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Forum: Monthly Photo Contests
12-01-2016, 07:41 PM
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This is interesting. While the white, gray, black seem to dominate, The spot of color in the backpack draws the eye.
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Forum: Monthly Photo Contests
12-01-2016, 06:22 PM
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Color subdued, does not hit you in the face. Good composition and elegant subject. In all, just elegant.
Well done.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
10-30-2016, 06:05 PM
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Indeed, why not. There is a myriad of earlier Pentax lenses as well 3rd party offerings. I should recall KISS.
Sometimes I overthink things. Co-workers used to say, "Don''t ask the time, Dan is liable to tell you how to build a watch."
Dan
---------- Post added 10-30-16 at 07:05 PM ----------
Exactly!
I'm looking to make a start at a cost level that will allow me to bail with minimum pain if the learning curve is too steep or too long. I started down this path to re-visit something that I enjoyed so much years ago. Now, I have NO idea how long I will take to arrive at some elementary level of skill. My duties as husband, father and grandfather require significant time My concern is the amount of time the learning might require.
I started learning the ins and outs of photography when I was 16. I was immersed, working past-time in high school, then full time for years after. After I married and we started our family, time to pursue photography faded away. When we built our home I included a room that would become a darkroom at some later date. I "stubbed in" water supply and drain pipes. About two years ago that become our en suite bath.
So, Onward...
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
10-27-2016, 07:11 PM
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Love this forum. So much to learn, so many willing to help and to present links to information.
Many Thanks,
Dan
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
10-27-2016, 05:52 PM
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Is there a resource that lists the adapters required to use older or other brand lenses on my *ids DS? Until I bought my first point-n-shoot I never has auto focus or exposure. All of my film experience was strictly manual and hand meter, no internal assistance.
I found an *isd DS with two kit zoom lenses at a bargain price. I'm starting with an obviously old camera body at a very low price point. If I find that the learning curve is too steep, I don't want to be in too deep financially. If my film experience does have value, I can sell the *isd DS body and use the lenses with a more advanced body. I read that there are good Pentax primes at good prices if one is satisfied with manual operation.
I'd like to add a couple of prime lenses, a "fast 50", which would be more like a fast 35 to get a "50-like" coverage. As well, a dedicated macro lens
I see that some seem to be able to use a Canon or a Nikon or other brand lens on the Pentax body. I note that screw mount Pentax lenses can be mounted.
I've been casting about on the Pentax Forum for such a resource Perhaps one exists and I'm missing it.
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Forum: Winners' Showcase
10-09-2016, 04:44 PM
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The trees repeat, but the road going to infinity draws the eye. Well Done!
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Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
10-08-2016, 05:49 PM
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More challenging focusing than my film camera. Who knew?
Not making fun, just realizing that there is much to learn, even in areas that would not have occurred to me. I'm blindly moving forward, assuming that the DSLR experience will be much the same as my film SLR experience, but with no darkroom time.
So a focusing screen may also add another variable. Oh my!
Thanks for the idea of the magnifying eyepiece. At my age I'm happy for any assist.
Dan
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Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
10-07-2016, 07:08 PM
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First, thanks to each of you who have offered advice. I value experience and just now even more so when I have none. Sharing your experience and advice is most kind.
I think that I'm going to opt for a K-20D body. That one seems to me to meet the "sweet spot" of features and price, leaving some funds for older, quality fixed length lenses and perhaps post-processing software. I've read most of the reviews and done comparisons between models. I think that I have balanced view of the strengths and shortcomings of the K20D.
Many thanks for the tip regarding CS2 software. I do agree that jpegs are not the way to go. I intend to use RAW format so that I can learn post-processing software. I had some darkroom skills that no longer apply, so CS2 is the new darkroom and I'm the newbie. I do have a mid-2009 MacBook Pro that has been upgraded so I don't have to buy processing power.
I heartily agree that using older, good quality prime lenses in manual configuration will make more sense to me. I've been missing that kind of control of all elements. I never could overcome the auto-focus of my point-shoot that has been a major frustration so many shots when the near-at-hand leaves were in focus, rather than the bird a bit further away. I so look forward to regaining the control of depth of field and bokeh that the point-shoot could not manage.
The hunt is on...
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Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
10-06-2016, 06:47 PM
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I'm planning on finding an "early" Pentax DSLR and will be asking "newbie" questions. Just now I have my sights set on the K10, K20 or the like.
I want to start with better quality hardware though the technology may be older. I'm sure that the ability of any of those cameras will keep me occupied for a loooong time and will be a better fit for my budget. One of the "plusses" that drew me to Pentax is the range of lenses, early and later that can continue to be used. Of course Pentax has made well-designed, durable cameras for decades, witness the myriad KX1000s that art students have mauled and that have emerged intact.
All of my experience is 50 or more years old. My forte was in the darkroom as well as the viewfinder. Now it's a whole new world of skills to learn. Not only the in and outs of digital photography but the array of post-processing tools that are available through my computer (if I can afford them).
When a young man, I worked for Ansco in color products research. Nothing special, just a lowly research tech. But it was a dream job, all the 35mm film that I could shoot and free processing. As well, I had my very own to-die-for darkroom with state-of-the-art equipment. And they paid me to use it!
While I'm now retired, I'm far from idle. My wife and I recently celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary. We have 4 children and nine Grandchildren who are scattered across the US. I do believe that "If you don't use it, you lose it." That said, I want to do some creative things to keep mind and body active and well.
I've been using a Lumix super-zoom for the last few years and while I like auto exposure, auto focus, etc, I really miss being able to control the elements of the photo. A sister-in-law produces much better photos than I and while I have to admit that she's probably a much better photographer than I, her Canon DSLR and assortment of lenses have to make an impact as well. So, keeping in mind my meager budget, I now set out to enter the digital age with a DSLR.
I've found a Pentax K200 with the kit lens and Tamron 20-200 for $150. Thoughts. As well I see some K10s and K20s at what seem fair prices on eBay. Is the K200 preferable to the K10 or K20, or not? I'm open to counsel and have never disparaged good advice.
And so on...
Dan
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