|
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
11-04-2010, 06:40 AM
|
| |
I've started to notice erratic non-release of the shutter. Sometime the camera will fire fine, other times I press the release and nothing happens. This change will occur from one frame to the next with no other changes to the settings of the camera.
It seems to occur primarily with my Pentax-A 50/1.4 lens. I would certainly prefer the problem to be with the lens and not with the camera! But I thought I'd see if this seemed reasonable to anyone with more expertise than I have. Could a lens problem keep the camera shutter from releasing? And if so, how to correct it? Perhaps cleaning the contacts on the lens?
I welcome any suggestions.
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-19-2010, 02:50 PM
|
| |
Hope this isn't posted in the wrong place. If it is, I'm sure Adam will move it.
Anyway, I'm considering getting a mirror tele, probably 500mm f8. However, I'm concerned about the diameter of these lenses, specifically whether they'll clear the flash 'snoot' on the camera. I've already had a problem with a bellows attachment, and have to use an extension ring to get it on. I won't have this option with a mirror tele. Any idea what fits/doesn't fit?
|
|
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
03-19-2010, 02:37 PM
|
| |
I did the same (M42 adapter) to use my SMC Tak 50/1.4, but it didn't cut the mustard! Ended up buying an A series 50/1.4. Exposure is now automatic - I just have to focus!
|
|
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
03-12-2010, 02:34 PM
|
| |
As for the warranty stuff, register it and save your sales slip. I went DSLR a year ago, with a new *ist DS - needed it to do some macro work that my P&S wouldn't do. Found I had manual focus issues which Pentax repaired no charge.
I started with just the kit 18-55, which is a pretty decent lens. Next addition was a 50-200 which I find I don't use as much as I thought I would, probably because my P&S has 10x optical zoom and image stabilization and does an incredible job on telephoto shots. Last glass purchase was an A series 50mm 1:1.4, which I bought after trying the screw mount version. It can give a shallow depth of field which you can't get with the kit lens, and the large aperture is great for those low light shots where you want more range than the flash will give.
I'm sure you'll enjoy the DSLR. You'll find that you're not limited by the capabilities of a P&S, but basically by your own imagination. Have fun!
Al
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
12-30-2009, 08:05 PM
|
| |
Never heard of Aubell, so I really can't help much. But at 135/2.8 it has to be a significant hunk of glass. M42 or K-mount?
What body do you intend to use it on? And what type of photos? Back in my film days, 135 was kinda too short/too long for most things. But with the digital sensors, 135 will probably replace the 180/3.5 that I used quite a bit on film.
Post some shots when you can...
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
12-30-2009, 07:35 PM
|
| |
The best use for the M42 adapters is not for lenses, but for your old close-up bellows. Use with the M42 lenses in a PITA as you are still basically full manual mode - it's like a step backwards. You can make them work, but it's a hassle.
My favorite lens from the M42 days is the 50/1.4 - I still have two of them. I particularly like the feel of the SMC Takumar with the rubberized focus ring. But it was just too much bother on the digital SLR.
So, I bought another 50/1.4 - this one the K-mount A series. This gives me full aperture coupling with the digital SLR. And I kinda like the manual focus - gives me a little time to think about the shot. With the autofocus lenses, it's just aim & shoot (usually in that order).
|
|
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
12-30-2009, 05:51 PM
|
| |
I personally consider having a camera run on AAs to be a plus. My old *ist DS uses AAs, and I feed it NiMh rechargables. I've developed the capability to recharge these on the road, which is a great help - just plug the charger into an inverter and the inverter into 12V - presto, charged batteries. And if I need batteries in a hurry, a stop at a 7-11 for alkalines fills the bill. The only two caveats here are the charger and the batteries.
All chargers are not equal. My current charger (Sony BCG-34HRMF) takes 1-4 AAs, and is like 4 individual chargers. A digital display shows the state of charge on each battery, and will identify bad batteries. Charges in about 3 or 4 hours. My previous charger only took 2 batteries, took 13 hours to charge, and wouldn't identify bad cells.
All batteries are not equal. Biggest problem with NiMh batteries (IMHO) is in the idle self discharge. The Sony batteries (2700mAh) that came with the charger are terrible. My good ones are from Powerex (1500 mAh) and Kodak (1700 mAh). I've also got a few from Radio Shack which aren't bad.
Nothing against Lithium batteries. Much lighter than the alternatives, but relatively expensive. I use them in my RC aircraft, but I'm not asking my camera to fly!
Any one still use NiCd batteries? I think they got a bad rap from the cheap chargers that boiled them dry. NiCd technology may be older, but it still has a lot to offer.
|
|
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
11-29-2009, 05:24 PM
|
| |
Prior to this thread, I'd never heard of CRIS. Doesn't make me anxious to deal with them.
Previous repair experience with CO was fine. Sent in a new *ist DS under warranty about a year ago with a severe manual focus problem (perhaps no shim at all under the glass??) and it came back just fine. However, the repair order said they found nothing wrong??? Perhaps they check and fix the easy stuff before they get to the 'hard' repairs??
Upgrade from the DS? If I have to look forward to dealing with CRIS, it would certainly affect the Pentax/Other decision (and I've been shooting Pentax since my original 1a).
|
|
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
11-20-2009, 04:55 PM
|
| |
If you don't manual focus, the DL would be fine. If you do use manual focus (ie: A series lenses) then you'll probably prefer the prism finder to the mirror finder. Definately a D if you can find one at your price, otherwise a DS or DS2 depending on availability. I got lucky about a year ago and found a DS from a dealer with a new camera warranty! The DS2 offers the bigger LCD, but I don't consider that much of a plus. Anyway, I'm happy with my DS - 6 mp is fine.
Al
|
|
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
11-17-2009, 07:37 AM
|
| |
Do you really need an SLR for a backup?
Before I bought my ist DS, I was shooting with a Panasonic TZ-1 which I originally purchased as a backup for my wife's TZ-1. She uses her camera heavily for newspaper work, and has a history of being 'hard' on cameras. Hence the spare TZ-1 - no retraining required.
The ist DS was purchased to do things I couldn't do with the TZ-1 such as external flash, 1:1 macro, etc.
Wife's TZ-1 got run over by a Nissan Pathfinder. LCD was crushed (repairable), but the camera still worked (amazing). However the camera was also a bit 'short' and the photos were out of focus! Anyway, she's now using the 'backup' TZ-1, and I haven't had a chance to replace it.
Not that I'm pushing the TZ-1. It's just that P&S cameras can take good photos, and are probably adequate for 95% of your photo needs.
Al
|
|
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
08-30-2009, 03:02 PM
|
| |
Makes you really question the 'editorial integrity' of the mag. If they elect not to do a review of a fine lens based on poor advertising revenue from the manufacturer, I'd really wonder whether the other lenses are ranked based on lens quality or advert income?
|
|
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
08-24-2009, 06:35 PM
|
| |
If you're going to shoot in poor light, you need a good hunk of glass. I think sticking with the 50/1.4 is the way to go. Good bang for the buck for getting light into your sensor. Even if you add a 2x telextender, you're looking at 100/2.8.
Al
|
|
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
07-15-2009, 04:35 PM
|
| |
I would add a check of front/back focus in manual mode. The day could come when you'd want to use the viewfinder to focus a shot!
Al
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
06-25-2009, 06:38 AM
|
| |
Just checked my Pentax-A 50/1.4
As you would expect, asymmetrical jaggies.
Al
|
|
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
06-19-2009, 02:59 PM
|
| |
I wouldn't worry so much about the refurbishment as I would about the warranty. If you get the manufacturer's new camera warranty, I would consider that satisfactory. If you get the sellers 90 day replacement warranty (for another refurb unit?), I'd take that with a BIG grain of salt!
|
|
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
05-09-2009, 01:15 PM
|
| |
Gerry,
I bought a DS about 3 months ago, and am quite happy with it. I really wanted a DS2 for the larger lcd, and didn't want the pentamirror. I settled on the DS when I found one NEW at Ritz/Wolfe for $250 with the kit lens. Turns out having the warranty was a big plus, as the focus using the viewfinder was not good. Pentax put things right at no charge.
Since then, I've bought 2 more lenses (the DA 50-200, and a A series 50/1.4). But most of the shots to date have been with a Super Takumar 105/2.8 - just a question of the work I've been doing!
Al
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
05-07-2009, 05:29 PM
|
| |
I just purchased an A series
50/1.4 for $106. Here's a photo taken with it:
This was taken with a *ist DS. As I wanted the 1.4 aperture, I used Av mode.
My decision to buy this lens was based on using both a SuperTak 50/1.4 and an SMC Tak 50/1.4 on the DS (with adapter ring). These lenses are leftovers from my Spotmatic days! I used mainly the SuperTak, as the SMC has some extra 'stuff' on the back that seemed to hang up a bit on the adapter ring.
My main concern was whether I'd be happy with the focal length. For some time I'd been thinking I'd rather have a fast prime with a bit shorter focal length, but the screw mount tests convinced me that 50mm would be good.
I was also considering getting a K or M series 50/1.4, but decided to have the full aperture automation available if I wanted it. The M42s took great photos, but they are clumsy to work with on the DS. They were fine on the Spotmatics, particularly the SMC on the Spotmatic F. Hence the decision for A series.
Main reason for not going FA was financial. An added cost that I don't really feel is justified. The above photo was manual focus with the stock matte screen using a 60+ year old eyeball. Does make me glad I chose a camera with the prism vs the mirror thing.
Al
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
04-22-2009, 07:13 PM
|
| |
Unless you're in Troon, keep the trees vertical.
Al
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
04-22-2009, 07:01 PM
|
| |
I just bought one of these, and it works so nicely with the metering in my DS that I barely have to take the flash out of the drawer any more. I'd been struggling with a Takumar 50/1.4 - great photos but a hassle to use. The Pentax-A is a pleasure.
Al
|
|
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
04-20-2009, 08:01 AM
|
| |
It's not quite like 'prime' rib! It refers to a lens with a fixed focal length. Zoom lenses have a variable focal length.
Al
|
|
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
04-19-2009, 02:42 PM
|
| |
Mike,
Look further down in this forum for a thread named 'Dirty Sensor'. It covers the situation pretty well.
Al
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
04-18-2009, 05:50 PM
|
| |
Nothing to complain about with those shots! Handheld or tripod?
Al
|
|
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
04-18-2009, 05:44 PM
|
| |
Steve,
This may be too late to help you. If so, let us know what you did and whether you're happy with your choice.
I chose the DS. Primary motivator was that is was a 'new' camera and came with the Pentax warranty. It was actually a demo, purchased from Ritz/Wolfe. Anyway, needed the warranty service as the manual focus was 'off' - Pentax honored the warranty and fixed it no charge. I was actually looking for a DS2 (better LCD screen) but the DS with the warranty became a deal.
I wanted the prism finder vs the mirror thing for manual focus. I'm still considering getting a split image/microprism screen - haven't done it yet.
Camera was not purchased with the intent to be a walk around camera - I have a Panasonic TZ-1 that fills that need quite well (for me). I needed something to digitize some old 35mm slides. Couple with an old M42 bellows and M42 Takumar 105/2.8 (from old Spotmatic days) and go to it. Worked pretty well once I worked through dust issues, focusing issues, lighting issues, opal glass issues. A story in itself. To date, I've done 2000+ slides with varying degrees of success.
I'm beginning to really enjoy the camera. Putting different lenses on it (old M42 stuff) is a lot of fun. So far I've tried a drawer full of old Pentax stuff, plus an old Meyer 180/3.5 and a Carl Zeiss 50/3.5. Most fun was an old Takumar 50/1.4 - which prompted me to buy a Pentax-A 50/1.4 - should arrive this week. My conclusion is that the old lenses are still good lenses, but clumsy to use. The DA kit lenses are fine, but lack in aperture. The DA 18-55 is 3.5-5.6, and the DA 50-200 I bought is only 4-5.6 - kinda small and light. The DA 50-200 is almost unusable at the 200 focal length due to camera shake. My Meyer 180/3.5 is much more massive and gives less camera jiggle - handheld at 1/60 works.
Regrets? I suspect I'm going start using the DS as my walk around camera, and am going to miss the SR feature on my TZ-1 and some of the newer Pentax DSLRs. I just may have to upgrade in the future.
Enough for now!
|
|
Forum: Travel, Events, and Groups
04-17-2009, 04:52 PM
|
| |
Lowell,
I just don't think two WA zooms are needed. I would have picked the DA 10-17 as is gives an extra half stop. But I believe the Sigma is a fine lens too - haven't had the pleasure of using one.
As others have pointed out, it's an individual thing - what do you like to shoot? My druthers are for people photos with a moderate tele. If you're into shots of buildings from relatively close range, the WA is a definate.
Al
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
04-16-2009, 06:16 PM
|
| |
No experience with either lens. My 105 is a Super-Takumar f 2.8 - a fine lens. My only experience with either of those brands is the Vivitar - I've got a Series 1 70-210 f 3.5 Macro which I don't use much as it's a real bear of a lens. It will tear the bottom out of your camera bag. Can't recall the last time I've used it.
Al
|
