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Forum: General Photography
04-03-2024, 01:00 PM
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Forum: Pentax Q
1 Day Ago
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Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals
1 Day Ago
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I suspect Leica as well were it not for a Japanese electronics manufacturer.
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Forum: Pentax Price Watch
08-29-2023, 04:01 PM
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The Fisheye was not a toy lens, although its images might look like it was if you didn't focus carefully.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
11-15-2023, 01:00 AM
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Making a firm commitment to buy a thing, before you've got any real idea what that thing actually is, seems like a case of more money than sense.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
11-09-2023, 12:35 AM
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I very much suspect that, the entire camera business of Ricoh is brought up by the still-selling-well GRIII series solely.
Anyone has the same feeling ?
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
09-30-2023, 07:48 AM
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The Spotmatic F was undoubtedly the last flagship screwmount...
but the Spotmatic F was released in July of 1973 and the last screwmount was the entry level SP1000 released in October of 1974.
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Forum: Repairs and Warranty Service
09-30-2023, 10:22 AM
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thanks, that gives me some info on things. I've already sent an email to the autherized repaircenter in france.
---------- Post added 09-30-23 at 10:23 AM ----------
It's a costly lesson I won't forget.
---------- Post added 09-30-23 at 11:01 AM ----------
Yes, I do realise that now. I’m not exactly thinking clearly because the whole thing has me upset. My favourite camera is damaged.
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Forum: General Photography
09-20-2023, 12:47 PM
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I really hoped I'd never have to write a post like this.
I've given it great deal of thought, and - now that I've distilled it all - I wanted to share with everyone why I might, after 13 years as a Pentax user, finally leave the brand for good :o
I've been thinking about a number of threads and posts from the last few weeks and months (years, even), and there are all sorts of reasons to consider:
- the time between product releases has increased
- the technology is outdated (DSLR vs mirrorless)
- AF performance continues to lag vs. mirrorless
- the cameras and lenses are too expensive
- no articulating screen on flagship APS-C
- the lenses are updates of old screw-drive models
- there are holes in the lens line-up
- the lens road-map has been scrapped
- marketing is almost non-existent
- they're wasting time on a film camera instead of a K-1II replacement
- Pentax' position in industry sales rankings
- year-on-year profits are slightly down (or only slightly up) for any given year
- warranty repair is difficult
- out-of-warranty repair is uneconomical
- there are no Pentax cameras or lenses in brick 'n' mortar stores
- the future of Pentax is uncertain
I know these must be important considerations because they're mentioned and discussed here so frequently. You can imagine my concerns. Still, despite this, my decision to ditch Pentax won't actually be due to any of these potential deal-breakers.
No... I might finally - and sadly - leave Pentax for good if it fails as a brand to meet my own personal needs as an enthusiast photographer.
I'm mentioning all this now so that I don't have to post and tell you good folks my thoughts each time I'm on a downer about my gear or the brand, and/or thinking about switching. I'm mentioning it now so that I don't need to come back a day, week, month, year or several years after switching to share my opinions - repeatedly - on Pentax and its failings, and let you know how my new system meets my needs so much better. Of course, I could, if current Pentax users here would find that helpful? Please do let me know if that's the case and I'll make a mental note of it ;)
Thankfully, for the last 13 years, my slowly-evolving kit of Pentax and compatible gear has served me admirably. Like the companies that have owned the brand, it's far from perfect - but it mostly does what I need, and I really enjoy using it. None of the reasons above, seemingly important to some other members, has had the slightest impact on the quality of images I produce or my enjoyment of the process. The time spent discussing them may have reduced my photographic output at times, and my opportunities to improve - but I'm getting there gradually and enjoy my photography immensely. I also enjoy this community much of the time - especially the constructive posts that are helpful to me and others, or support and reinforce the brand I've chosen to use - the brand these forums are dedicated to. I like it, too, when I can offer a bit of help and advice or something else constructive to fellow members - something more than just personal opinion or bias on camera brands.
So... maybe things aren't quite as bad as they're frequently painted. On balance, I guess I won't be leaving Pentax after all. Not just yet, eh? Apologies for the confusion, folks ;) :D
EDIT: If you got this far, dear reader, and still think I'm being serious, it's high time I let you in on the joke... :lol:
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Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands
09-04-2023, 12:46 PM
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Straight OOC, one of my first images with an Olympus 90mm f.3.5 macro. I'm not sure that it's quite as sharp as my Zeiss 100mm f2 Milvus, but it's much lighter, balances better on a tripod, goes to higher magnification, fine bokeh and it's much easier to use. A small loss of IQ is worth these advantages, and the IQ is still excellent.
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Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals
09-15-2023, 02:16 AM
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Every time I've returned something on eBay in accordance with the rules the seller has then blocked me. I hate this is permitted and don't use eBay anymore because of it.
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Forum: Pentax Full Frame
09-11-2023, 01:09 AM
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True to that. The less gear you have, the happier you are with what is left. And I can sympathize with notion of getting small and light. I felt bit of envy on airshow recently when I saw some guy with OM-5 and Zuiko telephoto in hand.
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Forum: Pentax Full Frame
09-09-2023, 07:13 AM
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What is it you are trying to achieve with your choice of camera?
I started on a K-5, and if I hadn't broken it irreparably, I'd still use it. Like many I was curious to try the K-1 when it was announced. I rented a K-1 several times before I could afford to buy one, but I was sure that he image quality was much better on the K-1, no surprise. I purchased a KP about two years ago, and I really like the results. In fact, if I didn't own a K-1 but if I only owned a KP , I probably wouldn't consider buying a K-1, though I might consider buying a K-3iii. Right now I am renting a K-3iii Monochrome, and the images are fantastic with every lens I've used so far, even with extreme crops, so again I can't say a modern APS-C camera is deficient compared to K-1.
I have employed many used lenses on these modern DSLRs, and I don't care about the "real" focal length of a legacy lens on an APS-C camera. I do care about whether the lens has the qualities I need for the day's itinerary.
All the tech talk above is strictly for the few pros here on PF who will need high resolution images to meet the requirements of themselves or their clients.
Honestly, since I'm not a pixel peeper, I can't easily distinguish the difference in images between either the KP or the K-1 the end result is great image, assuming I've done my part in choosing the lens, and setting and the composition. For me the reason to use one or the other come to circumstances, am I walking, or riding, am I in a crowded city or an open landscape, etc.
BTW about 90% of my gear has been purchased used here on PF, I save a lot of money by buying used gear.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
08-26-2023, 06:35 PM
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There is too much false information being bandied around on the internet and unfortunately this forum is now a party to that. It used not to be like that many years ago when I joined...
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
08-26-2023, 12:54 AM
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This is meaningless.
Post back here when Pentax/Ricoh are the #1 selling digital camera manufacturer in Japan.
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Forum: Repairs and Warranty Service
05-19-2023, 11:51 PM
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Your post makes for depressing reading.
As a canon user for 30yrs I recently bought a used K10 to see for myself this so-called ccd magic. In the space of a month I’ve acquired a body, grip, flash and a handful on lenses, everything is Pentax.
The nearest canon equivalent I have is the 400d with matching like for like lenses and accessories from the same era.
Whilst the pentax is way way better built, better ergonomics, better menu (that era) the actual photos I’m getting are way behind the 400d…way behind. The K10 AF is just not accurate, the consumer lenses are woefully poor in comparison to canon consumer lenses from the same era, flash photography is frankly hit and miss…..rattle off a series of flash shots and exposures are all over the place.
Yes, the K10 I have may be at fault?? But if I switch to manual focus and set the exposure to what I think is right I get much better shots.
I’ve probably spent slightly over £200 in total with my dip into Pentax world, literally peanuts compared to the tens of £1000’s I’ve thrown at canon over the years. So I’m aware I can’t be too judgmental.
But given this thread I’m asking myself questions as to whether I consider it a lesson learnt and go back to canon or stay and persevere.
My problem is I need to know the kit will deliver when asked to, I can forgive human error as that’s how we learn but if the gear is inconsistent how do we learn?
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Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands
07-30-2023, 09:00 PM
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He took the T7 out on a camping trip in the northern Boreal forest on a 4 day holiday. He is very happy with the camera and mentioned that he would like to look at getting a telephoto zoom. I agree with you and think the Canon 55-250 would be perfect.
His 18-55 lens which is a good general purpose lens.....doesn't quite cut it...as he said out in the forest near a lake, he missed out on some shots of a couple of hawks and some ducks.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
08-22-2023, 07:48 AM
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It's more common than you think.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
08-14-2023, 10:27 AM
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If it's for use with manual focus only glass, like vintage M42 mount glass, I would rather have a mirrorless body than a DSLR. I find the metering more accurate at the moment the photo is taken when the camera is allowed to set shutter speed and/or ISO, and I find the focusing aids to be quite useful. It also deals with a dark viewfinder well, like with slow glass or use of darkening filters on the lens.
I know this isn't going to be the popular viewpoint shared in this thread but it's my honest assessment of the options available today.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III Monochrome
08-22-2023, 09:06 AM
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Not that anyone is interested, but I wanted to post what I think of this camera for those who are considering to purchase. Instead of a long post, I’ll itemize for the sake time and space.
- I predominantly shoot in b/w
- I print with Canon Prograf 1000
- Own three amigos, DA 35 macro ltd, DA 40, DA* 50-135, A8 85, Zeiss ZK 85 T Planer
- I use Apple studio display - more on this below
- I really like the files of K3 m. Manageable size is a big plus. Takes the beating on Lightroom manipulation High ISO grains are really pleasant.
- You will gain at least one stop. I’m feeling comfy saying you gain almost two. This is probably due to the fact that I find the high ISO pleasant.
- Tonality and gradation - I find my Leica M10 to be better in this regards. This may have more to do with lenses, not sensors.
- JPEG out of the box was not so good
- I am finding out that these lenses are sharper than I thought. I’m firmly convinced that the improvement on sensors will still benefit some legacy lenses for sure.
- The files print well.
- But, took me a while to get it right but in some ways that is to be expected
- For reasons unknown to me (help me out guys 😂), the final prints come out over exposed than what I see on the monitor.
- I don’t have this issue with my M10 files
- The studio display is new and not yet calibrated but it was touted as not needing one.
- I own an original K-1.
- the size and the weight of K-3 m is a sweet spot for me. It does not have to be smaller.
- As I have always felt, Japanese cameras, not just Pentax, have too many buttons and dials - this is not btw a criticism
- The pentaprism or should I say the viewfinder is a bliss. That being said, I often shoot at low angles. If no flippy, then I would like an angle view finder
- Video was a bonus. Never crossed my mind until I had it in my hands.
- it has given me, or opened my eyes and mind about a new medium, more or less
- I applaud Pentax for doing this
- But - I wish they built it from the ground up. For me, I would like a simpler camera. I wouldn’t even need a back screen.
- I think that if you are looking at Leica M mono (of all generations, really), you would be dumb to not look at this camera.
- Initial cost of the entry to the Leica world can easily set you up with nearly all of what Pentax can offer
- Lastly though - if you don’t print, I wouldn’t buy this camera. Just convert your color files to b/w. More than adequate for most viewers on monitors, calibrated or not.
Hope this helps few people.
Thank you
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
08-21-2023, 06:36 PM
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I am not surprised. Sometimes I get wrapped up in thought and don't make things clear at times nor always think through a post before posting. Thank you
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
08-17-2023, 08:50 AM
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Morning at the beach back in June. DA35/2.4 on *ist D (xposted)
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
04-11-2023, 06:07 PM
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This would have been a "no-brainer" for the U.S. and European Ricoh organizations to translate and put out to their markets. It is one more example at the total disregard these organizations have for their marketplaces.
I just have to wonder if they want to sell cameras at all. They apparently just rely on the free marketing word of mouth (computer) they receive from Pentax Forums and other similar websites.
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