[solar1]

Luminous Landscapes Nick Devlin's take on Pentax at Photokina: "Oh, god, poor Pentax. They invented the SLR, though you would never know it. Their cameras have always been excellent. Their lenses have always been excellent. Their marketing? Face-palm! Pentax had but a fraction of the physical presence of the other major makers, and nothing to push their innovative products. The foremost of these is the K-5IIs, which, hugely, looses the dreaded Anti-aliasing filter. This is the first APS-C sized camera to take that brave step, following in the D800E’s lead. This is potentially a big deal, but I could barely get anyone to even explain it to me. Ugh."

I do, however, hope to have Pentax’s superb western Canadian rep, Bill Gouge, get me one to test, because landscape photographers should be seriously interested in this camera. If they ever hear of it.

K-30: "this is the best adventure DSLR ever made for its price," says our staff photographer. - Anthony Cerretani, Backpacker Magazine

Editors Choice: Review: Pentax K-30 - The Phoblographer

DA 10-17mm Fisheye review - DA Pentax DA 10-17mm Fisheye Lens Review - Wex Photographic

Has solved his K5 backfocus issues with PK Tether: Re: K5 Back Focus issue solved: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review, read on for possible disagreement with other users

Pentax 50-135mm/2.8 SDM lens review: Pentax 50-135 DA* f/2.8 Lens Review - Wex Photographic This is my idea of the perfect portrait lens. That’s quite a statement, and I mean it. The focal length is spot on for the sensor size and with an f/2.8 construction throughout the zoom range this is an ideal lens to shoot portraits. I used this professional quality lens on a Pentax K200D and it was superb.

__ Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts - Albert Einstein

At the lower sensitivity settings the Pentax K-30 produces JPEGs that have plenty of detail and well-controlled noise, beating the Canon 650D, Nikon D3200 and Sony Alpha 37. Pentax K-30 review | TechRadar

Chasseur D'Images rates K30 5/5, AF tracking definitely improved over the K5 Chasseur D'images tests K30 :0) Scores 5/5 - PentaxForums.com

Pentax has a long tradition of making very photographer-focused DSLRs, often eschewing the latest fashions to concentrate on providing cameras with well-sorted ergonomics and a focus on core photographic features such as good viewfinders. This trend appeared to reach its peak with the K-5 - arguably the best APS-C DSLR currently on the market. With its latest offering, the Pentax K-30, it looks like the company, now owned by Ricoh, is planning to bring this capability to a wider audience. Pentax K-30 Review: Digital Photography Review

The Pentax K-30 has the best specs of any of the entry level DSLRs. With a weather sealed body, two control dials, a 100% viewfinder and great image quality, it sounds amazing. https://www.thecamerastore.com/blog/2012/07/19/pentax-k-30-hands-field-test

"Pentax's new K-30 is one of the most interesting mid-level DSLRs around." popphoto.com

Lens Test: Pentax-DA 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 DC WR
Meet Pentax's most expansive zoom Lens Test: Pentax-DA 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 DC WR | Popular Photography

Out and About with the Pentax K-01 - By Andrew Kochanowski
The Online Photographer: Out and About with the Pentax K-01

"...the K-5 - arguably the best APS-C DSLR currently on the market." Richard Butler, DPreview Pentax K-30 Review: Digital Photography Review

..."personally I'd say that the K-5/K-7 design is one of the very best-handling DSLRs I've ever used - and that covers most of them." Andy
Westlake, DPreview.com Re: Me, too: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

Pentax K-01 Product Review Don't let its looks fool you: This camera delivers spectacular image quality. By Mason Resnick Pentax K-01 Product Review | Expert photography blogs, tip, techniques, camera reviews - Adorama Learning Center

How ISO is Determined for Digital Cameras by Gisle Hannemyr
ISO in Digital Photography | DPanswers

For the "I still think the Pentax sky is falling" crowd
Pentax Ricoh Imaging absorbs Ricoh’s camera business

Pentax Launches K-01 Mirrorless Camera, World Misses the Point by Mark Roberts
http://www.robertstech.com/blog/?p=541

Quantitative Method for Micro Focus Adjustment for DSLRs by Vincenzo Miceli
http://sites.google.com/site/vincenzomiceli/quantitative-micro-focus-adjustment-for-dslrs

5DII Shooter likes K5: I've never seen such "elasticity" in a camera before. The K-5 has an excellent dynamic range but its ability to produce files where shadows can be lifted to this extent without generating noise is incredibly useful. The fact that it can do this while still creating a very "punchy" image with terrific colour is a real bonus. SOUNDIMAGEPLUS: Pentax K-5 - Three lenses, Low ISO performance.

On the Pentax APS-C lensline..." And let's make it clear from the outset that Pentax should be applauded for producing such a lens, to provide a genuine alternative to the wideangle zooms which are the only option in other manufacturers' lineups. This is indeed typical of the company's attitude towards primes in general; it makes arguably the best APS-C optimized set currently on the market, which counts as something of a selling point for the K system as a whole." Andy Westlake, conclusions of DA 15 Limited review
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Tethering for Linux and Windows pkTriggerCord

Pk Tether update v .060 PK_Tether – Tethering Software for Pentax DSLR Cameras has a redesigned user interface with switchable panels. It also adds a function for activating and deactivating debug mode in Pentax SLRs, and has reworked communications protocols, as well as unspecified additions and fixes to overall functionality. Inclusion of Q planned. Pk tether will expand to other camera makes.
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If I had the money for a Nikon mid-pro body, I'd actually have bought a K-5 by now.
— Bruce Walker -
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Thoriated Camera lenses of the 1970's Thoriated Camera Lens (ca. 1970s)

The normal lens shootout - Sean Carpenter
the Normal Lens Shootout Photo Gallery by Sean Carpenter at pbase.com
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My Fiat is a Pentax K-5 and Limited primes. I've always been a Nikon, Hassie and Leica shooter, but this camera has completely won me over. It's a nearly perfect walk-around camera—small, discrete, quiet, built like a real camera. Mainly paired with the 21mm ƒ/3.2 Limited or the amazing 35mm ƒ/2.8 Macro Limited. Featured Comment by Tom Hassler

Featured Comment by Bernard: "In my case, it's a Pentax Q. That camera gets a bad rap because the sensor is smaller than other mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras, but it's also much much smaller than any other 'serious' option. It makes a G12 look like a Deardorff, and the image quality is a generation ahead of what the G12 provides. It's often said that 'a camel is a horse designed by a committee.' The Pentax Q is a Nikon 1 designed by a photographer." The Online Photographer: What's Enzo's Fiat to You?

Photozone lens performance survey Lens Performance Survey - RAW DATA

JC Colwell lens price database jcolwell.ca - home
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Pentax Q Review: Most favouritest camera ever by Blunty. Nearly as much fun to watch this video as it is to play with the Q.

You Tube

You Tube

Comedy central Rr rated theatre - Blunty's first words on his crazy road to getting his mits on it for review - salty linguage alert: The Stupid Story of My New Pentax Q - YouTube
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Nikon User in Praise of Pentax JosephMind - Nikon User in Praise of Pentax
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Two Q reviews
Pentax Q Review – My first 1000 shots pentax Q diary
My Pentax Q impressions Wouter Brandsma ??
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Lens blame game. Think your woes are due to a bad lens? Better to look here first.
Lens Variations - facts and fallacies by Roger Cicala
Variation Facts and Fallacies: Digital Photography Review
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Pentax P-TTL Hot Shoe Flash Comparison
The definitive guide to Pentax and compatible 3rd-party options.
There are a number of flash units on the market compatible with Pentax's P-TTL preflash-based through-the-lens metering system. This article provides an overview and detailed comparison of features
Pentax P-TTL Hot Shoe Flash Comparison - a knol by Matthew Miller

Plus some more flash info here that might be good: Best P-TTL flash available? [Page 1]: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

__ Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts - Albert Einstein.
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Good tip for wet gear?
Dry out your soaked gadgets in rice
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Q gets new firmware update including two firmware for two lenses - in fact check this link for any Pentax updates http://www.pbase.com/tcom/namibia2011]Support | RICOH IMAGING
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_'Expose to the Right' is a Bunch of Bull By Ctein The Online Photographer: 'Expose to the Right' is a Bunch of Bull
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DSLR of the Decade - K5 Review by Carl Garrard, and the winner is.... PHOTOGRAPHIC CENTRAL: Pentax K5 DSLR Review
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"K5 is a stunning camera. It should be the defacto outdoorsmans' DSLR"
- - - Carl Garrard - Concise prelude to his upcoming K5 review.
Pentax K5- Freaking Fantastic: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review
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Wow, nifty - Subjective Impressions of K mount lenses. While there check out the rest of his impressive blog.
Subjective Impressions of K-Mount Lenses
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Flickr: Pentax Strobists
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Possible fix for SDM?
SDM fiction and fact: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review
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Pentax Q Stress test - See days 6-9 for the wrap-up.
Pentax Q Stress Test: Days 6-9 and Final Thoughts from Adorama Learning Center
looks easy: http://www.adorama.com/alc/files/057f8a79570dc57ddee46272c47f0083.jpg
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Pentax K200D Review - A Weatherproof DSLR Bargain! September 2011, Carl Garrard
http://photographic-central.blogspot.com/2011/09/pentax-k200d-review-weatherproof-dslr.htm__
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You Suck at Photoshop - Your ribs will begin to hurt soon. Better than comedy central.
You Suck at Photoshop - YouTube
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New Addition: Takumar the Eyes of the Spotmatic [EN] Home - Takumar - The eyes of the Spotmatic
You'll need google translate.
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Pentax Humor
Re: K-5 Firmware v1.03 on Pentax Japan site: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review
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_hit happens.

Re: SDM: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review
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PK Tether gets new website home and updated version 0.4.5
PK_Tether | Tethering and remote control software for Pentax DSLR cameras
http://www.pktether.com/download/PK_Tether_0_4_5.zip
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Jono Slack and friends - the K-5 in good hands
"The DR of the camera never ceases to amaze me"
Fun with the Pentax K5 - The GetDPI Photography Forums
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A gaggle of lenses tested
Standard Lens Shootout for APS-C (Pentax K-7) ERPhotoReview

DA35 2.4 v FA 35 f/2 and Standard Lens Shootout [Page 1]: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review
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A few words on the DA 35/f2.4 AL lens from Popphoto print edition:
"Optically, this affordable Pentax lens performs surprisingly well, matching or dipping just slightly below the upscale limited 35mm. Our bench tests in the Pop Photography test lab found excellent contrast and sharpness promising rich subject detail."
Their printed picture test of the 35mm F2.4 was rated "A" for an 11" x 14" print from f2 .4 all the way through f22.
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DxOMark Sensor For Benchmarking Cameras
An Analysis by Peter van den Hamer
DxOMark Sensor For Benchmarking Cameras

"Today’s (APS-C) sensor with the highest Dynamic Range score (the Pentax K-5) spans 14 stops at 80 ISO. DxOMark's Dynamic Range plot for the K-5 shows that its Dynamic Range drops by almost one 1 EV each time the ISO is doubled. The ISO setting for the K-5 thus corresponds closely to an ideal amplifier that amplifies both signal level and noise level equally without adding noise of its own. That is nice."

"... As a general rule, larger sensors outperform smaller ones....
...but newer models generally outperform older models. In particular, the newest APS-C models (Nikon's D7000 and Pentax' K-5 and Sony Alpha 580) outperform the older 1.3× sensors and even most full-frame (1.0×) sensors due to a significantly lower noise floor."

"Some things that can be seen in Figure 1b:
... The new 9.5 k$ Pentax 645D costs half as much as the other medium-format cameras. It costs about the same as the most expensive full-frame model (Nikon D3x). Although it benefits from its large sensor size, its image quality is similar[9] to the new Pentax K-5 which costs 15% as much."

"[footnote 9] The Pentax 645D has three times more pixels than the Pentax K-5. But as will be discussed later, this may not be as important for image quality as it may seem."

Looks like Pentax really pulled out all of the stops on the K-5
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Duploworld - Thomas Bojer Eltorp
Fascinating world way up in the north countries.
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DIY SDM repair - get cold sweats even thinking about doing this
DIY SDM repair! - PentaxForums.com
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Christopher Barran's Photostream
Flickr: christopherbarran's Photostream
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Gary's avian photostream
Flickr: gary1844's Photostream

"I am retired in Thailand. Am originally from San Antonio Texas. The Hill country there got me interested in wildlife. But i only started shooting wildlife seriously when i came to Thailand.
I am a Pentax guy. Only two lens, (Ed: Sigma) 300mm f2.8 and 500mm f4.5. 1.4x and 2.0x t.c.'s. I shoot with a Pentax k-x (Ed: and now K-5).
I love nature and travel the parks of Thailand to shoot birds and wildlife."
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How do CMOS image sensors work?
Molecular Expressions Microscopy Primer: Digital Imaging in Optical Microscopy - Introduction to CMOS Image Sensors
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On camera sensors: From the I didn't know that Department
"...cosmic ray hits generate new hot and cold pixels over time." gleaned from the featured comment by Semilog, at TOP, comments to Ctein's article on the Oly EP1:
The Online Photographer: Can You Get Good ISO 6400 from an Olympus E-P1?
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Why the Lenstip reviews differ from others?
Why the Lenstip reviews differ from others? - Where could the differences stem from? - Lenstip.com
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Mike Carlton - Florida Wildlife
Mike (Pentaxshooter)'s Photos
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Bill Gekas - lovely work
Bill Gekas Photography | Portraits
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Image Search
Your hard work been swiped? Reverse Image Search - good idea, a bit early yet in the tech. Amazing just the same, as in one search alone Tineye searched through more than 1.8 billion images in a few seconds!
TinEye Reverse Image Search
or
Google Images
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Pentax outs damned spot
USA: K-5 Sensor Stains | Pentax Support
Japan announcement To PENTAX K-5 Digital SLR Camera Users

Other dslr makes got da blues too
Flickr: Discussing Oil droplets on my lowpass filter in NIKON D7000 CLUB
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Are your pictures out of focus? by Mark Dubovoy - That sinking feeling

"It is important to understand that the focus problem as it relates to the focal length of lenses is against the intuition of most photographers.

Most photographers believe that the problem is more acute with long focal length lenses, because these lenses have shallower depth of field.

It turns out that exactly the opposite is true: The problem is much more acute with short focal length lenses. "

"...extremely small variations from perfection in the lens to sensor distance can cause large problems for short lenses. Longer lenses are less sensitive. If you see a problem with a long lens, you are likely dealing with a large focus plane error."
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K-7 and FW 1.11 fixes old Hyper Program snag: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review
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Queensland Floods - Ozzie PDML'er OK for the moment
The topic that is on everyone’s lips… Love Bytes – children's commercial & product photography.

Frog hitches ride with snake to flee floods
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Pentax K-5 Review by Jason Schneider - I really enjoyed JS's review.
Product Review: Pentax K-5 from Adorama Learning Center
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This new sharpener has a really good user manual - why would anyone want a really good manual? beyond me.

PhotoKit Sharpener 2 by Mark Dubovoy
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Bokeh
"The term comes from the Japanese word boke (暈け or ボケ), which means "blur" or "haze", or boke-aji (ボケ味), the "blur quality". The Japanese term boke is also used in the sense of a mental haze or senility.
The English spelling bokeh was popularized in 1997 in Photo Techniques magazine, when Mike Johnston, the editor at the time, commissioned three papers on the topic for the March/April 1997 issue; he altered the spelling to suggest the correct pronunciation to English speakers, saying "it is properly pronounced with bo as in bone and ke as in Kenneth, with equal stress on either syllable". The spellings bokeh and boke have both been in use at least since 1996, when Merklinger had suggested "or Bokeh if you prefer." The term bokeh has appeared in photography books at least since 1998. It is sometimes pronounced /ˈboʊkə/ (boke-uh).”

more: Bokeh - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Got German? Testberichte - Meine Homepage
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Remarkable high grade info about Kiron/Kino lenses. Scroll down to posts by Boomer Depp.
Kiron Lenses of the 1980's
So who are Kiron and Bell & Howell anyway?::Manual Focus Lenses

Also, see - Third Party Lenses from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Wild long list with original retail price and in 1998 dollars. A lot of work here!
http://homepage3.nifty.com/3rdpartylens-om/3rd-party-list.htm
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Pentax Manuals
Ever need the manual for the Pentax AF 1.7x adapter? Well, go to the accessories button and use the pentax password, natch. Of course there's a whole lot more. Thanks to Ron Brand for the link.
PENTAX MANUALS
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Non-techie K-5 review. He really, really, really likes it. Try not to let the typos bug you though.
The Pentax K5 Digital Camera Review | STEVE HUFF PHOTOS
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Unofficial Guide to Rikenon Lenses - more of a listing, but useful
The Unofficial Guide to Ricoh SLR Cameras and Rikenon Lenses
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Pixel-Peeper -- Over a million full-size sample photos from lenses, SLR cameras and digicams.
- "Pixel-Peeper is a service that allows you to pixel-peep (even at 100% of the original size for given camera) at thousands of full-size photos in our database, therefore allowing you to check a lens, digital SLR camera, or a digicam before buying one.
- Because all cameras and lenses yield a very different picture quality at different apertures, ISO speeds or focal lengths, all these parameters can be set to help you check a lens or camera at its extremes.
Pixel-Peeper is and always will stay a free service presented by a photographer (here's my flickr page) for the photo community.
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30 something comparison - DA 35 AL, DA 35 macro, FA 31
Comparison: Three 30-Something Lenses - Ned's Photo Journal
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http://www.prime35.com/
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MF SLR lenses - computer translated Japan based website
Google ??
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The Camera Site
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Useful color calculators and spreadsheets - color information, studies and files - Color equations, etc.
Welcome to Bruce Lindbloom's Web Site
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Home made SLR camera by Denis Mo
www.collection-appareils.fr • Afficher le sujet - Homemade SLR Camera by Denis MO (in English!)
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Just Sheer Madness - Helios 40-2 1.5/85mm by Veijo Vilva
Just Sheer Madness: Canon EOS 350D with Helios 40-2 1.5/85mm
Main link: The Retro Way: My Other Photography
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ManualGlass. | Passionate about photography and manual focus lenses. Oh my! :- )
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Photographic optics
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Lens Collectors Vade Mecum- via download or for extra cost mailed CD, ships only in U.S.
Lens Collectors Vade Mecum
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ScanTips - by Wayne Fulton - Goldmine on scanning 101-201
Includes scanning software reviews, like VueScan etc.
Scanning Basics 101 - All about digital images
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Old Pentax lens tests Photodo
Camera Lens Search - Find Camera Lenses
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Depth of Field Master - Articles
Depth of Field Articles
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I was searching for info on Meyer Optik lenses and found The World's Best Photos of meyeroptik - Flickr Hive Mind "Welcome to Flickr Hive Mind, almost certainly the best search engine for photography on the web." Some interesting stuff. Huge.
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Flare control of multi-coated lenses of the seventies - by Dario Bonazza - on SMC etc.
Flare control

also see: Auto Takumars vs. Super Takumars vs. Super-Multi-Coated Takumars vs. SMC Takumars by Karen Nakamura
Photoethnography.com - Classic Cameras
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Galleria Carnivora -
Galleria Carnivora: Helpdesk Photos
blog:

Monster plants, monster life - BARRY RICE. (Mr. Rice was a pdml member from way back). " I am a scientist, photographer, author, and martial artist. And I especially love monster plants!"

Barry's Photography
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Bokeh Shots DA-L 35mm f2.4 v. FA 35mm f2.0 v. K 35mm f3.5
Bokeh Shots DA-L 35mm f2.4 v. FA 35mm f2.0 v. K 35mm f3.5 [Page 1]: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review
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How to Photograph a Lunar Eclipse - solar too and much more
How to Photograph a Lunar Eclipse
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K-5 bounced flash overexposure fix - seems to be helping with other K-5'ers too

K-5 Bounce Flash Overexposure FIX NEW - ekelly
Hello everyone. I recently posted a thread concerning my K-5 overexposing photos when using bounce flash in any mode. After reading the review of the K-5 here on this site I found the dynamic range section of the review interesting. DPreview States "The K-5 features a highlight expansion function which applies to both JPEG and RAW". After reading this, I wondered how this function would apply to my problem of overexposure with bounce flash (since I only shoot RAW at weddings). I switched the dynamic range highlight expansion function on and now I have no more overexposure problems what so ever. Amazing... There must be a firmware bug or something. But for now, no more blown out photos with bounce flash as long as I have the highlight expansion turned on. I hope this helps people with the same problem...
Eric

K-5 Bounce Flash Overexposure FIX - PentaxForums.com

K-5 Bounce Flash Overexposure FIX: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

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The Best Recent DSLR's
The best recent DSLRs
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Ned Bunell's new photo journal
Ned's Photo Journal - Pentax Photography and Notes
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- - Pentax 645D
Pentax 645D - A First Review

2010 Mini Medium Format Shoot-out
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This just in. Mike Johnston over at TOP walks his talk :- )
The Online Photographer: New Camera
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- - Interesting Tidbits Department

{"Q: Klaus, why do you consider the K-5 to be superior to the D7000? Other than a couple of extra fps and the in-body IS, it seems to be on-par with the Nikon or even trailing (AF points, metering), while costing $400 more.

A: It's smaller & more rugged. Body-side IS as you mentioned. And more important than anything else - Pentax has a complete dedicated APS-C lens lineup. Nikon has merely isolated solutions here specifically regarding primes."}

"I think there's absolutely no doubt that Pentax has, by far, the best APS-C lineup out there. It's not even a close call. Full format lenses on APS-C DSLRs are always a compromise - at least in terms of size/weight."

"Well, I think this one is fairly obvious. Pentax is basically the only manufacturer offering APS-C pancakes. If you want to stay small with primes there's no way around Pentax. The Pentax 60-250 is also unique. There're more. This is basically the advantage of a dedicated APS-C lineup and not some sort of mix."

"The D7000 has "magnesium-alloy top and rear cover". The K-5/7 has also front and bottom plates made of metal. It is also likely that it has more seals.
The K-5/7 is a D300 class body, the D7000 is an upgraded D90 or downgraded D300, whatever you wish."

"Anyway, technically the K-5 seems to be the best new APS-C DSLR of the season. It seems superior to the 60D/D7000/A55/E5 to me at least."

Chief Editor
photozone.de
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Pentax K-Mount Lens Series Explained: The differences between various Pentax lens series - this is it for the lowdown.
- - Pentax K-Mount Lenses Explained: The differences between various Pentax lens series

- - Mosphotos.com :: Pentax Camera and Lens Resources

Pentax Lens/Camera Compatibility
- - http://www.robertstech.com/compat.htm
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- - Ricoh Lens Pin escapades

Ricoh Lenses On Pentax Cameras -- The Ricoh Pin Fix - theatre of noise: Ricoh Lenses On Pentax Cameras -- The Ricoh Pin Fix

Ricoh Lenses on a Pentax DSLR -
Pentax Digital Blog Archive Ricoh lenses on a Pentax DSLR

Stuck Lens!
Stuck Pentax Lens

Wrong Lens mount? Read this first before trying odd lenses on your lovely Pentax body
Lens stuck on Pentax SLR

Infamous Ricoh Pin -- image
IMGP2073 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
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Interested in digging into present and past info and history of Pentax cameras and lenses?

A good place to start would be the AOHC! An amazing amalgamation of things Pentax
- - - English

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Fred Sherfy's Pentax Pages Also amazing.
- - - The Pentax Collector's Page
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Department of You've Got to Be Kidding Department

Robert Monaghans Third Party Lenses Resource Megasite Home Page - THE Platinum lined GOLD MINE of older web info courtesy of retrieval wizardry of the wayback.
Try not to get lost and remember to bring a cell phone to call yourself when you forget who and where you are.
Third Party Lenses Resource Megasite Home Page
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McFaddens Pentax Library of owners manuals, brochures and ads Pentax Library

K Mount Wikipedia page: Pentax K mount - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Other brands with K-mount (135mm film cameras

Pentax - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Also many links.

Wapedia - Wiki: Pentax

- - - Wapedia, Asahi, Pentax film cameras: Wapedia - Wiki: Pentax cameras

Camerapedia Pentax listings - 61 articles
Category:Pentax - Camerapedia.org

Alex's Library of Pentax Lens Reviews and Photo Tips
Alex's Library: Photo Tips

Pentax Digital SLR Cameras and Lenses a photo.net guide by Hannah Thiem
Pentax Digital Camera and lens resources from Photo.net
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White Metal Pentax Pages
- - - Die Cast Pro - Asahi Pentax Index

Takumar lens page :0 )
Die Cast Pro - Asahi Pentax Takumar Lens Gallery
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Welcome to Bojidar Dimitrov's Pentax K-Mount Page

Pentax Lens Gallery: Pentax Lens Gallery

Pentax Users Group - Pentax Users Gallery August 2010 - Speed

P-TTL Flash info helpies for modern Pentax DSLR's - recommended
- - - The Definitive Guide - Pentax P-TTL Flash Comparison

Strobe Trigger Voltages - Is your old strobe safe to use on your new camera? (last update 2004)
Photo Strobe Trigger Voltages

Debug mode

USA:Eric Hendrickson Independent (Film) Pentax Repair, also lens repair and cla
Home

UK: Asahi Photo Ltd Pentax Repair Pentax Camera Repair

DIY Light Seal Repair
Matt's Classic Cameras: Replacing Light Seals

Three common failure problems of the ME Super + Links
Favorite Classics > Pentax ME Super Ramblings > Three Common Failure Problems

On older camera and lens repair - much info here
Favorite Classics / Camera & Repair Articles

My basic camera repair tool kit - by Rick Oleson - careful there.
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/basic_tool_kit.jpg

Photo Links
Index of links to photographic websites.

Pentax Service manuals
Pentax Manuals

Mark Roberts Pentax Page/Links
Pentax Cameras, Lenses and other Photography Gear - Mark Roberts Photography

What don't you know about photography and equipment?
Photoethnography.com home page - a resource for photoethnographers

PDML.net members comments on older Pentax lenses, still useful. Many listings.
Stan's Pentax Photography

www.buhla.de - Link page

Department of Redundancy Department
Pentax - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Features and Operation of the KA Mount
Features and Operation of the Ka Mount

SLR Lens Mount Identification Guide by Rick Oleson - oh, useful thing.
SLR Lens Mount Identification Guide

---More lens mounts? Lens mount - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Interchangeable Lens Mounts - Third Party Lens Advantage?
by Robert Monaghan
From the Sub Department of the You've Got to Be Kidding Department
Interchangeable Lens Mounts - Third Party Lens Advantage?

Camera Mounts Sorted by Register

How to choose the right adapter to mount M42 lenses on a digital Pentax camera
By Marco Bernardini, Funadium R&D Dept.
M42 lenses on Pentax cameras - by Funadium

How to use the Pentax K mount M42 adapter
http://www.pentaximaging.com/files/manual/Mount_Adapter_K.pdf

M42 - Lens Aperture Control on Modern DSLR's
M42 Lens Aperture Control on Modern DSLRs

Fixing the infinity focus on a Super Takumar 24mm. Shooting with a Pentax K10D: Fixing the infinite focus on a Super Takumar 24mm ... scroll further down for comments too.

Manual Focus Forums - Maintenance and Repairs
Maintenance & Repairs (Page 1) - Manual Focus Forum

PDML.NET PDML Info Page
Remainders of the Pentax discuss mailing list.

Opiates of the masses: Bokeh
Dante Stella

And now let us praise light, cheap lenses - by Dante Stella
And now let us praise light, cheap lenses

Just How Fast is That Lens? by Dante Stella
Dante Stella
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Tamron Adaptal-2 lens database
adaptall-2.org
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Camera Shutterlife Database
Camera Shutter Life Database
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Thomas Shahan - Buggy! I remember seeing him on a Today Show segment - on how astonishingly good his images are he was asked what kind of equipment he was using, he merely mentioned something like 'just an slr'. I think at the time he was using a reversed oldie/manual pentax lens.
Flickr: Thomas Shahan's Photostream

You Tube

You Tube

You guys are aware of this guy's K200 photos, right? - PentaxForums.com
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Interesting street photography blog.
Pentax for candid street photography Candid Street Photo
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Singapore Pentaxians at ClubSnap Pentax - ClubSNAP Photography Forums
"I don't give a damn if they stole the god damn (NR) technique from aliens or what." Murmurings on the K-5.
__________
Manila based photographer Bong Manayon
Mindanao | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
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Minneapolis based Pentax photographer
JosephFormanPhotography's Photos | SmugMug
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Piotr Sobolewski - his impressive photography - and cool equipment
All lenses together Photo Gallery by Piotr Sobolewski at pbase.com
__________

One fellow's manual lenses :- )

_________ Collection: taken with manual lenses

_________ Pics from Bali taken with old M42 Takumars: pics from Bali taken with M42 Takumars: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

_________ Kathmandu with M42:
Kathmandu 2010 - a set on Flickr

The whole deal: kuuan's collections on Flickr
_____________
Super Takumar 35mm F2 - photo newsletter for a 3 years old girl by Markus Maurer
Super Takumar 35mm F2 - photo newsletter for a 3 years old girl - Photo.net Pentax Forum
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Radiation-induced Discoloration - On lens browning (yellowing)
BIRNS, Inc

Vivitar Wiki Vivitar - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Great Vivitar 28mm bestiary by Robin Parmar
Great Vivitar 28mm Bestiary

Tokina 90mm f/2.5 AT-X Macro - The "Bokina" by David Kovaluk
Making Not Taking: Tokina 90mm f/2.5 AT-X Macro - The "Bokina"

105mm Kiron Iterations by David Kovaluk
- Kiron 105mm f/2.8
- Lester A. Dine 105mm f/2.8 (Dental lens, often labeled with a dental focusing guide)
- Vivitar 105mm f/2.5
- Vivitar 100mm f/2.8
- Rikenon 105mm f/2.8
Making Not Taking: 105mm Kiron Iterations

http://www.cs.wustl.edu/~loui/lenses - last updated 1998 - huge listing of lenses

PRAKTICA-USERS.COM - Lenses
_________ M42 lenses PRAKTICA-USERS.COM - M42 Lens list

Retro SLR Lenses - with lots of lens examples shot on digital canon SLR - Interesting!
The Retro Way: My Other Photography

Retro Camera oldie lens reviews
http://www.retrocamera.net/category/lensreviews

The Ultimate Exposure Computer - A guide for nature photographers © Fred Parker Ultimate Exposure Computer

Two sliding-scale, paper exposure calculators to print, cut out and assemble. For users of old, manual cameras
Squit Photo

ManualPhoto | Building community for manual photography - not much here, yet.

Soviet Helios-40-2 85mm f/1.5 lens for M42 Cameras by Dante Stella
Dante Stella

Soviet Photo Equipment collectors resource
USSRPhoto.com - Soviet / Russian Camera Equipment Collector's Resource

Soviet and Russian Cameras - Almaz-103

Rare soviet lens(PK-bayonet) list 17.01.2010
______________________________
History snippet -

Pentax Pre shake reduction ideas.
- Mr Ohkura was also able to confirm that Pentax is working on a system to reduce vibration in lenses, similar to Canon's Image Stabilisation system and Nikon's Vibration Reduction system, but he was not prepared to reveal when we might see this technology in a production-model lens. There was no comment on systems for internal lens motors either, but if the new 35mm camera is as well specified as the company claims, and if the company intends to compete with existing high-end semi-pro models, you can be sure the release of these technologies cannot be far off. circa 2000 source: Ohkura

Things change.
----------
Often first on delivering japanese photo equipment news
Google Translator slowly improving.
-----------
The Online Photographer - Mike Johnston The Online Photographer
- - - Wonderful writing, definitely some of the best on the web... great to buy things online through TOPs links IMO and help to support Mike and TOP [go ahead, throw TOP and MJ a $ bone once in a while, you know you want to :- ) ]. A real gem, Pentaxians will find many fine articles and reviews here.

- - - Mike Johnston is also author of Johnston On Photography - formerly The Sunday Morning Photographer - at photo.net http://photo.net/mjohnston/index.html; and older links at LuLa below. Lots of great Pentax info. Worth the time spent.
- Sunday Morning Photographer Overview
- - - - A few of my favorites:

--------- My favorite lens - In praise of the Pentax 50mm SMC Takumar - My Favorite Lens
--------- The FA Ltd lenses: sm-02-05-02
--------- The 50mm lens and Metaphysical Doubt - sm-02-09-22
--------- Bokeh ratings and lens awards. Wonderful. Bokeh Ratings and Lens Awards
--------- Bokeh in Pictures

Words from the wise - MJ
"... albeit completely forgotten aristocrat — the M42 screwmount Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4. This is one of my favorite lenses, in fact. Its results can be simply gorgeous. Of course, to use this lens you'll have to put up with using a Spotmatic (of course one can use the M42 adapter on just about most nearly every bayonet mount Pentax film or DSLR), one of the greatest SLRs in history but long in the tooth today. An engineer at a Japanese camera company told me that if this lens were manufactured and marketed today, it would most likely have to sell for $1,200 to $1,500*. I got mine for $60. (Well, okay, I actually have six of them, to be honest.)"
*(ed. note: in 2002 U.S. dollars).

MJ and friends probably has more to say on the goodness of the DA 35/2.8 macro Ltd than you can shake a stick at - what does that mean anyway?

"I don't want to be guilty of too much soft-pedaling here. Cross my heart I'm not saying this to try to push lenses. But to be fair and accurate, I should say straight out that if you own a Pentax K10D or K20D and don't buy this (DA 35/2.8 ltd macro) lens sooner or later, you're depriving yourself. No one who shoots Pentax digital in any serious way would ever regret buying this lens. It really is a treat. I'd recommend it even if you don't normally care for primes, even if you seldom shoot macro, and even if the focal length and speed aren't quite an exact fit. Its virtues go way beyond extreme sharpness. It will be the best lens you own, the best match for your very best technique, and, soon enough, your best results with it will make you forget what it once cost. If you're in the system, you need it. Even if you don't need it you need it. Very highly recommended. — MJ > source: The Online Photographer: Just Published! Pentax 35mm ?/2.8 DA Macro Limited Review
Also: (35 macro ltd) "one of the best lenses currently made for digital cameras, period"..."a great lens is a thing of beauty and a joy forever." The Online Photographer: More New Stuff Like the Old Stuff

The SMC Pentax DA 35mm ƒ/2.8 Macro Limited review - by Mike Johnston - "The bokeh resembles nothing so much as that from an old Leica Summarit." http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/images/2008.../picture_5.png
The Online Photographer: The SMC Pentax DA 35mm ?/2.8 Macro Limited

Johnston On Photography - formerly The Sunday Morning Photographer - at photo.net----------- DA 35/2.8 macro ltd -An Optical Paragon
An Optical Paragon - photo.net

Parameters of Lens Specification and the Properties of Lenses by Mike Johnston
Parameters of Lens Specification and the Properties of Lenses - photo.net

More Limited
---------- FA31/1.8 By Carl Weese
The Online Photographer: The Pentax 31mm ?/1.8 Limited Lens
________________________________________
A few things at TOP on the DA L 35mm f2.4 AL lens - plus here are a few of the after comments by readers, priceless :- ) - 2 links on new 35/2.4 lens below the canon post by phule:

________ "I wish they'd build a digital Spotmatic, with a full-sized sensor and a body you can drive a car over. I already have the lenses." Posted by: Mike Smith"

---

Last edited by Adam; 03-21-2016 at 01:56 PM.

[solar1]

________ "Pentax is just crazy, crazy I tell you, for offering two lenses similar to each other. (DA-L 35/2.4 AL and DA 35/2.8 Macro Limited)

Unlike Canon which currently offers...

70-200 L f/2.8
70-200 L f/2.8 IS
70-200 L f/4
70-200 L f/4 IS
70-300 f/4.5-5.6 DO IS
70-300 L f/4-5.6 IS
70-300 f/4-5.6 IS USM
75-300 f/4-5.6 III USM
75-300 f/4-5.6 III

:P Posted by: phule"


The Online Photographer: More New Stuff Like the Old Stuff

The Online Photographer: I Was Wrong...

---

TOP - Pentax camera reports

----------- K7 review by Gordon Lewis
The Online Photographer: Pentax K-7 Review, Part I

----------- The Pentax K-7: Post-review Reflections by Gordon Lewis - found at Mr. Lewis' very nice blog
Shutterfinger: The Pentax K-7: Post-review Reflections

----------- K20D review by Carl Weese
The Online Photographer: Pentax K20D Report?Part I: Focus

More TOP Lens reviews and in general

_________ DA* 200 review by Carl Weese
The Online Photographer: SMC Pentax DA* 200mm f/2.8 ED[IF] SDM Review

_________ Zeiss ZF / ZK Distagon T* 28mm f/2 Review - available in Pentax mount.
The Online Photographer: Zeiss ZF / ZK Distagon T* 28mm f/2 Review

_________ Zeiss 35mm f/2 ZF Distagon T* available Pentax mount
The Online Photographer: Zeiss 35mm f/2 ZF Distagon T*

Top Mix
_________ Pentax 35mm DA Macro, compared to the Tokina Variant - the same glass? apparently not. The Online Photographer: Pentax 35mm DA Macro...Tokina Variant?

While on the subject of Tokina, a few comments on Pentax and Tokina:
It has been argued before that the DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135 and DA 10-17 Fisheye were Tokina designs. However, if you search the patent databases on the net, you will find that the patents for the optical designs of all three were applied for by Pentax, that the DA* 50-135 was invented by the same person as the DA 70 and that the inventor of the DA 10-17 had also designed the FA 17-28 Fisheye. To me, this is sufficient evidence that these lenses were not designed by, but just licensed to Tokina.

Posted by: Matthis H | Monday, 25 August 2008 at 06:05 AM

Pentax have had a long working relationship with Tokina. The SMC Pentax-DA Macro 35mm f2.8 Limited's design has been licenced by Pentax to Tokina. As has the design of the SMC Pentax-DA* 16-50 f2.8 and 50-135 f2.8.
With all these lenses the general understanding is that Pentax make and coat the glass elements, but EVERYTHING ELSE is designed and made by each manufacturer separately, Pentax and Tokina. The glass is the same, but the design, electronics, controls, manufacture and assembly are caarried out separatey by Pentax and Tokina.
ONE Pentax lens, though, is a Tokina design. The SMC Pentax-DA 12-24 f4 was designed by Tokina, but Pentax indepentantly manufacture their version of this lens.
Regards
Chris Stone

To me, it's very murky as to whether Tokina uses their own or Pentax’ coatings.

Not necessarily Pentax, but good stuff

How to Stress a Camera Lens by Mike Johnston
The Online Photographer: How To Stress A Camera Lens

The Lens is Not More Important Than the Camera By Ctein.
--- the mantra of the masses - been run through the discombobulatron?
The Online Photographer: The Lens is Not More Important Than the Camera

How I learned Not to Trust Camera Bodies by Ctein
The Online Photographer: How I Learned Not to Trust Camera Bodies

Planned Obsolescence by Ctein - - the foibles of printers! Well, at least one of them.
The Online Photographer: Planned Obsolescence

The Online Photographer: A Perfunctory Guide to Converting Photographic Film to Digital Prints, Part I
The Online Photographer: A Perfunctory Guide to Converting Photographic Film to Digital Prints, Part II by Ctein
-----------------------
Luminous Landscape - More good stuff.

Hmm, is any CM's out there listening?
An Open Letter To The Major Camera Manufacturers

You can't do that with medium format by James Martin
You Can't Do That

Yes, it Matters by Sean Reid
Luminous landscape
------------------------------
Reid Reviews - Subscription reviews - no advertising. I found the article on the NEC 2490 LCD Monitor to be a big step over any other I've read. Definitely for high end purchases.
Treat yourself and splurge a little. Welcome to ReidReviews
____________________
Pentax at Sea Department

Have your own dolphin tag along your working fishing boat 60 Km off shore?
Ozzie Pentax photographer Richard Freeman
My friend Dolly the Dolphin: Digital Photography Review
Member profile: Richard Freeman: Digital Photography Review
Need to cull through his posts to find what I'm on to. Pretty cool.

Sea Snake devours eel.jpg photo - Richard Freeman photos at pbase.com
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Camera AF Microadjustment - for free (for any brand camera with micro adjust features) may work better than the next link below
AF microadjustment for the 1Ds mark III, 1D Mk3, 5D Mk2, 7D

Lens AutoFocus Adjustment - for any dslr with AF adjust
PENTAX DSLRs: PART-1. Autofocus Adjustment for the Pentax K20D, Custom Setting No 35
________________
Just for fun Department
Pentax Threatens World Economy with Renegade Metal 43/1.9 Autofocus Lens Pentax 43/1.9 Limited

Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7: Junk Drawer Excellence by Gordon Lewis
Shutterfinger: Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7: Junk Drawer Excellence
________________
Jens Roesner's camera and lens info pages
jr-worldwi.de: Photography: Technic
________________
Lens tests and et cetera

Resolving Power of Pentax 77mm and 85mm lenses - German and English
Auflsung von Pentax-Objektiven (77mm - 85mm) Resolution of Pentax lenses

Yoshihiko Takinami's lens tests
http://www.takinami.com/yoshihiko/photo/lens_test/

Film based comparison of 85mm lenses: The Great Pentax 85mm Lens Shootout
The Great Pentax 85mm Lens Shoot-Out

Got French? Pentax FA * 85/1.4, Pentax A * 85/1.4, Pentax FA 77/1.8 Ltd; Pentax DA * 50 - 135/2.8 deal with Carl Zeiss ZF 85/1.4 Planar, 85/1.4 and Leica R Summilux 80/1.4 and Samyang 85/1.4 MF lens Test_85mm
Ok, you feel funny trying to pronounce anything french looking or tasting, like brie :- ) enough good French wine should take care of that... Wait a minute, you can pronounce Bordeaux?
Google Translate
Pentax K / Samsung NX Lens Tests
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DA 35/2.4 + K5 in Singapore's little India by Frank Feng Wei
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/118504-k-5-da-35mm...ny-photos.html

DA 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 ED IF SMC P-DA Fish-Eye (Tested)
Pentax Lens: Zooms - Pentax 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 ED IF SMC P-DA Fish-Eye (Tested) - SLRgear.com!

Lens Review: Pentax DA 14mm f2.8 by Scott
Lens Review: Pentax DA 14mm f2.8 | photographybanzai.com

Lens Test: DA 15/4 Ltd
Pentax Lens: Primes - Pentax 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited SMC DA (Tested) - SLRgear.com!

DA 17-70/4 SDM tested
Pentax Lens: Zooms - Pentax 17-70mm f/4 AL IF SDM SMC DA (Tested) - SLRgear.com!

18-35mm f/4-5.6 AL SMC P-FA J (Tested)
Pentax Lens: Zooms - Pentax 18-35mm f/4-5.6 AL SMC P-FA J (Tested) - SLRgear.com!

DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 (version 1) Tested Pentax Lens: Zooms - Pentax 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SMC P-DA (Tested) - SLRgear.com!

DA 18-55mm ƒ/3.5-5.6 version II
Pentax Lens: Zooms - Pentax 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL II SMC DA (Tested) - SLRgear.com!

Lens test: DA 21/3.2 Ltd
Pentax Lens: Primes - Pentax 21mm f/3.2 Limited SMC P-DA (Tested) - SLRgear.com!

Pentax 21/40/70 Limited Lens Review by Josh Root and Justin Serpico
Pentax 21/40/70 Limited Lens Review - photo.net

Lens Test: DA 40/2.8 Ltd
Pentax Lens: Primes - Pentax 40mm f/2.8 Limited SMC P-DA (Tested) - SLRgear.com!

Shooter's Report: SMC Pentax FA 43mm f/1.9 Limited by Carl Garrard
Pentax 43mm f/1.9 Shooter's Report - SLRgear.com!

Lens Test: FA 43/1.9 Ltd
Pentax Lens: Primes - Pentax 43mm f/1.9 Limited SMC P-FA (Tested) - SLRgear.com!

DA 50-200mm ƒ/4-5.6 ED Tested
Pentax Lens: Zooms - Pentax 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED SMC P-DA (Tested) - SLRgear.com!

Pentax SMC DA* 55mm f/1.4 SDM (Tested) "Pentax's comparable lens is the (DA*) 55mm ƒ/1.4. At around $700 it's the most expensive lens in its category, but offers the best results of them all. It's decently sharp wide open at ƒ/1.4, and by ƒ/2.8, it's about as sharp as we can record. CA performance is good wide open, slightly worse as the lens is stopped down. Corner shading and distortion are both slightly better than the Sigma. Did we mention it costs $700?" --- Quick google check and link, J&R has it for ~$609. Beach Camera has it for $619 on ebay, w/free shipping.
Pentax Lens: Primes - Pentax 55mm f/1.4 SDM SMC DA* (Tested) - SLRgear.com!

Da* 200/2.8 test
Pentax DA* 200mm f/2.8 Lens Review

DA* 200/2.8 - rather odd lens test
Pentax Lens: Primes - Pentax 200mm f/2.8 ED IF SDM SMC DA* (Tested) - SLRgear.com!

DA* 300/4 test
Pentax DA* 300mm f/4 Lens Review - Digital Camera Forums - Camera Forums and Discussions

DA* 60-250/4 ED IF SDM Tested
Pentax Lens: Zooms - Pentax 60-250mm f/4 ED IF SDM SMC DA* (Tested) - SLRgear.com!

FA J 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 AL Tested
Pentax Lens: Zooms - Pentax 75-300mm f/4.5-5.8 AL SMC P-FA J (Tested) - SLRgear.com!

Pentax SMC FA 24-90/3.5-4.5 IF AL mini review and samples By Boris Liberman
Pentax Ways: Pentax SMC FA 24-90/3.5-4.5 IF AL mini review and samples

Sigma EX 24-60/2.8 DG - mini review and samples by Boris Liberman
Pentax Ways: Sigma EX 24-60/2.8 DG - mini review and samples

Power of habit by Boris Liberman Redirect Notice

Sigma 50-150 & DA* 50-135 Street Shootout by J. Sherman
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/53035-sigma-50...-shootout.html
_______________
Popular Photography and Imaging - like raking up slurry to find the older Pentax lens tests - originally available back through about 1999 - very difficult to cull through, but useful info nonetheless. Update: most of the older lens tests before roughly 2008, are now not listed and pretty hard to dredge up. - they seem now gone off the web actually.


Lens Test: Pentax-D FA 100mm f/2.8 WR Macro gets mighty high marks from pop, ”SQF results held on to an Excellent rating all the way to 16x20—better than the Canon 100mm f/2.8 IS, which only held this rating to 11x14. Our DxO 3.2 tests found practically no distortion, nor light falloff, in the normal and macro focusing ranges. Both distortion and vignetting were superb optical performances, nearly perfect. The maximum magnification was larger than lifesize, very similar to the Canon’s, as was the closest focus.
It was a pleasure using this lens: It balanced nicely on many different Pentax cameras, even when extended another two inches into the macro focusing range. And it was also pretty light despite its all-metal construction. Autofocus was quick, but we found ourselves more often in manual focus, since this was smooth as silk.
With its excellent handling and its magnificent optics, this macro lens was made even stronger with the addition of its water-resistant features. Most Pentax users will be snatching it off the shelves.” Redirecting

Lens Test: Pentax SMCP-DA Fisheye 10-17mm F3.5-4.5
Lens Test: Pentax SMCP-DA Fisheye 10-17mm F3.5-4.5 | Photography - PopPhoto.com Offers Camera Reviews and Exclusive Photo Tips
Speaking Frankly: SLR: World-Class Glass: The joys of shooting both wide and close, or from a distance, with Pentax's unique fisheye zoom lenses.

snippet: “...the superb Limited series of lenses is one of the most enjoyable sets of primes we’ve used.” popphoto April 12, 2010

Lens Test: Pentax 21mm f/3.2 DA AF Limited
Lens Test: Pentax 21mm f/3.2 DA AF Limited | Photography - PopPhoto.com Offers Camera Reviews and Exclusive Photo Tips

Lens Test: DA 35mm f2.4 AL
Lens Test: Pentax-DA 35mm f/2.4 AL | Popular Photography
Pentax SMC DA 35mm f/2.4 AL - Review / Lens Test

Lens Test: Pentax DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited AF
Redirecting

Lens Test: Pentax SMCP-FA 50mm f/1.4 AF
Redirecting

Lens Test: Pentax DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 SDM AF
Redirecting

Lens Test: Pentax-DA 17-70mm f/4 AL SDM AF
Redirecting

If you’re looking for the 18-55-I and 50-200 Lens tests, here they are, same as Pentax... because... they are Pentax.
Lens Test: Schneider-Kreuznach D-Xenon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF
Redirecting
Lens Test: Schneider-Kreuznach D-Xenon 50-200mm f/4-5.6 AF
Redirecting

Pentax DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8
Redirecting

Lens Test: Pentax-DA* 60–250MM F/4 ED SDM AF
Redirecting

Lens Test: Pentax 70mm f/2.4 Limited Redirecting

Pentax 77mm f/1.8 Limited Redirecting

Lens Test: Pentax SMCP-DA* 200mm f/2.8ED (IF) SDM AF
Based on the film-era 200mm f/2.8 FA lens, it's equipped with new internal-flare-suppressing coatings, and it has a newly designed rear element which Pentax claims projects a perfectly flat-field image.
This is, in fact, the single best distortion performance we've encountered since adopting the DxO system in 2005.
In its superior vignetting- and distortion-control performance, this digital-only tele actually tests very much like the full-frame lenses we've evaluated on DSLRs with APS-sized sensors -- no surprise since its design is based on a 35mm lens. Its high speed and near flawless optics coupled with Pentax's sensor-based image stabilization technology helped us take dozens of satisfying pictures over several weeks of field testing. It promises the pro or serious amateur virtually distortion-free and perfectly sharp pictures, even in less-than-perfect light. If there’s a downside to this lens, we couldn’t find it. DA* 200mm

Yikes, thought I had lost this one: FA 200mm f4 Macro - Stellar Review! http://web5.popphoto.com/assets/download/782003105428.pdf

Lens Test: Pentax 300mm f/4 SMCP-DA* ED IF SDM AF
________________
Lens Defects
LensPlay - Lens defects
________________
Snippet of interest - Imo, as pentax APS-C users we are fortunate because “Four Thirds lenses require extra-large glass elements (relative to full-frame 35mm lenses) for the greater light gathering required to transmit rays perpendicularly to the sensor plane. Otherwise, unacceptable edge falloff results.” popphoto review of Panasonic Leica D Summilux 25mm f1.4 AF lens.
_________________
DSLR

- - Pentax K-5 Reviews +
K5 firmware update - Latest K-5 Firmware Update : Software Downloads : PENTAX

Product Review: Pentax K-5 from Adorama Learning Center - Jason Schneider Reviews K-5, very good real world review.

The Pentax K5 Digital Camera Review | STEVE HUFF PHOTOS Another real world review.

Pentax K-5 Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review

Pentax K-5 Digital SLR Review by John Riley

Pentax K-5 Review Summary | Neocamera
- - -
Gordon Lewis - K5/D7000 Available light shootout url]http://shutterfinger.typepad.com/shutterfinger/2011/04/available-light-shootout-pentax-k-5-vs-nikon-d7000.html[/url]
___
K-r

K-r firmware update ver. 1.01
Latest K-r Firmware Update : Software Downloads : PENTAX

Pentax K-r Review - by John Riley Pentax K-r Digital SLR Review

Pentax K-r review at photography blog by Mark Goldstein Pentax K-r Review | PhotographyBLOG
___________
Kx

Firmware update - SDXC support - Jan 2011
Latest K-x Firmware Update : Software Downloads : PENTAX

Carl Garrard - Review of the Pentax K-x
___*Pentax K-x Review - AlphaMountWorld.com

Popphoto review of K-x by Philip Ryan
Camera Test: Pentax K-x | Photography - PopPhoto.com Offers Camera Reviews and Exclusive Photo Tips

Notable thoughts by Joe Farace on the white K-x:
"With its all-white finish, the K-x I tested got major style points everywhere it went. When Mary shot the camera at the SEMA show she received compliments from car and media people alike, including Lexus’ official photographer who was shooting the $375,000 LFA and raved about the camera and wondered why all cameras didn’t offer a white option. Event photographers, especially wedding photographers already shooting with its big brother K20D, should get one of these white cameras for their assistants. Not only will they provide their clients with great-looking images, but the props they score with the people at the event will add a subtle guerrilla marketing touch. In these difficult economic times any edge you can get over the competition can translate into more bookings, events, and weddings, and from that comes greater profitability." Shutterbug: The Pentax K-x

The Pentax Kx Digital Camera Review | STEVE HUFF PHOTOS
____________
K-7

New Firmware - SDXC suport - Jan 2011
Latest K-7 Firmware Update : Software Downloads : PENTAX

Gordon Lewis - Pentax K-7: Post-review Reflections
Shutterfinger: The Pentax K-7: Post-review Reflections

Pentax K7 review - not a bad job for an online review
Pentax K-7 Review

Carl Garrard's Review of the K7
--- Mr. Garrard strikes me as a very fine fellow not to mention he seems generally tickled with the K7. I recommend this review - his rather fine writing abilities comes through. I appreciate his real world experience shooting in pouring rain in Kuai and reporting his positive findings. It's good knowing the K-5 shares in the same weather sealing.

"Recently I arrived home after spending a full week in Kauai in the Hawaiian Islands where I shot with the K7 in horrendous rain and humid conditions. The K7 added another notch of respect with me on this trip, never once did I ever worry about the K7 in this inclimate weather. This is the first DSLR I've ever had where I can honestly say I felt 100% confident shooting with it in the rain without ever thinking in the back of my mind that it would fail (or short out) when I needed it most.

I've had cameras that were weather sealed, but none come close to Pentax's claim of weather proofing. What a relief and weight off my mind knowing I'd never have an issue keeping my camera around my neck while I navigated the muddy forest and green hillsides of Kauai's trail systems.

In short, I arrived home with my shiny and clean K7 in perfect condition. And I realized that one of the main niches I bought this camera for is filled. I've been beaming about the K7 since I've been back.

And then Pentax decides to improve an already excellent camera! Wow, what a treat! And from somebody who is quite frankly a bit bitter about another company who won't even add basics to their top level flagship camera, I almost felt a bit guilty installing the new free firmware.

Is this how enthusiasts are really supposed to be treated? A great design that just gets better? According to Pentax yes, this is exactly how enthusiasts get treated. Well, I want to extend a big and wonderful thank you to the folks at Pentax for not only creating such a fine instrument that as an all rounder will do just about any task in any environment that's asked of it, but also for extending me, the K7 user, the courtesy of further improving the already excellent product the K7 is.

Thank you Pentax, with all my heart."

___*Pentax K7 Review - AlphaMountWorld.com
___*Pentax K7 Review - AlphaMountWorld.com
___*Pentax K7 Review - AlphaMountWorld.com

The Pentax K7 Review | STEVE HUFF PHOTOS
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Pentax K10D Review and Impressions by Mark Cassino
Pentax K10D - Review and Impressions
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Debug Mode on the D20D by Andy McMullan http://www.andymcm.com/?p=22

K200D review by Carl Garrard - Sept 21, 2011
PHOTOGRAPHIC CENTRAL: Pentax K200D Review- Weatherproof DSLR Package Bargain!
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Pentax Binocular - remarkable, tiny birding and butterfly bino's for about $105
Product Review: Pentax Papilio 8.5 x 21 Binoculars from Adorama Learning Center
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Pentax Other-Other Department

Totally completely okay. MJ on the K100
- - - Totally, Completely...Okay

The K-1000 of Digital SLRs - earlier MJ
The K-1000 of Digital SLRs


- - - Pentax 645D
"Aided by an excellent grip, which works equally well in portrait or landscape mode, and abetted by the sweetest shutter release and mirror movement of any 645 digital camera I have used, firing it inspires great confidence. I found I was getting sharp shots at 1/30s, which, with the passage of the years, is becoming rarer." Pentax 645D tested: The New Contender - British Journal of Photography


Pentax 645D Digital Camera - First Shots - The Imaging Resource!

Firmware update ver 1.01 - SDXC compatibility Jan 2011
Latest 645D Firmware Update : Software Downloads : PENTAX

Bernard Languillier had the chance to speak with Pentax Product Planning executive Yasuyuki Maekawa who shared some interesting information about the philosophy of the 645D and background behind some key design decisions.
Pentax 645D – Fiest Impressions & Interview

Pentax 645D - A first look by Nick Devlin with Bill Gouge of Pentax Canada
_____ Video: Pentax 645D Interview
_____ More, text: Pentax 645D - First Look Review

Chris Willson. Talented photographer based in Japan and using the 645D - doing a nice job I would say - worth taking a look.
Flickr: Travel 67's Photostream
Pentax 645D Chris Willson's Blog

Diglloyd Advanced Photography (DAP) - subscription site, review of 645D: http://diglloyd.com/prem/prot/DAP/Pentax645D/compare-Canon5DM2-55mm.html

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- - Pentax 645D
Pentax 645D - A First Review

2010 Mini Medium Format Shoot-out

Newer 645D reviews - thanks to Ropen at DPR
---"I (Radu/Ropen) compiled in the following thread more sources of images taken with the 645D and various lenses.

IMHO the best landscape photos made with the 645D (and older FA 645 lenses):
GANREF | PENTAX 645D??????????????????????? | ???????????

Influence of the SDHC card on the recording speed of pictures (a fast expensive card helps ):
GANREF | 645D??????????

The lenses line-up for the 645D:
GANREF | PENTAX 645D??????????????????????? | ???????????

GANREF | ?????? PENTAX 645D ?????????????? | ???????????
Includes (among others):
ISO 1600 shot.
Same picture from in camera jpeg and ACR developed DNG sample.
High DR examples with sunset, water reflections and "sun in fog".
Long time (13sec), base ISO exposure.
?????6?????????????PENTAX645D????????????????????
In camera noise reduction settings influence for pictures from ISO 200 to ISO 1000.
Test shots of the new DFA 55/2.8 lens from f2.8 to f22;
Test shots for the wide angle zoom (33-5 mm).

Very important and completely ignored in this (DPR) forum:
Pentax 645D prise en mains lors du Forum de la HD - Focus Numérique
The head of marketing Pentax France after presenting in length the camera says @ 10 min 53 sec responding to the question whether there are new lenses planned that there are 3 more lenses (besides DFA 55) in design phase (as the first wave) but he cannot say details about them.
Radu/Ropen

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645 Analog

Pentax 645N by Philip Greenspun
Pentax 645N - photo.net

Pentax 645N Lenses - Two superb autofocus lenses for the Pentax 645N—a 35mm ultrawide and an 80-160mm zoom. 35mm: "This lens offers outstanding optical performance that sets a new and higher standard for ultrawide lenses for medium format cameras." http://web5.popphoto.com/assets/download/5292003142243.pdf

Pentax 645NII - One of the best gets better
The Luminous Landscape

Pentax 645N Autofocusing Comes To Medium Format SLR By Robert E. Mayer
Shutterbug: Pentax 645N Autofocusing Comes To Medium Format SLR

The Pentax 645N - Expanding The Telephoto Lens Line Up By W.L. Fadner
Shutterbug: The Pentax 645N

In praise of the Pentax 645 FA 35mm f3.5. High praise for the lens indeed, but the following does stop one in their tracks: "* One year after this was written, we can amplify with greater authority the statement that the (645) system is dead and buried. RIP Pentax MF." ;- )
Pentax 645 FA 35mm Review

AF500ftz flash for Pentax 645N / Pentax 67
AF500FTZ

- - - Pentax 67 & 6x7

Pentax 6x7 Lens Information Guide
Pentax 67 Lens Guide

SMC Takumar 6x7 800mm f/4 vs. 600mm f/4 Lenses
SMC Takumar 6x7 800mm f/4 vs. 600mm f/4 Lenses album | m8o | Fotki.com, photo and video sharing made easy.

Asahi 800mm f4 Takumar - from Feb 1972 Modern Photography magazine
Test Report: 800mm f4 Takumar - 6x7 - Photo.net Medium Format Forum

Pentax 6x7 and 67 by Dante Stella
Dante Stella

Pentax 67 6x7 SLR Camera and lenses
Pentax 67 6x7 SLR Camera and Lenses - photo.net - an informal review by Hamish Reid

Pentax 400mm f4 ED(IF) - A manageable Medium Format Super-Telephoto
P400ED

Pentax 67 Long Lens Comparison - MR compares 300, 400 +1.4x - and 600mm lenses
Luminous landscape

Pentax 67 600mm f/4 - & using Big Lenses in the field.
600mm

Pentax 67II - 30+ Years in The Making
Pentax67ii

New Pentax 67II By Robert E. Mayer • January, 1999
Shutterbug: New Pentax 67II

Pentax 67 Lens Guide

Pentax 67 - Camerapedia.org

Asahi Pentax 6x7, 67, 67 II by Karen Nakamura
Photoethnography.com - Classic Camera

from the Department of Oh heck, another Megasite?

Medium Format Megasite
Medium Format Photography Megasite

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Film

35mm bodies

Pentax Original by S. Gandy
Pentax Original

- - Pentax LX In it's own classification

Index

- - - . Pentax LX - The Concept Behind the Camera

- - - Special Pentax Variations - by Dario Bonazza
LX variations

Pentax LX - Camerapedia.org
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Popphoto's take on the *ist
PENTAX *ist:The little*ist SLR! | Photography - PopPhoto.com Offers Camera Reviews and Exclusive Photo Tips

Pentax *ist 35mm Camera By Peter K. Burian
Shutterbug: Pentaxs ist 35mm Camera

The Pentax MZ S Professional Camera - The New Pro Flagship In The Pentax Line Up By W.L. Fadner
Shutterbug: The Pentax MZ S Professional Camera

- - - MZ S Designers Story
MZ-S story

Pentax ZX-7 Intermediate Level 35mm SLR By Peter K. Burian
Shutterbug: Pentax ZX 7 Intermediate Level 35mm SLR


Pentax MZ5 35mm SLR (ZX5 in the USA) - photo.net by Steve Graham

_ _ _ A modern classic: the Pentax MZ-5n / ZX-5n A modern classic: the Pentax MZ-5n / ZX-5n

Pentax Z-1p Review by Kristian Elof Sørensen
Pentax Z-1p - photo.net
----------------
Spotmatic prototype (?)
http://www.dariobonazza.com/public/Spotmatic_1963_01.jpg
http://s895.photobucket.com/albums/ac156/Coopiecat/Pentax%20SP%20proto/?acti...t=P1040685.jpg
Pentax SP motor proto pictures by Coopiecat - Photobucket
http://s895.photobucket.com/albums/ac156/Coopiecat/Pentax%20SP%20proto/
Spotmatic prototypes

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- - - Pentax Auto 110 SLR - Film format

Spool your own 110 film? Pentax Auto 110 and 110 film

Pentax Auto 110 - Camerapedia.org

Pentax Auto 110 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Chris Osborne - Classic cameras - Pentax Auto 110

Pentax 110

Pentax Auto 110 - THE MOST VERSATILE LITTLE CAMERA EVER MADE by Rick Oleson
- - - Pentax Auto 110: World's Most Versatile Camera

- - - Pentax Auto 100 Manual:
http://jsurp.tripod.com/auto110man.htm

- - - Pentax Auto Super 110 Manual
http://www.cameramanuals.org/pentax_pdf/pentax_auto_110_super.pdf

S Gandy' take on the 110 system - great site btw.
Pentax 110 SLR

Sexy see through attire - tres haute couture
Pentax 110 See Through
although the legal department of the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris might not see things the same: Haute couture - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Pentax Spotmeter - Analog is better than digital by John Schultheis
Pentax Spotmeter V Page

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Pentax Astronomical

Understanding Pentax XL and XW (astro) eyepieces by Greg Nowell
http://www.astromart.com/articles/article.asp?article_id=716

Pentax 105SDP Apochromatic Refractor by Pollux Chung
http://www.astromart.com/articles/article.asp?article_id=674

Astronomy Forums | Telescope Forums & Reviews | Astronomy Community - Welcome to the Pentax DSLR Astrophotography Group!
____________
10mm Pentax XW vs 10.5 Pentax XL Eyepieces
http://www.cloudynights.com/documents/pentax.pdf
undoubtedly, a millionth of a drop in the bucket on this subject.

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Extreme Miscellany Department

The new Pentax H 60mm f/8 "Optical". A new introduction to their impressive line of limited lenses, the new Pentax-H ("Optical") is a 60mm "pancake" manual focus lens. ;- )
Pentax H 60mm f/8

Make a lens from Plumbing Supplies - Sink Trap Lens Mount :- )
Make a Lens from Plumbing Supplies!

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Freeware

Free Software for Digital Imaging and Photography by Mark Roberts: http://www.robertstech.com/software.htm

https://sites.google.com/site/cornerfix/home - Vignetting Correction of cyan corner, simple optical vignetting, Italian flag syndrome. For any camera that supports DNG files.

Oloneo PhotoEngine Beta 1
-------- High Dynamic Range Imaging Blog Archive Oloneo PhotoEngine Beta 1

SimpleViewer Download

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Of special note

Raw Photo Processor (RPP) - Not for tyros it would seem. For Mac users only.
review: RED DOG JOURNAL: ALL ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY, ALL THE TIME!
Raw Photo Processor (RPP)

[bfo]

A lot more pentax lens reviews.

Pentax Lens Tests

[solar1]

Try and search for popphoto lens tests, it can be a frustrating waste of time . Perhaps a few people will find this posting helpful.

[apisto]

Thank you for your time and effort. This is quite helpful.

[solar1]

Thank you for looking and taking the time to comment.

Every time I wanted to look for something up on the popphoto website it always turned into near fruitless search. At least we have something to easily click the links now.

Sorry to popphoto, if it sounds like complaining... it must be very challenging keeping so many articles and tests straight online. Thank you. I appreciate what is available online!

Thank you for your time and effort. This is quite helpful.

[solar1]

Notable bump.

[solar1]

But with nothing but time on my hands, got things up and running again. I apologize for that most of the links weren't working fir a while today.

I did manage to add a few curious additions today.

Please let me know if any more useful links come to mind.

Cheers,

Nic

[timo]

Nice to see that positive review of the FA24-90. That was one of the first non-kit lenses I ever bought secondhand, and I've never regretted it. It's a very useful range for travelling, it's light, not too big, and for me has always produced the goods. I haven't used it for a while - time to give it a good workout on the K-x.

[Canada_Rockies]

Thank you for this post. Fun. Hard on the wallet, though.

[solar1]

Nice to see that positive review of the FA24-90. That was one of the first non-kit lenses I ever bought secondhand, and I've never regretted it. It's a very useful range for travelling, it's light, not too big, and for me has always produced the goods. I haven't used it for a while - time to give it a good workout on the K-x.

Thanks for posting timo. I have the FA24-90 as well... good lens.

[solar1]

Thank you for this post. Fun. Hard on the wallet, though.

Thank you CR... It's tough to see some of these reviews and not get moved into the ol' LBA.

[Canada_Rockies]

The FA 24-90 is the lens on the MZ-S used by my wife.

[solar1]

Ya!
- - - - - - - - - - -

[solar1]

Including, To Korigoe's Nose

hint: see listing and links to DA 10-17mm zoom fisheye lens.