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Forum: Pentax K-70 & KF 10-12-2022, 01:41 PM  
Flash
Posted By wadge22
Replies: 13
Views: 978
I'm very happy with my Metz units, although the company has gotten out of the flash business. Still, if you are shopping secondhand, and don't expect future firmware upgrades or other support, they are very well made (in Germany) and full featured. Keept in mind you must get a Pentax specific one if you go that route.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 10-11-2022, 09:28 PM  
Help with a decision to buy a used lens
Posted By wadge22
Replies: 17
Views: 1,088
A bad copy of a good lens is not something you want, and isn't a bargain, even if it's very cheap.
Buying used lenses is very rewarding, but you have to be very vigilant about making sure you're not buying junk. My rule is if there are any red flags at all, I just move on.
Save your money and keep looking for something better.
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 10-09-2022, 12:55 PM  
Which lens should a beginner get for landscape, sky, nature, flora and fauna?
Posted By wadge22
Replies: 48
Views: 2,676
Another vote for 18-135, here. Cheap enough that if you want to upgrade later, you haven't "wasted" much, but high quality and versatile enough that you will probably always find a use for it.


You might also benefit from checking out this article.
Forum: Pentax Full Frame 10-02-2022, 12:06 PM  
New K1 Owner Questions
Posted By wadge22
Replies: 23
Views: 2,319
I agree with a few so far that getting to know the uses of the function dial and setting dial (aka third control wheel) is key. Those are the two dials on the top of the camera on the right side. I use the third wheel for ISO when in M mode, and for +/- when in TAv, which one or the other of those is the mode I'm using 95% of the time. I also use the top control dials for setting the drive mode, turning on HDR, or switching between crop modes, when I do those things, which saves menu diving (even just the info button menu).

Another important thing to learn on the camera is setting up user modes. You have 5 of them! Those are great for having a setting ready to go for particular styles of photography, such as one for landscape, one for telephoto, one for astro or night shooting, etc. I will admit I don't use that function as much as I should, but it is definitely very powerful.

One thing that quite a few people really like, including myself, is setting up back button focusing. This makes it so that the autofocus only activates when you press the AF button (with your right thumb). I myself find this indispensable, although it takes some getting used to at first, and I know some people don't prefer it.
If you want to do this, it's in button customization (on camera setting page 5), AF Button, then choose AF2 (I wish it were a little less confusingly labeled than that). Even if you don't wind up liking that style of shooting, it's good to know what and where it is, since inadvertently setting that leads some people to think something is wrong with their camera/lens.

I'll finally mention the other button customizations. You can set the function of the RAW/FX1 button (on the left side of the camera near the AF/MF switch), and the FX2 button (down on the four way controller), to any of a few useful shortcuts. I find that having FX1 set to SR on/off is very helpful for me.
You can also set the function of the green button, as well as the front and back control wheels, for each of the regular modes (P, Sv, Tv, Av, TAv, M, B, X), which can make a mode you might not normally use become much more useful for you.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 09-30-2022, 08:07 PM  
what lens is this
Posted By wadge22
Replies: 21
Views: 1,601
I think either the 18-135 or the 16-85 would be a great upgrade/replacement for the 18-55 that was taken. And I think a surprise gift of a replacement lens is a very nice idea.
There's no doubt she has opinions and preferences of her own, but a gift card is not nearly as fun or thoughtful of a gift as something you know someone will enjoy but that they aren't expecting. Either of those two lenses would be versatile and high quality enough that, even if she is going to buy something else anyhow, they will be a good compliment to her kit. They are very much general purpose workhorses, just like the one her daughter took.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 09-29-2022, 07:49 PM  
Sheared Off Screw Head ME Super Bottom Plate
Posted By wadge22
Replies: 8
Views: 812
Agree with the left hand drill bit recommendations. That is what you should do. McMaster Carr is where I would go to get one, and I see they have them in small sizes for under $7 (before shipping). That shouldn't wind up being much more expensive than the tubes of JB weld, and it's actually the right tool for the job.
You'll want to figure out what size to buy, it should be just a little smaller than the minor diameter of the seized fastener. That should leave you with still good threads, since it will most likely catch and back the screw out, and all you need to do then is replace the screw.


If you are going to JB weld, you will just want to drill everything currently in there out oversize, fill with JB, then drill and tap the original size again into the JB. That will mean buying a tap and the JB weld, as well as the screw. Probably not cheaper, easier, or in any way better than the left hand drill solution.

Another thing you can try, though it will most likely just wind up mucking things up worse, is using the tip of some kind of abrasive cone, spinning counterclockwise in a drill, and pressing it against the exposed part of the screw where the head broke off. This is only likely to work if the screw isn't actually seized in there (or not seized very strongly, anyways), and the head sheared off for some other reason.
Like I say, unlikely. And since we're talking (I must assume) about a very small fastener, it will be very hard to pull that off without just grinding un-control-edly away where you don't want to.
Not something I recommend in this instance, but it can work in a few situations (a stud or threaded rod that is free but somehow got screwed too deep into a blind hole, or where an already damaged fastener sheared at the head but the threads are free) (another similar trick for similar situations is superglueing something to the damaged/captive fastener, which very definitely isn't a good idea on such a small application since you won't be able to control where the glue is contacting).
Also, sometimes such a desperate attempt is "worth a shot" if the piece will be lost anyways or if you will be drilling and welding or helicoiling anyways. Machinists might potentially try lots of silly things in an attempt to make their mistake disappear, before they go fess up to having made the mistake and fixing it the right way. But don't ask me how I know that.
Forum: Pentax Price Watch 09-15-2022, 08:00 PM  
Sigma 100-300 f4 on Ebay, low price but imperfect condition
Posted By wadge22
Replies: 1
Views: 411
Sigma APO 100-300mm F4 EX DG listed on ebay for ~$250 before shipping. This lens doesn't show up for this cheap often at all.

Condition issues noted in the listing (faint marks and minimal fungus on optics, plenty of cosmetic wear on body).

Could possibly be a good deal for somebody looking for a bargain on a great tele option who doesn't mind working with some condition issues. I have no knowledge/relation to/of item or seller, I am by no means making an endorsement, and I won't be buying this one.
Forum: General Talk 09-15-2022, 07:21 PM  
RV Solar Power
Posted By wadge22
Replies: 7
Views: 604
I'll just quote myself from another thread awhile back. As noted in that post my setup is a stationary home setup, so not exactly the same situation. My system does generally seem somewhat similar to what you're looking at, though (in that it sounds like you're skipping the DC/AC inverter, which I personally think is a good move to save/refocus money and keep things simple).

I don't have much to add to what I posted back then, although I'd be glad to answer questions if you have any, to the best of my limited ability.

The one thing I will say is that much of my stuff is Renogy brand as well, which has been fine. However in doing a little research later I started to get the (not terribly thoroughly-investigated) impression that Renogy is just a name brand slapped on various third party components of varying quality, with perhaps slightly inflated prices; and that one shouldn't just 'trust Renogy's stuff because it's a big name brand,' which is what I was probably guilty of doing when I made my purchases.

Still, I've been happy with what I got, with no regrets. In fact just this week I had to charge the battery from the wall AC charger after a whopping (for me) seven+ months of running the freezer (24/7) and sometimes fans (most nights) on only solar power... definitely a record for my system.

Best of luck with your setup.
Forum: Travel, Events, and Groups 09-14-2022, 06:57 PM  
thinking about a father/son trip to Scotland in 2023 any thoughts or suggestions
Posted By wadge22
Replies: 63
Views: 2,858
16-85 and 55-300 for the K3iii
Sig24, either 31 or 43, and 77 for the K1ii (or add another prime or two if that trio doesn't feel complete enough or there's more room in the bag)
Don't forget a tripod if landscapes are part of the plan, which I'm guessing is the case.


simple but high quality kit
Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II 09-12-2022, 04:42 PM  
K1 doesn't work with AA's in battery grip?
Posted By wadge22
Replies: 37
Views: 2,883
I believe you can also pickup items purchased online from Walmart in one of their store locations, although I haven't done it myself. That might be another way of getting a third-party charger.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 09-06-2022, 07:36 PM  
KP or K3 ii?
Posted By wadge22
Replies: 27
Views: 2,312
One notable advantage of the K3ii over the KP as a companion for the K1 is that K3 and K1 models share the same (larger) battery. The KP uses the smaller battery, also found in the K70. That smaller battery gives noticeably fewer shots, so you wind up wanting a spare, which is of course not usable in the K1.

It would definitely be nicer if both shared the same battery, as the K3ii and K1 do, and you could just have two or three batteries total to share between both.Also notable is the fact that the smaller battery doesn't cost much less than the larger one to buy a genuine Pentax branded spare (always advisable), so you wind up with a fair amount of money tied up in batteries if you have two cameras using the different batteries.

It is true that if you get the battery grip for the KP, it allows you to use the larger battery from the K1 with the KP. However, I didn't wind up getting a grip, since part of the appeal of the KP for me is that it is so compact.


Other than the battery issue, I won't comment to compare the two, since I haven't used a K3ii. I will say that I'm very happy with my KP.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 09-02-2022, 04:07 PM  
Ultrawide zoom vs. prime, which should I keep?
Posted By wadge22
Replies: 22
Views: 1,377
It sounds like you are more of a zoom shooter, so if you plan to only keep one, keep the zoom.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 09-01-2022, 07:15 PM  
Need Help with Pentax Auto Focus Extension Tube for K mount
Posted By wadge22
Replies: 44
Views: 1,930
I made a similar comment about needing a lot of tubes to get macro like capabilities. I knew actual 1:1 macro isn't what OP is looking for, but that was just the easiest way to state it. The real point is that short tubes will not move the MFD much closer on that long of a focal length lens.

Just to prove it to myself (and in a very unscientific way) I roughly measured the MFD of my DA*300 on my K1, with and without a 36mm tube. Without the tube I got about 54", with the tube I got about 43". So not nothing, but definitely not a huge change. And that is with a 36mm tube, which is obviously longer than the 25mm available as an autofocus tube. You can stack tubes (with my 36mm and 20mm tubes stacked for 56mm total, I got about 39"), but at some point one worries about how rigid the whole setup will be with multiple stacked tubes and a large heavy lens.

So, this isn't to discourage anyone, just to point out that it's going to take a lot of extension tubes to get very much real world change in MFD with a telephoto, and that it may not be super practical to get as close of a focus as one might desire.

Editing to add more fun testing:
This time with my Tamron 60B 300mm f2.8 with the 200f 2x teleconverter, making a 600mm (although I don't know if the use of TC influences the principle here), also on K1
with 56mm tubes - 88"
with 36mm tube - 91"
with no tube - 103"
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 08-31-2022, 06:49 PM  
New to ultra/super wide angle photography
Posted By wadge22
Replies: 20
Views: 1,318
I don't have the lens. But one good way to focus lenses like that is using the distance scale markings on the lens, rather than trying to use the viewfinder or liveview. I believe that lens even has some kind markings for hyperfocal distance, which is a good concept/technique to understand. Basically, as long as your subject isn't going to be very close to you, you can stop the lens down some, set the focus to a certain setting, and leave it there, since everything from a certain distance all the way to infinity should be acceptably sharp.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 08-31-2022, 05:54 PM  
Lens for weddings indoor shots
Posted By wadge22
Replies: 18
Views: 1,057
I have the Tamron, although I rarely use it. (18-135 is what I normally use when I use a zoom, I guess I only got the 2.8 lenses for LBA reasons)

It is nicely compact, seems to perform well if not stellar, and they are amazingly cheap these days (usually under US$200 and sometimes down around $100 on ebay, although I don't know anything about how directly those prices apply if buying in Ireland).

You could potentially get another one of that lens now (obviously without the focusing issues of your current copy), and then go about saving your money for a better lens like the 16-50 PLM someday in the future. At around $100, you could keep the Tamron around as a backup lens and not feel bad about that money spent. Usually I agree with the "buy nice not twice" thinking, but sometimes common sense exceptions can be made.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 08-31-2022, 05:30 PM  
Need Help with Pentax Auto Focus Extension Tube for K mount
Posted By wadge22
Replies: 44
Views: 1,930
There did exist a 25mm AF extension tube from Kenko, but they are very rare. Here is the database entry.

There was also a set of three (12mm, 20mm, 36mm) from Kenko labeled P/AF that mentions autofocus on the box, but do not actually allow autofocus. They do pass through aperture and lens info, though, and allow PTTL. I have that set. I don't think there's a database entry, but here is a long expired marketplace listing with photos.

Then there are these from Movo, currently available, which I don't even know what to think. They get mixed but mostly alarming reviews on Amazon, and there is little info about them on PF. I probably wouldn't risk trying them.

Finally, there was what may be a clone of the 25mm Kenko sold under the brand Kooka, but I think it is also discontinued, and apparently it was terrible.


Another thing to keep in mind is that long lenses need a very long extension to move the MFD very much. I don't know the formula to figure it out, but I'm guessing you would need a whole lot of extension tubes stacked to get your 560mm lens to focus like a macro lens.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 08-30-2022, 01:57 PM  
Pentax 300mm F2.8
Posted By wadge22
Replies: 32
Views: 2,199
Sorry. Didn't mean to sound rude, I meant it as lighthearted ribbing based on my envy... I wish I had such a lens as the 250-600. Of course that tone is hard to convey through text.

The truth is there isn't anything much better than that available. The 150-450 as mentioned by others is a little faster at the shorter end, but not as fast for the length overall (450 f5.6 vs 600 f5.6). I don't really think it would be an upgrade for you, although I can't compare the focusing speed.

Yes the teleconverter will reduce the light coming in but as long as you can focus (so as long as you start with a lens at least f4 or thereabouts), you should be able to get good enough shots.

If you do search and find an FA 300 2.8 (which will mean $$$), it should focus well with the TC, and be effectively a 420mm f4, which on APSC (anything but K1, K1ii, or film) has the angle of view like a 630mm on full frame. That honestly might be too long for football. And it is a very expensive and rare lens (as is your 250-600).
For the same money you could probably get a newer camera body, a 300 f4, and the 1.4x teleconverter. Go ahead and get a heavy duty monopod and high end tilt head, too, and you're still probably cheaper than a good copy of FA 300 2.8.

The 300 f4 may also be a very good solution for you, it will certainly be more compact and easy to handhold. But I think you will miss the framing flexibility of a zoom, and I wonder if the AF speed will be satisfactory.


I guess what I'm saying is you should just try with your 250-600 5.6 lens, and let the ISO go as high as it needs to to make up for the two stops difference between 2.8 and 5.6. If you get one of the newer bodies released since, say, 2016 (such as any K3, KP, or K70), then ISO 6400 or maybe even a little higher is probably going to be acceptable from a noise standpoint.
You can then keep your current body and use it with your 80-200 2.8, which should do well also for shorter shots.


Or, to put it all another way, you can probably do what you want to do without a 2.8 lens, even though it would be nice/better if there were a readily available 2.8 lens.

And again, sorry, didn't mean to sound rude.


It is, but that's the A* version with no autofocus. If OP is willing to manual focus, he can spend way too much money on an A* 400 2.8.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 08-30-2022, 11:46 AM  
Pentax 300mm F2.8
Posted By wadge22
Replies: 32
Views: 2,199
I you already have the 250-600mm f5.6, don't expect to get much sympathy about your lack of good tele lenses from me... ;)

But seriously, that is an amazing lens; I would focus on getting the job done with that. If you have to raise ISO, that should be an acceptable compromise. Which camera body are you using? With any of the more current bodies you can probably go fairly high in ISO, especially for non-professional work.

You could try a 300 f4, although the newer versions don't focus super quick, so an older screwdrive version might be preferable (the noise doesn't matter at a football game).

Another option is adding the 1.4x teleconverter to your 80-200 2.8.

But no, there is no 400 2.8 with autofocus for our cameras, and there never will be. That's just how it is with Pentax.
Forum: Vintage Cameras and Equipment 08-30-2022, 10:16 AM  
A portable vice for clamping lens, or other solutions?
Posted By wadge22
Replies: 5
Views: 453
You can try looking for "drill press" type vices, which usually have a wider opening even on cheap ones. Something like this.

Another option would be to look for a 3 jaw chuck that opens wide enough, and with the right type of jaws (there are lots of different types, so be careful to get something that would work for what you need ), to grip a lens. That's really a much better way than a vice to hold something round like a lens body. I imagine you would want to find an old used one, for cost's sake. You'll need to make sure you get a chuck key with it to be able to use it. Finding a way to connect the chuck to the table may be tough, although it will be a heavy chunk of metal, so just the weight of the chuck itself might work for you. Also because of the weight, you would probably want to find one that you can pick up locally. It would look something like this (although that one has no key with it).
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions 08-28-2022, 05:32 PM  
New Owner of a K-70
Posted By wadge22
Replies: 15
Views: 931
I see. I got it now (had thought that was an autogenerated link).
Yes, that seems like probably a pretty darn good deal, assuming no undisclosed problems. That lens and camera are a fantastic combo, can do a whole lot.
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions 08-28-2022, 02:53 PM  
All in
Posted By wadge22
Replies: 5
Views: 302
Welcome to the forums!
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions 08-28-2022, 02:52 PM  
New Owner of a K-70
Posted By wadge22
Replies: 15
Views: 931
Welcome to the forums!

I don't see the link you mention, only a couple automatically generated links from the forum.

One thing I will mention in case you're not aware is that your K70 is astrotracer capable (albeit with an additional OGPS accessory required). Astrotracer is very cool, particularly suitable for capturing wide angle shots of the milky way. It's probably something you should look into to see if you're interested.
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions 08-28-2022, 02:46 PM  
Hello Pentaxians
Posted By wadge22
Replies: 5
Views: 382
Welcome to the forums!

I would say starting with the rocket blower is definitely safe. I haven't had to do anything more than that myself, so can't advise any further. Hopefully the blower is all it will take, and your problem will be solved!
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions 08-28-2022, 02:44 PM  
Longtime Pentax 35mm user now with a K-70
Posted By wadge22
Replies: 5
Views: 623
Welcome to the forums!
Forum: Travel, Events, and Groups 08-28-2022, 10:06 AM  
thinking about a father/son trip to Scotland in 2023 any thoughts or suggestions
Posted By wadge22
Replies: 63
Views: 2,858
We went to Saint Andrews on my trip. Despite not giving a fig about golf, it was a very cool place. There's the ruins of a huge cathedral, and a very nice botanical garden, (and probably more) in addition to the golf courses.
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