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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 01-10-2015, 07:13 AM  
You should wait! (new flagship)
Posted By loganross
Replies: 446
Views: 63,331
Ricoh will keep the Pentax brand for OVF and DSLRs, and then expand Ricoh's successful and highly regarded GR family to compete with Sony E and Fuji. Of course, the new GR will incorporate Pentax technology such as image processing, SR and auto-focus. They will then offer an adapter for K mount, just as Sony does for A mount.
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 05-17-2014, 04:27 PM  
Pentax @ San Jose Camera & Video
Posted By loganross
Replies: 8
Views: 1,930
Wish that store even remotely supported Pentax. They are so unenthusiastic the few times I have been there and they have virtually no stock. If Pentax is watching this board, please try to rebuild you relationship with Keeble in Palo Alto. Even though they don't currently sell Pentax, several of their guys shoot Pentax. I think Pentax would have a better shot with them.
Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II 05-14-2014, 11:51 PM  
K3 review from "Reid Reviews"
Posted By loganross
Replies: 7
Views: 2,270
It was a very good and balanced review ��
Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II 05-10-2014, 11:36 PM  
K3 vs Sony A7: which one will you buy for the same price?
Posted By loganross
Replies: 23
Views: 14,188
Hi,
Currently have the K3, A7, and XT1 after spending two months using the XT1. I will end up with two out of the three because they are so different.

The XT-1 is a phenomenal camera. The design is perhaps the most impressive of any camera in existence today. It is a true photographers tool and every detail was clearly thought out. Most interesting, the XT1 is top of the heep when it comes to being able to balance ISO, Aperture, and shutter speed in a way that results in an image that naturally replicates what your eyes saw in real life. As much as I love the XT-1, it has a few serious flaws (depending on what your priorities are). It is not good for active subjects, the shutter blackout time is long, and most importantly, it has really poor DR on the shadow side. Darks block up very easily relative to other cameras. if your images are of mostly bright subjects its less of a problem. For me, where the darker regions are important, this is a problem. BTW, I don't buy into the whole Fuji jpeg film simulation fanaticism. If I want to be creative, I can do that in post. Its really just a play with contrast and saturation. To be clear, the XT1 has phenomenal image quality, expect for darker areas. DPReview's DR tests confirm my un-scientific visual conclusion. Fuji also cheats with respect ISO ratings, but despite this high ISO performance is quite good. Lens selection is excellent, but some of the older ones are terrible functionally even if the image quality is very good.

The A7 appears to have amazing image quality (I'm still new to it). Its DR, especially in in the shadow area which is important to me, is superior to the XT1. The controls are not as impressive as the XT1, but they are passable. The EVF is actually better than the XT1 imagewise, but not layout or datawise. It is more compact than the XT1 when comparing with Fuji 23mm and the Sony 35mm lenses attached. The A7 is a more responsive shooting experience with a shorter evf blackout time. The biggest flaw of the A7, is the horrible horrible shutter sound.... it is loud as a truck.. Considering that part of moving to mirrorless is to have lighter and more discrete gear, this is a bizarre omission. To be clear, the shutter is much much louder than either the XT1 and the K3. High ISO performance is extremely impressive. Lens selection is far from impressive, but if they have the ones you need it won't matter.

Regarding both the XT1 and A7: As good as the evfs are, they are not great for bright outdoor lighting as they are just too limited in dynamic range.

The K3 is a machine. It is refined, and has perhaps the best functional implementation of any modern dslr. It is fast, responsive, and a pleasure to use outside and for active subjects. Focus accuracy and metering can't match either mirrorless, but this is an issue with all slrs. Its big and heavy relative to the other two, so its not something you are going to take everywhere. Interesting, despite having a mirror box, it is quieter than the other two. While there are lots of pentax lenses, most are the old and noisy screwdriver driven type, which is disappointing. Also, for me, the 35mm FF equivalent focal length is the most important, especially for indoor work. However, Pentax does not have a fast prime to meet this need. Another thing to consider is you are empowered by being able to see the image, as it is to be recorded, when taking the shot and after the fact (in the evf). This is a powerful tool which slrs, including the k3, lack.

Reading this, you might think I am down on the k3. I am not. There is a reality about improvements in mirrorless that make slrs seem like relics. However, there are some things that mirrorless can't do yet. Thus my dilemma is that no one camera meets all my needs. I do not want to compromise on image quality. Therefore, after selling my pentax gear and k5, I have decided that I will supplement a mirrorless with the K3. I haven't decided which mirrorless will stay. Truth be told, at a certain point in the near future, I won't need an slr. Its my hope that Pentax is watching Fuji, Sony, and Olympus, and will respond in kind and with force. I love Pentax and have been shooting Pentax for years, but I won't need a traditional slr for ever.
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 04-10-2014, 07:48 AM  
Heads Up: Photo Contest Featuring Pentax K-3 Grand Prize
Posted By loganross
Replies: 115
Views: 28,199
Its not clear by the note, but are their multiple rounds in that we will submit multiple photos or is a single photo submitted for the entire contest?
Forum: Sold Items 03-01-2014, 01:20 PM  
For Sale - Sold: Pentax DA 21mm LIMITED Lens
Posted By loganross
Replies: 2
Views: 826
PentaxForums.com Marketplace Listing

Item for Sale
Pentax DA 21mm LIMITED Lens

Asking Price
315.00 USD

Item Location
Palo Alto, CA (United States)

Item Description
Pentax DA 21mm Limited Lens



This is a wonderful lens that really allows you to travel lighter and still take advantage of its wide field of view to capture life as it is happening. It is sharp, contrasty, and renders lifelike colors and skin tones. It has been one of my two "go-to" Pentax lenses. It is in great condition (see photos). It has expected signs of use in the form of a small amount of color wear on the metal "nobbies" of the lens hood and body ring. The lens is fully functional with no operational defects. Included are the original box, lens cap, hood, sleeve, and manual.

Why am I selling: I am moving to a lighter mirrorless kit with which it is not compatible.

Are you the original owner of the item being sold?
Yes

Are you selling or trading this item?
Selling

Item Condition (Key)
Used
Good

Shipping Destinations
Worldwide

Shipping Charge
$9.99

Shipping Services
USPS or FedEx

Accepted Payment Types
PayPal

Return Policy & Additional Details
No returns unless damaged in shipping (poof of shipping damage required)

Please send me a private message if interested in the item!
Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II 02-28-2014, 08:51 PM  
Compare Notes? - K3 AF wierdness (cont.)
Posted By loganross
Replies: 24
Views: 5,747
David,
Thank you for your reply. I tried a second body and had the same issues. While this wasn't the main driver (I focus on the "where I am going" rather than the "why I am leaving"), I have switched to Fuji (now shooting the X-T1 camera and fast primes). Every camera system has its issues, but I have many wonderful photos from my 7 years shooting pentax :)
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 02-28-2014, 08:47 PM  
K-3 AF issue
Posted By loganross
Replies: 80
Views: 9,206
Forum: Sold Items 02-28-2014, 07:16 PM  
For Sale - Sold: Pentax FA31, DA*50-135, DA40, DA21,FGZ540,FGZ360
Posted By loganross
Replies: 9
Views: 2,891
replied
Forum: Sold Items 02-24-2014, 05:07 PM  
For Sale - Sold: Pentax FA31, DA*50-135, DA40, DA21,FGZ540,FGZ360
Posted By loganross
Replies: 9
Views: 2,891
replied

---------- Post added 02-24-14 at 10:48 PM ----------

Update: remaining items are the DA* 50-135 and the DA 21 Limited.
Forum: Sold Items 02-22-2014, 11:36 AM  
For Sale - Sold: Pentax FA31, DA*50-135, DA40, DA21,FGZ540,FGZ360
Posted By loganross
Replies: 9
Views: 2,891
PM replied.

---------- Post added 02-22-14 at 10:37 AM ----------




No trades, but thank you for asking.
Forum: Sold Items 02-17-2014, 04:45 PM  
For Sale - Sold: Pentax FA31, DA*50-135, DA40, DA21,FGZ540,FGZ360
Posted By loganross
Replies: 9
Views: 2,891
Hi, Shipping it a flat $10 per item (reduced for combinations) in the continental US. Buyer pays actual shipping elsewhere. Let me know if you have any questions.
Forum: Sold Items 02-17-2014, 04:41 PM  
For Sale - Sold: Pentax FA31, DA*50-135, DA40, DA21,FGZ540,FGZ360
Posted By loganross
Replies: 9
Views: 2,891
Per my original post, here are additional photos:
Forum: Sold Items 02-17-2014, 04:38 PM  
For Sale - Sold: Pentax FA31, DA*50-135, DA40, DA21,FGZ540,FGZ360
Posted By loganross
Replies: 9
Views: 2,891
Hi Folks,
Final Price Reduction: I am looking to make some kit changes. As result, I have a number of quality, extremely well cared for, Pentax items for sale. I accept Paypal (but only verified/confirmed paypal members). Shipping is $10.00 per item to the continental US (discount for multiple items), but buyer's outside of the continental US pay actual shipping.

Please see below:

SOLD: [S] FA31 Lens ($899.00 $850.00 US): Mint condition, very very little use (1 y/o), but it was never really the right focal length for my style of photography. Its imaging is awesome! Sold complete with hood and lens caps, pouch, manual, box, etc.

SOLD: [S] DA*50-135 Lens ($799.00 $725.00 US): Excellent condition, and limited use as it was mainly for formal portraits at x-mas time as well as a few family events since I have had it. Sold complete with hood and lens caps, pouch, manual, box, etc.

B+W 67mm MRC Nano KSM Circular Polarizer ($65.00 $50.00 US): Excellent condition. This is for my 50-135mm, it is a top notch device, and I have had phenomenal success using it (especially for cutting through water reflections). I don't have any other lenses of that size so I no longer have a need for it.

SOLD: DA40 Limited Lens ($250.00 $200.00 US): It is in excellent optical and functional condition, but does show signs of use (namely worn paint on the metal "nobbies" and normal use body scratches). This was my workhorse lens until I bought the 21mm. Sold complete with hood and lens caps, pouch, manual, box, etc.

DA21 Limited Lens ($375.00 $300.00 US): It is in excellent optical and functional condition, but does show signs of use (namely worn paint on the metal "nobbies" and normal use body scratches). Sold complete with hood and lens caps, pouch, manual, box, etc.

SOLD: FGZ540 Flash ($325.00 or $300 $300.00 or $275.00 US - see description): It is in excellent functional condition, but does show signs of use. There is a chip off the corner of the hotshoe mount as the FGZ 540 hotshoe mount is plastic. It has never impacted use so I never bothered to replace it. As a result, I am offering two options: (1) The flash as is for $275.00; or (2) I can order a replacement from Pentax and include it with the flash for $300.00. Sold complete with pouch, manual, box, etc.


SOLD: FGZ360 Flash ($125.00 US): It is in excellent functional condition, but does show minor signs of use. I bought the 540 shortly after and used that as my primary flash. I mainly kept this flash kept in my bag as a backup. Sold complete with pouch, manual, box, etc.


Note that I could only include 10 pictures with the original post, so I will follow up with the remainder. These are macro photos, so they exaggerate everything, including dust :), however I have provided them to give you the most possible information.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 02-12-2014, 09:28 PM  
Revisiting the HD DA 20-40mm Limited
Posted By loganross
Replies: 53
Views: 9,433
Agreed. But as you mentioned, I said Fuji Lenses. Consider the Fuji 23mm and the 18-55. I will also restate that if the 31 is a FF lenses, there is no reason why they can't make an APC lens the same size. Consider the 20-40 for example.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 02-12-2014, 08:48 PM  
Revisiting the HD DA 20-40mm Limited
Posted By loganross
Replies: 53
Views: 9,433
do you actually own them or did you just go look it up? I own them. Sadly, you missed the point. No one asked for pentax lenses the size of the Fuji 35. I logically pointed out that if pentax could make the FA 31mm ff lens 11 years ago, they can certainly make other high quality fast lenses for APC (of similar size) today.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 02-12-2014, 07:44 PM  
Revisiting the HD DA 20-40mm Limited
Posted By loganross
Replies: 53
Views: 9,433
the fa31 is no bigger than the Fuji lenses and its a full frame lens. Thus I don't agree with your conclusions. It can be done, but reserving the effort for a prestige limited line of lenses has sadly been the objective.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 02-12-2014, 06:07 PM  
Revisiting the HD DA 20-40mm Limited
Posted By loganross
Replies: 53
Views: 9,433
OP here. Still testing the 20-40, but also looking at alternative systems, namely Fuji. Regarding the 20-40, I think it takes very impressive photos, matching and sometimes surpassing my FA31. No kidding, the FA31 may be an amazing lens, but time waits for no one and technology has allowed for the creation of many worthy competitors (including the 20-40). However, the 20-40 is too expensive given the compromises of its slow speed. The Fuji 18-55 2.8-4 is a great lens to compare to, but haven't used it long enough to draw any conclusions. Generally however, I am frustrated with Pentax. I want compact, fast, silent, quality lenses. Quite frankly if Fuji can do it, I don't see why pentax can't. Moreover, Fuji lenses are priced reasonably. Other than the 20-40, there does not seem to be any innovation in lenses coming from pentax. Instead they are focused only on matching cannon and Nikon, product for product, and in price. I have not made up my mind yet. The k3 is impressive. However, my eyes have been opened as to the benefits of a smaller overall kit offered by mirrorless systems. On the flip side, I am not thrilled by the shot2shot delay in the Fuji, which is really more of an an issue because the evf blacks out during that time. On the other hand, the benefits of a high end evf which I have discovered in the Fuji XE-2 have opened my eyes to new possibilities (focus peaking, image review, split focusing, data and histogram, exposure accurate image). As I said in the original post, I will keep you posted.
Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II 02-02-2014, 12:40 PM  
Compare Notes? - K3 AF wierdness (cont.)
Posted By loganross
Replies: 24
Views: 5,747
Thanks guys. The issue persists whether I select center point or another point. The lensalign method, is fairly scientific when followed carefully and my results are pretty inconsistent. I am in AFS mode...I should have mentioned this in my original note.



It seems to me, I have to exchange it.
Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II 02-02-2014, 10:07 AM  
Compare Notes? - K3 AF wierdness (cont.)
Posted By loganross
Replies: 24
Views: 5,747
Hi all,

First, this is not a thread about blurry photos, its a thread about mis-focused photos. There was a previous thread that outlined another user's experience entitled "K3 AF Weirdness".

The Issue:
I would like to compare notes with you. I have a K3 (latest firmware) using various lenses (FA31, DA 20-40, 50-135). Its strange, but I have been feeling like an unusually large number of shots have been mis-focused where I know I properly selected the AF point. At narrower apertures, it could be misunderstood as blurry, but wide apertures (i.e., 2.0) tell the story well. For clarity, I am shooting raw in manual mode, minimum 1/180 of a sec, on and off tripod, single user-selected AF point.

My initial attempted solution:
When I first noticed the issue, I decided that perhaps the lenses needed alignment, so I used focus-tune and lensalign to determine the correct AFA position. When I printed the focus-tune reports, it was very clear that many shots were "way" off base. For example, in focus-tune, a perfect shot will have a reported focus value of 0. Lets say that I set the AFA in the camera to -3 and I shoot a series of photos. While most will have a reported focus value in the same range (for example, 100, 110, 90), I was getting a large number of shots that fell out of that general range (for example, 275, -100). Since I shot a large number in the series for each AFA camera setting, I threw out the outliers and determined the correct AFA camera setting with those that were remaining (for most lenses, an AFA setting of -1 or -2 worked). The results.....Stunning sharpness, except for those photos that are mis-focused. In other words, the more frequent appearance of "outliers" were impacting the photos I take in real life.

Real life impact example:
Shooting a person (from directly in front of them and at floor level), whom is resting their head on their crossed arms (they are laying down parallel to my position such that it is effectively like a head and shoulder framed shot). Focusing the single AF point on the eye, some shots have the eye in focus, others have their elbow (a few inches closer than their eye) in focus. To be clear, I am shooting at an aperture of 2.0 to to 2.4 which has a limited DOF field. Thus the problem is easy to detect because accurate focus is critical under these circumstances.

My ask:
Tell me your experiences. I have to decide whether to send the camera back for a replacement. I think the K3 is the most solid and sophisticated APC camera out there. I have been on the fence about switching after 7 years with Pentax. I want to stay. However, this is not helping :)
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 01-27-2014, 04:09 PM  
DA 20-40 keeping me with Pentax for now
Posted By loganross
Replies: 3
Views: 1,254
I don't find it front heavy. I am actually comparing it to the fa31. At a given aperture, the FA is sharper, but it is probably not noticeable except for really large prints. Image wise, other than sharpness, I find that the 20-40 is either equal or better. It is clearly superior to the FA for CA, fringing, etc. Its also quieter. The only thing I would miss in the FA is the bokeh look of the wider apertures (1.8, 2.2, 2.4)
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 01-27-2014, 01:55 PM  
DA 20-40 keeping me with Pentax for now
Posted By loganross
Replies: 3
Views: 1,254
A lot has been written about the 20-40mm. I have participated in 2 threads about it. Funny thing is that I am at a crossroads as to whether to stay with Pentax. I am driven to move by an interest in different lens options and full frame. I am driven to stay by the amazing K3 body and compactness. While there is a lot of talk about the magic feel of lenses, I find that picture quality is largely driven by quality optics and your RAW development process (especially since many manufacturers use similar sensors). Thus, in testing different lenses for different systems, similar quality lenses produce virtually the same quality image. Consider for example the Sigma 35 A on both pentax and Nikon APC.



Back to the 20-40. I have really grown to appreciate the flexibility of its range. I no longer need to carry the 21 and the 40 (I never did, I just picked one or the other before heading out the door)



Lets see what happens........
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 01-27-2014, 01:45 PM  
Alternative to the DA*50-135
Posted By loganross
Replies: 9
Views: 1,890
Ok. This is helpful. I will look at each of these lenses. I am worried as it seems that the 3rd party vendors are dropping their support of Pentax causing a shortage of options.
Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II 01-27-2014, 01:43 PM  
K3 - Adjusting LCD Monitor
Posted By loganross
Replies: 5
Views: 1,716
Ok. Thanks. I will try this when I get home.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 01-27-2014, 12:42 PM  
Alternative to the DA*50-135
Posted By loganross
Replies: 9
Views: 1,890
Thanks. I will look at that lens. Aren't there others? 😊
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