K-3 speculation

zackspeed · 05-24-2011, 03:11 PM

Originally posted by Asahiflex

There are good reasons for the lens to be slow; Jun Hirakawa (the designer) wanted a good MF feel and slow gearing for precise focusing. After all this lens was not meant to replace the FA 50/1.4 (which is FAST!) but it's rather the spiritual successor of the FA* 85/1.4. So, the DA* 55 is meant as a portrait lens and should be treated as such.

that´s what he told

zackspeed · 05-24-2011, 03:13 PM

Originally posted by Winder

Since it is an AF lens goal should have been to produce a lens that was fast and accurate. Canon, Nikon, & Sigma all produce very fast/accurate lenses in this focal length. Portrait lens or not it is still a 55mm lens.

The new Nikkor 1,4 50 is slow like the Pentax 55,but feels more like plastic

Blue · 05-24-2011, 03:32 PM

Originally posted by Asahiflex

There are good reasons for the lens to be slow; Jun Hirakawa (the designer) wanted a good MF feel and slow gearing for precise focusing. After all this lens was not meant to replace the FA 50/1.4 (which is FAST!) but it's rather the spiritual successor of the FA* 85/1.4. So, the DA* 55 is meant as a portrait lens and should be treated as such.

Given it is weather sealed, it must have been meant as a portrait lens for the shower.

**Ash** · 05-24-2011, 04:46 PM

Originally posted by Blue

Given it is weather sealed, it must have been meant as a portrait lens for the shower.

What other lens would suit the sultry lady-having-a-shower nude shoot?

Class A · 05-24-2011, 05:53 PM

Originally posted by Blue

Given it is weather sealed, it must have been meant as a portrait lens for the shower.

P.S.: I believe some of the lenses Jun Hirakawa designed are fantastic. The DA* 55/1.4, however, did not turn out to be a masterpiece, AFAIC. It is very sharp, but I don't think the bokeh/rendering comes close to any of the legendary Pentax lenses. In no way I think it can claim to be a legitimate successor to the FA* 85/1.4.

RBellavance · 05-24-2011, 06:00 PM

Originally posted by Winder

Samsung has a new 18MP sensor.... Maybe that will be at the heart of the K-5 replacement.

As much as I love my K-7, please no. Sony's EXMOR sensors are so much better it's not even funny.

And 4K support leaves me completely cold. I don't do video much if at all. Low noise and wide DR are much, much more important to me.

Winder · 05-24-2011, 06:19 PM

Originally posted by uccemebug

That is short!

The NX series is quite good and worth bearing in mind. I wonder if Pentax could stake out a space making something with a bit more W90 DNA in there.

Samsung NX series is all first generation so expect rapid improvements until the system matures. The 14MP sensor used in the K-7/NX10/NX11 is said to be out of production (the last run was used in the NX11). Samsung has already starting production on the 18MP so it will find its way into something pretty soon.

I would love to see a weather sealed Pentax version of the NX10.

WerTicus · 05-24-2011, 10:55 PM

Originally posted by Class A

The DA* 55/1.4, however, did not turn out to be a masterpiece

i think its okay

JHD · 05-25-2011, 01:41 AM

Originally posted by Edvinas

1. Better AF
2. Better AF
3. Better AF
4. Better AF
5. Better AF

I've used Nikon D90 for one day. Every picture was in focus, tack sharp exactly there where I was focusing. I wish I could say the same about K-5....

That's pretty sad considering how old the D90 is. And that is why I'm passing on the K-5; I refuse to buy another camera handicapped with poor AF.

In fact I bet there are more than a few people who, given the option would prefer a K-7 with AF tantamount to the D90 over the K-5 as it is.

No doubt this is one of the reasons why most professionals pass on Pentax.

thibs · 05-25-2011, 01:59 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by JHD

In fact I bet there are more than a few people who, given the option would prefer a K-7 with AF tantamount to the D90 over the K-5 as it is.

Frankly, I'd have to think a time before chosing between those two.

**fs999** · 05-25-2011, 02:43 AM

it's always the same old story : people who don't own a K-5, say it has a poor AF.
Don't listen Pentax, they don't want to buy a new camera, they are only whining...

**Ash** · 05-25-2011, 03:09 AM

The K-5 is far from handicapped in AF performance.
Under some low lighting conditions, it may need a refocus, but it hits the mark perfectly for me.
You must try it first, and under different conditions, before claiming it has poor AF.

JHD · 05-25-2011, 03:12 AM

Originally posted by fs999

it's always the same old story : people who don't own a K-5, say it has a poor AF.
Don't listen Pentax, they don't want to buy a new camera, they are only whining...

Obviously you're content with the AF of the K-5 because you have no idea how much better Nikon is. Try shooting some fast action with D90 and then try to get the same type of shots with your K-5.

Edvinas · 05-25-2011, 04:39 AM

Originally posted by fs999

it's always the same old story : people who don't own a K-5, say it has a poor AF.
Don't listen Pentax, they don't want to buy a new camera, they are only whining...

I have experience with three K-5s — I own two K-5's (I need a backup camera), one of them wass exchange for another K-5 with stained sensor.

All of them did not focus correctly without large AF adjustments with all my lenses (FA limiteds and DA* zooms), all three bodies were not really usable without AF adjustments. And even with adjusted focus AF isn't consistent. Majority of pictures are OK, however misfocus (most often backfocus) happens much more often than I would want.

Maybe if you're landscape shooter, shooting with wide angle lenses stopped down to f/8, AF inacurracy isn't noticeable, however I usually shoot between f/2.4 and f/3.5 at longer focal lengths and front/back focus is very noticeable.

Pentax nailed Live View AF, it's quick and very accurate. Unfortunately phase detection AF is all over the place

Edvinas · 05-25-2011, 04:47 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Ash

The K-5 is far from handicapped in AF performance.
Under some low lighting conditions, it may need a refocus, but it hits the mark perfectly for me.
You must try it first, and under different conditions, before claiming it has poor AF.

Put camera on tripod. Take some fast non wide angle lens (max aperture f/1.4 or f/1.8) and shoot some brick wall or newspaper from a few meters distance. For accurate focus reference make first shot in live view (live view AF is accurate). Then take, let's say, ten shots with phase detection AF. Defocus the lens manually before each shot. Then check those pictures against your reference picture. You'll see what I am talking about...

05-25-2011, 04:39 AM	#194
Edvinas Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Kaunas Posts: 1,458	Originally posted by fs999 it's always the same old story : people who don't own a K-5, say it has a poor AF. Don't listen Pentax, they don't want to buy a new camera, they are only whining... I have experience with three K-5s — I own two K-5's (I need a backup camera), one of them wass exchange for another K-5 with stained sensor. All of them did not focus correctly without large AF adjustments with all my lenses (FA limiteds and DA* zooms), all three bodies were not really usable without AF adjustments. And even with adjusted focus AF isn't consistent. Majority of pictures are OK, however misfocus (most often backfocus) happens much more often than I would want. Maybe if you're landscape shooter, shooting with wide angle lenses stopped down to f/8, AF inacurracy isn't noticeable, however I usually shoot between f/2.4 and f/3.5 at longer focal lengths and front/back focus is very noticeable. Pentax nailed Live View AF, it's quick and very accurate. Unfortunately phase detection AF is all over the place Last edited by Edvinas; 05-25-2011 at 04:52 AM.

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05-24-2011, 03:11 PM	#181
zackspeed Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 527	Originally posted by Asahiflex There are good reasons for the lens to be slow; Jun Hirakawa (the designer) wanted a good MF feel and slow gearing for precise focusing. After all this lens was not meant to replace the FA 50/1.4 (which is FAST!) but it's rather the spiritual successor of the FA* 85/1.4. So, the DA* 55 is meant as a portrait lens and should be treated as such. that´s what he told

05-24-2011, 03:13 PM	#182
zackspeed Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 527	Originally posted by Winder Since it is an AF lens goal should have been to produce a lens that was fast and accurate. Canon, Nikon, & Sigma all produce very fast/accurate lenses in this focal length. Portrait lens or not it is still a 55mm lens. The new Nikkor 1,4 50 is slow like the Pentax 55,but feels more like plastic

05-24-2011, 03:32 PM	#183
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by Asahiflex There are good reasons for the lens to be slow; Jun Hirakawa (the designer) wanted a good MF feel and slow gearing for precise focusing. After all this lens was not meant to replace the FA 50/1.4 (which is FAST!) but it's rather the spiritual successor of the FA* 85/1.4. **So, the DA 55 is meant as a portrait lens and should be treated as such.*** Given it is weather sealed, it must have been meant as a portrait lens for the shower.

05-24-2011, 04:46 PM	#184
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Originally posted by Blue Given it is weather sealed, it must have been meant as a portrait lens for the shower. What other lens would suit the sultry lady-having-a-shower nude shoot?

05-24-2011, 05:53 PM	#185
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	Originally posted by Blue Given it is weather sealed, it must have been meant as a portrait lens for the shower. P.S.: I believe some of the lenses Jun Hirakawa designed are fantastic. The DA* 55/1.4, however, did not turn out to be a masterpiece, AFAIC. It is very sharp, but I don't think the bokeh/rendering comes close to any of the legendary Pentax lenses. In no way I think it can claim to be a legitimate successor to the FA* 85/1.4.

05-24-2011, 06:00 PM	#186
RBellavance Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Near Montréal, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,716	Originally posted by Winder Samsung has a new 18MP sensor.... Maybe that will be at the heart of the K-5 replacement. As much as I love my K-7, please no. Sony's EXMOR sensors are so much better it's not even funny. And 4K support leaves me completely cold. I don't do video much if at all. Low noise and wide DR are much, much more important to me.

05-24-2011, 06:19 PM	#187
Winder Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 6,617 Original Poster	Originally posted by uccemebug That is short! The NX series is quite good and worth bearing in mind. I wonder if Pentax could stake out a space making something with a bit more W90 DNA in there. Samsung NX series is all first generation so expect rapid improvements until the system matures. The 14MP sensor used in the K-7/NX10/NX11 is said to be out of production (the last run was used in the NX11). Samsung has already starting production on the 18MP so it will find its way into something pretty soon. I would love to see a weather sealed Pentax version of the NX10.

05-24-2011, 10:55 PM	#188
WerTicus Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Perth Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 1,514	Originally posted by Class A The DA* 55/1.4, however, did not turn out to be a masterpiece i think its okay

05-25-2011, 01:41 AM	#189
JHD Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,406	Originally posted by Edvinas 1. Better AF 2. Better AF 3. Better AF 4. Better AF 5. Better AF I've used Nikon D90 for one day. Every picture was in focus, tack sharp exactly there where I was focusing. I wish I could say the same about K-5.... That's pretty sad considering how old the D90 is. And that is why I'm passing on the K-5; I refuse to buy another camera handicapped with poor AF. In fact I bet there are more than a few people who, given the option would prefer a K-7 with AF tantamount to the D90 over the K-5 as it is. No doubt this is one of the reasons why most professionals pass on Pentax.

05-25-2011, 01:59 AM - 1 Like	#190
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	Originally posted by JHD In fact I bet there are more than a few people who, given the option would prefer a K-7 with AF tantamount to the D90 over the K-5 as it is. Frankly, I'd have to think a time before chosing between those two.

05-25-2011, 02:43 AM	#191
fs999 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Luxembourg Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,645	it's always the same old story : people who don't own a K-5, say it has a poor AF. Don't listen Pentax, they don't want to buy a new camera, they are only whining...

05-25-2011, 03:09 AM	#192
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	The K-5 is far from handicapped in AF performance. Under some low lighting conditions, it may need a refocus, but it hits the mark perfectly for me. You must try it first, and under different conditions, before claiming it has poor AF.

05-25-2011, 03:12 AM	#193
JHD Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,406	Originally posted by fs999 it's always the same old story : people who don't own a K-5, say it has a poor AF. Don't listen Pentax, they don't want to buy a new camera, they are only whining... Obviously you're content with the AF of the K-5 because you have no idea how much better Nikon is. Try shooting some fast action with D90 and then try to get the same type of shots with your K-5.

05-25-2011, 04:47 AM - 1 Like	#195
Edvinas Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Kaunas Posts: 1,458	Originally posted by Ash The K-5 is far from handicapped in AF performance. Under some low lighting conditions, it may need a refocus, but it hits the mark perfectly for me. You must try it first, and under different conditions, before claiming it has poor AF. Put camera on tripod. Take some fast non wide angle lens (max aperture f/1.4 or f/1.8) and shoot some brick wall or newspaper from a few meters distance. For accurate focus reference make first shot in live view (live view AF is accurate). Then take, let's say, ten shots with phase detection AF. Defocus the lens manually before each shot. Then check those pictures against your reference picture. You'll see what I am talking about...