|
Forum: General Photography
08-07-2023, 06:23 PM
|
| |
Is Shop Pentax a legitimate Ricoh run website or is someone setting up a rather elaborate phishing site?
|
|
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
05-12-2021, 04:09 PM
|
| |
I would say from wide open to about f/4 the DFA*85 holds a definitive edge. From f/5.6 onwards both lenses start to get closer in quality; the modern lens is always a head but the 77 has improved quite a bit.
However from a fatigue standpoint I get tired quicker with the massive DFA*85 than with the 77mm, having rented both. The K1 body is already decently heavy. If you're only in a field for a couple hours or will be using a tripod or monopod I guess it doesn't matter as much. On 3-4 hour days hand holding it can be a bit tiring.
|
|
Forum: Pentax Price Watch
12-04-2020, 04:02 PM
|
| |
well I just got screwed out of $200 by Adorama by trying to partake in this deal. I ordered the 85mm, got the $200 certificate, spent it, then Adorama cancelled my lens and claims now that I owe them 200. note, they refunded the lens because UPS "lost" it, and instead of sending me another one decided to refund me the lens. I tried to place an order for the lens (without the 200, it was over by then) after confirming with the CS supervisor to make everything whole and now my account is suspended until I pay them back the 200. DO NOT BUY FROM ADORAMA.
|
|
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
10-28-2020, 11:57 PM
|
| |
I would buy this in a heartbeat. I have tons of K mount lenses and a couple Sony bodies. I'm using the Techart Pro to af those lenses but this would be so much more convenient.
|
|
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
05-30-2020, 05:04 PM
|
| |
MS cash infusion to Apple is a statement of fact, and should not be in dispute. Aug. 6, 1997: Apple Rescued ? by Microsoft | WIRED. PowerPC had significant advantages over x86 up until the Athlon64 where it started lagging behind, but the problem was System 7 (and 8 and 9 after it) was not a pre-emptive multitasking OS that NT (and to a lesser extent, Win9x) was; Apple wouldn't have a fully protected mode preemptive OS until OS X was released in 2001. For people who used computers casually, Macs offered little benefit over cheaper PC clones of the time.
IBM's noncompetitive hardware aside (which wasn't absolutely true, they just weren't competitive at the same price point, but instead you got full 100% PC BIOS compatibility except for the PCjr), OS/2 was their operating system to replace DOS. It failed, for multiple reasons, but primarily due to lack of consumer and developer support, hurt by their ineptitude on how they treated small developers.
|
|
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
05-30-2020, 12:13 AM
|
| |
As a former user of OS/2 and Windows Phone in it's 3 incarnations... I'm surprised anyone is still arguing this is not bad news. Third party manufacturers are pulling back K mount support because there is no money in it. Of course Pentax wants you to buy 1st party, so does cansonikon, but they all tolerate 3rd parties because it shows the market is vibrant, relatively speaking. Leica and Hasselblad have a certain cachet, Pentax does not. I've seen where niche markets go in the long run, and it's no place good. Almost nobody new is buying into the K mount, all these releases are just trying to extract as much value as they can from current users, and the occasional convert. The Tamron 70-210mm F4 for other mounts is like half the price of the Pentax version. Ricoh may well continue the brand as long as it's profitable but I question how long that will last. I'm in the market for a modern K mount 85mm, so will probably bite the bullet on the HD D FA* 85mm or whatever they call it, but I've migrated most of my shooting to other systems late last year, and it's getting harder to justify the Pentax tax. As paid gigs and creative content move toward hybrid shooting it's hard not to look at other systems' strengths in those areas. If I need to do a model shoot in a driving snowstorm in Antarctica, I'm taking my K1 and the AW lenses. But I can't imagine doing that more than once in my life, if ever. A studio shoot, or street shoot on a clear day, or a day trip through the woods? Other systems are cheaper, lighter, and/or better. Aside from nostalgic loyalty, the places where Pentax rules surpeme is getting smaller.
|
|
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
04-14-2019, 04:19 PM
|
| |
suck compared to what? part of the problem is I think on the older cameras AF was not very consistent unless you had a bright sunny day (K200D/K10D, etc). It made me move to a Canon 40D for a long time. When I upgraded that camera to another Canon I had no idea what any of the focus settings meant and got crap results until I figured out how to use the settings. Same thing when I got a K3-II. Had to fiddle around with the settings until I got it just right. Part of the problem with any comparison is how knowledgeable you are in the camera system you're comparing to. I got a Nikon D7200 for giggles; I couldn't focus with it because I had no idea how its focus setting worked.
As far as my experience, once I finally got used to how the cameras worked, the speed of the lens became another factor. Canon's USM on their L family glass is great. Their STM on their consumer lineup is... better for video and the recofusing after defocusing effect. Pentax's old SDM lenses are incredibly slow, any comparison using them will be sure to weigh down the system. Once I got comparable lenses to test (sigma 17-50mm, sigma 35mm art, sigma 30mm art, etc.), I found the lenses themselves to vary too much for anything meaningful (esp the 30mm, why was this not in any review????). The only real apples to apples comparison I've used (at least I think) is the Tamron 24-70 vs the Pentax 24-70, and using that I find the 7Dmk2 to be slightly better than the K3-II when I was shooting a bunch of kids running around at a party, but it could also get a bit inconsistent (meaning it would latch on, but here were times where it would miss for a while, while the K3-II more more consistent in its missing, if that makes sense, maybe due to Tamron not being a native OEM AF solution). with a Canon 70-200 vs the Pentax 70-200 I found the 7D2 to be more consistently better. oh, and DPAF on Canon is legit in video; even using the sigma 17-50mm OS (I have an older version with it) to remove shake, there is no hope to compare the two systems.
The problem with any comparison is that when one system wins, it's automatically assumed the loser can't do the same task (well except Pentax for video, it's there just to check a marketing box it feels like). I don't think that's the right conclusion to draw. The winner should make the job easier, taking the pressure of thinking and more just pressing a button to get the results. But the converse isn't true either; when the system of your choice loses it doesn't mean it's always the fault of poor technique, it could mean that the other system makes getting the right results much easier. I remember the first time I used an a6500 for a portrait shoot and was amazed I didn't need to think about moving AF points, just compose the image with the model and make sure she gave me an eye for the system to latch on to. It didn't mean Pentax or Canon can't take portraits, it just means the Sony made it that much of an easier experience. But me having that opinion doesn't mean I don't have good technique with a Canon or Pentax (or Nikon, but god damn whoever designed that UI must've been poached by Sony).
So in short, is the AF technology in modern Pentax bodies bad? No. Does it suck? No. Can other systems achieve the same results/better results with less effort? In some cases, yes. In AF-S, the first time I put on the 70-200mm on a Pentax, I was floored by the almost instant AF. the 55-300 PLM is just amazing; I would rate it right up there with any other system. For AF-C tracking, it does get the job done, but doesn't mean some other camera system might not make it easier for a beginner (or a seasoned pro).
|
|
Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
03-26-2019, 07:34 PM
|
| |
if it doesn't work with crossover, playonlinux will allow you to download its own version of wine that is self contained in the user's home directory as well. another reason I use it, since Canon DPP breaks after wine 3.5
|
|
Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
03-25-2019, 09:09 PM
|
| |
it didn't like the cat command I was using to show the redhat-release file. I don't know why
full details (I use playonlinux here to keep it within a gui, the command instructions is what K1N8 says, to use the WINEPREFIX env):
 Quote:
Code:
Linux 1701d 5.0.3-200.fc29.x86_64 #1 SMP Tue Mar 19 15:07:58 UTC 2019 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux install wine
Code:
sudo dnf install wine.i686 wine.x86_64 winetricks playonlinux this is the version installed
Quote: run winetricks once so it sets up the winetricks directory structure in your home directory
in a terminal type
and then close the window once it pops up.
in playonlinux create a new 32-bit installation directory, I call it DCU but call it whatever you want.
in a terminal, we want to create a softlink between the playonlinux wineprefix and winetricks
Code:
ln -s ~/PlayOnLinux\'s\ virtual\ drives/DCU ~/.local/share/wineprefixes/DCU now run winetricks again, so in a terminal type
when the window pops up, select DCU, then select windows components, and install DotNET 4.72 and wmp10
it will take a while and have a few prompts.
now download DCU5 from Pentax website, and unzip to a folder; I used ~/Downloads/DCU5
once that is done, go back to playonlinux and click configure for your DCU install prefix, and go to the wine tab and choose winecfg
in winecfg, go to the Drives tab and add a new drive, like E: and in path put in where you extracted the install files for DCU5; click show advanced and under Label put in the label that makes the installer think you have the original CD (mods please edit to add in label if ok to provide)
change the Type to Local hard disk and click OK
Back in playonlinux, go back to the configure window (it should still be open so look for the window in your task list, or reopen by clicking configure) and go to the Miscellaneous tab and choose "Run a .exe file in this virtual drive" and select updater32.exe from your extracted DCU folder. It should install without a hitch.
Go back to playonlinux and in the configure window for DCU in the general tab (first tab) click on "Make a New Shortcut from this virtual drive" and it will search and find Digital Camera Utility. Click on it and click ok, then cancel when it prompts you again. Now it should show up in playonlinux. Simply click run and you should be up and running.
edit: it works with 500 K1 PEFs in a single folder. I haven't tried more, but probably would be smart to keep it under 1000. See screenshots, made some adjustments, everything was working fine, if a bit slower.
|
|
Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
03-25-2019, 05:37 PM
|
| |
the label is to trick the installer into thinking you have the CD, because WINE does not read the CD Label properly apparently.
I tried to post the instructions, but the forum software keeps bugging out on me, probably because it's picking up linux commands and thinking I'm doing something bad. or something. I don't know, the firewall locked me about a few times. I guess the forum doesn't want me to share. Oh well.:hmm:
|
|
Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
03-24-2019, 10:25 PM
|
| |
it works! takes a bit of a kludge though. At least in Fedora 29.
Have to use winetricks to install .NET 472 and WMP10, mount the install folder in winecfg and label it with the correct label (am I allowed to say what it is? google it if not), and then install the 32bit version and everything works. Just slow, but it's slow under Windows, so I guess no big difference.
|
|
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
09-11-2018, 10:36 AM
|
| |
no; the reason they need more marketshare is so they can sell more stuff, period. My argument is 3rd party vendors help do that. Why do you think e-mount took off? Hint, it wasn't because everyone jumped on the Sony bandwagon blindly.
Apple made the market. Of course they can charge a premium. As does Canon.
|
|
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
09-11-2018, 10:25 AM
|
| |
Right, because Pentax's continued decline in ILC marketshare is not proof enough?
But anyway you either misread my comment or you meant to quote someone else. I didn't say Pentax needs to catch up to Canon, Sony, or Nikon.
I'm saying Ricoh needs to do something to drive more marketshare; and if that's catching up to those 3 than so be it, and if they can do it by doing something else then so be it.
that's dumb even by 1990s standards. I don't know how IBM's massiving failing in the 1990s PC market with that line of thinking can still exist in the 21st century. It's all about driving people to your system; if you can do it via first party then do it; if 3rd parties help give your competitors an advantage than you should get them on board too.
Canon doesn't want people to buy Tamron or Sigma either; but when people do it keeps them in the EF system that allows Canon to get you to buy their lenses down the road by having better lenses. Those who are just getting in may want to buy the cheaper Sigma than the $800 Canon, and upgrade later once they better understand the tradeoffs between the two.
|
|
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
09-11-2018, 11:30 AM
|
| |
Let's take your Apple analogy one step further. About 6 years ago, do you think Samsung had the ability to command prices they do today? The 4s launched at 649; the galaxy note launched at 520.
today the iphone x is 999; so is the note 9
the iphone 8/+ and the s9/+ are pretty much at price parity.
how do you command margins in general? either through higher prices or lower cost. let's say the hypothetical k3-iii is on par with the hypothetical 7d-iii but with similar level of compromises that exist between the current 7d-2 vs k3-2.
The 7d-iii will probably be a 1799 part.
let's say so will the k3-iii.
which do you think will sell better?
let's go even further; as a % of target market, how many do you think will upgrade to their respective system's models? I would say as a % you would get more staying within the EF system than in the K system in this scenario.
or how about a different scenario.
Let's say the 7d-iii is a 1799 part, and the K3-iii used much cheaper parts and is now a 1499 part. Which do you think will sell better? I would say again as a % the 7d-iii would do better.
optimizing margins is not a linear exercise. It's a curve based on how much you can price vs your cost vs the demand, and it not just as simple as saying we want to increase our margins so the only thing we will do is do the same thing but charge a higher price. Consumer markets and economics don't work like that, as has been proven over and over again in practice.
|
|
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
02-21-2018, 09:06 PM
|
| |
glad I held off on my K1 purchase. K1 ii here I come! when will it be in stock?
|
|
Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
02-10-2018, 01:22 PM
|
| |
it is an amazing piece of kit. Stands up there with the 5D Mk IV and D810 overall, should have attracted a larger following
Things I liked
- ISO invariance; wow never thought that ISO-400 pushed up a stop in post looks almost the exact same way as when shot at ISO 800 :cool:
- In body stabilization; used the D FA 24-70mm lens, and most people on Canon & Nikon bodies had to suffer without any form of IS since they either didn't want to pay for the VR version or didn't want to use a Tamron
Things I didn't like
- AF didn't always catch :confused:
- Evaluative metering does not always do well in indoor light conditions, even with studio lights
- UHS-1 cards still didn't clear the buffer fast enough
- There's a video recording feature on this thing?
- definitely loses out to Canon's system in terms of lens availability geared towards digital sensors
Things I wish I wish I knew
- DoF on FF is a blessing and a curse. Even with F5.6, sometimes the hands would be in focus and the eyes are slightly blurred
- FF + f2.8 zoom is heavy; not that a f2.8 zoom on a mirrorless much better
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
02-07-2018, 08:51 PM
|
| |
Got them off eBay for cheaper than I expected. I can see why people are not enamored with the SDM. The 16-50mm failed two shots in and is now randomly dying, and the 50-135mm is getting marginal results.
I switched the 16-50mm over to screw drive and it's loud but at least it focuses.
The image quality is great, and usable even at 2.8. but that CA on the 16-50mm... man doesn't hold a candle to my Sigma 17-50mm. Next test is to take it on some real shoots, gotta look up when the local meetup is hosting some more models.... :p
The 24-70mm and 70-200mm f2.8 equivalents are more compact in the APS-C format compared to FF. I wish Canon created a f2.8 medium telephoto zoom in the EF-S package. Anyway I just rented a K-1 and lenses in those ranges, and man what an arm workout. If my bis and tris don't gain some mass after this weekend I'll be sorely disappointed.
|
