|
Forum: Pentax Medium Format
11-03-2021, 08:11 AM
|
| |
Thank you to everyone who responded. I've been (slowly) reading through the responses and articles in my free time and there's quite a bit to digest, especially since I have very little formal education in photography. I wanted to reply so it doesn't seem like I've abandoned the thread after posting and everyone's just talking to a wall.
I would like a little bit of clarification: Is the main issue with people using "equivalents" primarily because, while you can reproduce certain aspects of a picture (Field of view, depth of field, etc), the differences between the formats means that some other aspect will not be equivalent? Or is it because one shouldn't really be using 35mm and medium format interchangeably as they are better/worse in different situations?
|
|
Forum: Pentax Medium Format
10-20-2021, 08:19 AM
|
| |
More specifically, the 6x7 lenses.
It's pretty common to find people talk about the 6x7 lenses in what they correspond to. However, I recently found a listing that also mentioned the aperture? Like they referred to the 75mm f4.5 as corresponding to a 35mm f2.2, and the 135mm f4 lens as corresponding to a 68mm f2. That confused me a little, since I understand somewhat that the "zoom equivalent" is due to the difference in size of the film, but I'm not sure I understand how the aperture changes?
Like, should I be metering for their aperture equivalent, or were they merely referring to a more specific quality of aperture like depth of field? Or is aperture equivalent not a thing and I just found a weird listing?
Perhaps my understanding of this subject is inadequate, if that is the case can someone point me to some resources that explain these concepts in greater detail?
|
|
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
10-12-2019, 09:25 AM
|
| |
Hello,
So today I made a very silly mistake. While sorting through the lenses I'm taking out for a walk, I accidentally placed one too close to the edge of the bed and with a bump my DFA 15-30 rolled off the edge and landed ~2 feet onto the wooden floor with a loud sound. It had both caps on, and fortunately upon a quick inspection I didn't see any visible damage to the lens. I quickly tested the lens and as far as I can tell everything seems to be in order. It zooms fine, The camera doesn't seem to be picking up any weird readings, and things seem to focus as far as I can tell. There is a little rattling sound when I shake but honestly I don't know if it was there before or not. While I hope I just got extremely lucky and nothing was damaged, is there a way I can properly check its function for any misaligned elements? I've heard taking a picture of a brick but as weird as it is the city I'm in doesn't have much that I can quickly find (Seriously). Also with it being a wide lens I'm a little concerned about my ability to tell the natural warping of the image due to it's wide view vs actual damage.
Is there a standard procedure for checking for possible internal damage?
I'm aware there has been threads regarding dropped lenses but they all mention visible damage but I really didn't spot any on mine.
Thanks in advance.
|
|
Forum: Travel, Events, and Groups
09-09-2019, 06:26 PM
|
| |
Hi guys, thanks for all the input. Despite not responding I did read through all of it through e-mail updates, I'm very grateful for everyone looking into this issue.
I was quite busy with packing/storing the final week so I wasn't able to give any updates, but here's the quick rundown on what happened:
You guys were right, I probably was worrying about too much. It's the first time I travelled with something with so much value so I was quite nervous.
No issues with flash/tripod in checked luggage.
None of my checked luggage were overweight, so no issues there. My carry-on was actually quite a bit overweight (~10lb) but it was not weighed and I had no issue at all
Personal item was perfectly fine, I wonder if I could've gotten away with a slightly bigger bag, but I'm just glad I got through
Found a TSA "we checked your luggage" note in one of my checked luggage. Nothing seems to be missing so far.
I did not have to take the cameras out at the security checkpoint, and did not get asked to open my bag or anything.
Thanks again!
|
|
Forum: Travel, Events, and Groups
08-31-2019, 09:50 AM
|
| |
Hello,
As some of you might remember I made a thread a while ago discussing what I should do regarding my gear as I am relocating for an unspecified period of time due to status issues (1~3 years). Well, the day is coming up and I've more or less chosen the gear I'll be taking back and the ones I'll be leaving here in my sister's care. I'm sad to leave some of my favourites here but the carry on limit is only so much and I can't risk putting them in the checked luggage. That said, with the flight coming up next weekend, I'm starting to have some other concerns about my luggage:
The airport specified that carry on must be 1 bag + 1 personal Item. I'll be using a Peak Design 30L as my bag, and a Domke 701-83B F-803 bag. I called and they said personal items usually refer to a laptop bag, so I'm hoping that it'll pass, but I'm a little worried. Does anyone have experience regarding this?
What comes out at the security checkpoint? I'm bringing about 5 lenses, a K-1 body, the battery grip, and two film camera bodies, as well as a laptop. I know DSLRs and the laptop must now be placed in the trays, but do lenses have to come out too? Also, I've read some things about theft at the security checkpoint. Is that a common issue/how do I prevent it?
Due to having not enough space I'm sticking my flash/tripod in my check luggage. Is the flash going to cause problems? I've taken the batteries out of the flash but it's not really clear on what makes something "hazardous" in checked luggage.
Thanks in advance for all the advice!
Edit: Additional info: I'm flying EVA air, from JFK, where theft can be a concern (at least from what I've read)
|
|
Forum: Travel, Events, and Groups
06-03-2019, 06:54 AM
|
| |
Hello,
Due to unfortunate circumstances it is more than likely I must leave the US soon for a year or two as I wait for my status to be processed.
As this move is expected to be temporary yet relatively long(1 year+) I’m having trouble deciding what to do with my photography gear. As someone who had a pretty severe case of GAS (in rehab) I have accumulated quite a few lenses (mostly old, cheap K mount stuff), weird cameras, and other bits and bobs (quite a bit of film too). While most are cheap they’re definitely quite heavy and bulky. In addition, I had also purchased a 50L dry cabinet which is another large item to move. I intend to take my most commonly used lenses/cameras with me back home (Taiwan) but I would like some advice on what to do with the rest.
From what I have researched, the options I have is shipping things back(probably by sea) or renting a storage. Does anyone have experience in one or the other? I’m worried about cost/possible damage for shipping, and security for self-storage (I’d rather my stuff not end up getting auctioned on tv, haha). Also a little worried since I won’t be around in person should an issue arise. I’m expecting to return to NYC so if anyone knows good storage locations I’m listening.
While I probably don’t have as much film as other regular analog users I definitely have a lot. I worry about storage condition if leaving it here, yet I think most ways to travel with them involves x-ray and I’d rather if they’re not exposed to that. Thinking about mailing them back in a package but not sure if those goes thru x-ray.
As much as I’d really want the dry cabinet in the tropical weather of Taiwan I think it’s a bit too difficult to bring it over(and potentially back?), but I’m open to suggestions.
Another question would be the part of bringing my camera gear during the flight. As much as I’d like to stuff everything in just my carry-on I probably have too much. Is checked luggage safe, and is it necessary to buy one of those hard cases? (I usually wrap fragile items in my clothing but I’ve not travelled much with photography gear)
Thank you for reading and any advice is appreciated!
|
|
Forum: Pentax Full Frame
04-12-2019, 08:18 PM
|
| |
Thank you very much for everyone's inputs! I really wasn't expecting so many responses when I made the post last night.
With regards to the 70-210 I mentioned, I made a mistake, I have the FA* 80-200 f2.8. My weight issue isn't usually when I'm using/holding it but the fact that my shoulders get pretty stiff after a day of walking around carrying it. After some discussion with friends I figured the issue is, at least, in some part due to me using the Pentax DSLR sling bag and putting all of the weight on one shoulder rather than a more even distribution.
The situations I found the 80-200 lacking were when I'm out in the parks taking pictures of squirrel, birds and chipmunks when I can't get them to fill the frame without startling them, or at some events(sports, performances) where I want close-ups of people's faces but aren't able to get any closer.
Thanks to a friendly fellow user here, I was directed to a marketplace listing for the DFA 150-450, and was able to negotiate a price both me and the seller could agree on and made the purchase! I'll be living a bit more frugal the coming weeks, but I'm pleased with making the decision :). I'll admit I was still torn a little about the F* 300 due to it working with my film bodies but I really think having a flexible range to work with is very nice and I'm excited to use the lens once the weather gets nice and the wildlife becomes more active. I'm also a bit relieved to see that many have commented on being able to use it hand held as that was one my biggest concerns with the DFA 150-450, I may need to start doing more weights at the gym though :lol:.
Now that it'll be on the way soon, are there any recommendations for bags/backpacks/monopods that suit the lens well (and are comfortable)? I'm doubtful my sling bag will be able to even hold that lens, nevermind what it'd do to my shoulder even if it I did manage to fit it :p.
|
|
Forum: Pentax Full Frame
04-11-2019, 08:21 PM
|
| |
I've recently been in a few situations where I find the 70-200 zoom I have to be a bit lacking, and began looking into longer telephotos. I use a K1 mk II, and I've found that the F* 300 f4.5, FA*300 f4.5, DA* 300 F4, and DFA 150-450 f4.5-5.6 to be what I'd like to use, but I'd like some opinions/advice as I doubt I'll be buying more than one long lens at this range (just a hobbyist). The F*, FA* and DA* are quite similar in price range, while the DFA is more than double but with very good reviews and a flexible zoom range I'm wondering if it's worth saving for a bit for it. I've found sigma to also have zooms in those ranges but they have few reviews, so I'm not sure about their quality, but I'm also open to third party alternatives, so feel free to suggest any. I also shoot film, which makes the F/FA lenses a bit more appealing, but it's not a dealbreaker if the lens aren't compatible since I prefer to be light when using my film camera anyway.
That being said, I'm also not entirely sure on how usable a lens like that is for me, especially when I find myself already hesitating to lug my FA* 70-210 out sometimes due to weight (I primarily use public transport/walking when out taking photos). With the weather getting nicer I'd love to try my hands at wildlife photography. I also mostly do handheld shooting, which is kind of important as most of these aren't very light at all.
Any advice on which lens is most suitable is appreciated (or why not to buy any).
Also some specific questions I have:
For people who own longer telephoto lenses (300mm+ ) what situations/subjects do you find yourself using these lenses in? How often do you use them?
Are FA/F lenses that different to the more modern lenses? How much of a difference do the coatings/newer AF make (keep in mind I'm not a professional)?
What's the best way to carry lenses of this size/weight around?
|
|
Forum: General Photography
03-20-2019, 08:43 AM
|
| |
There’s someone who does an annual photo class on Reddit for free, you can check out his 2018 course (2019 is still ongoing) and see his lesson structure for reference. I’m not that experienced so I can’t tell you if it’s good or not, but I’ve been following his 2019 course and it’s been at the very least interesting and engaging.
You can find it here Photoclass version 2018 |
|
Forum: Pentax Price Watch
03-20-2019, 08:07 AM
|
| |
Keh has A 25% discount on overstock items until 03/24 11:59PM ET with the code OVER3E.
Not the largest selection from what I see, but it’s a pretty big discount. Notably the BGN condition PENTAX 300MM F/2.8 SMC A* is ~$1020 after the discount.
Find the overstock items hereOverstock at KEH Camera |
|
Forum: Monthly Photo Contests
09-08-2018, 03:29 PM
|
| |
I would like to nominate this photo
|
|
Forum: Pentax Price Watch
07-05-2018, 10:03 PM
|
| |
| |
|
Forum: Pentax Forums Giveaways
06-30-2018, 04:00 AM
|
| |
How exciting!
Best of luck to everyone!
|
|
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
06-13-2018, 03:13 PM
|
| |
Thanks a lot!
I've been looking for the K-mount on any lenses I do end up purchasing, although I wasn't aware there's so many different forms. I'm fairly certain I haven't ended up with anything that isn't compatible as they're all manual focus and have an aperture ring (There's probably something wrong with that statement, but that's how I've been judging the lenses), but I haven't stumbled on any recent looking lenses anyhow.
I understand many lenses can be used with the appropriate adaptor, are there any lenses/brands that are worth getting an adaptor to use? I've pretty much been immediately passing on anything that doesn't have the K-mount
Yeah, I meant 135mm, sorry. It's a sears lens (1:2.8), and I've since asked some people about repairing it and pretty much everyone tell me it's pretty cheap and not worth getting it repaired.
|
|
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
06-13-2018, 12:14 PM
|
| |
Hello everyone!
I'm an international student currently in New York, and started my hobby in photography from a lucky find in a goodwill several months ago. I'm pretty fond of thrift shopping, and got lucky one day and found a Pentax k1000 SE in fairly good condition for $10 along with a 125mm lens for $7. The focus on the extra lens have since gotten stuck, but the camera is luckily fully functional. I've chatted and learned some basics of aperture, f stop, etc through a friend and some research, but unfortunately I found the camera a bit late, as it was my final semester in school, and now I no longer have the opportunity to take a proper photography course to learn more about composition, film developing and such. I've used this site quite extensively since to research lenses that I find through thrift shopping and have since accumulated quite a few lenses (perhaps a few too many), and finally made the decision to become more active (hopefully) in the community. I'm still not very confident in my photos so you probably won't see a lot of photos from me for now :p.
I've always thought that I would be getting into photography through digital, but I'm pleasantly surprised. There's the suspense of not knowing how it came out until you eventually develop it, and the cost of $2-3 per photo really slows down and gets me thinking about my photos. Progressing from ruining about 25% of my photos per roll to mostly decent ones have been very rewarding, and I hope to get better as my focus and lighting is still rather poor. Regardless, I'm glad I found the opportunity to delve into photography. It's definitely one of the few things keeping me sane as I stay in the now empty college town studying for the boards. I hope to one day progress to a digital camera (no clue which one is best on a student budget) but I doubt I'll ever drop analog entirely, it's really grown on me.
Thank you for taking the time to read through my introduction, and hi!
|
