Originally posted by interested_observer I have had the
Q for about 3 weeks now. I do like it. The size is wonderful. I did think that it might be a tad heavier in weight given the metal body, but its nice. I have been reading about the C and D lenses along with the adapters. I have been taking my nightly walks around with the camera, and trying out night shots - which are actually hit and miss. I need some additional practice here on technique. I have also been thinking and looking at items that would be useful.
- Wrist Strap - The thing is small enough that I am afraid that I might drop it. Would like a nice dark brown leather one. Been looking, but nothing has moved me to do anything. I have been looking especially at the attachment approach.
- Batteries - Same thing here. I do like the Wasabis that I picked up for the K5.
- Lens - Currently have the 01. Though about the 02 kit, but passed on it. Maybe I should have - don't know, but too late now. Something along the lines of a 3mm prime would be nice for wide angle. Anyway, I'm waiting to see what Pentax comes out with.. Trying to decide on the fisheye - the concept of toy lenses is not really appealing - unless they are under $10.
- Adapter - The Pentax one is just way too expensive, and I don' think I need the shutter. Looking to use K, M, A and FA lenses - which have aperture rings, so I think that just about any of them with a foot should be fine. Interested in using the 28, 31, 85 and maybe the 135. I am wondering if the A*300 is just going to be too ungainly to aim.
- Scope - I do have to say the red dot does look nice and it appears to be very functional. This was a nice hack in putting it all together.
- Tripod - I have been using an extra A-S plate from my K100 as a wider base, and it fits on my tripod. But the little Mafratto travel base does look very functional.
Hi IO,
I use a Camdapter CamStrap. I hate wriststraps even more than neckstraps, and use their gripstraps on all of my DSLRs, so it was a natural for me though a bit pricey.
It's well constructed with quality materials, adds a bit of bulk, but nothing serious, and allows me to manipulate all of the controls and shoot with just the one hand.
I have 4 extra batteries, two of them are Wasabis, and they work as well as the originals IMO.
My most used Q system lenses are the 01 prime, 03 FE, and 06 zoom. The 03 FE is confused with the toy lenses as it's MF with a fixed aperture -- and inexpensive, but should not be classed with the toys. I feel it's a quality lens that the designers felt went with the nature of the Q and could be offered at a very attractive price since AF and an adjustable aperture would essentially be superfluous since DOF is very deep and only a short range of critical focus is needed. IMO, the 03 FE is of similar optical quality as my DA 10-17 FE, and since I'm not incredibly picky about IQ in FE shots, I've taken to carrying the Q and the 03 over packing the DA 10-17 in my everyday kit.
The Pentax K2Q adapter is for those who want to take Q adapted lens photography significantly past just novelty use. If you plan to use flash, it is essential as it allows sync up to 1/160 with external manual flash, up to 1/250 with external P-TTL flash, and up to 1/1000 with the popup. I like to shoot small critter macros with flash, and found the 1/13 sync with the electronic shutter essentially useless for this, so for me, the price of the Pentax adapter was easily justified since the Q is just made for handheld macro with flash AFAIC. If you want to shoot moving subjects with panning, the leaf shutter will eliminate the rolling shutter effect.
If you're primarily going to shoot stationary subjects with available light, then the 3rd party adapters and electronic shutter work fine, but realize there will be limitations.
The Red Dot is a very useful accessory for shooting long. It cuts down search time (and frustration) which gives more time to focus and compose. Not quite as handy as AF, but it can help get the job done.
In the pic above, you can also see the 1" Arca plate that I got from Hejnar Photo. This one happens to be the one with the ridge, but it had to be modified to clear the lens mount. The one I'm linking to does not have the ridge, and does not need to be modified. With either, it's recommended to add a thin rubber or cork gasket (I use little cork self stick dots at each of the corners) to prevent slippage.
1.00 inch plate without ridge [D011] - $20.00 : Hejnar Photo Store, Serving Your Professional Photography Needs
One other thing that you might find useful for adapted lens use is an LCD loupe. I've used a Hoodman Hood Loupe with rubber bands and a magnetically attached Chinese model set up for the Nikon J1 but needed to modify the frame to clear the control buttons by enlarging the mounting hole on the metal frame.
Hope you're having fun with your Q. . .
Scott