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Showing all 52 reviews by torashi

Review of: PENTAX AF 160FC Auto Macro Ring Flash by torashi on Fri January 10, 2020 | Rating: 8 View more reviews

Views: 25926 Reviews: 12 I have used mine mainly with 50 and 100 mm lenses in manual and AF modes. It's a shame it's not wider than 58mm (it has a 67 mm reductor ring included, though). It takes 58 mm filters, e.g. polarizer, but attaches on the back, thus it can't be used for wide angle macro. But perhaps I can get a custom WA adapter made. The battery door is the same as other flashes from the era, so if you need a new one, get one of those for cheap as a donor.

Review of: Manfrotto Super Clamp 035 by torashi on Fri January 10, 2020 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 6255 Reviews: 3 I own three of these. One since new and two second hand. They can hold a (D)SLR and a big lens with no problem. Put two together and they can hold a boom arm. It's a good solution for when you're not bringing a tripod but of course has its limitations. Works like a charm paired with a remote IR release.

Review of: Manfrotto 200PL Quick Release Plate by torashi on Fri January 10, 2020 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 2598 Reviews: 2 Got a few of these with two second hand clamps that use this system and it's a very good solution. Definitely get some extras for your gear that uses these. Mine are the older type with a set screw as a twist stop. I know the newer ones come with a plastic push-in pin.

Review of: Manfrotto 323 RC2 quick release system by torashi on Fri January 10, 2020 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 2974 Reviews: 4 Got mine second hand and use it on an older tripod that doesn't have a quick release plate system. Works well and is very solid.

Review of: Pentax Hot shoe cover FK by torashi on Fri January 10, 2020 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 2521 Reviews: 3 Was included with the camera and matches its exterior finish. Just a neat touch to keep the contacts clean while not using a flash. Remember to remove it and clean/dry the contacts anyway after shooting in the rain or a humid environment.

Review of: Pentax Cable Switch F by torashi on Fri January 10, 2020 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 17170 Reviews: 4 Works smoothly, as intended, including half-press (for waking the camera up, and activating AE and AF) and a lock for Bulb mode/long exposures. I use it on the Z-1p and 645N. It has a neat slot at the back for holding the contact cover of the camera while in use.

Review of: Kipon M42 to PK adapter by torashi on Fri January 10, 2020 | Rating: 8 View more reviews

Views: 7941 Reviews: 3 I got this Kipon adapter for my Helios 44M-6 which doesn't have a manual switch. It's the only way to use non manual aperture M42 lenses beyond wide open. Also works with the aus Jena Flektogon 4/20 without having to depress the preview lever, which can induce shake and on my Yashica Auto Yashinon-DS 50/1.9. The downsides are that burr at the hole for the locking spring screw can grind a bit on the threads of the lens and that the sand blasted finish isn't really smooth. Not even the surface where the aperture pin slides on and gets depressed. I really wish it had a polished chrome finish like so many other adapters. It really benefits from a bit of deburring and removal of the spring. I prefer not having to first remove the lens. Regarding focus past infinity, turns out USSR era, e.g. Jena, and Russian lenses have a longer focal flange distance. When I use them on Zenit cameras, infinity is spot on, but on Pentax cameras it goes past. Just something you should know. But all in all, it does work and fit very well. Don't get me wrong. It doesn't look nor feel cheap, comes in a nice big jewel case and tolerances are on spot, way better than most low budget M42 adapters. I try to keep it on just one lens because of the aforementioned finish issues.

Review of: Pentax Remote Control WP (O-RC1) by torashi on Thu January 2, 2020 | Rating: 8 View more reviews

Views: 26638 Reviews: 14 I've used it from inside the pool to trigger the camera set on a tripod previously, or at the river. If you like being near water, or shoot under the rain, get one. Otherwise just get a regular one, or third party, whatever works. Mine works with my K-5, the MZ-S with grip, ZX-L and i would suspect others. I've changed the battery on my first one, but unfortunately started having trouble with it, so I got a second one. It lasted for about three years of intermittent use before the battery died. So about ten bucks a year.

Review of: Op/Tech Double Lens Mount Cap for Pentax by torashi on Thu January 2, 2020 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 9466 Reviews: 4 These are very useful to optimize space in your camera bag when you have smaller lenses, like the M series. Two lenses will fit into one slot and not bump into each other. I have a small Domke messenger bag and this is always nice to have for pairing normal lenses with pancakes.

Review of: Pentax Bayonet type 6x7 mount body cap by torashi on Thu January 2, 2020 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 2235 Reviews: 2 These are a must have for all your 6x7 accessories to avoid dust getting in. Big, tough, metal tabs. They were made for professional use. Never seen one fail and I have quite a few.

Review of: Pentax Bayonet type K mount body cap by torashi on Thu January 2, 2020 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 4353 Reviews: 4 I have a couple of these which came with film bodies and they are tough! Thick plastic and the fit is just right. That explains their price, but you can get good deals from time to time on them. Much bulkier than the modern push on semi-transparent ones that are supplied nowadays, but also way better in general compared to the cheaper alternatives.

Review of: Pentax 6X7 Auto Bellows by torashi on Thu January 2, 2020 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 11239 Reviews: 4 There's not much I can add that hasn't been said already. I got mine from the previous reviewer here on the forum. Yes, it's big, but that's to be expected for a 6x7 system. It's however the right size for it. Anyone that has handled a 4x5 monorail will see it rather small, actually. Sadly, no movements on this unit, which could've been useful for DOF, but also more challenging and made it perhaps heavier.

Review of: Pentax D-BC90 Battery Charger (for D-LI90 batteries) by torashi on Thu January 2, 2020 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 20702 Reviews: 12 I've had mine for almost eight years now and it's still going. Never had a problem with it, it's light and lends itself for travel since it's specified for a wide range of voltages. It just needs the appropriate cable or plug adapter.

Review of: Pentax D-LI90 Rechargeable Battery for K-1, K-3, K-5, K-7, K-01, 645Z and 645D by torashi on Thu January 2, 2020 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 29200 Reviews: 13 I bough three more since I got my K-5 in 2012. Cycle through the four of them regularly to keep them alive and they are still going strong. I also clean the contacts from time to time.

Review of: LowePro Lens Case 1W by torashi on Thu January 2, 2020 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 4154 Reviews: 2 Bought a bunch of cases as a lot. This one in particular fits my Rokinon 24/3.5 TS very well.

Review of: Lowepro 9x9cm Lens Case by torashi on Thu January 2, 2020 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 3445 Reviews: 2 Bought a bunch of cases as a lot. This one in particular fits my Rokinon 8mm fisheye very well, since it is as wide as it is tall. An FA 50/1.4 with a bunch of filters, too.

Review of: LowePro Lens Case #2 by torashi on Thu January 2, 2020 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 3966 Reviews: 2 Bought a bunch of cases as a lot. This one in particular fits two 645 lenses in a row with some added padding in between.

Review of: LowePro Lens Case 1 (Black) by torashi on Thu January 2, 2020 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 8409 Reviews: 6 Bought a bunch of cases as a lot. This in particular fits larger lenses very well, like the 645 A 120/4 Macro.

Review of: Pentax SLR Camera Holster by torashi on Thu January 2, 2020 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 11276 Reviews: 3 I don't know why the previous reviewers gave it such a hard time. Its of good quality and well padded. It fits a camera with grip and a regular kit zoom. Mine came with my ZX-L and FG grip, and matching silver FA 28-90. It has a padded separator at the front which either fits some filters in their cases, or flips away for a longer lens. Then another mesh pocket against where the back of the camera goes. Velcro for quick use, or a big meaty zipper to close it well off. The top pocket is big and fits batteries and film and more filters. It has a belt loop and the removable strap can be used as one if the need arises. Give it a try if it comes across for a dime.

Review of: PENTAX 645 Film magazine for 120 film by torashi on Wed January 1, 2020 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 12143 Reviews: 2 Make sure yours comes with the case since it's needed to pre-load some film. Also, bring it to a trusted shop for a good CLA from time to time to keep it running smoothly. Your camera's winder will thank you for it. Easier to load than other MF cameras/magazines.

Review of: Pentax Battery Grip FG by torashi on Wed January 1, 2020 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 17297 Reviews: 5 I use it mainly for extended pop-up flash use at night or fill flash because of the added battery capacity. Most people already have some kind of rechargeable AA's vs. CR2's which makes it that much more convenient. Other models carry six, or even eight, but the four this takes I think is ideal in terms of power vs. weight.

Review of: Pentax 6x7 Grip by torashi on Wed January 1, 2020 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 9235 Reviews: 4 Just to claify, it has a spring loaded thumb screw that prevents accidental releasing if it unscrews for whatever reason. It is well thought through and secure. This grip only comes off if you want to. The last review might hint at the contrary. Like the previous reviewer, I also wish it had a PC socket and hot shoe contacts, but I get by with the excellent Pentax hot shoe adapter LS, or an unbranded PC socket adapter with 1/4" screw threads at the bottom instead of pass through contacts, which would create a short with the all metal cold shoe of the grip (and I'm also not really fond of using electrical tape or something similar which can be torn or pushed away by the flash foot or contacts).

Review of: Pentax Motor Drive A by torashi on Wed January 1, 2020 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 16577 Reviews: 3 Came with manual, cable release and battery cord in a bundle with a bunch of other stuff. Was a bit corroded, but after some cleaning started working flawlessly. This winder is very versatile. You can add the cable release and shoot away from the camera; you can remove the battery pack and use the remote cable to hold it in a pocket during cold weather or just to take the weight off, which is considerable since it takes not four, not six, but EIGHT AA batteries! All this juice and it still doesn't power the camera. You still need to put the two button cells inside of it. I consider it mostly of collectible value, since no one shoots through rolls this fast anymore. That's what the latest high fps digital cameras are for.

Review of: Kata DA-467i by torashi on Wed January 1, 2020 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 12289 Reviews: 3 Got this around 2012 for my K-5 at a discount when Kata merged into Manfrotto. After all these years it's been a solid companion. The yellow interior really makes finding things easy and has enough pockets for smaller things. The side straps can hold soft cases and more.

Review of: PENTAX ME Viewfinder Cap by torashi on Wed January 1, 2020 | Rating: 8 View more reviews

Views: 17036 Reviews: 5 I have quite a few of these, and they all have broken tabs. They came to me either already broken or broke during use. That means they fall off easily if the camera is tilted above 90º. Haven't lost one since I always remember to take it off, but it's annoying that they all break. Really bad design and material selection. I also guess they didn't test it enough in the field and just kept the design until today. Perhaps they changed the material at the manufacturing stage at some point for a cheaper one. Seems PS and that's too stiff and brittle. ABS, PC (or a mix of those) or PP would've been tougher and more elastic. This deserves a slap in the back of the head of the team that put these out!

Review of: Pentax RH-RC49 Rubber Hood by torashi on Wed January 1, 2020 | Rating: 0 View more reviews

Views: 5529 Reviews: 1 Ordered one from B&H for my FA50/1.4 a few years ago and does the job. Much easier to collapse and extend than vintage or cheap chinese ones which have much more stiffer rubber.

Review of: Pentax BG 10 battery grip by torashi on Wed January 1, 2020 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 16236 Reviews: 6 This is a must have if you use the camera's pop-up flash and/or an IR remote. The extra power is really great, and it's not really big in comparison to the DSLR grips. Works with the O-RC1 (OEM and third party IR remotes, too, e.g. my phone, lol)! If I'm not planning on popping a lot of flash, I just take it off and it's a breeze. So quick and easy. I wonder why Pentax abandoned this design. Perhaps something to do with the WR. The only downside is that all rubber bumpers that come in contact with the camera melted. Just like the cable release, grip latch and contact covers on the camera. They must've changed something in the formula and the polymerization reverted itself somehow.

Review of: PENTAX Magnifier Eyecup O-ME53 by torashi on Wed January 1, 2020 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 51325 Reviews: 41 Works very well with manual lenses and doesn't block out any part of the viewfinder (it probably would if it had higher magnification, but you get one or the other). Like other Pentax eyecups, it's silicone, rather than rubber, which is tougher, is soft to the touch and feels great to use. Kind of like a 645 with some clearance to the body. Fits my K-5 and MZ-S perfectly.

Review of: PENTAX Magnifier FB by torashi on Tue December 31, 2019 | Rating: 8 View more reviews

Views: 19908 Reviews: 3 Convenient and comes in a dedicated semi-hard pouch. I just wish it had a big round cup to block light hitting your eye. Great to have if you're using manual lenses on the plain matte screen of a DSLR or AF film body.

Review of: Pentax Hot-Shoe Adapter LS by torashi on Tue December 31, 2019 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 4898 Reviews: 2 I use it on my 6x7 MLU with the left hand grip for flash and with the LS 90 mm; also on the 645N with the 135 LS and even for off-camera flash macro.

Review of: PENTAX AF 280T by torashi on Tue December 31, 2019 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 67793 Reviews: 27 I got this for my 645N and works great! It's a must for bounce and even close-up work.

Review of: PENTAX AF 200S by torashi on Tue December 31, 2019 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 24654 Reviews: 7 Got this from a friend who didn't have much use for it. Works as intended after cleaning the contacts and lubricating the auto pins.

Review of: Pentax PH-R 52mm Round Plastic Hood by torashi on Tue December 31, 2019 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 3983 Reviews: 1 Mine came with the K 100/4 Bellows macro lens and it even works for my A50/1.2. Much more convenient than screw-in types.

Review of: Pentax RH-RA49 Rubber Hood by torashi on Tue December 31, 2019 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 12944 Reviews: 5 Ordered one from B&H and does the job. Much easier to collapse and extend than vintage or cheap chinese ones which have much more stiffer rubber.

Review of: PENTAX Stereo Adapter 49mm and 52mm by torashi on Tue December 31, 2019 | Rating: 8 View more reviews

Views: 27044 Reviews: 3 Mine came with box, papers and slide viewer. Works well, but other adapters like the Stitz are bigger (greater viewing angle), adjust to your field of view with a helicoid and overlapping with blinds. OTOH it's smaller and lighter. Setting the precise horizontal angle is hard and otherwise the 3D effect won't work well.

Review of: Pentax Mount Adapter K (M42 Screwmount to K Mount) by torashi on Tue December 31, 2019 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 30103 Reviews: 16 I own many M42 adapters for my lenses, and the original Pentax ones are the absolute best. Finish and tolerances are just perfect. Even if they're expensive, they'll fit so smoothly that your camera's mount will thank you for it.

Review of: PENTAX AF 540FGZ II by torashi on Tue December 31, 2019 | Rating: 8 View more reviews

Views: 34560 Reviews: 11 Bought two units new, both failed, one beyond repair, the other is up and running. Bought a third one used here on the forum. So far no more problems. They lack a lot of connectivity and power options, but do the job.

Review of: PENTAX AF 200FG by torashi on Tue December 31, 2019 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 28262 Reviews: 10 Bought it from a forum member and it works like a charm. Four AA are clearly an advantage in comparison to the newer AF201FG, which allows angle adjustment, and thus bounce, but doesn't recycle as fast. Works really well if you want a no brainer TTL flash or having the option on a non pop/up flash camera. I can't speak for its compatibility on newer cameras, though. From my understanding PTTL protocol has changed in the last four or five years. Please message me if you can confirm/deny its compatibility.

Review of: PENTAX Hot Shoe Adapter FG by torashi on Tue December 31, 2019 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 12071 Reviews: 3 I use it in combination with hot shoe adapter F and F5P extension cord on a bracket to change quickly from portrait to landscape orientation in a breeze. It's made of quality plastic, fits snugly and secure on Pentax gear and allows the use of the built-in flash on my K-5.

Review of: PENTAX Hot Shoe Adapter F by torashi on Tue December 31, 2019 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 15478 Reviews: 6 I use it in combination with hot shoe adapter FG and F5P extension cord on a bracket to change quickly from portrait to landscape orientation in a breeze. It's made of quality plastic and fits snugly and secure on Pentax gear and on my bracket's cold shoe.

Review of: PENTAX Extension Cord F5P (Short) by torashi on Tue December 31, 2019 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 8842 Reviews: 4 I use it in combination with hot shoe adapters F and FG on a bracket to change quickly from portrait to landscape orientation in a breeze. It's a really thick, quality cable.

Review of: PENTAX AFW1 Wide-angle Adapter by torashi on Tue December 31, 2019 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 10253 Reviews: 4 Works well on my AF280T and AF200S. Comes with a little leatherette pouch.

Review of: PENTAX 6x7 Inner Bayonet Extension Tube Set by torashi on Tue December 31, 2019 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 8687 Reviews: 3 I have two sets. They work very well for macro work and for shortening MFD on longer lenses. They are light and easy to use if you know what you're doing. The 135/4 macro needs a lot of extension since it only goes to 1:3.2 without extension tubes, unlike the 100 mm which goes to 1:1 with the dedicated life size converter, neither of which I've had the privilege to use. Refer to the extension tube manual for the magnification and falloff compensation required.

Review of: Pentax 67 Helicoid Extension Tube by torashi on Tue December 31, 2019 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 16763 Reviews: 3 It's a must for macro or adapting lenses to the 6x7. Works smoothly and can be used in combination with extension tubes to get the proper flange focal distance or adjusting magnification. I've even used it with an old brass optic from the early 20th century.

Review of: PENTAX Helicoid Extension Tube K by torashi on Tue December 31, 2019 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 23796 Reviews: 5 Mine came with the case and it's awesome. I can use all kinds of adapted lenses on it. Even tiny enlarger lenses which fit right inside and focus to infinity with the right DIY or shop machined adapter. It works smoothly and you can't ask for better craftsmanship. Completely manual. Not a huge deal for macro and there are ways to stop down the aperture on a reversed lens before tripping the shutter. Nonetheless, sometimes, I just wish there were a second version with aperture lever like the Auto and non-auto Pentax extension tubes. Or at least a cable release socket. But this also means it's lighter than any of those hypothetical helicoids could ever be.

Review of: Pentax 6x7 Reverse Adapter 49mm & 67mm by torashi on Tue December 31, 2019 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 6243 Reviews: 2 I have both. They work as intended, plus they rotate so you can have the aperture readout on the lens on top. Any lens with these filter threads can be used, and with adapter rings the options are pretty much limitless.

Review of: PENTAX Auto Bellows K and Slide Copier K by torashi on Tue December 31, 2019 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 27072 Reviews: 5 It's a joy to use. The 100 mm bellows lens works well and focuses even to infinity. Reversing a lens is a breeze and it also accepts 49 mm filters for protection. I've also used the front standard on its own with the 31 mm Limited reversed on to extension tubes and the double cable release plus a Canon T3 cable release adapter, or a Nikon AR-10 double cable release (both adapted to 2.5 mm plugs) on my K-5. I wish Pentax had a lighter option like the BR-6 from Nikon instead of using a whole standard of the bellows. Also, copying slides is sometimes hard, because holding them at the right angle is cumbersome and there is no easy way to correct this.

Review of: PENTAX Microscope Adapter K by torashi on Tue December 31, 2019 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 21718 Reviews: 5 Highest quality adapter you can get. Mine is also M42 and came with an original K adapter atached.

Review of: Pentax PF-CA35 by torashi on Tue December 31, 2019 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 4912 Reviews: 1 I've actually only tried it out with an astronomy group on a big and sturdy telescope. My telescope is 70's vintage, too small and can't hold all that weight and torque. Works reasonably well with large diameter telescopes.

Review of: PENTAX Reverse Adapter K by torashi on Tue December 31, 2019 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 19673 Reviews: 4 I actually own two 52mm ones, because the second came with a bundle of items. I got the first one dirt cheap from Japan including an original Asahi 49/52mm step-up ring. They match optically and as the previous reviewer stated, it's a jewel. Sturdy and machined to the highest standards.

Review of: PENTAX Auto Extension Tube Set K by torashi on Tue December 31, 2019 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 38691 Reviews: 5 These do their job really well and build quality is top notch.

Review of: PENTAX Auto Extension Tube K 100mm by torashi on Tue December 31, 2019 | Rating: 10 View more reviews

Views: 8564 Reviews: 1 This is a lightweight alternative for higher magnification, aperture lever and less weight than a bellows unit or a bunch of the regular ones. Mine came with the original case, which shows its age (a bit stiff and cracked), contrary to the extension tube. Can't get better quality than this. Make sure it runs smoothly since it has long levers inside and if they're sticky, that might be a burden on your camera's aperture actuator. So better be safe and have it CLA'd.