[E-man]

Yes, Samsung used its own firmware, which does have a different JPEG engine and doesn't support Pentax's proprietary RAW image format. Also, Samsung lost interest in their Pentax-based cameras and ended support well before Pentax did the same for their equivalent models, so even though Samsung based its firmware updates on the Pentax equivalents, they called it quits and left some shortcomings uncorrected, despite Pentax having fixed them in later updates. For instance, my GX-20 will not write to 32GB cards even though the Pentax K20D can be updated to correct the problem. Unfortunately, the Samsung cameras will not accept the equivalent Pentax firmware updates. Updates and PDF copies of manuals are also harder to find as Samsung doesn't even acknowledge the GX series cameras' existence on its Website. Fortunately, they are archived on third party sites. Had I known then what I know now, I might well have thought twice about buying my GX-20, but I can live with its shortcomings for the price I paid.

I remember reading that while the Samsung GX cameras had identical hardware to the Pentax equivalents (and were made by Pentax), Samsung used their own JPEG engine. So if you shoot JPEG I would look for a Pentax model. *istDLs can be found for 60 dollars on Ebay.

If I get one of the 6MP cameras it will be an *istD for the better viewfinder. I've considered one for a while, to give to my older son who currently uses my RZ18 - he's 8 years old so I'm waiting for him to grow a bit more before handing him a DSLR. But maybe I could get it sooner and test drive it for a year or two...

[arnold]

Well, I seldom use my k100d but I do. The only reason it does not get much prime-time is because it won't work all that well with rechargeable batteries. I completely agree on the rendering though, it's kinda special.

Just love the lighting on that last shot.

Here's a jpeg from the K100D, taken in 2011. I think I did some minor PP (vibrance/sharpening) on this one. DA18-55 kit lens:

Perfectly fine image, and in the end, the image content is what rules, not the pixels.

[Desperado]

i have k5iis and ks2 but still cant feel the color rendition of ccd sensors k100d k10d ect..who's agree with me?

[paulh]

Another one I found.

Wow, what a beautiful shot.

[paulh]

That is a beautiful mono, Paul. Very nice work.

Perfectly fine image, and in the end, the image content is what rules, not the pixels.

Thanks to you both

Here's another older one with the *ist D and M50/2. This is city hall on Main Street:

[ralph-uk]

Another advantage to the k100D is that it used a fairly ordinary plug for external power, handy for astrophotography:



It's a pity I don't live anywhere dark enough to do this at the moment.

Ralph

[Dan James]

Dan, the DL, and K100D series can use the AE-L button as "the green button" - for stopdown metering with M and K lenses. Your Samsung might do the same. Gorgeous photos once again!

[/COLOR]

Didn't know that. BTW -- Doing a DOF preview will perform a stop-down meter.

Thanks for the tips guys, but neither works on the Samsung GX-1S with a K or M lens. Whichever mode you put the camera in, you get AV blinking in the LCD screen and it won't meter or fire.

This is no great loss, as I'd already decided using K/M lenses on my K10D on M mode with the green button was quite fiddly and clunky compared with shooting Takumars on Av mode. So I'm gradually selling of my remaining few K/M series in favour of the Takumars and a select few other M42s. Plus a couple of A series which work great on the Samsung.

Another with the Samsung GX-1S plus Asahi Takumar 105mm f/2.8

[Dan James]

Thanks.
Another one I found.

Anyone who wonders if 6MP is enough to take wonderful photographs should be shown this as a glowing example of their potential. In the right hands of course. Excellent work.

[ripper2860]

So I'm gradually selling of my remaining few K/M series in favour of the Takumars and a select few other M42s.

You'll post them on PF Marketplace, I assume? (But only after you PM me 1st to let me have 1st shot at them.)


Also -- I found that the Samsung GX-1S does not support stop-down metering...

[Dan James]

You'll post them on PF Marketplace, I assume? (But only after you PM me 1st to let me have 1st shot at them.)

Also -- I found that the Samsung GX-1S does not support stop-down metering...

I usually buy and sell on the big auction site, and mostly in the UK. Postage and import charges to and from the US usually make kit too expensive to be worth it. Thanks for your interest though!

Got a tiny Auto-Takumar 35/3.5 yesterday, and can't believe how small it is. Sits well on my Samsung GX-1S, and takes very natural shots, to my eyes.

[paulh]

t a tiny Auto-Takumar 35/3.5 yesterday, and can't believe how small it is. Sits well on my Samsung GX-1S, and takes very natural shots, to my eyes.

Congrats and nice shot Dan. Yes, "natural" is how I would describe the Tak 35 rendering as well. Mine is the Super Tak version, but it's also very petite.
Using the *ist D (xpost from other threads)


Bonus pic, taken with my new toy, a bargain Tokina AF 28-70 zoom on the *ist D:

[niceshot]

Here are a few from yesterday of course my beloved 35mm 2.3

[ripper2860]

And another ...

K110D with SMC Pentax K135/2.5 @ f/2.5

[pathdoc]

Enough talk from me, now action. Or maybe inaction...

"All Wrapped Up"



Pentax *istDS and Super Multi Coated Takumar 50mm f/4.0, @ f/11 IIRC. SOOC.

[paulh]

F35-80 on an *ist D:


Taken near the site of the cactus during the same outing. This "hidden" picnic area requires about a 1.5 mile hike: