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Blue · 09-11-2010, 07:12 PM

Originally posted by tynmdys

Pentax Spotmatic F photos pictures by shadowschool - Photobucket

I ran a roll through. Don't be too harsh on me, I've never used a camera besides point-and-shoot.
Opinions welcome!

That is a good first outing!

Nick Siebers · 09-11-2010, 07:38 PM

Yes, some of those shots are quite good! Especially a few of the young lady, she seems more inclined to be photographed than the older lady. :-) With more practice, more of the pictures will fall into the better range, but I would say you are on the right track. Have fun!

tynmdys · 09-11-2010, 07:59 PM

Originally posted by pickles

Nothing at all wrong with those shots.
But, what should give you additional pleasure of use with your Spotmatic F, is that you are using an absolute classic 35mm Film camera, & that it belonged to your Grand Pa......gotta be happy with that.
Keep us posted with your further progress......and, I have to mention, they were posted up on the forum in a most professional manner....something I've yet to learn!!...how did you do it?
Cheers, Pickles.

Hey, thanks man! What you have to do to put photos up without a link is find the direct link to them, and click the image button on the reply form, and put the direct link in there. I'm guessing thats what you're asking anyway lol.

Thanks for all the compliments guys! I think i'm keeping this thing!

séamuis · 09-12-2010, 05:24 AM

damn fine for a first try! you should be proud, and happy. you still have any thoughts on selling it? I kind of knew if you ran a roll through and saw the results you would likely change your mind. you have a great, properly functioning camera and an excellent lens. I say have fun and take lots of photos!

tuco · 09-12-2010, 08:30 AM

Originally posted by tynmdys

Thanks for all the compliments guys! I think i'm keeping this thing!

The light meter looks like it is working just fine. Yes, it's a keeper! Now you're gonna want more lenses!

Blue · 09-12-2010, 09:41 AM

Originally posted by tuco

The light meter looks like it is working just fine. Yes, it's a keeper! Now you're gonna want more lenses!

Just remember that to get open aperture metering, you will need S-M-C or SMC Takumar lenses. There are also a few oddball Super Taks that have the linkages as well.

Regarding the meter, remember to keep a lens cover on it when not in use because the meter will be on all the time otherwise.

tynmdys · 09-12-2010, 11:59 AM

Awesome. Thanks guys! I'll remember that about the lenses and lens cover. I really like this camera.

JeffJS · 09-13-2010, 01:47 PM

Originally posted by tynmdys

Pentax Spotmatic F photos pictures by shadowschool - Photobucket

I ran a roll through. Don't be too harsh on me, I've never used a camera besides point-and-shoot.
Opinions welcome!

This camera would be a good opportunity to learn to decipher what the meter is telling you. Most of your photos look over exposed but still not a bad start. You also have the same habit I have. With people, even at a distance, you aim for the face and surroundings be damned. The result is a lot of distant upper torso shots. If My photos were the only record of human existence for the future, one would think people had no legs or feet in the 20th and 21st centuries.

If you're truly interested in learning how to use this camera (grandpa would probably be thrilled), get a book on exposure, get out your point and shoot, along with the Spot F, and learn to contol exposure. Get a handle on that and I'll guarantee you that the photos from the Spotmatic F, will blow away anything you've ever done with the point and shoot.

tuco · 09-13-2010, 02:17 PM

JeffJS makes some good points. I'm a firm believer that photography by rules are rules that can be broken. But some just hold the test of time. If we borrow from the movie industry, the classical rules of never cut a person off at the waist or ankles is a good one to keep in mind.

Some of those over exposed backgrounds are unavoidable if you wanted the subjects face to be not too dark without doing post processing in an image editor.

builttospill · 09-13-2010, 04:37 PM

You did very well with your first roll. I liked the shot of the black dog on the patio. The focus was nailed and the out-of-focus background brought the dog out even more. Good job.

On top of reading the manual and playing with a few rolls, take a look at this site: Aperture, shutter and ISO value | SLR Camera Simulator, it should help you get want you want a little more out of your next roll of film. And if it hasn't been mentioned before, keep the camera!

stevebrot · 09-13-2010, 05:08 PM

Originally posted by builttospill

...take a look at this site: Aperture, shutter and ISO value | SLR Camera Simulator...

Cool simulator!

Steve

tynmdys · 09-14-2010, 05:29 AM

Very cool simulator. Also, you make great points and I appreciate it, Jeff. Looking through the roll, I see that you're exactly right. I'll work on that. I guess the reason I did it was because the face seems to be really easy to focus on. I'll work on it.

Also, I really liked the photo of the dog on the patio too. I thought that one turned out well. That one and the one of my aunt in front of the tree in the beginning, if only I had aimed it lower and not on her face.

You guys are great. You really are.

unixrevolution · 09-14-2010, 06:15 AM

My heart is warmed to see how you've taken to your grandpa's old camera. I'm really, really happy I read this thread.

I started photography almost 2 years ago with just a Pentax K1000 and a 50mm F/2. You've got a great beginner setup, and shooting a manual camera like a Spottie-F will give you real insight into exactly what settings do what to the picture. That 1.4 lens is something people buy to stick on their digital SLRs!

Great first roll, too. A lot better than mine. You're a natural!

Enjoy it, and if you ever have questions, ask us.

JeffJS · 09-14-2010, 06:15 AM

Originally posted by tynmdys

Very cool simulator. Also, you make great points and I appreciate it, Jeff. Looking through the roll, I see that you're exactly right. I'll work on that. I guess the reason I did it was because the face seems to be really easy to focus on. I'll work on it.

Also, I really liked the photo of the dog on the patio too. I thought that one turned out well. That one and the one of my aunt in front of the tree in the beginning, if only I had aimed it lower and not on her face.

You guys are great. You really are.

It IS really easy to focus on. So much so that as I said, I do the exact same thing. With closer shots, that's fine but on distant ones, the People, tend to get lost in the background. With half the photo being filled with tree tops and sky and then, Oh, There's Aunt Millie in the picture Too! You can focus on the face and then before you snap the photo, Aim down some.

You can't go wrong with dog photos if you have a dog that will stand still long enough to take a picture of her..

Keep shooting, it can only get better.

tynmdys · 09-14-2010, 06:41 AM

Thanks Unix, I'm really glad I kept it.

Yeah, that dog never stands still. It was a lucky shot, she just happened to look up right at that moment. I'm going to get better with the distant shots, promise!

09-14-2010, 05:29 AM	#42
tynmdys New Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Sebastian Florida Posts: 13 Original Poster	Very cool simulator. Also, you make great points and I appreciate it, Jeff. Looking through the roll, I see that you're exactly right. I'll work on that. I guess the reason I did it was because the face seems to be really easy to focus on. I'll work on it. Also, I really liked the photo of the dog on the patio too. I thought that one turned out well. That one and the one of my aunt in front of the tree in the beginning, if only I had aimed it lower and not on her face. You guys are great. You really are. Last edited by tynmdys; 09-14-2010 at 05:35 AM.

09-14-2010, 06:15 AM	#44
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	Originally posted by tynmdys Very cool simulator. Also, you make great points and I appreciate it, Jeff. Looking through the roll, I see that you're exactly right. I'll work on that. I guess the reason I did it was because the face seems to be really easy to focus on. I'll work on it. Also, I really liked the photo of the dog on the patio too. I thought that one turned out well. That one and the one of my aunt in front of the tree in the beginning, if only I had aimed it lower and not on her face. You guys are great. You really are. It IS really easy to focus on. So much so that as I said, I do the exact same thing. With closer shots, that's fine but on distant ones, the People, tend to get lost in the background. With half the photo being filled with tree tops and sky and then, Oh, There's Aunt Millie in the picture Too! You can focus on the face and then before you snap the photo, Aim down some. You can't go wrong with dog photos if you have a dog that will stand still long enough to take a picture of her.. Keep shooting, it can only get better. Last edited by JeffJS; 09-14-2010 at 06:49 AM.

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09-11-2010, 07:12 PM	#31
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by tynmdys Pentax Spotmatic F photos pictures by shadowschool - Photobucket I ran a roll through. Don't be too harsh on me, I've never used a camera besides point-and-shoot. Opinions welcome! That is a good first outing!

09-11-2010, 07:38 PM	#32
Nick Siebers Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Madison, WI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,165	Yes, some of those shots are quite good! Especially a few of the young lady, she seems more inclined to be photographed than the older lady. :-) With more practice, more of the pictures will fall into the better range, but I would say you are on the right track. Have fun!

09-11-2010, 07:59 PM	#33
tynmdys New Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Sebastian Florida Posts: 13 Original Poster	Originally posted by pickles Nothing at all wrong with those shots. But, what should give you additional pleasure of use with your Spotmatic F, is that you are using an absolute classic 35mm Film camera, & that it belonged to your Grand Pa......gotta be happy with that. Keep us posted with your further progress......and, I have to mention, they were posted up on the forum in a most professional manner....something I've yet to learn!!...how did you do it? Cheers, Pickles. Hey, thanks man! What you have to do to put photos up without a link is find the direct link to them, and click the image button on the reply form, and put the direct link in there. I'm guessing thats what you're asking anyway lol. Thanks for all the compliments guys! I think i'm keeping this thing!

09-12-2010, 05:24 AM	#34
séamuis Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Savannah, U.S./Baguio City, P.H. Posts: 5,979	damn fine for a first try! you should be proud, and happy. you still have any thoughts on selling it? I kind of knew if you ran a roll through and saw the results you would likely change your mind. you have a great, properly functioning camera and an excellent lens. I say have fun and take lots of photos!

09-12-2010, 08:30 AM	#35
tuco Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pugetopolis Posts: 11,032	Originally posted by tynmdys Thanks for all the compliments guys! I think i'm keeping this thing! The light meter looks like it is working just fine. Yes, it's a keeper! Now you're gonna want more lenses!

09-12-2010, 09:41 AM	#36
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by tuco The light meter looks like it is working just fine. Yes, it's a keeper! Now you're gonna want more lenses! Just remember that to get open aperture metering, you will need S-M-C or SMC Takumar lenses. There are also a few oddball Super Taks that have the linkages as well. Regarding the meter, remember to keep a lens cover on it when not in use because the meter will be on all the time otherwise.

09-12-2010, 11:59 AM	#37
tynmdys New Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Sebastian Florida Posts: 13 Original Poster	Awesome. Thanks guys! I'll remember that about the lenses and lens cover. I really like this camera.

09-13-2010, 01:47 PM	#38
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	Originally posted by tynmdys Pentax Spotmatic F photos pictures by shadowschool - Photobucket I ran a roll through. Don't be too harsh on me, I've never used a camera besides point-and-shoot. Opinions welcome! This camera would be a good opportunity to learn to decipher what the meter is telling you. Most of your photos look over exposed but still not a bad start. You also have the same habit I have. With people, even at a distance, you aim for the face and surroundings be damned. The result is a lot of distant upper torso shots. If My photos were the only record of human existence for the future, one would think people had no legs or feet in the 20th and 21st centuries. If you're truly interested in learning how to use this camera (grandpa would probably be thrilled), get a book on exposure, get out your point and shoot, along with the Spot F, and learn to contol exposure. Get a handle on that and I'll guarantee you that the photos from the Spotmatic F, will blow away anything you've ever done with the point and shoot.

09-13-2010, 02:17 PM	#39
tuco Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pugetopolis Posts: 11,032	JeffJS makes some good points. I'm a firm believer that photography by rules are rules that can be broken. But some just hold the test of time. If we borrow from the movie industry, the classical rules of never cut a person off at the waist or ankles is a good one to keep in mind. Some of those over exposed backgrounds are unavoidable if you wanted the subjects face to be not too dark without doing post processing in an image editor.

09-13-2010, 04:37 PM	#40
builttospill Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Utah, Idaho Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,398	You did very well with your first roll. I liked the shot of the black dog on the patio. The focus was nailed and the out-of-focus background brought the dog out even more. Good job. On top of reading the manual and playing with a few rolls, take a look at this site: Aperture, shutter and ISO value \| SLR Camera Simulator, it should help you get want you want a little more out of your next roll of film. And if it hasn't been mentioned before, keep the camera!

09-13-2010, 05:08 PM	#41
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by builttospill ...take a look at this site: Aperture, shutter and ISO value \| SLR Camera Simulator... Cool simulator! Steve

09-14-2010, 06:15 AM	#43
unixrevolution Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Waldorf, MD Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,861	My heart is warmed to see how you've taken to your grandpa's old camera. I'm really, really happy I read this thread. I started photography almost 2 years ago with just a Pentax K1000 and a 50mm F/2. You've got a great beginner setup, and shooting a manual camera like a Spottie-F will give you real insight into exactly what settings do what to the picture. That 1.4 lens is something people buy to stick on their digital SLRs! Great first roll, too. A lot better than mine. You're a natural! Enjoy it, and if you ever have questions, ask us.

09-14-2010, 06:41 AM	#45
tynmdys New Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Sebastian Florida Posts: 13 Original Poster	Thanks Unix, I'm really glad I kept it. Yeah, that dog never stands still. It was a lucky shot, she just happened to look up right at that moment. I'm going to get better with the distant shots, promise!

This Pentax Spotmatic F

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