|
Forum: Do-It-Yourself
05-03-2021, 03:03 PM
|
| |
The K-50 I bought recently has seen very little use, so I hope this problem doesn't crop up for a while. Having said that, the detailed photos and instructions in the original post will make it a lot easier to sort out the problem VERY well done!;)
|
|
Forum: General Talk
07-31-2021, 07:46 AM
|
| |
I bought this recently from Oneill, but haven't had a chance to use it yet. It appears to be in "as new" condition, and I am sure it will do a great job. I need to get a decent tripod that doesn't weigh a ton before I can really make use of it (the old Velbon aluminum tripod I have is a pain to lug around). Trying to do macro hand held is tough enough with extension tubes; it is pretty much impossible with the bellows... My NEXT acquisition will definitely be a lighter/better tripod.
|
|
Forum: General Photography
06-17-2021, 07:16 PM
|
| |
This is a question I have been pondering on for quite a while. My answer is yes, IF a photographer doesn’t understand the fundamental principles of photography, or how to adjust their cameras to get the results they are looking for.
My views were formed over the last decade, when I went from being quite comfortable with using my Nikon DSLR camera and understanding how to get pretty good results, to having several strokes and not being able to engage with photography AT all for almost 5 years, to buying and using a medium format film camera with MF lenses to “relearn the fundamentals again” to where I am today, using a Pentax K-50 DSLR with a mix of AF and MF lenses and having fun again.
I have found a level of technology that works for me. It forces me to work on improving my own skills, it gives me more to be proud of when I master something new (or something I used to know, but forgot), and it makes me happy. If I upgrade to a different camera body, it would only be so I could get a full-frame camera, and have my film era MF lenses work as they were designed to.
More advanced cameras and lenses does not automatically make a better photographer. Without a better understanding of photography, the creative process, and how to get the most from our equipment, we can only get so far.
|
|
Forum: General Photography
06-22-2021, 04:17 PM
|
| |
I am the original poster of this thread. I have enjoyed seeing how many people have responded to this thread, and the varied viewpoints that were shared. This has been a very interesting discussion.
Thanks for participating, you gave me a lot to think about.
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
06-22-2021, 04:35 PM
|
| |
I picked it up this morning for $100 CAD. The lens was in really nice shape, although it was covered with a lot of dust. It came with a Haze filter that was damaged, but the front of the lens itself was fine. I just spent 45 minutes cleaning it up, and plan to go out with it in the morning to take a few test photos before things get too hot.
|
|
Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
06-22-2021, 08:48 PM
|
| |
I will be taking photographs of some of my found objects starting next week. I have decided to use a 1:1 crop ratio, so the max printable image size will be 8" x 8".
For now, I will stick with my Adobe LR 6 software, as my computer won't run any of the more advanced photo suites that are popular right now. I intend to buy a new Mac mini computer with M1 chip this winter. Once I do that, I should be able to try almost any of the new software suites, provided they are available for the Mac OS.
|
|
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
06-21-2021, 07:12 PM
|
| |
Like the man from the old spaghetti sauce ad said to his son "its in there."
|
|
Forum: General Photography
06-17-2021, 10:18 PM
|
| |
When people are faced with too many unfamiliar choices, they tend to be indecisive and take too long rethinking things. They fall into what some call decision paralysis. Here is an internet article to explain things:
Decision Paralysis: How To Stop Overthinking Your Choices | Procrastination.com
Additional technology DOES give an artist additional options, and those options can be beneficial, if the artist understand how and where to use them. Too many options without proper understanding will create confusion and indecision. Once the artist becomes familiar with the additional options, and understand when, where, and how to use them, these added options will often lead to more creativity.
As for black and white photography, whether using a 35 mm or medium format film camera, or even a DSLR, new technology will be of limited use (except for a wider range of ISO settings) until you recognize and understand that most of the fundamental elements of good B & W photography are quite different from that of colour photography: shapes, textures, and the right mix of light and shadow are all more important with B & W photography, as is understanding how to use a variety of coloured filters to improve the final look of the photograph.
I hope my explanation helps...
|
|
Forum: Post Your Photos!
06-20-2021, 09:15 AM
|
| |
Great looking puppy, and great shots with that new 77mm f/1.8 lens. I really like where you took the photos too.
|
|
Forum: General Photography
06-18-2021, 06:49 AM
|
| |
Perhaps..., but you might also say the photographer was lulled into complacency because they were the owner of that bright shiny new object that "does things" other cameras can't... and didn't take the time to figure out how to get the camera to do it.
The best technology is the technology that can be understood by the photographer, so it can be harnessed and directed to make better photographs. Buying the "best" camera body seems rather pointless if you don't also learn how to get the best results FROM it...
Digital camera design has come a long way in the last decade, and could now be described as being a mature technology. The improvements from one generation of camera body to the next are becoming less significant.
If your current camera body has sufficient technology that it allows you to create meaningful photographs with sufficient sharpness, and has good ISO performance, I would say that is good enough. Further advancements in technology will provide only minor benefits.At that point, I would recommend investing in a few in person photography courses taught by professional photographers who has a proven track record of excellence. Doing that would likely make a much more significant improvement at that point in your photography than a new camera body or lens.
AfterPentax Mark II posted: "By emphasizing the camera's technology and "making things easier" people get the idea that a camera with more "behind the scenes technology" makes them a better photographer, because that is often suggested in the brochures, flyers and advertisements. But apart from knowing what an aperture is and what a shutter is and the influence of the ISO-setting it is of course about having an eye for something that strikes you and the capability to put it to film or SD-card."
If you focus too much on technical excellence over creativity, you will never reach your full potential as a photographer. You must be able to express your creativity if you want to create images that leave a lasting impression on those who view them. I would take a technically flawed image that conveys significant meaning over a technically perfect, but bland image every day of the week.
To be truly creative, a photographer must understand how to harness the technology inside their camera/lens package to do new, interesting, and perhaps unexpected things WITH it. If you understand how to use the latest advances in technology to do this, it is all good. Without that understanding, creating images that inspire is a bit like trying to catch lightning in a bottle; you will be counting on the lightning to strike twice in the same place without understanding why it struck at all.
|
|
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
06-20-2021, 08:33 AM
|
| |
I will move forward with this understanding of filters:
1) Use camera lenses without filters, unless I cannot create a desired effect without them
2) Use a circular polarizer when needed on my DSLR camera body, regardless of what my lens type is (AF/MF)
3) Get an IR filter (I already have a neutral density filter)
4) If I need a new filter, I will buy the best quality version I can afford
5) Have a step down ring or two in my camera bag, so my 52mm filters can work on my 49mm lenses
6) Avoid using ANY filters when shooting under low light conditions, even if the lens is a newer AF type to ensure as much light gets through the lens as possible (and with an AF lens and DSLR camera, doing so will improve AF tracking)
7) Put the multitude of 49mm Haze filters I got when I bought my old lenses away, as my Think Tank Sling-O-Matic 20 camera bag does a great job of protecting them
|
|
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
06-17-2021, 11:54 AM
|
| |
Welcome to the forum. There are a lot of helpful people here. Nice photos... that steak looked delicious!
|
|
Forum: General Photography
06-17-2021, 09:18 AM
|
| |
I bought a Pentax K-50 camera with two kit lenses a few months ago. Prior to that I had a Mamiya 645 medium format film camera, which was sold a few years prior.
Since the end of April 2021, I have purchased a few MF lenses to use with this camera. Some are old M42 thread lenses, others are Pentax-M lenses. I initially did this because I wanted a set of good prime lenses, and I couldn't afford to buy many of the more expensive modern AF lenses.
A curious thing has happened. I like how my MF lenses work with my K-50 better than with the auto-focus ones. Some of what I like most has less to do with the MF lenses than it does with the slower, but familiar task of getting the right focus on things. The relatively slow speed of focusing a MF lens works for me, because I tend to take photographs of still, or slow moving subjects.
The thing I like about my Pentax K-50 camera body is it allows me to verify whether I "got" the shot I wanted within a moment of taking the shot. No more wondering how things will turn out in the photo lab. No more anxiety about whether I had the right settings on my film camera.
Setting aside the technical aspects of using a DSLR with MF lenses, I find that using this combination tends to encourage better photo taking habits. I spend more time thinking about how I want to frame my photographs before taking them. I verify I am using the right focal length lens, and then I adjust the focus on the lens. Once the green hexagon flashes in the viewfinder, I trip the shutter button.
I am not advocating that everyone follow the same path I have taken, but for those who were once used to a medium format film camera and lens set, this path might bring back fond memories... without all the weight, or the wait we used to go through while our film was being developed.
|
|
Forum: General Photography
06-04-2021, 07:43 PM
|
| |
I have been trying to resist buying more lenses... My will power is strong; my won't power is weak. In the past week I got a nice m42 SMC Takumar 50mm f/4 macro lens, with extension tubes and reversing adaptor, a 50mm f/1.7 K-mount lens, and a soon to be delivered SMC Takumar 55mm f/1.8 lens. I am dealing also with a friend on a K-mount 100mm f/2.8 lens and a Pentax LX camera body with a bunch of accessories.
I am finding the mix of my Pentax K-50 digital camera body with these old Pentax MF lenses to be quite satisfying. I am able to see what I shot in playback on my K-50, while also being able to enjoy the feel and optics of high quality MF lenses, just like the ones I used with my Mamiya 645 camera a few years ago. It's the best of both worlds:)
I am so impressed with the quality of Pentax's MF lenses that I probably WILL buy a few more of them (but nothing over 200mm). I AM having fun with Pentax gear, but must spread it out over time (like mentioned above - a year or so should do the trick).
|
|
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
05-19-2021, 09:57 AM
|
| |
Welcome to the forum. It looks like you have been enjoying your K-5, and have put it to good use.
I don't think there are any WR prime lenses, so if weather resistance is important, you will need to look at zoom lenses.
The HD Pentax-DA 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 ED DC WR lens is well rated, and not TOO expensive.
The SMC Pentax-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM seems like an even better lens, but doesn't have as much reach (max 50mm vs 85mm), and is a bit more expensive.
Note I do not own either lens, and am recommending them solely on lens reviews from this site. Before buying either lens, I would see how it works on your camera body.
I hope this information is helpful to you.
|
|
Forum: General Talk
05-31-2021, 03:45 PM
|
| |
I just received a super-multi-coated 50mm MACRO-TAKUMAR M42 lens, a set of M42 extension tubes in their proper case, a reverser ring, and an SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7 lens from Oneill.
I am just waiting for my genuine Pentax M42 to K-mount adaptor to arrive (it should be here tomorrow).
The macro equpiment looks virtually new:D , and the 50mm f/1.7 lens appears to be in excellent shape, except for a minor scuff, which Oneill noted in his ad. I am VERY pleased with these items, but haven't had a chance to try them yet... I hope to either get out on Wednesday, or to set up something in my apartment that will let me try that macro lens.
I want to thank Oneill for the speedy service, the excellent condition of his equipment, and for the multiple macro related pdf documents he forwarded to me. I wouldn't hesitate to deal with him again, and am hoping to do so in early July, if the ad for his macro stand listing is still up.:)
|
|
Forum: General Photography
05-17-2021, 10:19 PM
|
| |
The best way to convince someone with a cellphone/camera to step up to a proper camera is to show them what a decent camera can do. The first step up from a cellphone is a decent ILC (like the Sony I gave to my friend in Vancouver). The next step up is a simple, but competent interchangeable lens camera and a couple of lenses.
I am convinced spending a few months with a decent camera and some video instruction on how to use it properly would convert a lot of people back to actual cameras.
One thing that bears repeating is the camera body need not be the latest and greatest model. It is more important that the beginning photographer settles on a the type and brand of camera at this point. Choosing wisely at this point will save the photographer a lot of time, frustration, and expense further at a later date.
If/when the novice photographer becomes eager to spend "a bit more" money on this hobby, have them invest in better quality lenses and perhaps a tripod. Camera bodies come and go, but good lenses tend to stick around a lot longer.
The most IMPORTANT thing to pass on? How much fun photography can be!
|
|
Forum: General Photography
05-13-2021, 01:28 PM
|
| |
I have a friend in Vancouver with a lot of cameras, and another friend in the same city that was interested in photography, but couldn't afford to get into it. When I visited Vancouver last month , I presented the friend that wanted to learn photography with a 20 MP Sony point and shoot camera with 30x zoom, which I got from my other friend for $75. I also gave my friend a basic "this is how to use a digital camera" book. It was a minor investment in a long time friendship, and now the two of them go for walks with their cameras together. :)
|
|
Forum: Photo Critique
05-23-2021, 08:16 PM
|
| |
I would have to agree the colour version has more impact. Nice photo either way!
|
|
Forum: Post Your Photos!
05-19-2021, 02:25 PM
|
| |
Here are two more photos I took during my same trip to Hedley. I don't remember the settings on the camera. I hope you like them.
|
|
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
05-26-2021, 04:44 PM
|
| |
Welcome! There are a lot of helpful people on this forum + lots of technical information. Don't be afraid to ask questions...
|
|
Forum: General Photography
05-26-2021, 08:51 AM
|
| |
I am limiting my focal range a bit, by buying lenses with a focal length of 100mm or less. I have the DAL 50-200mm kit lens if I need it, and it is a reasonably compact lens. What I like about most Pentax prime lenses under 100mm is they are generally compact and have very good optical quality.
I used to have a Nikon D7100 camera body and four of their higher quality lenses. Three of them were primes at or under 100mm. My camera bag was much heavier, and the cost for those lenses was considerably higher. Even on the used market, high quality Nikon/Nikkor lenses are a lot more expensive (so is Canon for that matter).
By purchasing a Pentax APS-C camera (K-50) and limiting my prime lenses to 100mm or less, I will have a much lighter camera bag, and a heavier wallet. Taking just the lenses I intend to use on a given day will make my camera bag even lighter, which my body appreciated...
|
|
Forum: General Photography
05-23-2021, 11:15 AM
|
| |
I find being out with my camera is almost a healing process. It gets me out of my own head, and allows me to capture things with my photos that I could never describe in simple words. On the one hand, I am an observer of events around me; on the other, I am part of the biggest (albeit quite tragic) event of the last 100+ years. The camera draws my thoughts and feelings out, just as it gives me the chance to capture other people's feelings and behaviours as people start to gather again.
I am by nature an introvert, at least when it comes to "in person" gatherings of people I don't know very well. I got too much of a taste of what being an introvert is like when living alone and in lockdown during the pandemic. Maybe I am just a "vert" now; not being introverted, but not being extroverted either.
We are all in this together. No matter our official title or occupation, we are simply humans helping humans, to whatever extent we can, and the commonality of our shared experiences since January 2020 makes me less fearful of getting out there with my camera. My need to be out there seeing how people cope as they emerge from this pandemic is stronger than my need to remain a quiet observer. As the restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 eases, and more people are getting vaccinated, I will get out there and talk with people, share meaningful conversations, and take photographs when appropriate to do so. Who knows, I might even make some new friends...
One thing is certain, being able to come together in groups once things settle down will be a powerful and emotional event, whether it be done as a family reunion, wedding, church service, picnic or pot-luck dinner. I will be there, camera in hand, to bear witness to these events, and to the emotions that come with them. I am sure once it is safe to do so, you (and countless other photographers) will be there too.
|
|
Forum: Post Your Photos!
05-19-2021, 06:43 PM
|
| |
This photo was taken at an old cemetery near Hedley, BC. The cemetery was fenced, and I stayed outside the fence. The detail of the clay figure was quite exquisite...
|
|
Forum: General Photography
05-17-2021, 09:22 PM
|
| |
I was cameraless in 2020, and for a few years before that. If I had a decent camera last year, I am not certain if I could have put it to good use. Things were rough...really rough, but hey, you all know it.
For me, March 2020 started off with a bang. I caught the edge of a concrete stair, and fell 8', landing on the right side of my face, and on both knees. I broke more than a few bones with that landing. Needless to say, my attention for the rest of March 2020 was not on the pandemic.
For those that were active with their photography last year, what did you learn from it? How has it changed (has it changed?) your approach to photography? What subjects draw your gaze more often? What inspires you?
I am more drawn towards capturing everyday images of life right now. Parents with their kids, young couples, quiet happy moments. I am more aware of the sacrifices others have been making to keep the rest of us going. Too many paid the ultimate cost here.
The bottom line for me is I am looking for ways to capture the humanity of things. To look for less visually exciting scenes that have deeper meaning. To capture hope, resolve, resilience, fatigue... competence, and a lot more.
That is my contribution to this thread. What would the rest of you like to add?
|
