Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
06-08-2023, 10:59 AM
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Plenty of advice here.
Definitely use the peak slide. I have always found this lens a bit inconsistent, but the quality is there. Out in the field, you get used to the weight. HOWEVER, I dread pulling this lens out because of the weight and bulk. I can react so much more quickly using the DA 300. I haven't had the best success combing the 300 with the TC, but others swear by that combo. Good luck!
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
06-06-2023, 02:41 PM
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Weirdly, I never use PS with the K3iii (only with my K-1). Thanks for showing me what I am missing - these are fantastic.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
01-14-2023, 07:53 AM
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LV tracking is not bad - much better than k-1, and a different experience from the OVF. However, it is rarely practical to use - it’s easier to adjust composition while using the joystick to reposition AF points in the OVF.
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
12-20-2022, 07:23 AM
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Had to do the same thing, and found monitor talk online confusing and contradictory. There are some good deals for cheaper (not cheap) monitors. But the studio display is awesome, and works seamlessly with the laptop. It cost twice as much as another big one I looked at, and every time I turn it on, I think - thank god I bought the nice one.
This is not a technical answer, but it's the best I can do. Good luck!
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Forum: Sold Items
02-21-2022, 05:56 PM
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I know the seller through another forum; he is going to modify one of my cameras as further proof-of-concept.
I can't believe he hasn't sold this camera yet. He has been posting a lot of samples, and they are outstanding - the debayered sensor punches well above its weight. He modified another camera for a friend of mine, and my friend is very happy.
If you like B+W photography, this camera is for you.
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
02-03-2022, 09:05 AM
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I have an M42 adapter for a Pentacon lens for my K-1. I had the exact same issue you describe, but the solution is rather simple. On the adapter, there is a little "release". You need to push that in with your fingernail to release the lens. Seems ridiculous to me, but there you go. Do you have this type of adapter?
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Forum: Sold Items
01-21-2022, 10:51 AM
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
01-09-2022, 01:26 PM
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It's not the K-1, particularly when it comes to highlights, but DR is good, and you can certainly recover those shadows.Let me put it this way. the K-iii is now the camera I grab 90% of the time (because the AF and weight are more important than absolute IQ most of the time). I can rarely see a difference when using great glass between this and the K-1.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
01-02-2022, 02:03 PM
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Since getting the new K-3iii, I often grab that first. If I need max quality, the choice is was - the K-1. But very often, I do not need the very best. Rather, it is surprising how much of the time, the K-3, with the right lens, is perfect for the occasion. To me, they complement each other well and the AF of the new k3 is much faster.
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Forum: Sold Items
12-21-2021, 08:38 AM
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Where were you back when I was buying all this stuff? :<). Good luck with the sale to a very lucky buyer.
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Forum: Sold Items
12-08-2021, 08:45 PM
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
11-22-2021, 08:59 AM
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Using a 28-80 PZ donor lens, I replaced the broken contact assembly on my DA* 300. The lens now focuses normally on two different bodies.
However, the HD DA 1.4 TC no longer works with that lens, on either body. The TC continues to work normally with other lenses on both bodies.
Is there some incompatibility here? It'd be a shame not to use the TC, as I really prefer the light weight and rendering of the 300.
Thanks for any help.
Adam
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Forum: Repairs and Warranty Service
11-10-2021, 09:13 AM
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If I understand correctly, it's not quite as simple as the poster above indicates - because you have to locate a new one first. What you may not realize until you loosen the screws is that there is a little assembly that contains the contacts. For my 300MM DA which had the same problem (as did a brand-new DFA* 50...are you listening, Pentax?), I obtained a non-functioning 28-80 power zoom lens to use as a donor. This turned out to be more complicated than suggested, because the donor lens contact assembly has solder on them, which I have to remove first (with a soldering iron) in order to insert the assembly into the 300. Maybe this weekend, at last...
I don't know if these contacts are standard throughout Pentax lenses, so you need to find out whether you can cannibalize a cheap donor lens, or need to obtain new parts. Good luck!
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Forum: Pentax KP
10-04-2021, 04:54 PM
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There is a $12 dome diffuser that fits the V1. I like it a lot for street photography and some weddings. Practice a bit, because you want just a pop of flash to avoid shadows. Have fun!
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
09-22-2021, 06:25 AM
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I have a K-1. It has always seemed to me that SR was not as effective when shooting straight down. Maybe I am simply shakier (which would make sense), but I have to remind myself of this when shooting sidewalk leaves or similar.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
04-06-2021, 09:10 AM
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I have the K-1. I had the DFA 85, but I returned it for the specific reasons that 1) I wasn't sure of continued investment in the system; and/because 2) I don't think the K-1 AF is equal to the demanding uses the DFA invites.
I plan to try the new K-3, and if the AF is as good as they say, I will re-buy the DFA, enjoy it as a 127mm lens on the K-3, and wait for the K-1 successor.
As for the OP, knowing everything I do now, I would probably get the new K-3, because I have been more disappointed in misfocused shots, rather than a lack of resolution of DR. Much as I love my K-1, buying one now (unless used) isn't particularly cheap, and is showing its age. That said, depending on your style of photography, it is an awesome image-making machine.
Consider buying a used 77 Limited, which will be just over 1/3 of the DFA price, and 85% as good. That might free up some money to make your camera body choice a little more painless. Good luck!
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
03-02-2021, 09:28 AM
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I've always rolled my eyes at the "it's so much lighter!" mirrorless crowd. I've always found the K-1's heft reassuring, and well-balanced against heavier lenses.
Then I picked up a Sony A7Riv. With a Sigma 85 attached, it weighs about the same, and feel lighter than the mighty DFA* 85 alone. Yes, there are alternatives, but for event work, you feel every ounce.
Personally, I prefer the ergonomics of Pentax all the way. But, I am in the minority - and even I am willing to trade that for convenience from time to time.
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
12-02-2020, 08:47 AM
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The 300 may be the best lens here, but is totally unsuited for your stated purpose.
I also have the 70-210. It is a great walk around lens. I have used it for portraits. IQ is very good, and stopped-down a bit, it will impress. 5.6 or 6.3 will make for a nice background, if not as smooth as the DFA 70-200.
I do not love it for portraits as much as my primes, but that is not a fair comparison. None of my clients have complained,
You do not want to walk around with the DFA 70-200. If you were only using this for paid portraits, it would be the right choice here, but I think the 70-210 (which I got for $900 on Amazon, and saw it even cheaper this Black Friday season) will best fit the bill. Light and compact.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-01-2020, 06:46 AM
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Rokinon 135 F2. Manual focus, but worth it.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
10-18-2020, 10:28 AM
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Can't speak to the 60-250, but I have the 70-210, and it is fantastic. Light and as sharp as one of my god macro lenses. Renders OOF beautifully around F5. I feel that you do need to give it a little more light, but I use it all the time now - and I am mostly a prime shooter.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
10-09-2020, 04:53 AM
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The 1.4 TC works very well with the 150-450. There is some vignetting, which is completely eliminated by shooting in the square format. I don't tend to do that, because I want the FPS of crop mode, but I mention that to illustrate what you can expect.
I found a good deal on a used TC. It does make focus less consistent, which is irritating. And Pentax is allegedly coming out with a FF TC soon. However, if you can't wait, or find a good price on the current TC, you will be fine with this setup.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
10-02-2020, 07:33 AM
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I have both these lenses, and haven't noticed the T-stop penalty. I'll have to do some tests. I also use the TC, mostly with the 150-450. While I agree that 300 has the edge at its sharpness peak, I find these much closer than commonly reported. I keep the 150-450 at 7.1 or smaller for sharpness, and can't reliably see a difference. The TC does make focusing more uneven - the last thing you want with BIF. And since the 300 is no champ in this regard to begin with, it can be frustrating. I have resorted to Center Spot AF-S to get the most consistency; when things line up, it's great. The bottom line is that 450mm is almost always better than 300mm for the birds.
Waiting for the K-new; will at least try the K-new+300+TC setup for reasons of weight and bulk. Would make a great "in case I see I bird on this trip" kit.
Happy Shooting!
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
09-24-2020, 03:00 PM
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Why in-lens SR? Is it because the in-body SR doesn't work quite as well with telephoto lenses? If so, I'd rather see this in a longer telephoto.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
09-01-2020, 06:44 AM
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Hi, Biff:
I'm in the same position. I use my K-1 + 150-450 for birds, and am really hoping they deliver some great AF AF (hehe) with the K-new. If they don't, I'll probably sell the 150-450 and get a second system. BTW, you can find used copies for $1150ish if you're patient and ready to move right away.
See you back here when the K-new is released!
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Forum: General Photography
08-13-2020, 11:20 AM
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Interesting idea, but can you post an un-resized crop for comparison?
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