Forgot Password
Pentax Camera Forums Home
 
Log in or register to remove ads.

Showing results 1 to 25 of 40 Search:
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 05-07-2021, 06:02 AM  
How to expose for highlights shadows?
Posted By pendennis
Replies: 36
Views: 2,239
Before the advent of built-in spot meters and advanced exposure methods, lots of folks used bracketing to achieve acceptable exposure. In the case of high-contrast subjects (or views), you can set exposure based in the meter reading. Then compensate by making exposures calculated on either side of the meter reading.

Example: If the meter reads f/11 @ 1/125 second, make another exposure @ f/8 @1/125, and another @ f/16 @ 1/125. Depending on the level of contrast, you may need to compensate @ 2 stops compensation.

Here's the rub, however: When shooting print film, processors tend to print to optimize the subject. This will frequently blow out highlights or shadows. Bracketing works fine if you scan your own negatives. With slides, you get what you shoot. E-6 processing is straight line, and bracketing can be optimized.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 01-16-2021, 08:17 AM  
Asahi Pentax SL
Posted By pendennis
Replies: 19
Views: 2,892
Reminiscent of the old Avis v. Hertz ad campaigns. "At Avis, we're number 2, so we have to try harder".

That campaign was designed by Doyle Dane Bernbach. Robert Townsend was CEO of Avis, led the campaign, which led a turnaround for them, and made Avis profitable for the first time in years. Townsend, who later wrote the book "UP The Organization" (1970) and was a "Theory Y" management advocate. His book was required reading for my business studies in the 1970's.
Forum: Pentax Price Watch 10-22-2020, 04:38 PM  
My Local Dealer Has An ASAHI Pentax Model S - Ser# 1556XX
Posted By pendennis
Replies: 5
Views: 1,032
My local used dealer just listed a Pentax S, with a 155XXX serial number. He has excellent photos of the camera, and does mention that the shutter curtains stick halfway when the shutter release is pressed. BIN price is $799.99. His listings are straightforward, no BS, and I've bought many cameras and lenses from him.


I don't have a dog in this one, but I haunt his site every day for great stuff. Thought some collectors might be interested.


:[VERY RARE] Asahi Pentax S 35mm Film SLR Camera Body Only #155627 [EX+++] | eBay
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 09-18-2020, 06:21 AM  
Battery
Posted By pendennis
Replies: 8
Views: 893
Don't take for granted that the terminal is clean, even though there aren't any signs of corrosion. You should clean the terminal connection in the body with a pencil eraser, or even take some fine (0000) steel wool to clean it and the threads. Also, don't forget the screw cap for the battery compartment. It's part of the circuit. Clean the inside of the compartment cap, along with the threads.

If you want to make the investment, there are adapters which contain a diode which allow for 386 batteries to be used, providing the 1.35v needed.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 06-01-2020, 05:54 AM  
Finding battery for SP1000 in retail stores (U.S.)?
Posted By pendennis
Replies: 7
Views: 902
I was in a Walgreen's last week and they had all types of 375's, 386's, etc. Same with CVS.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 10-28-2019, 08:30 PM  
plastic film can - dumb question
Posted By pendennis
Replies: 35
Views: 2,238
Plus, there's the cool factor when you have a neck strap that has loops for film canisters. They're especially cool if you put the old style metal ones in the loops. If you don't have the elastic loops, use electrician's tape.

:D:D:D:D
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 10-27-2019, 09:40 AM  
The T function on Pentax S3?
Posted By pendennis
Replies: 17
Views: 1,413
Turning the dial from "T" to another setting is how the shutter closes on the S3 (H3) models. It's covered in the Pentax manuals.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 10-23-2019, 06:47 AM  
The coolest vintage accessory: Mechanical timer
Posted By pendennis
Replies: 48
Views: 8,887
I have a couple of them. They stay in my large format bag, along with changing bags, cable releases, focusing cloths, etc.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 08-20-2019, 06:51 AM  
Original kit lens for the Pentax SF1n (1989)?
Posted By pendennis
Replies: 25
Views: 3,222
I started out with the SF-1, as a body only purchase. The local shop did have the kit, but the dealer didn't recommend it because of the lesser quality lens. I was going from manual- to auto-focus at the time, so I went for the more expensive lenses. I later bought the SF-1n, which also came body-only. Both models were a quantum leap ahead of the Nikon N4004. Nikon had yet to come out with the N6006, or the N8008, so the Pentax was my top consideration. However, the SF's suffered from slow AF, and I only kept them until I could get a PZ-1.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 06-16-2019, 09:33 AM  
Film contrast problem
Posted By pendennis
Replies: 11
Views: 1,119
The scenes are rather contrasty. As such, you should probably do some bracketing when shooting. An old adage is expose for the shadows, develop for the highlights. You have no control over the developing, since C41 is a continuous process. The buildings and sky are overwhelming your camera's meter.

Your camera's meter is calibrated to 18% gray (a bit of a misnomer, actually closer to 14%), and that calibration ignores high contrast and attempts to average the scene. In this instance the shadow details are badly underexposed.


If you were shooting TMAX, or other pure B&W films, you could adjust your development times to accommodate the contrast (under-/over-exposure). You can still correct the exposure in your digital editing software. However, if you "blew" the shadows, and lost detail, you're unlikely to be able to get to an acceptable image.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 05-05-2019, 09:40 AM  
Scanning film.....
Posted By pendennis
Replies: 31
Views: 3,298
A lot depends on your projected volume of scanning. There are a number of options out there from on-camera to dedicated.

I gave some thought to on-camera using a lens adapter for macro, but tossed that out very quickly. I ended up with a Epson V850, and I'm completely happy with it. I've scanned everything from 35mm negs and transparencies, to medium format, to large format (4x5), to photos. It's a very flexible piece of equipment. It came with a number of scanning frames for film and mounted slides. I also went to the trouble to buy an after market scanning frame for my medium format made of metal and designed for the V850; it provides greatly improved scans (Better Scanning). I haven't tried it yet, but a number of folks are using the V850 for wet scans, which to provide superior scans.


One the most important things is the software. The Epson software is all right, and I'm also using VueScan x64 and Silver Fast 64 bit. The software for the scanners is ideal for one film, say Kodak Ektachrome, but doesn't do justice to Fuji, e.g. Every software package has algorithms which are biased one way, or the other. This isn't a fault, it's just the way things have to be.


There's a learning curve of just how dense you want the scan and the dimensions, what the output will be, etc. I usually output TIF files, and convert in Adobe or Affinity.

This may not be the answer you seek, but there aren't a lot of straightforward answers. For instance, you can spend around $800 for an Epson, but you can also spend up to $30K for the most exotic. Flatbed scanners are a bit of a compromise.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 04-18-2019, 07:07 AM  
Blue haze on landscape shots - help?
Posted By pendennis
Replies: 22
Views: 4,399
You may want to consider a polarizing filter. As others have mentioned, UV and Skylight filters will handle some haze and "too blue" conditions, but they're not panaceas. A polarizing filter, used at the correct angle, will improve contrast, and darken the blue of the sky.

As others have noted, you're also at a great distance between the camera and the mountains. That distance enhances whatever haze, dust, etc., is in the atmosphere. The haze effect can also be amplified depending on the time of day.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 03-14-2019, 01:42 PM  
PZ-1p Battery Issue?
Posted By pendennis
Replies: 5
Views: 816
Check the contacts in the compartment, and clean them well. Use a pencil erase, or a fiberglass pen to clean them. Sometimes the contacts can have a clear coating on them preventing good contact.

If you have the right type of test meter, you can test the batteries under load.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 01-30-2019, 01:34 PM  
Pocket book that was in bag of K1000 goodies
Posted By pendennis
Replies: 10
Views: 1,421
I still have mine, and carry it in my gear bag with filters, caps, a gray card, and other "stuff". While not the latest and greatest, it's an excellent reference for the "ABC's" of photography.

The D-O-F scales are especially handy since newer lenses tend not to have them engraved on the lens body, and I have stickies attached for my large format lenses.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 04-07-2018, 08:24 PM  
Benefits to Film Era Cameras?
Posted By pendennis
Replies: 130
Views: 11,472
In the past couple of weeks, I've added a Mamiya RZ67 and three lenses; and today, I traded some M/F 35 film equipment and a bit of cash for a mint condition Hassy 500 C/M with a Zeiss Planar 80mm f/2.8. With the Hassy and a Mamiya C330s, I'm beginning to enjoy 6x6 again.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 04-05-2018, 07:58 AM  
Benefits to Film Era Cameras?
Posted By pendennis
Replies: 130
Views: 11,472
I own a couple of Super Programs, a Program Plus, Spotmatics (2), and a K2. This is just a small part of my film "arsenal" (Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Mamiya medium format, and large format [4x5]). I've been photographing things of all kinds for over 50 years, and film still has a draw to it, that isn't fulfilled with my digital equipment.

Film and digital are different media, and they work better when used in complimentary fashions. I've scanned literally thousands of transparencies and negatives, and I can now get results that weren't achievable during the "film only" era.

If you haven't tried film, buy the gear (if it's reasonably priced), get some film and try it. You may be surprised by the results. You don't get the instant gratification of digital, but you may be pleasantly surprised by your efforts.

Good luck.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 03-03-2018, 08:17 AM  
Asahi or Honeywell Spotmatic?
Posted By pendennis
Replies: 13
Views: 4,746
Although Japanese goods had a reputation for being shoddy and second-rate, Japan was in their infancy in rebuilding their manufacturing base in the 1950's. However, there were a number of camera and lens manufacturers that produced quality optics and cameras. Pre-WWII, they were very innovative, much more than Germany. During the Korean War, a number of Nikon and Canon cameras were adapted to use Leitz lenses, and became "second" bodies for photographers covering the war. It would take years, and they embraced the teachings of W. Edwards Deming, one of the fathers of statistical quality control (Shewhart is probably the father). GI's brought home Canon and Nikon rangefinder models, and I'm sure a lot of TLR, etc.

Because of their reputation, Japanese manufacturers did partner with U.S. distributors and manufacturers to get a foothold in the U.S. Honeywell, Bell & Howell, Kodak, and Beseler all had great reputations, and if they were willing to handle Japanese photographic equipment, then it might be a decent gamble to buy one. EPOI imported Nikon, and it gave Nikon the necessary foothold.

In the 1970's, the Japanese brands had gained a great reputation, even outshining German brands. The Germans weren't as innovative overall, and they soon started to lag in sales. After the branding improved, the Japanese decided to eliminate the "middlemen", and establish their own U.S. outlets. As those distribution contracts lapsed, the American companies were soon left without a nameplate. Honeywell, Bell & Howell, and Beseler really lost business, and eventually went out of the photography business.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 12-23-2017, 02:25 PM  
Pentax Z1P
Posted By pendennis
Replies: 10
Views: 2,643
Most volt meters don't measure voltage under load. I've seen it a number of times with Li Ion batteries, because their usage curve is so flat. It's akin to the old mercury cells.
Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories 11-16-2017, 12:49 PM  
Pentax Motor Drive A
Posted By pendennis
Replies: 5
Views: 1,467
The battery contacts have been inspected and thoroughly cleaned, even though there were no signs of battery leaks, or age-type corrosion. The positive and negative contacts in the battery trays are the actual battery contacts.

Thanks for the response.
Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories 11-16-2017, 08:05 AM  
Pentax Motor Drive A
Posted By pendennis
Replies: 5
Views: 1,467
The vertical release doesn't function at all. The drive doesn't make any noise as though it's trying to operate. Both cameras and drives had the film counter advanced to "1" before testing the drives. The LED's do not activate.

After sleeping on the problem, I'm wondering if the cameras being empty have an effect. These were all "dry" tests, i.e. no film in the camera. I didn't want to waste film testing these drives. I don't see anything in the instructions as to dry firing.
Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories 11-15-2017, 01:56 PM  
Pentax Motor Drive A
Posted By pendennis
Replies: 5
Views: 1,467
I'm running into a problem with a couple of Pentax Motor Drive A units. One I bought a couple of months back included with a Program Plus, and the second, which arrived today. Both units are in what I'd call excellent condition. I mounted one on another Program Plus, and the one arriving today on a Super Program. According to all literature, the drive should be compatible with both model cameras.

The problem is with the film advance. On either camera, with either drive attached, I can cock the shutter manually, and the shutter can be fired from the camera, or the drive and in either the "S", "H", or "L" mode. It doesn't make any difference the setting on the camera, either Program, Manual, or 100/125 default. The drive and advance are aligned, and the drive fits snugly on both cameras. The vertical release will not trip the shutter at all. The motor will not come on, turning the film advance gears.

I have tried new batteries in each tray, swapped trays, and repeatedly mounted and dismounted the drives.

I've read the instructions completely, and checked both camera's user manuals.

Any ideas? Thanks!
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 11-13-2017, 12:32 PM  
Pentax ME II Winder Issues
Posted By pendennis
Replies: 7
Views: 2,406
I have a couple of the ME II winders, but haven't seen your particular problem. What I've seen though, is a problem with maintaining consistent power because of the poor design of the battery tray catch. I've had a couple of instances where the unit doesn't complete the cycle, and I've had to remove the winder and finish advancing the film by using the manual advance.

I'm going to try and make a small latch out of brass, and see if I can maintain constant battery contact. The existing plastic part is really flimsy.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 11-05-2017, 09:26 PM  
Full-frame lens on a crop body not advisable?
Posted By pendennis
Replies: 168
Views: 13,003
The sensors for digital aren't the same as the grains for film; the light isn't recorded the same way. Lenses for film cameras are designed to maximize the resolution for that medium. Newer lenses are designs which maximize the light gathering for a sensor. I don't think anyone would call Leitz's lenses "soft" in any respect, nor lenses like the Nikkor 50mm f1.8, or the Pentax SMC 50mm f2. In an age where lenses were designed using slide rules and paper, the lenses are superbly sharp and color balanced; and modern CAD/CAM processes make the design and engineering stage much less subject to calculation errors. The lens coatings are another story, and I agree with you that the modern coating are probably superior for digital imaging.

I still get great images using a manual focus Nikkor 24mm f2.8, and my Pentax SMC A 50mm f1.7. I don't often go "retro", using lenses designed for digital on my film cameras, but I can always correct most anything when I scan and edit.
Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories 11-02-2017, 02:54 PM  
Battery Tray For Pentax ME-II
Posted By pendennis
Replies: 3
Views: 722
Thanks, and I can appreciate your solution.

This looks like a very bad design, exacerbated by the need to change out batteries. I have a couple of older Nikon drives MD-12's, and they're really built well.

I found a dead motor drive, so maybe I'll take it to a local repair shop, and see if they can revive it. It's a much sturdier design.
Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories 11-02-2017, 12:01 PM  
Battery Tray For Pentax ME-II
Posted By pendennis
Replies: 3
Views: 722
I located and bought a Winder ME-II to use on my Super Program.

The winder arrived, but the battery tray wouldn't remain seated with batteries in it. Found a parts-only winder on eBay to get its tray ($1.00). It arrived today, and I tried the tray on my working winder. It won't seat, either. In fact, the end tab broke when I closed the tray into place. Batteries exert enough pressure to keep the tray from staying seated. I noticed that the end tab flexed a great deal on both trays, and it seems this is the issue. The tray from the winder on my Program Plus will remain seated. There doesn't appear to be a secondary seating lock.

I don't want to keep looking for winders with the same problem.

Has anyone else had this problem, and did you come up with a solution more permanent than the original?

Thanks.
Search took 0.00 seconds | Showing results 1 to 25 of 40

 
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 02:34 AM. | See also: NikonForums.com, CanonForums.com part of our network of photo forums!
  • Red (Default)
  • Green
  • Gray
  • Dark
  • Dark Yellow
  • Dark Blue
  • Old Red
  • Old Green
  • Old Gray
  • Dial-Up Style
Hello! It's great to see you back on the forum! Have you considered joining the community?
register
Creating a FREE ACCOUNT takes under a minute, removes ads, and lets you post! [Dismiss]
Top