Pixie Dust

**Ash** · 06-01-2011, 11:03 PM

Yep, sharply captured subject here too, with reasonably pleasant bokeh, the lighting here not being as texturing as the first example, but the effect of the OOF background does give this image another dimension. The first one is perhaps a little 'dustier' than this one, even though both are very nice.

Last edited by Ash; 06-02-2011 at 08:21 AM.

DogLover · 06-02-2011, 08:15 AM

Originally posted by Ash

Yep, sharply captured subject here too, with reasonably pleasant bokeh, the lighting here not being as texturing as the first example, but the effect of the OOF baclground does give this image another dimension. The first one is perhaps a little 'dustier' than this one, even though both are very nice.

I would agree with Ash on both accounts.

paperbag846 · 06-02-2011, 08:19 AM

What lens is this? It seems to be ideal for abstracts.

jstevewhite · 06-02-2011, 08:45 AM

Originally posted by paperbag846

What lens is this? It seems to be ideal for abstracts.

It's the Samsung Schneider D-Xenon 100mm f2.8 Macro, which I believe is identical to the Pentax D-FA 100mm f2.8 Macro.

I looked at the second one a long time; I like the way the curtain's folds fall off on either side of the sharp area, but I think I like the first image better.

paperbag846 · 06-02-2011, 09:10 AM

If I can do this sort of thing with the D FA 100 Macro, I'm selling my 77.

There's pixie dust in that one!

Todd Adamson · 06-02-2011, 09:15 AM

Where would one acquire that lens, Steve? I have no macro lens for my Pentax system, and would love something in the 100-ish range. I used to have an F-mount Kiron 105, but looking at the prices of those things on the used market it seems out of my budget. Perhaps the Samsung is as well.

DogLover · 06-02-2011, 09:20 AM

Originally posted by Todd Adamson

Where would one acquire that lens, Steve? I have no macro lens for my Pentax system, and would love something in the 100-ish range. I used to have an F-mount Kiron 105, but looking at the prices of those things on the used market it seems out of my budget. Perhaps the Samsung is as well.

Why not just get the DFA 100WR?

Todd Adamson · 06-02-2011, 09:24 AM

Originally posted by DogLover

Why not just get the DFA 100WR?

Looks nice. I can't really afford that right now....hoping to come across some good option for a lot less money. I bought my F-mount Kiron for about $200, but maybe those days are over, LOL.

DogLover · 06-02-2011, 09:31 AM

Originally posted by Todd Adamson

Looks nice. I can't really afford that right now....hoping to come across some good option for a lot less money. I bought my F-mount Kiron for about $200, but maybe those days are over, LOL.

Well, of course you could sell your Zeiss 100/2 and buy three of 'em!

JK, I know you wouldn't do that.

jstevewhite · 06-02-2011, 09:43 AM

Originally posted by Todd Adamson

Where would one acquire that lens, Steve? I have no macro lens for my Pentax system, and would love something in the 100-ish range. I used to have an F-mount Kiron 105, but looking at the prices of those things on the used market it seems out of my budget. Perhaps the Samsung is as well.

Oddly enough, the Samsung lenses cost *more*, new (for instance, the Pentax 10-17 is $429 on amazon, but the samsung is $579!!!). Maybe taking advantage of folks who don't know they can use Pentax lenses on their GX-20? *shrug*. Anyway, i have it because I worked ever-so-briefly for Samsung (Network Engineering), and got an employee discount that was... ridiculous.

They sometimes sell cheaper used, but they are hard to find.

jstevewhite · 06-02-2011, 09:48 AM

Originally posted by paperbag846

If I can do this sort of thing with the D FA 100 Macro, I'm selling my 77.

There's pixie dust in that one!

LOL! Thanks.

It's a very sharp, very contrasty lens; I usually am very subject-oriented when I have it on the camera - like, "Oh, there's a cool-looking bug! Let me get my macro!" - so much more documentary. After I realized that the other day in a discussion on the forum with Jsherman - this thread, I think - I decided to get it out and try using it the way I do my FA50 - more from the image side. This was the result.

I had the M100 f4, prior; I miss it - I think it might be a technically superior macro lens up to 1:2 - but the AF makes up for it in non-macro application.

jstevewhite · 06-02-2011, 10:13 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Todd Adamson

Looks nice. I can't really afford that right now....hoping to come across some good option for a lot less money. I bought my F-mount Kiron for about $200, but maybe those days are over, LOL.

On eek-bay I frequently see the M100 f4 lenses for $100-$200, and they're (IMO) excellent; exceptional lenses, in fact. For some reason I've never managed to get the same DOF from the D-Xenon, even though it's stopped down to the same aperture. Some of my favorite macros came out of mine:

My favorite (bug) macro of all I've shot:

And another:

Todd Adamson · 06-02-2011, 10:34 AM

That first shot in particular is excellent, Steve! Randomly (I think, LOL) I just got a PM from another member who is interested in a lens I have but don't use much, and I think I may have just made a trade deal for DFA 100WR.

DogLover · 06-02-2011, 11:22 AM

I agree, Steve, that first shot is mighty impressive. Congrats, Todd. I think that DFA is the best AF 100ish macro available in k-mount. I had one once (DGaies has it now) and will re-buy it at some point.

jstevewhite · 06-02-2011, 11:26 AM

Originally posted by Todd Adamson

That first shot in particular is excellent, Steve! Randomly (I think, LOL) I just got a PM from another member who is interested in a lens I have but don't use much, and I think I may have just made a trade deal for DFA 100WR.

Awesome! I'm jealous, now (WR is cool in a macro!).

Lemme know if you think it has PD after you shoot with it for a bit. I'm curious.

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06-01-2011, 11:03 PM	#496
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Yep, sharply captured subject here too, with reasonably pleasant bokeh, the lighting here not being as texturing as the first example, but the effect of the OOF background does give this image another dimension. The first one is perhaps a little 'dustier' than this one, even though both are very nice. Last edited by Ash; 06-02-2011 at 08:21 AM.

06-02-2011, 08:15 AM	#497
DogLover Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 2,054	Originally posted by Ash Yep, sharply captured subject here too, with reasonably pleasant bokeh, the lighting here not being as texturing as the first example, but the effect of the OOF baclground does give this image another dimension. The first one is perhaps a little 'dustier' than this one, even though both are very nice. I would agree with Ash on both accounts.

06-02-2011, 08:19 AM	#498
paperbag846 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,395	What lens is this? It seems to be ideal for abstracts.

06-02-2011, 08:45 AM	#499
jstevewhite Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Midwest Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,407	Originally posted by paperbag846 What lens is this? It seems to be ideal for abstracts. It's the Samsung Schneider D-Xenon 100mm f2.8 Macro, which I believe is identical to the Pentax D-FA 100mm f2.8 Macro. I looked at the second one a long time; I like the way the curtain's folds fall off on either side of the sharp area, but I think I like the first image better.

06-02-2011, 09:10 AM	#500
paperbag846 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,395	If I can do this sort of thing with the D FA 100 Macro, I'm selling my 77. There's pixie dust in that one!

06-02-2011, 09:15 AM	#501
Todd Adamson Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Iowa Posts: 722	Where would one acquire that lens, Steve? I have no macro lens for my Pentax system, and would love something in the 100-ish range. I used to have an F-mount Kiron 105, but looking at the prices of those things on the used market it seems out of my budget. Perhaps the Samsung is as well.

06-02-2011, 09:20 AM	#502
DogLover Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 2,054	Originally posted by Todd Adamson Where would one acquire that lens, Steve? I have no macro lens for my Pentax system, and would love something in the 100-ish range. I used to have an F-mount Kiron 105, but looking at the prices of those things on the used market it seems out of my budget. Perhaps the Samsung is as well. Why not just get the DFA 100WR?

06-02-2011, 09:24 AM	#503
Todd Adamson Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Iowa Posts: 722	Originally posted by DogLover Why not just get the DFA 100WR? Looks nice. I can't really afford that right now....hoping to come across some good option for a lot less money. I bought my F-mount Kiron for about $200, but maybe those days are over, LOL.

06-02-2011, 09:31 AM	#504
DogLover Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 2,054	Originally posted by Todd Adamson Looks nice. I can't really afford that right now....hoping to come across some good option for a lot less money. I bought my F-mount Kiron for about $200, but maybe those days are over, LOL. Well, of course you could sell your Zeiss 100/2 and buy three of 'em! JK, I know you wouldn't do that.

06-02-2011, 09:43 AM	#505
jstevewhite Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Midwest Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,407	Originally posted by Todd Adamson Where would one acquire that lens, Steve? I have no macro lens for my Pentax system, and would love something in the 100-ish range. I used to have an F-mount Kiron 105, but looking at the prices of those things on the used market it seems out of my budget. Perhaps the Samsung is as well. Oddly enough, the Samsung lenses cost more, new (for instance, the Pentax 10-17 is $429 on amazon, but the samsung is $579!!!). Maybe taking advantage of folks who don't know they can use Pentax lenses on their GX-20? shrug. Anyway, i have it because I worked ever-so-briefly for Samsung (Network Engineering), and got an employee discount that was... ridiculous. They sometimes sell cheaper used, but they are hard to find.

06-02-2011, 09:48 AM	#506
jstevewhite Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Midwest Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,407	Originally posted by paperbag846 If I can do this sort of thing with the D FA 100 Macro, I'm selling my 77. There's pixie dust in that one! LOL! Thanks. It's a very sharp, very contrasty lens; I usually am very subject-oriented when I have it on the camera - like, "Oh, there's a cool-looking bug! Let me get my macro!" - so much more documentary. After I realized that the other day in a discussion on the forum with Jsherman - this thread, I think - I decided to get it out and try using it the way I do my FA50 - more from the image side. This was the result. I had the M100 f4, prior; I miss it - I think it might be a technically superior macro lens up to 1:2 - but the AF makes up for it in non-macro application.

06-02-2011, 10:13 AM - 1 Like	#507
jstevewhite Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Midwest Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,407	Originally posted by Todd Adamson Looks nice. I can't really afford that right now....hoping to come across some good option for a lot less money. I bought my F-mount Kiron for about $200, but maybe those days are over, LOL. On eek-bay I frequently see the M100 f4 lenses for $100-$200, and they're (IMO) excellent; exceptional lenses, in fact. For some reason I've never managed to get the same DOF from the D-Xenon, even though it's stopped down to the same aperture. Some of my favorite macros came out of mine: My favorite (bug) macro of all I've shot: And another:

06-02-2011, 10:34 AM	#508
Todd Adamson Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Iowa Posts: 722	That first shot in particular is excellent, Steve! Randomly (I think, LOL) I just got a PM from another member who is interested in a lens I have but don't use much, and I think I may have just made a trade deal for DFA 100WR.

06-02-2011, 11:22 AM	#509
DogLover Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 2,054	I agree, Steve, that first shot is mighty impressive. Congrats, Todd. I think that DFA is the best AF 100ish macro available in k-mount. I had one once (DGaies has it now) and will re-buy it at some point.

06-02-2011, 11:26 AM	#510
jstevewhite Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Midwest Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,407	Originally posted by Todd Adamson That first shot in particular is excellent, Steve! Randomly (I think, LOL) I just got a PM from another member who is interested in a lens I have but don't use much, and I think I may have just made a trade deal for DFA 100WR. Awesome! I'm jealous, now (WR is cool in a macro!). Lemme know if you think it has PD after you shoot with it for a bit. I'm curious.