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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
11-08-2018, 10:23 AM
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There is a certain amount of protection with Ebay, @SSSGeezer. I could post them here as well, but then if it sold here I would have to end the Ebay auction, and I won't end them early. @Normhead, thanks for your comment. Its fine, I didn't take it personally. The Fuji X-T3 has a number of reviews saying the same thing. That wouldn't convince me on its own, but I already know how good the E3 is, i have lenses for the system and it would be a perfect complement. In addition, the video apparently is sensational.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
11-08-2018, 06:50 AM
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Just for information, there has been a slight change of plan about my Pentax gear. ALL of the KP/APSC stuff is going on Ebay, as is the body. The 15-30mm is still a beast, so that is the only K1 gear which is being sold (2 bids already!). WHY don't they make lighter lenses - say 15-30mm f4? The three lenses I will keep: 28-105, 200mm (f2.8 again!) and Irix 11mm (wonderful lens, though not automatic like the 15-30). The Irix is heavy too, but that is worth it for rare occasions.
Why the change of heart? To say goodbye I took out the K1 and 28-105 for some local shots i needed this morning. It was lovely using it, and the results are obviously good. I'd miss it! Still like the Fuji kit, though, and will be getting the K-T3 body in a couple of weeks. Several reviews call it the best APSC camera ever.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
11-01-2018, 03:16 AM
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Decision made! ALL of my Pentax kit will be sold, and then a Fuji X-T3 body bought to join my X-E3. Review in Amateur Photographer yesterday (sorry) and it was superb. The video is sensational. Other reviews confirm how good the camera is.
No problem, it's horses for courses, personal choice.
Keep your eyes on Ebay UK over the next few weeks!
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
10-26-2018, 04:15 AM
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My last post on this. Thanks for the feedback.
I have decided to sell the KP outfit on Ebay (UK only) and keep the K1, on the principle that it is excellent quality and cost a fortune.
I've weighed roughly equivalent outfits on the Fuji and KP, and the KP comes out nearly 400g heavier - with 10-24mm lens instead of the Samyang. It is also more bulky. As some have said, it depends what is important to you. I do a lot of walking, and the weight and bulk are issues, especially with arthritis setting in with age! It all fits into a small Domke bag, with room for a drink and odd bits. See the picture - note that currently the Samyang is there, but it will be exchanged for a 10-24 next month, perfect for long Ramblers' walks with no other lenses.
One final thing - I took this picture with the KP and 16-85, and the original looked great! (The picture was reduced for the website.)
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
10-25-2018, 04:21 AM
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Yes, the viewfinders in the K1 (and KP!) ARE better. It's swings and roundabouts, and a matter of individual priorities. Someone else on here mentioned Ansel Adams, who produced fantastic photographs from equipment which was absolutely enormous. Remember the famous picture of his tripod and camera set up on top of his van?
If he came back today, though, I'm pretty sure he wouldn't use the same kit. i started taking photos in the very early '60s, when coupled meters were exciting and 28mm was regarded as a very wide lens, and pushing Tri-X to 1600 ASA (ISO now!) was incredibly daring and impressive. Now, ISO 6400 is perfectly decent. As for autofocus, my older brother was a professional photographer (he got me started!), and we both agreed that autofocus was unimaginable: how on earth could it be done? That was before the advent of microchips, of course.
So would I go back? No.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
10-25-2018, 04:01 AM
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No significance in the word 'amateur', it simply derived from the Latin, doing things for the love of them.
It's the only magazine which does actually cater for experienced photographers. The others are full of basic stuff, and endless 'free gifts,' that is CDs full of stuff from the web. 'Outdoor Photography' is the only other one worth getting. To be fair, 'Professional Photographer' and 'Black and White Photography' are also good, but rather niche and specialist.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
10-24-2018, 11:47 AM
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In this week's Amateur Photographer magazine there is an article about the increasing popularity of mirrorless. I can't remember the exact phrase, but in essence the 'big two' are developing into that area, and Pentax were dismissed as irrelevant. The feeling was that mirrorless will be dominant, quite soon.
I have been a dedicated Pentax user for nearly four years, current kit K1 and KP bodies and six lenses, including the heavy 15-30. Fed up of tired arms, I have now bought a Fuji xe-3 and three lenses, giving a range of 12-200mm (apsc, 18-300, 35mm equivalent). That is now my outfit of choice, and I have carried it, literally, miles, in a small shoulder bag and with no ill effects. My carry-around one will be this camera with the 10-24mm, when I can afford it (see below).
This morning I replaced my desktop picture (large-screen Apple) with a similar one taken with the Fuji. Both look fantastic, the Fuji is possibly more 'lively,' has more presence. So I did what I don't normally do, and pixel-peeped several pictures of similar subjects! The quality is at least as good as the KP and not far off the K1. in fact for all my purposes (up to A3 prints) the Fuji is indistinguishable. The Fuji video is great too, and you can actually use the viewfinder to shoot, I hate using the screen.
There are some snags, of course. No weatherproofing on the Fuji, a limited range of third-party lenses (similar to Pentax), and no tilting screen. One quirk which struck me when i got the Samyang 12mm was the it stops down manually, so when you set f8 the lens focuses at f8. The viewfinder remains just as bright, and I realised that is because it actually gets brighter to compensate. Focusing is fine, though I remember to open up to F2 to focus, not that it matters much with 12mm anyway!
You might guess my conclusion - all of the Pentax gear will be sold! If I was sticking with DSLR I'd stay with Pentax, but i no longer see any great value in the extra weight.
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Forum: General Photography
10-16-2018, 11:27 AM
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Interesting. Today, in 'Amateur Photographer' magazine, there is an article about a professional photographer (Ola Alsheikh) and her portrayal of modern Sudan. Like me, she uses Pentax, but also now uses Fuji, as less intrusive in public. I now carry the Fuji everywhere, but for serious work i will use the Pentax K1.
it was strange getting a 12mm Samyang manual lens yesterday. I was perturbed that there was no linkage for the automatic diaphragm, it's just smooth metal with no working parts. The shop didn't know why either. In fact there genuinely isn't any linkage. We were all puzzled as to why, when stopping down, the viewfinder was always bright. Worked it out later - as it's an electronic viewfinder, it automatically makes itself brighter as you stop down.
Not entirely Pentax, sorry.
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Forum: General Photography
10-14-2018, 10:52 PM
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Thanks. I actually prefer the look of the Fuji, but that is a personal matter. I'm not a 'pixel peeper', but I have just had a look and there is no discernible difference. Both are as sharp as you would need for 'normal' use and A3 prints. I also like the aperture ring on the lens and the ease of use of the camera, including the dials described in my original comment, and the quick menu with touch screen and joystick. If Fuji bring out a mirrorless which is also water-resistant, I will be upgrading. For now, I'll use the K1 for rugged work.
The KP and lenses are going to be sold!
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Forum: General Photography
10-14-2018, 12:51 PM
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In addition to my trusty K1 and KP system and various lenses I have just bought a Fuji xe-3, simply because I was fed up with the bulk and weight of the Pentax. I'm delighted with it, and have the 18-55 and 55-200 lenses. The 18-55 is not the standard cheap 'kit' lens, but is high quality. No regrets at all. However, this morning it was pouring with rain, so I used the KP for an essential shot, as the Fuji isn't as rugged, or waterproof.
It's horses for courses, choose the right one for the job. The electronic viewfinder on the Fuji is fantastic, especially when shooting video, as I do like holding the camera to my eye, makes it more steady. It is lovely not having so much weight, and really easy to use, aperture is set on the lens, shutter speeds on one dial, exposure compensation on another, as in the old days!
I'll probably sell the KP system and use the heavy K1 where top quality, and ruggedness in all weathers, are needed. Hate to say it, but if I was starting afresh I'd go Fuji over KP.
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Forum: General Photography
07-19-2018, 12:04 AM
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I'm an arachnophobe, but love this picture. Most shots of spiders only show the face and body, or are taken from above. The legs are brilliant here.
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Forum: Pentax Full Frame
06-19-2018, 09:12 AM
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I've had the KP for around 18 months now, and the K1 for nearly a year. I will keep both. The main reason I would use the K1 is obviously the better image quality, though the KP is still excellent, and I have no hesitation in using it. The biggest snag (literally!) of the K1 is its size and weight, so I tend to use this on photo-trips, rather than just as a carry around. The lack of FF lenses is a bit of an issue. I have four: 200 f2.8, 15-30 F2.8, 28-105 (of course!) and the Irix 11mm (stunning lens, incredibly wide, little distortion and fairly cheap). I wish that there was, say something like the 15-30 but with f4 rather than f2.8. I rarely shoot wide open anyway, and it would be so much lighter. As well as weight, you need a hefty camera bag to put the K1 in, too - it's big.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
06-05-2018, 11:29 PM
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I have two Pentaxes and several lenses, and have just lashed out on the 15-30mm for the K1, so I'm dedicated to the brand. The article was really talking about financial viability in a market dominated by CaNikon, with Sony, Fuji and even Panasonic hot on their heels. The question is, why would someone new to photography, or looking to build a new system, go for Pentax?
The cameras are lovely, and I enjoy using them. However, there are issues. The main one for me is the shortage of lenses. If a new one from an independent manufacturer comes out it is reviewed heavily. Exciting news, until you check the mounts it's available for. Too often, Pentax isn't on the list. A significant percentage of shops don't even SELL Pentax.
Are they going to develop new cameras, mirrorless being the latest thing (my Pentaxes are heavy, their only snag)? I won't be wasting my money on the K1-II as the differences from the K1 are hardly significant - or I could apparently pay hundreds to do an online upgrade!
I don't regret buying Pentax. The cameras work the way I want, they are high quality and robust. If I was starting afresh, though, I admit I'm probably go for Sony (lighter) or Canon (huge accessory range). I do suspect that cameras are a very small part of Ricoh now. They won't be able to compete. I prefer them to the others, but they are not dramatically better.
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Forum: Product Suggestions and Feedback
04-24-2018, 10:31 PM
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Probably a silly idea, but I think it's a great one! It would be really useful. Does any camera actually have one?
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Forum: Product Suggestions and Feedback
04-12-2018, 01:45 PM
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Well, there's a lesson for me there - read the manual and experiment! I've just tried it, and it works perfectly. I'd assumed that RAW+DNG meant proprietary RAW as well as dng. Thanks so much.
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Forum: Product Suggestions and Feedback
04-12-2018, 12:09 PM
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I really like the K1, and combined with the weight of my new 15-30mm lens, my biceps are also developing nicely!
Literally the only thing I don't like is that it is not possible to save RAW and JPG to the same card. With my KP I can check the files on the computer, and then copy or delete both files as required. With this, I have to go through the JPGs, copy the ones I like, then swap cards and copy those files across, checking afterwards that each file on the computer has both types.
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
04-07-2018, 12:26 AM
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You're lucky having those just outside your window. Beautiful.
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Forum: Pentax KP
03-19-2018, 03:46 AM
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I had a K3II, but sold it for the KP. I loved the K3, but have no need at all for an astrotracer, instead I wanted an on-camera flash for fill-in occasionally. It works fine for that. I have a K1 too, and obviously that is better, but I have no complaints at all about the KP. It is capable of excellent results.
Yesterday we had some snow, so I was out and about taking some pictures for my website: thisischristchurch (dot com/snow1). They are with the 12-24 and 55-300. Click the picture for a bigger version. These DNGs are reduced in size, sharpened a little, and the originals have tons more detail.
I'm very happy with it.
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Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
02-15-2018, 12:59 AM
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You could spend all your money, and a lot of your life, buying the 'latest' camera, of whatever brand, the models change so frequently. I have a K1 and KP and a fair collection of lenses. They do what I want them to do, and they do it very well indeed. I could upgrade the K1, but what would happen when version 3 comes out? If I were you I'd just take pictures and enjoy the camera you have.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-04-2018, 04:47 AM
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Excellent post. I have a K1 and a KP and a selection of lenses. I use the Pentax because I like the feel of them, the controls suit me. However, if it became illegal to use a Pentax tomorrow I'd be entirely happy with Nikon or Canon (I've owned and used both)! Pentax aren't spectacularly better, they're 'as good as,' just slightly different in detail.
Regarding video, the other day was Holocaust Memorial Day. I normally use the Pentaxes for video (I've even got a 'proper' Rode mic), but out of respect I didn't want to be intrusive at the service so I used my iPhone 8 plus for the video. I was delighted with the indoor speeches, though there is a lot of wind noise outdoors (I'll investigate how to avoid that). Best thing was being able to hold the phone on my lap in the hall, pointing at the speaker, and then concentrate on what they were saying. It was respectful. They did know I was videoing, by the way.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
01-10-2018, 11:35 AM
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I've remembered where I read it. Page 32 of the K1 manual:
Attaching a lens
In bold: "Make sure the camera is turned off."
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
01-10-2018, 11:13 AM
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This is probably a very basic question. I read recently that when you change lenses the camera should be turned off. I've been taking pictures for over half a century, but I've never even thought about it, and it seems to have caused no harm. Does it actually matter?
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
12-19-2017, 01:33 PM
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Sunday 10th December was difficult! The Christchurch 10K was taking place, and the conditions were horrific. It was pouring with rain, frequently near-horizontal, and I had to keep wiping the 28-105 lens every minute or so with a hanky. Fortunately it has a protection filter on it. I was worried, it was the K1, and I'd heard about focusing difficulties. Anyway, it was all I had with me, so I put the camera on a monopod and kept pressing and hoping for the best, most of the time shooting virtually blind and hoping that my shivering wouldn't shake the camera too much. I took over a hundred pictures and was delighted that over 90% of them were sharp. Considering the conditions I think that is a good result. The two here are not specially chosen to show the camera - others are as sharp, or sharper, but these two are fun! The bottom one is a closer version. No sharpening or post-processing applied except for curves. JPEG only.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
12-07-2017, 12:24 AM
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I've used Canon and Nikon extensively in the past, but liked the look of the Pentax (KP and K1) so I've gone that way. No regrets at all. I'm doing some casual event photography for a company on Sunday, and the handbook arrived, with lots of useful tips, including continuous and single-shot focus. Guess what? Settings for Canon and Nikon described in detail, the word 'Pentax' doesn't appear once. That's probably not surprising, though, as they are quite unusual. The ONLY thing I don't like about them is the lack of third-party lenses. A lot of them - must be well over half - won't fit Pentax, though they do Canikon, Sony, Fuji, etc. Some shops don't even stock Pentax.
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
11-30-2017, 01:50 AM
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Nice photo, but you've made me wistful. I love Death Valley, been there four times now. Having seen your picture, next summer's holiday is now decided! Thanks.
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