

FTb 35mm body with new battery (needs new foam seals)
Vivitar 272 auto thyristor flash
Vivitar 2x teleconverter
Tokina EL 28mm f/2.8 prime
Can*n 50mm f/1.4 SSC prime
Vivitar (Series 1) 70-210mm f/3.8 Macro
Vivitar brand UV/polarizing filters for the lenses. Also, 2 of the lenses (the 50 and the zoom) have rubber hoods like this one:

Heliopan | 58mm Rubber Lens Hood | 701058 | B&H Photo Video

There was also a Celestron T-adaptor-C90, for tele/spotting scopes.

93635A Celestron T-adapter for NexStar 4 and for all C90 Spotting Scopes.

Everything's in good shape, so how much can I get out of this stuff to help finance that Bigma I've been pining for? :lol:

Pentax SMC Glass on Micro 4/3?

Sirfishalot — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:10:44 GMT

Anyone here using pentax lenses on the Micro 4/3 platform?
I just picked up the Panasonic GF1 a few weeks ago and my K-mount adapter (Voigtlander K) will arrive next week. I'm anxious to see how the 43 Limited will perform on it or even the FA*80-200.
Just curious if anyone else might have a similar setup. It would be great to see some output from it. If not I'll be sure to post some images next week.

Thanks,
JayT

The Emperor's New Clothes - Canon 7D FAIL

superfuzzy — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:07:49 GMT

The Canon EOS 7D Review Darwin Wiggett

Seems like an objective and possibly accurate comparison - 7D vs. other Canon and Nikon DSLR's and a p&s.

I believe that if the k20d/k7 was thrown in it would also outperform the 7d! So the 7d is the perfect aps-c, except for one thing - IQ!:lol:

Source, a thread on a different forum:
Re: Solutions for all 7D AF problems:: Canon EOS 7D / 50D - 10D Forum: Digital Photography Review

Nikon D300s dropped $220 off its $1799 launch price

Samsungian — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:48:58 GMT

Nikon D300s dropped $220 off its $1799 launch price to

$1579

While its arch enemy Canon 7D sits at $1699 launch price.

Nikon | D300s SLR Digital Camera Body | 25464 | B&H Photo Video

5D Mk. II Passes the "Swing Test" - mostly... Focus vs. the K-7

heliphoto — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:20:49 GMT

So, I got a Canon 5D Mark II for various reasons, chiefly high ISO performance (and I'm pleased :)), but I was hoping that it would would at least match the K-7 in AF performance and speed - I was not disappointed at all! The 5D2 (yeah it's the third way I've spelled it :p) blows doors on the K-7 (even though the fastest lens I have so far is f/4) except in near dark or totally dark conditions at close range where the K-7's built in focus assist lamp allows it to focus. Of course in those super dark conditions, you won't be taking action photos without a flash, and the Canon speedlights will give you a focus lamp, and if you're shooting a static scene, you can shine a penlight for a second to get the Canon to lock focus.

Focusing with the USM lenses is at least as fast if not faster than screwdrive focusing with a lens like the Pentax-F 50 1:1.7 (which was always one of my fastest focusing lenses). Compared to SDM... well there's no comparison.

BTW, I'd better mention that these comparisons are all based on the center focus point (the only cross type point on the 5DII), but this is how I tended to use my pentaxes too, so no big change for me. The peripheral points work quite well in good light, but don't lock as well on low contrast or dim conditions.

Focus tracking is... well, it's what I always wanted AF.C to be... Keep in mind that this body has the reputation of some people in Canon circles of being a poor performer in the focus department (if this is true, I'd love to play with one of their good focusing bodies :lol:)... When I had my K-7, I put it's AF.C to the test taking pictures of my son swinging in a swing (here's a few)... The K-7 would get a few at the apex of the swing, as it slowed down, but for the most part, it couldn't deal with the motion. The 5DII can keep up for the most part... I found that on the final few of the swing forward, toward me, the focus is off, with the camera focused closer to me than it should be - I attribute this to the predictive nature of the AF - I think it's calculating the rate of approach of the object without being able to account for the deceleration which the pendulum is undergoing, so it set's focus a bit too close... I'll have to get him (or maybe someone a bit faster) to run toward me to see how the camera handles a more constant target speed.

Ok enough blah blah blah... photos...

The sequence starts with him swinging away...

Click on the image to view it in a larger size

missed focus here

Click on the image to view it in a larger size

locked again

Click on the image to view it in a larger size

I'm not going to make this page load too slowly with more shots, I'll just post an example of the front focusing as the swing approaches the near apex (AF overshooting as I was attempting to explain above), and provide a link where you can see 'em all as big as you want...

Click on the image to view it in a larger size

FF advice needed~!

atadpole13 — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:06:46 GMT

Hi guys.

Some help would be much appreciated.

I'm currently in the process of selling some of my Pentax gear to fund for a full-frame DSLR. I'm quite convinced that for my taste, the extra cost of going full frame is very much justified (ducks for cover).

I'm currently struggling between the 5dMkII and the D700 (I know these cameras are totally different animals in every aspect...). I've briefly tried both of these cameras at a local camera store and just fell in love with both of them....

Now to help me decide, those members who own one of these beauties (or have owned both at some point in time), what were the key factors which confirmed that you preferred one over the other? I've read nostatic's post on "Canon/Nikon" thread which was really helpful, but just wondering whether there are others out there?

I'm also planning to purchase a 24-70 f2.8 when I purchase one of the two full-frame DSLR above.

Now once I decide on a particular system/brand, I probably won't be changing systems for at least decades, so this really is a very important decision for me....

I'm slightly leaning towards the 5DMkII, cause I "think" I can live without the advantages of the D700 over the 5DMkII (see below).

My current thoughts on the 5DMKII
- Cheaper 24-70 f2.8 glass compared to the Nikon.
- Greater range of glass.
- 21.0mp sensor (but to be honest, I really can't see myself needing anything over 10MP).
- D700 with the slightly better light performance (I've seen some 6400 ISO samples of the 5DMkII off a collegue... good enough for me).
- 3.9 fps is more than enough I need.
- I have no need for the full HD video.
- D700 has the better AF system (51 points, AF assist lamp), but will the autofocus on 5DMkII suffice??

Now apologies for asking a question about Canon/Nikon bodies on a pentax forum, but I just needed some insight from those existing pentax users who moved to a full-frame on their decision process (being a pentax user myself).

Thanks

Not sure where to go next... advice appreciated!

pingflood — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:50:01 GMT

Well, the 1Ds2 is at Canon for a health checkup and cleaning so I can put it up for sale if I want to. You might wonder why. Well, I bought it for the superlative autofocus and image quality, only to find myself a year later using a crop sensor camera for all my "action" stuff. So I carry around this veritable tank and use it with my manual focus lenses, for landscapes, and so on. Does it perform those tasks well? Oh yes indeed; this is arguably one of Canon's best cameras even today.

But, using the 50D so much for birding has spoiled me a bit; I actually like the more compact camera and lighter setup. This has me toying with the idea of selling off the 1Ds2 and picking up another FF body. Three candidates come to mind:

5D "classic": *relatively* inexpensive, still a great performer, I hardly ever print above 16x20 and it's got enough juice for that. Cons: aging LCD (though that isn't a big deal to me), mirror box doesn't clear alt/adapted lenses as well as a 1-series, no live view which can be nice for landscape work.

5D II: price wise a lightly used one would be an even trade with the 1Ds2. Great LCD, HD video (that I doubt I would use), even more resolution than the 1Ds2. Cons: paying a lot extra for stuff I really don't care that much about (better LCD, video), some pattern noise that is visible when really wrenching the most out of an image and not present in....

Sony A850/A900. I list these as one since they are so similar. Amazing image quality, very "organic" looking, probably the closest thing to a medium format back these days. Cons: no live view, won't take my Canon glass, high ISO not so grand (though for the intended purpose that would be a non issue).

Considering my brand C lens lineup, sticking with Canon FF would make the most sense. The 300L and 400L are used with the 50D for my primary passion (wildlife) and the 24-105/15-30/50/85 are on the 1Ds2 though, so I really don't share lenses between the two systems except for occasional entertainment. For all intents and purposes, I would not see any real difference going to two entirely separate systems, EXCEPT if I need a backup rig.

As much as I like Pentax gear, I really want to be able to use alt glass at the "proper" field of view. I have some M42 and OM stuff and starting to investigate getting some more gear along those lines since there are some real gems out there, especially in the wide/ultrawide spectrum.

Thoughts?

Konica

ChrisPlatt — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:58:44 GMT

Every Konica camera I have owned - Auto S2 and C35 rangefinders, Big Mini point & shoot,
and one of my favorite cameras of all time, the Hexar AF - has had a superb lens.

Does anyone else here use a Konica camera?

Chris

5D mrk1 query

dycz — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:12:39 GMT

What you think of 5d mrk1 today?

I don't know what to get: the 40D/50D or the 5D mrk1? I got an offer with the 5Dmrk1 at a very low price (lil bit high for a used 50D).

Any experience with the 5D? I only use a 20D now and been wanting to upgrade my canon line up.

(Can't afford a 5DmkII now)

Very interesting thread from a Nikon->Pentax jumper

jsherman999 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:54:32 GMT

.

Don't know if this has been mentioned yet (haven't seen it) or if this dpreview poster is a member of this forum, but ---> interesting read.

I think he's pretty much right about everything he posted, except what I've bolded below - on that point, he's dead wrong - I own the DA 35 macro, and it's a better lens than my Nikon 35 1.8G, but I also used to own the FA 35 f/2 - and I think the 35 1.8G and FA 35 are about equal in everything but build quality (Pentax's build quality is better.)

.
(OP below, follow link above for full thread)

Quote:

Seems to be customary to write a farewell post, so here goes.

My Nikon Ai, Ai-S, and pre-Ai lenses are going into storage, my Nikon D40 to ebay. I'm not selling my core lenses though, and my FM2n stays put. One day, if and when Nikon gets finds its game in the sub $1000 market, I'll be back. For the time being, I've moved to Pentax.

Reasons:

Lack of a viable upgrade path from the D40 for people like me who use manual focus lenses. Basically Nikon holds a gun to your head and says "buy the D300". And even then my non-Ai primes are NG.

Specifically the D5000 is a non-starter: the 0.78x viewfinder means focusing is harder than on the D40! And I have no interest in the flip out LCD. The D3000 was a joke ... I could upgrade to, what, more AF points and hand-holding beginner modes. Yay. A D80 and D90 would have been nice, but a non-functioning meter cuts out many of the benefits of the body, and again my non-Ai primes are useless.

Cut scene to my K10D: any lens you can mount you can meter, and with the m42 adapter you can mount an awful lot of lenses. K-mount lenses are stop down to meter but are auto indexing, Later "A" lenses are like Ai-P on nikon, and work properly in all modes. m42 are manual, stop down to meter or expose.

As you can see, even when it's about the body it's about the lenses, and when it's about the lenses it's really about the lenses:

With Pentax, there are affordable compact, all metal AF DX primes: DA15, DA21, DA35 macro, and DA70 Limiteds. Nikon has the DX 35/1.8. If that had been an amazing optic I might still have been around. Instead, it was ghastly. That, and the D3000-5000 fiasco, were specifically what made me jump.

Pentax also have the FA 31, 43 and 77 limiteds. Nikon has (sound of chirping crickets) ... well, I suppose you can get the Zeiss ZF 35/2, but you'd still be left with a nonfunctioning meter on most bodies, and no autofocus.

I could tell you that the FA 31/1.8 is the best lens I've ever used, and no doubt you'll find your own excuses to insist that your Nikkor 18-55 f3.5-5.6 is perfectly good for 1/20th the price, or that the Nikkor 35/2 beats it hands down etc. etc. (it isn't and it doesn't) but that's OK. My earlier Nikon self wouldn't have paid attention to current Pentax self either.

What I'm here to say, to try and tell you, is if you like prime lenses old and new Pentax makes a far less frustrating master than Nikon. Pentax does not tier out its dSLR line by lens compatibility, all bodies are compatible with all lenses and retain equal functionality. No not having the AF motor, no not having the Ai coupling, no not having a functioning meter.

What I won't try to say is that Pentax makes better lenses than Nikon. That's something you'll have to find out for yourself. If you like lenses though, you owe it to yourself to check them out.