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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
09-30-2019, 01:28 PM
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In my second post in this thread, I said that two of my M series lenses had developed “sticky aperture blades” and that I would attempt to clean them when I worked up the nerve to try. This problem has been bothering me for a long time. Well I did it! I was able to get both lenses working without complete disassembly.
Now that I have all my M series lenses working, especially the 20 mm f4, I have been experimenting with them and am enjoying them much more. Thanks for all the encouragement and helpful hints.
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Forum: Pentax K-70 & KF
09-03-2019, 11:15 AM
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Slightly off topic but still about colour - I'm sure others on this forum have noticed this trend to bright colours and very dark images with a lot of contrast not just in social media but also on photography sites and newspaper websites.
What are your opinions regarding this trend? Do you like it?
How are these results created? Is it all done in post-processing?
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Forum: Pentax Compact Cameras
08-30-2019, 01:18 PM
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Congratulations!
The MX-1 is a sweet and under-rated camera. I've had mine (all black version) since 2014 and really like it.
It takes surprisingly good photos!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
08-30-2019, 01:13 PM
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Thanks for the tip regarding "Reversal Film." I just took some sample shots with my K-50 and M 100mm f2.8 using that setting and compared with the "Bright" setting the colours seemed warmer. There was less blue in tree leaves and reds are definitely warmer. I didn't use a polarizer. I'll keep experimenting. Thanks again.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
08-29-2019, 10:26 AM
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When I use my M series lenses, I set the Mode Dial to M, ISO fixed at 100 or 200, and focus mode to AF.S. I focus using the viewfinder and confirmation signal. Exposure metering is centre weighted. Then I press the Green button to check for shutter speed etc. If all looks good I take the photo.
Am I missing something?
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
08-29-2019, 07:02 AM
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Mattt: your memory is better than mine.I forgot that I had posted essentially the same question in 09-15-16, my apologies.
At that time I received a lot of thoughtful and informative replies.
Stevebrot said that green button metering with M series lenses can be erratic to some degree. This is good to know and validates my experience.
Another poster said that he slightly underexposes his shots to improve the colour.
A number of replies urged the use of lens hoods to protect against flare.
ChistianRock asked what lenses I own:
I have a number of M lenses from my film days - 50/f1.7,20/f4, 28/f2.8, 35/f2.0, 100/f2.8, 40-80 zoom f2.8 – 4 and 80-200 zoom f4.5.
I performed aperture “snap” test on all my M lenses and they are all working well except for the 35/f2.0 and the 20/f4. The aperture doesn't stop down with a "snap." I may attempt to clean the apertures mechanisms in those two lenses myself when I work up the nerve.
I also have a DA 35 f2.4, DA50 f1.8, DAL 18 – 55 AL WRf3.5 – 5.6, and DA 55 – 300 ED WR f4.0 * 5.8.
In the 1970’s and 80’s, I shot hundreds of photos, mostly slides of family and travel, with my Pentax SP500 and later my Pentax ME. That was when I acquired my M series lenses. In bought a K-50 (aperture block failure - repaired) and MX-1 in 2014 and returned to Pentax photography.
I am a “casual” photographer, unlike a lot of posters on this forum who are very knowledgeable and experienced. I shoot only JPEGS, as I have not developed a taste for post-processing. Basically I like to shoot much like I did in my film days: set the camera, compose the picture and shoot the final product.
I have no intention of selling my old lenses and will continue to experiment with them.
Thanks again for the thoughtful replies.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
08-28-2019, 05:20 PM
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Why persist in using legacy manual lenses?
I have a number of M series lenses and when I use them my shots lack consistency. The colours seem more faded etc.
Do I just need more experience in using these lenses? Are there some tricks to using them of which I am not aware?
My DA lenses seem to give me more consistent results, better colour saturation etc. They are also easier to use.
Thoughts?
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Forum: Repairs and Warranty Service
01-16-2019, 02:50 PM
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I took my K-50 to them for the dreaded aperture block repair in July of 2016. They kept the camera for about 5 weeks and worked with Pentax to secure the parts etc. I don't shoot that many frames with it, compared to most of the forum members, but the camera is still working fine.
Overall I was pleased with their service. I just wish they were located closer. The tolls on the 407 highway are expensive!
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Forum: Pentax Compact Cameras
12-01-2018, 12:45 PM
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I have a K50 with some nice lenses but it's the MX-1 that I keep reaching for.
It's just so convenient and the image quality never disappoints. The longer I own it, 4 years now, the more I appreciate it.
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Forum: General Photography
08-23-2018, 07:50 AM
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Just for fun, I've just been shooting some B&W stills with an aspect ratio of 16:9. I think they look interesting and make a nice change from 4:3.
What is your favourite aspect ratio in which to shoot stills?
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Forum: Photographic Technique
01-15-2018, 04:55 PM
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Thank you for your thoughtful and detailed responses.
My reason for asking about the effect of AWB on JPEGS was prompted by the review of the Ricoh GR II from this link: Review: Ricoh GR II (One of the Best Compact Cameras We've Ever Tested)
Specifically this paragraph:
"During my first days with the camera, I shot a lot of RAW + JPEG photos. The Ricoh GR II honestly delivers JPEGs I have no problems sending right over to my phone or even to my portfolio. To be fair though, part of this has to do with how I shoot. I manually set my white balances to either Daylight or Tungsten. On top of this, I tend to ensure that the metering from the camera is exactly what I want.
Fujifilm and Olympus tend to deliver really nice JPEGs, but the Ricoh GR II beats both of them in my opinion."
Any thoughts or comments?
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Forum: Photographic Technique
01-14-2018, 06:35 PM
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When using your camera for general outdoor photography in JPEG mode, do you use the AWB setting for the most part or do you routinely alter it to Daylight, Shade or other?
Does AWB tend to skew the colours in any particular way, such make them too warm?
Under what sort of conditions do you adjust the setting, other than for artificial indoor lighting?
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Forum: General Photography
11-29-2017, 01:43 PM
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Forum: General Photography
05-06-2017, 11:44 AM
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My first real camera was a Pentax SP500. I like all my Pentax stuff and enjoy using it.
In fact, I enjoy being in the minority, as a Pentax user.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-31-2017, 12:13 PM
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I really enjoy looking at all the photos posted by our members. I especially like to look at samples taken with various lenses, as in the Lens Clubs section or Lens Sample Photo Archive.
It would be really helpful if the postings included the model of camera used, as this is not always the case. I often find myself wondering whether an APSC or FF sensor camera was used, as that really effects the look of the image.
Just a friendly request. Thanks
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-10-2017, 12:55 PM
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When resurrecting my M series lenses, I discovered that my M 20 mm f4 and M 35 mm f2 lenses have "sticky aperture" issues. My local camera store wants $100 to $150 "approximately" to repair each lens.
I've looked at the material available on this forum and have decided to try and repair them myself.
Is it possible to fix this problem by only opening the rear of the lens? There is no visible oil on either side of the aperture blades or anywhere else.
Is it essential to use JIS screw drivers or just recommended?
What solvent should I use to clean the mechanism?
Any other words of wisdom from those who have actually done this type of repair?
Thanks.
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Forum: Pentax Q
03-09-2017, 11:34 AM
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One could ask the same question about the MX-1.
I know that it is not as versatile etc. as the Q series cameras but it is still a great little camera. I have a K-50 and a nice selection of lenses but for a "grab and go" camera, the MX-1 is terrific. I find myself using it more than my K-50 and once in a while I am really amazed by the image quality.
Too bad Ricoh didn't develop this model any further.
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
02-07-2017, 09:11 AM
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I'm not a pro. I only shoot for personal enjoyment. If I had a need for post-processing, I'd shoot in RAW. I don't seem to have any real interest in post-processing at this time.
Coming from a background in film (ancient history), I enjoy seeing what I can get straight from the camera. Shooting with a digital camera gives me plenty of scope for tweaking the output. So, for now I shoot almost exclusively in JPEG format.
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Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
01-18-2017, 09:19 PM
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Welcome. There is lots of good info and help available here.
Out of curiosity, what did you mean by your comment about the Fuji finder? Was that the OVF/EVF?
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-27-2016, 12:06 PM
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Thanks for the feedback guys.
Only two of my M series lenses have slightly sticky aperture blades (based on the "snap" test). The rest seem to operate properly with a nice "snap."
Based on a purely subjective assessment, I'd say the DA lenses have a slightly lighter tension on the aperture lever which may partly account for the auditory difference I'm sensing when using the two types of lenses. Also the plastic construction no doubt contributes to this too as all the M series lenses are metal!.
Anyway, thanks for the info. I'll continue using my M series lenses with more confidence that I'm not damaging my camera.
Now I just have to deal, or not deal, with the sticky blades on my 20 and 35 mm primes. It's too bad, as my 20mm may be my favourite M prime!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-26-2016, 10:22 PM
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Can you please elaborate on your comment about the DA15 Ltd?
Thanks.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-26-2016, 10:17 PM
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Using DA lenses doesn't, I believe, require the camera to use the aperture ring mechanism. When using the M series lenses, I can hear the camera mechanism "working" the lens as it stops down the aperture. Is the camera designed to work safely with this load?
Please excuse my ignorance if I am mistaken.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-26-2016, 04:49 PM
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I have recently had my K-50 aperture block problem repaired and I am concerned about damaging or stressing my camera by using my M series lenses with the green button stop down method.
Does using the green button stop down metering with M series lenses actually strain the camera's mechanisms or is the camera built to handle this type of use without damage?
If the answer to the first part is yes, then I can see myself using DA lenses almost exclusively in order to protect my camera from damage.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-25-2016, 09:59 AM
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Does using the green button stop down metering with M series lenses actually strain the camera's mechanism's or is the camera built to handle this type of use without damage?
If the answer to the first part is yes, then I can see myself using DA lenses almost exclusively in order to protect my camera from damage.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-23-2016, 03:20 PM
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As I said in a previous post in this thread, two of my lenses have "sticky" aperture blades. I have just had my K-50 aperture block problem repaired and I am concerned about damaging or stressing my camera by using these lenses with the green button stop down method.
Is there some way to use my M series lenses, sticky and non-sticky, so as not to stress my camera's mechanism needlessly?
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