How often do you use your D or Z handheld?

texandrews · 03-20-2017, 07:14 AM

Originally posted by itshimitis

You should get a bumper sticker for your K1 that says "My other camera is a 645Z!"

I'm getting that sticker!

Quote:

The 28 - 45 is one of my most used lenses handheld...

That is notable. I wonder if you find the mass is helpful in that regard. I also surmise, based on the work that you post----so routinely excellent I don't gratuitously comment on it any longer, but take this as a blanket "kudos to you" statement going forward---that your ability to handhold that lens for your shots has something to do with skill....

It would be amusing to us to sometime see you post something cr@ppy ;-}

---------- Post added 03-20-17 at 10:18 AM ----------

Originally posted by KiddiKristjans

I use my Z almost exclusively handheld, the trick in doing so comfortably is having a proper strap which doesn't hang around your neck and rather diagonally over your shoulders to spread the weight, for example I use the original (now discontinued) BlackRapid RS-7 strap which has special padding for the shoulder, which essentially makes the 645Z feel like any other dSLR when walking around. The extra vertical tripod mount on the camera suits this purpose almost too perfectly.

Plus one on this comment about appropriate straps. Whether this one or another (I'm using a discontinued Crumpler on my Z, the most comfy strap I've ever found, and use it shoulder style), it makes all the difference in the world.

Pablo Villegas · 03-20-2017, 09:11 AM

I shoot the 645D handheld 99% of the time. All outdoors and nothing professional.

paulster · 03-20-2017, 10:48 AM

I use my Z handheld a good chunk of the time, but always revert to the tripod for landscapes.

One of the things I've found to really help with getting a solid grip on the camera is the Spider Pro handgrip. With this on, the camera fits like a glove, and I find it much easier to hold it really steady. Plus I also use the 28-45 and 90 outdoors, both of which have IS to help when needed.

bull drinkwater · 03-20-2017, 05:24 PM

1 hand held = 5%
2 tripod = 20%
3 monopod = 75%

debakarma · 03-21-2017, 12:22 AM

Thanks to all of you for your viewpoints.

Originally posted by Gyroscope

Then again I have little incentive to walk around with the Z given my other camera is a K1.

This is also the fundamental question I have been struggling with. I do use a tripod, but its getting a pain to carry it around. BTW, I dont have the Z, but its appeal is getting to me.

rfkiii · 03-21-2017, 12:22 PM

Seldom. I use the 28-45 much of the time and together with the 645z, the weight and poor balance prevents me from steadying the camera for tack sharp images. I've had better luck handholding with the 55mm.

**unkipunki** · 03-24-2017, 11:46 AM - **1 Like**

The disparity of experience hand holding the Z with the 28-45mm is interesting. Personally I can achieve excellent results hand holding that lens more than any other with the Z. The SR is very effective, and relative movement at the FOV is also reduced, though more so at 28 than 45. So is it the shakes being induced by muscle fatigue from the combo's weight that some struggle with? I can't see the weight alone being the problem. Weight, almost by definition, dampens movement.

Gyroscope · 03-24-2017, 06:52 PM

Originally posted by unkipunki

The disparity of experience hand holding the Z with the 28-45mm is interesting. Personally I can achieve excellent results hand holding that lens more than any other with the Z. The SR is very effective, and relative movement at the FOV is also reduced, though more so at 28 than 45. So is it the shakes being induced by muscle fatigue from the combo's weight that some struggle with? I can't see the weight alone being the problem. Weight, almost by definition, dampens movement.

For me its not that I can't handhold the 28-45 (I used to hand hold a Canon 500mm F4 lens quite often when I had one) it is that I use it for landscapes and that is a tripod based activity. For occasions when I want a hand-holdable setup with that focal range I would just use the K1 since that is less bulky and easier to carry around. The Z for me is a specialist tool for a certain purpose (landscapes) and not my general purpose shooting platform. Once I get my tiny 75mm I may be tempted to use it more often walking around since it makes the Z way more manageable in terms of bulk but it would still be a rare occasion.

---------- Post added 03-24-17 at 07:47 PM ----------

Originally posted by paulster

I use my Z handheld a good chunk of the time, but always revert to the tripod for landscapes.

One of the things I've found to really help with getting a solid grip on the camera is the Spider Pro handgrip. With this on, the camera fits like a glove, and I find it much easier to hold it really steady. Plus I also use the 28-45 and 90 outdoors, both of which have IS to help when needed.

I had never heard of the Spiderpro handstrap but it looks pretty good. I guess I could combine it with one of the peak design dongles for my main strap?

Anyone know how this strap works with the K1?

Gurdur · 03-24-2017, 10:13 PM - **2 Likes**

I use my 645z almost all the time hand-held. It's very rare I use a tripod. And yes, I use it hand-held no matter which lens; the 28-45 wide angle, or the 90 macro, or the 400 telescopic. Since most of the time I'm taking photos while outdoors, and hiking, it really would be too cumbersome for me to do tripod.

mikeSF · 03-27-2017, 11:47 AM

I've never used it without a tripod (twilight landscape photography), but I am transitioning over to portrait shooting with lighting and expect to start handholding it soon.

petrakka · 03-27-2017, 11:57 AM

Originally posted by mikeSF

I've never used it without a tripod, but I am transitioning over to portrait shooting with lighting and expect to start handholding it soon.

And you may soon find out this is where the 1/125 sync of the camera is perhaps the absolute worst part of it. As a portrait photographer who prefers to handhold - 1/125 at that resolution becomes a challenging prospect - even with the 55. With the 150 you're really taking some risks. I handhold my quite a bit, but it always becomes hit or miss under 1/250. I do at least 1/500 and bump up the ISO whenever I can.

paulster · 03-27-2017, 12:04 PM

Originally posted by petrakka

And you may soon find out this is where the 1/125 sync of the camera is perhaps the absolute worst part of it. As a portrait photographer who prefers to handhold - 1/125 at that resolution becomes a challenging prospect - even with the 55. With the 150 you're really taking some risks. I handhold my quite a bit, but it always becomes hit or miss under 1/250. I do at least 1/500 and bump up the ISO whenever I can.

Mike is lucky enough to have HSS with his strobe setup, so doesn't suffer the 1/125 limitation.

Not so much of a problem in the studio where the flash duration is the limiting factor, but outside when trying to use flash against natural light 1/125 on the longer lenses really doesn't help.

petrakka · 03-27-2017, 01:37 PM

Originally posted by paulster

Mike is lucky enough to have HSS with his strobe setup, so doesn't suffer the 1/125 limitation.

Not so much of a problem in the studio where the flash duration is the limiting factor, but outside when trying to use flash against natural light 1/125 on the longer lenses really doesn't help.

HSS is limited to only certain lights if I'm not mistaken? And yes, the studio is a different animal - I guess I didn't immediately think of that as I shoot on location 99% of the time - with profotos. There's no way to use HSS with profotos or any monolight set up right? Or have I totally missed something. Always thought HSS was limited to speedlights.

**mattb123** · 03-27-2017, 01:45 PM

I shoot my 645D probably 90% on a tripod. I have gotten some good handheld shots but if I plan to shoot handheld much I'll usually bring a smaller, faster camera for that.

paulster · 03-27-2017, 01:47 PM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by petrakka

HSS is limited to only certain lights if I'm not mistaken? And yes, the studio is a different animal - I guess I didn't immediately think of that as I shoot on location 99% of the time - with profotos. There's no way to use HSS with profotos or any monolight set up right? Or have I totally missed something. Always thought HSS was limited to speedlights.

At the risk of going OT there are two possible ways I know of to get Profotos to work with HSS, assuming your Profotos support HSS in the first place (B1, B2, D2, etc.). One is to use the Canon Profoto Air transmitter stacked on a Cactus V6 II trigger, where the Cactus convinces the 645Z that it has a Pentax HSS-capable flash on top to unlock higher sync speeds, and the Profoto transmitter thinks it's on a Canon camera. The second method, which may or may not work, is to do the same thing with the Acon R930 II transmitter, but with the Profoto Air Nikon version. There are reports, though, that the Nikon version of the Air transmitter doesn't let you switch HSS on and off like the Canon one does - it relies on realizing that the shutter speed has gone above the sync speed, so it's questionable whether this would work with either the Acon (that only supports Nikon flashes) or the Cactus (which supports Canon and Nikon).

03-27-2017, 11:47 AM	#25
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,622	I've never used it without a tripod (twilight landscape photography), but I am transitioning over to portrait shooting with lighting and expect to start handholding it soon. Last edited by mikeSF; 03-27-2017 at 02:02 PM.

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03-20-2017, 07:14 AM	#16
texandrews Moderator Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Baltimore Photos: Albums Posts: 3,397	Originally posted by itshimitis You should get a bumper sticker for your K1 that says "My other camera is a 645Z!" I'm getting that sticker! Quote: The 28 - 45 is one of my most used lenses handheld... That is notable. I wonder if you find the mass is helpful in that regard. I also surmise, based on the work that you post----so routinely excellent I don't gratuitously comment on it any longer, but take this as a blanket "kudos to you" statement going forward---that your ability to handhold that lens for your shots has something to do with skill.... It would be amusing to us to sometime see you post something cr@ppy ;-} ---------- Post added 03-20-17 at 10:18 AM ---------- Originally posted by KiddiKristjans I use my Z almost exclusively handheld, the trick in doing so comfortably is having a proper strap which doesn't hang around your neck and rather diagonally over your shoulders to spread the weight, for example I use the original (now discontinued) BlackRapid RS-7 strap which has special padding for the shoulder, which essentially makes the 645Z feel like any other dSLR when walking around. The extra vertical tripod mount on the camera suits this purpose almost too perfectly. Plus one on this comment about appropriate straps. Whether this one or another (I'm using a discontinued Crumpler on my Z, the most comfy strap I've ever found, and use it shoulder style), it makes all the difference in the world.

03-20-2017, 09:11 AM	#17
Pablo Villegas Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 158	I shoot the 645D handheld 99% of the time. All outdoors and nothing professional.

03-20-2017, 10:48 AM	#18
paulster Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 159	I use my Z handheld a good chunk of the time, but always revert to the tripod for landscapes. One of the things I've found to really help with getting a solid grip on the camera is the Spider Pro handgrip. With this on, the camera fits like a glove, and I find it much easier to hold it really steady. Plus I also use the 28-45 and 90 outdoors, both of which have IS to help when needed.

03-20-2017, 05:24 PM	#19
bull drinkwater Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: pontiac mi. Posts: 392	1 hand held = 5% 2 tripod = 20% 3 monopod = 75%

03-21-2017, 12:22 AM	#20
debakarma Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,294 Original Poster	Thanks to all of you for your viewpoints. Originally posted by Gyroscope Then again I have little incentive to walk around with the Z given my other camera is a K1. This is also the fundamental question I have been struggling with. I do use a tripod, but its getting a pain to carry it around. BTW, I dont have the Z, but its appeal is getting to me.

03-21-2017, 12:22 PM	#21
rfkiii Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Texas Posts: 130	Seldom. I use the 28-45 much of the time and together with the 645z, the weight and poor balance prevents me from steadying the camera for tack sharp images. I've had better luck handholding with the 55mm.

03-24-2017, 11:46 AM - 1 Like	#22
unkipunki Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: South Lochaweside, Argyll Photos: Gallery Posts: 615	The disparity of experience hand holding the Z with the 28-45mm is interesting. Personally I can achieve excellent results hand holding that lens more than any other with the Z. The SR is very effective, and relative movement at the FOV is also reduced, though more so at 28 than 45. So is it the shakes being induced by muscle fatigue from the combo's weight that some struggle with? I can't see the weight alone being the problem. Weight, almost by definition, dampens movement.

03-24-2017, 06:52 PM	#23
Gyroscope Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 166	Originally posted by unkipunki The disparity of experience hand holding the Z with the 28-45mm is interesting. Personally I can achieve excellent results hand holding that lens more than any other with the Z. The SR is very effective, and relative movement at the FOV is also reduced, though more so at 28 than 45. So is it the shakes being induced by muscle fatigue from the combo's weight that some struggle with? I can't see the weight alone being the problem. Weight, almost by definition, dampens movement. For me its not that I can't handhold the 28-45 (I used to hand hold a Canon 500mm F4 lens quite often when I had one) it is that I use it for landscapes and that is a tripod based activity. For occasions when I want a hand-holdable setup with that focal range I would just use the K1 since that is less bulky and easier to carry around. The Z for me is a specialist tool for a certain purpose (landscapes) and not my general purpose shooting platform. Once I get my tiny 75mm I may be tempted to use it more often walking around since it makes the Z way more manageable in terms of bulk but it would still be a rare occasion. ---------- Post added 03-24-17 at 07:47 PM ---------- Originally posted by paulster I use my Z handheld a good chunk of the time, but always revert to the tripod for landscapes. One of the things I've found to really help with getting a solid grip on the camera is the Spider Pro handgrip. With this on, the camera fits like a glove, and I find it much easier to hold it really steady. Plus I also use the 28-45 and 90 outdoors, both of which have IS to help when needed. I had never heard of the Spiderpro handstrap but it looks pretty good. I guess I could combine it with one of the peak design dongles for my main strap? Anyone know how this strap works with the K1?

03-24-2017, 10:13 PM - 2 Likes	#24
Gurdur New Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 10	I use my 645z almost all the time hand-held. It's very rare I use a tripod. And yes, I use it hand-held no matter which lens; the 28-45 wide angle, or the 90 macro, or the 400 telescopic. Since most of the time I'm taking photos while outdoors, and hiking, it really would be too cumbersome for me to do tripod.

03-27-2017, 11:57 AM	#26
petrakka Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Chicago Posts: 91	Originally posted by mikeSF I've never used it without a tripod, but I am transitioning over to portrait shooting with lighting and expect to start handholding it soon. And you may soon find out this is where the 1/125 sync of the camera is perhaps the absolute worst part of it. As a portrait photographer who prefers to handhold - 1/125 at that resolution becomes a challenging prospect - even with the 55. With the 150 you're really taking some risks. I handhold my quite a bit, but it always becomes hit or miss under 1/250. I do at least 1/500 and bump up the ISO whenever I can.

03-27-2017, 12:04 PM	#27
paulster Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 159	Originally posted by petrakka And you may soon find out this is where the 1/125 sync of the camera is perhaps the absolute worst part of it. As a portrait photographer who prefers to handhold - 1/125 at that resolution becomes a challenging prospect - even with the 55. With the 150 you're really taking some risks. I handhold my quite a bit, but it always becomes hit or miss under 1/250. I do at least 1/500 and bump up the ISO whenever I can. Mike is lucky enough to have HSS with his strobe setup, so doesn't suffer the 1/125 limitation. Not so much of a problem in the studio where the flash duration is the limiting factor, but outside when trying to use flash against natural light 1/125 on the longer lenses really doesn't help.

03-27-2017, 01:37 PM	#28
petrakka Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Chicago Posts: 91	Originally posted by paulster Mike is lucky enough to have HSS with his strobe setup, so doesn't suffer the 1/125 limitation. Not so much of a problem in the studio where the flash duration is the limiting factor, but outside when trying to use flash against natural light 1/125 on the longer lenses really doesn't help. HSS is limited to only certain lights if I'm not mistaken? And yes, the studio is a different animal - I guess I didn't immediately think of that as I shoot on location 99% of the time - with profotos. There's no way to use HSS with profotos or any monolight set up right? Or have I totally missed something. Always thought HSS was limited to speedlights.

03-27-2017, 01:45 PM	#29
mattb123 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Colorado High Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,873	I shoot my 645D probably 90% on a tripod. I have gotten some good handheld shots but if I plan to shoot handheld much I'll usually bring a smaller, faster camera for that.

03-27-2017, 01:47 PM - 3 Likes	#30
paulster Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 159	Originally posted by petrakka HSS is limited to only certain lights if I'm not mistaken? And yes, the studio is a different animal - I guess I didn't immediately think of that as I shoot on location 99% of the time - with profotos. There's no way to use HSS with profotos or any monolight set up right? Or have I totally missed something. Always thought HSS was limited to speedlights. At the risk of going OT there are two possible ways I know of to get Profotos to work with HSS, assuming your Profotos support HSS in the first place (B1, B2, D2, etc.). One is to use the Canon Profoto Air transmitter stacked on a Cactus V6 II trigger, where the Cactus convinces the 645Z that it has a Pentax HSS-capable flash on top to unlock higher sync speeds, and the Profoto transmitter thinks it's on a Canon camera. The second method, which may or may not work, is to do the same thing with the Acon R930 II transmitter, but with the Profoto Air Nikon version. There are reports, though, that the Nikon version of the Air transmitter doesn't let you switch HSS on and off like the Canon one does - it relies on realizing that the shutter speed has gone above the sync speed, so it's questionable whether this would work with either the Acon (that only supports Nikon flashes) or the Cactus (which supports Canon and Nikon).