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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
11-15-2017, 12:44 AM
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Thanks for all the replies folks. There's a lot of information here to read, comprehend, and digest. I saw some references to video, so thought I would ad that I don't have any interest in video, so don't see a reason for a higher end system capable of video work. I'm not a gamer either, so don't need a gaming computer, though from what I understand gaming computers would be capable of photo editing functions. I'm just getting into this, so not sure how in depth into photo editing and post processing I'll get. As far as budget goes, I don't really have a budget yet. I figure a certain minimum amount of dollars will need to be spent to meet the minimum configuration necessary to do the job. I think there may be a benefit to getting a desktop computer that somewhat exceeds the bare minimum requirements at an expected greater cost, but just don't want to overspend on a system that grossly exceeds what is necessary.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
11-13-2017, 11:32 AM
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I may be getting a new desktop computer and monitor this Holiday season. What are your suggestions for the minimum specs in regards to using photo editing software? Looking for ideas or recommendations for what speed and generation processor, RAM, hard drive, graphics, etc and what I should look for in a monitor also. I know very little about computers. It doesn't need to be the fastest and greatest, but something that will be adequate and hopefully frustration free. Like many, I don't want to put more dollars into it than necessary, but will spend what is necessary. Just want to avoid over buying. My current desk top is probably at least 6-7 years old or more.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
06-05-2017, 05:00 PM
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I thank you all for the suggestions and recommendations. I've got a couple of 64GB memory cards coming along with some lens hoods, extra Pentax battery, and some cleaning supplies.
For cleaning I got a blower, brush, Zeiss fluid and a microfiber cloth coming.
Also decided to get the Pentax HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR REthat B&H Photo has on sale. Other lenses will come in the future.
For now I'll use the included Pentax neck strap until I make a decision on something better. To me, some type of neck strap or tether is cheap insurance against a catastrophic drop. I've seen to many cracked or broken cell phones.
For temporary storage and transport I picked up a LowePro Top loader bag for now, to have something to put the camera and a few things in it to put in the car and take somewhere. It was on sale. I'll see how it works to start with and gain some time with it to see what I like and don't like about. Haven't decided what to do about a bag or storage system for the equipment and lenses that aren't in immediate use.
I haven't decided on a tripod yet. I agree about not getting a chintzy built one. I have a cheap one, two actually. The one wasn't bad for a light weight inexpensive point and shoot. The other is just cheap china plastic junk. Money well spent on good tripod isn't much when spread out over the years of use.
Some folks have mentioned a flash. I do have a flash that came bundled with the camera. It is a Pentax AF201FG Flash. That came with the camera along with the appropriate battery grip.
I've made notes on many of the equipment that has been suggested and have ordered some items, and still reaearching some of the other items such as straps and tripods.
I have also made some educational note on the tips many of you have made and will study those further.
I have been looking at the manual and will read that through and through. I'm sure Parts of it will be read several times.
Sometimes I think I need a Pentax K-3II for dummies book. Actually i might get the Dummies Digital Photography book.
Lots of stuff available on line and YouTube also.
I've been working a lot and with researching some of the stuff I still needed to get like memory cards before I can even use the camera I haven't had much time yet to read the manual and become familiar with it. Ive got a few days before the order arrives so hopefully I can catch up before the order arrives. I'm sure I'll have many more questions once I can get into it further and start shooting some photos.
I do have one more question for now. Someone, I think Alamo and maybe someone else, suggested a lens pen for cleaning lens. It seems to me that the lens pens might be a little harsh and might be somewhat abrasive or marring to the lens, especially after being used a few times. Am I missing something?
Thank you to all of you for the help you have given me so far. I really appreciate the help.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
06-03-2017, 04:50 PM
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Awhile back I started a thread in this section that I was thinking of getting a Pentax K-3II and asking for recommendations.
Thinking of getting K-3II and lens. Recomendations? - PentaxForums.com
Well I got the K-3II and bought a couple of basic lenses to start with through the market place here. A Pentax SMC DA 1:18 50mm and a SMC PENTAX-DA 1:2.4 35mm AL. I plan on getting additional lenses as finances allow, but may get the HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE as it is available at the ricoh-imaging.com sight for a decent price right now. I think I like the 16-85 and the 60 -250 for the future. I haven't even looked at macro lenses yet.
I need some advice and some recommendations as to what to get for some supplies and accessories. Other than having used a couple of cheap point and shoot digital cameras, this is all new to me and I have a very steep learning curve.
1. I was surprised to see that there were no memory cards included with the camera body, so I will need to get a couple of those to start. Any thoughts on brand, and size. I think I don't want really large capacity, but don't know enough to make a wise choice.
2. The lenses I got have no lens hoods or protective filters. I don't want to make this a debate over protective filters vs don't waste your money on filters. I had thought either a skylight or UV filter. Any thoughts on brands, or a particular kind of filter such as skylight, UV, clear protective, etc. would be appreciated. Along with the filters do I need or should I get some lens hoods? I believe there are some issues with fitting a lens hoods to at least one of the lenses and would need to use the filter threads to do so. Can the hood get stacked on the filter? What are you more experienced folks doing or using?
3. I should probably get some lens cleaning materials and supplies. What is recommended? I have some old Olympus OM series film camera lenses and an old Olympus polarizing filter that will fit one of the lenses. So hopefully what I get for cleaning lenses will be compatible with old and new lenses and filters.
4. Battery. Do I need or should I get an extra battery. Should it be only Pentax brand?
5. Neck strap. The body comes with a strap. Do you use the strap provided, if so, what are it's weaknesses? What should I look for if I upgrade?
6. Camera case. In the old days last century I had a two piece leather camera case. One piece was form fitted around the body and the other piece snapped onto the first piece and covered the lens part. Not sure if those are available or used anymore. I've been looking a little bit and have seen the LowePro top loading style. I like that it gives some protection to the camera and lens, but looks like it can be easily accessed.
7. Camera bag and lens cases. What do you guys use to store your gear and lenses in. My old Olympus Zuiko lenses came in a hard barrel type case fitted to the lens and seemed to offer a lot of protection. I kept all my lenses, flash and camera in a oblong bag with with dividers that I kept the cased lenses, camera, flash, and a few extras inside and a few more extras in some outside pockets. There was a shoulder strap for slinging it around. What do you use or recommend for lens cases and a camera or gear bag.
8. Eventually I will get a tripod, but I know little about them. I see they have ball head, pan head, fluid head and probably others. Just looking for something sturdy and basic. I'm not planning on treaking through the woods, desert, or mountains so at this time I don't need a super light weight wonder pod, but would like something that is somewhat portable yet sturdy.
9. Anything else I should have to get started? I appreciate any suggestions or recommendations. Thank you.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
05-27-2017, 10:52 AM
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Well I decided to get the Pentax K-3II. Ordered it from B+H and got the to price match Adorama on a bundle kind of. Adorama had it byndled with the battery grip and W/AF200FG flash and B+H matched the price sort of. B=H didn't have that flash, so they substituted a new model WAF-201FG flash for $10.00 more. The 201 flash is weather resistant. Camera will be here next week.
Still need to decide on a first lens to go with the K-3II body. There are a lot of lenses I like, but can't afford to get them all at once. I may just get a cheap lens even if it's not weathered resistant to get started with and start learning. I will get better glass as I understand that good lenses are imperative to quality photography. I need to budget and purchase accordingly as finances allow. Are there third party leases compatible with the K-3 II that are weather resistant or weather sealed?
Thank you everyone for your input, I'm sure I'll need more input moving forward. I have a huge learning curve ahead of me.
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Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
05-24-2017, 08:13 AM
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
05-24-2017, 07:10 AM
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I appreciate all the suggestions. Still mulling over what lens or lenses to start with. I assume that I'll eventually get several lenses as that no one lens does everything well. I assume that some lenses are what I would call a multi lens, as they will cover several salutations, but compromises are made in the design and manufacturing, resulting in compromised results. Where as the lenses that are more specialized perform their limited functions better as that is what they are designed for rather than multi lenses. I like the idea of weather resistant and metal lenses, but realize there are good lenses that don't have those construction features. Even though I can't afford to get several lenses immediately, I'd rather spend the money on good lenses once rather than spending on lesser lenses several times.
Also clouding the choices is that I'm also drawn to the Olympus OM-D E Mark II if I'm allowed to say such a thing on a Penatx forum.
Even though I had some photography classes decades ago, there is much that I don't remember or recall and the technology is so much different. I have a lot of learning and relearning to do. One thing I do remember from the college class I had is that the instructor said I had a lot of near misses in my portfolio I turned in at the end of the term. Nothing really popped, but some where close. This was strictly black and white with darkroom work.
Thanks again for all the help, pointers, and suggestions. When I decide what I think I'll get, I'll throw it out hear and see what the more experience. So many choices.
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Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
05-22-2017, 08:31 PM
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SW lower Michigan, across the big pond from Chicago.
What part of Kansas, I have ties to mostly NW Kansas.
Thank you for the welcome everyone.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
05-22-2017, 11:09 AM
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Not planning to photograph the gun cycling or in operation. Although I may use any video capabilities that may be present, my primary interest is photography, not video.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
05-22-2017, 12:54 AM
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Hello folks. New here and thinking of getting a new camera.
I currently have a couple of older point and shoot cameras, a Canon PowerShot A1100 IS and an Olympus of which I don't recall the model number. While both take pictures that are OK for what they are they are dated. I should also probably mention that I have about a 35 year old Olympus OM-1 film camera with 4 Olympus OM series Zuiko lenses. Was thinking of getting a digital camera much better than what I have, but don't think I need a top of the line professional camera and the cost associated with such a camera.
I have been looking a little bit at some of the cameras now available and find a lot of it confusing, but I'm slowly educating myself even though I am technologically challenged. The photography I plan to do at least initially would be some gun pics and some project pictures such as rebuilding a vise. Might be some close ups doing that. Some wildlife photography, such as birds at the feeder or perhaps some pictures of opportunity. The feeders aren't far from the widows, maybe 40 feet max. I know that if I start shooting wildlife I'll probably need a good telephoto. Probably some people pictures too, and maybe a few action photos such as runners or bicyclist. Might be doing some landscape vacation style photos also and some sunsets as at times the sunsets here are spectacular.
I have somewhat been looking at the Pentax K-3 II. Metal body, not plastic, weather resistant, with GPS. Stabilization built into the camera body Operating temperature down to 14° which is much better than most, it gets cold in Michigan. Still kind of confused about the available Pentax lenses and what to get for use as a prime lens. I would like to get a "normal" lens much like the 50 mm lens was standard on the old 35 mm film cameras of old. Are there aftermarket lenses available that are good quality that will work with the K-P3 II and compatible with auto focus? I would appreciate any input or recommendations you have on the Pentax K-3 II that might meet my uses and any lens or lenses I should get. I most likely can't afford more than 1 lens to initially, but hope to add to that over time.
I like the idea of a view finder as sometimes the display screens get washed out in sunny or well lit areas. Is the view finder on the K-3 II optical pr electronic?
I was hoping that I might be able to use the Olympus OM series Zuiko lenses that I have if that is possible. I'm sure that I would need an adapter to make them fit if such adapters are available. If adapters are available I assume that the camera would need to be used in a manual focus method. In particular if you have any knowledge or experience with the compatibility of older Olympus OM series Zuiko lenses with use or compatibility with the K-3 II, I would love to hear your thoughts. |
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Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
05-22-2017, 12:49 AM
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Hello folks. New here and thinking of getting a new camera.
I currently have a couple of older point and shoot cameras, a Canon PowerShot A1100 IS and an Olympus of which I don't recall the model number. While both take pictures that are OK for what they are they are dated. I should also probably mention that I have about a 35 year old Olympus OM-1 film camera with 4 Olympus OM series Zuiko lenses. Was thinking of getting a digital camera much better than what I have, but don't think I need a top of the line professional camera and the cost associated with such a camera.
I have been looking a little bit at some of the cameras now available and find a lot of it confusing, but I'm slowly educating myself even though I am technologically challenged. The photography I plan to do at least initially would be some gun pics and some project pictures such as rebuilding a vise. Might be some close ups doing that. Some wildlife photography, such as birds at the feeder or perhaps some pictures of opportunity. The feeders aren't far from the widows, maybe 40 feet max. I know that if I start shooting wildlife I'll probably need a good telephoto. Probably some people pictures too, and maybe a few action photos such as runners or bicyclist. Might be doing some landscape vacation style photos also and some sunsets as at times the sunsets here are spectacular.
I have somewhat been looking at the Pentax K-3 II. Metal body, not plastic, weather resistant, with GPS. Stabilization built into the camera body Operating temperature down to 14° which is much better than most, it gets cold in Michigan. Still kind of confused about the available Pentax lenses and what to get for use as a prime lens. I would like to get a "normal" lens much like the 50 mm lens was standard on the old 35 mm film cameras of old. Are there aftermarket lenses available that are good quality that will work with the K-P3 II and compatible with auto focus? I would appreciate any input or recommendations you have on the Pentax K-3 II that might meet my uses and any lens or lenses I should get. I most likely can't afford more than 1 lens to initially, but hope to add to that over time.
I like the idea of a view finder as sometimes the display screens get washed out in sunny or well lit areas. Is the view finder on the K-3 II optical pr electronic?
I was hoping that I might be able to use the Olympus OM series Zuiko lenses that I have if that is possible. I'm sure that I would need an adapter to make them fit if such adapters are available. If adapters are available I assume that the camera would need to be used in a manual focus method. In particular if you have any knowledge or experience with the compatibility of older Olympus OM series Zuiko lenses with use or compatibility with the K-3 II, I would love to hear your thoughts. Last edited by Blackwolfe; 05-18-2017 at 05:50 PM.
Last edited by Blackwolfe; 05-18-2017 at 05:50 PM.
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