|
Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
03-11-2013, 11:27 AM
|
| |
Glad to see this post. I've been considering this same magnifier and finally decided to buy one, taking little risk on just an $18 purchase. Like you, I could find almost no reviews on this magnifier. So this inspires me to write one up for the Database.
Mine is the DSLRKit from eBay. The Nikon viewfinder adapter that comes with it (along with 2 Canon adapters) fits snug on the Pentax (mine is the k-5). After some initial testing, I must say I am very happy with this product. It seem to be good quality - not stellar - and perfectly satisfactory considering its very reasonable price. Through some rough eyeballing, viewing a color grid, I've determined that the magnification factors are reasonably accurate. Objects appear to be roughly 25% taller and wider - that works to be between 50-60% magnification, or 1.5-1.6X - at its zoomed max. Zoomed to minimum, it does appear slightly larger (10%) than with no magnification. The image quality is great in the center, but looses sharpness around the extreme edges. But when I'm using manual focus, I'm look through the center anyway. I notice no additional color fringing or any other obnoxious artifacts either. There is slight vignetting of the corners - especially when at 1.6X. But I can still see from edge to edge for composition, and with just a slight shift of the eye, can read the display at the base of the viewfinder. I find the vignetting of no serious distraction or interference with my composition. Now, as far as its effects on manual focusing - the reason I bought this in the first place - it does, to me, significantly help my accuracy in nailing the focus. I use the ML-60 AF divided matte screen. I find that, even with the limitations inherent in AF screens, I can achieve very reasonable accuracy of focus even with my SMC M 50/1.4. So I'm very pleased about that. For extra critical focus, I'd still check with Live View.
One con to this design, as convenient as it is, is that when I wear my camera over my shoulder, the action of the camera bumping against my side tends to push the magnifier in from its max zoom position. So when I lift the camera to my eye, I may need to twist the magnifier lens back out to max zoom. The zooming feels well dampened and not loose at all. It holds its position except in the situation I just described. Another inconvenience, if one zooms the eyepiece frequently, is that the diopter needs to be adjusted from one extreme to the other when zooming the eyepiece from min to max. I plan to use this at max magnification most of the time anyway, but I check my diopter focus by making sure the led display looks sharp to my eye.
The magnifier also comes with two choices of eye cups. I prefer the large flange one - I don't wear glasses when shooting. The large flange does obstruct some of the LCD viewfinder. I just move it out of they way if I need to. I haven't found it to be an inconvenience so far.
I think that 1.6X is about as magnified one would want without needing to flip the magnifier out of the way to compose the shot. Its usefulness is certainly subjective. But I am finding this to be a very worthwhile investment that makes my viewfinder experience much more enjoyable with a nice full and large image to my eye (no tunnel effect). I've been using the Pentax O-ME53 (1.18X) magnifier before this. It was definitely an improvement over the stock eyepiece, but this new 1.08-1.58X magnifier will most likely stay on my camera. I'd use the O-ME53 when I plan to use just AF lenses.
Hope this post has been helpful.
|
|
Forum: Monthly Photo Contests
02-18-2013, 02:03 PM
|
| |
Photo submission for monthly photo contest #78, Bokeh
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
12-04-2012, 09:17 AM
|
| |
Honestly, I can find Pentax lenses ONLY online. There are NO - ZERO, ZIPPO, NADA - brick and mortar stores in Michigan that sell Pentax gear any more. In fact, when I ask about Pentax gear at a local camera shop, I get a funny look and comments such as, "Canon or Nikon have a much wider lens selection, we haven't carried Pentax for years." Seems to me if Pentax wants to sell more cameras, they need to have an attractive lens/gear line-up available. The only way to get competitive again is to make high quality glass and sell them at REASONABLE prices the way they used to. Most of my lenses are either 3rd party or purchased 2nd hand SMC glass. I love my Pentax gear. The only NEW SMC lens I purchased is the WR 18-135 which was $499 at the time (when just released). I thought I was paying too much then. Glad I didn't wait too long to buy it! I wish I could afford some of the * or limited glass.
|
|
Forum: Sold Items
02-02-2011, 01:52 PM
|
| |
I was able to sell it on eBay for $200.
|
|
Forum: Sold Items
01-08-2011, 03:34 PM
|
| |
| |
|
Forum: Sold Items
12-31-2010, 07:02 AM
|
| |
Here is an image taken with the Marexar at f8
and here is the same shot with my kit SMC 18-55 DA II
---------- Post added 12-31-10 at 09:42 AM ----------
UGH! I'll now try attaching images from a share site that should give a better view...
Visit this link: http://dougspentaxphotos.shutterfly.com/ |
|
Forum: Sold Items
12-30-2010, 03:10 PM
|
| |
PentaxForums.com Marketplace Listing
Item for Sale
Marexar-CX 28/2.8
Asking Price
20
Item Location
Michigan, USA
Item Description
Marexar-CX 28mm f2.8 fully manual lens. k-mount. Very clean glass. Outside metal barrel shows some wear, but lens functions flawlessly. Takes very nice images, esp for a "cheap lens". Images of this lens were taken with the Vivitar Series 1 70-210 I have listed as well. PM for more pics or paypal info.
Are you the original owner of the item being sold?
Yes
Are you selling or trading this item?
Selling
Item Condition (Key)
Used
Good
Shipping Destinations
Continental U.S. Only
Shipping Charge
FREE
Shipping Services
USPS
Accepted Payment Types
PayPal
Return Policy & Additional Details
Private seller. Sale if final. Consider purchase as "as is".
Please send me a private message if interested in the item!
|
|
Forum: Sold Items
12-30-2010, 02:57 PM
|
| |
PentaxForums.com Marketplace Listing
Item for Sale
Vivitar Series 1 (ver. 3) 70-210/2.8-4 macro
Asking Price
220
Item Location
Michigan, USA
Item Description
Vivitar Series 1 (version 3 - Komine) 70-210 f2.8-4.0 macro focusing zoom with the "A" setting on ring. Research on this lens will reveal this particular version of the lens as the best or sharpest of the Series 1s. I can attest that it is very sharp and works like new. The glass is very clean, no fungus or scratches. everything works great. I've used it on my k200d with no problems. Takes beautiful images. Sale includes the hard case, Hoya 62mm Skylight 1B filter, and both caps, AND SHIPPING. Visit http://dougspentaxphotos.shutterfly.com/ for more pix and PM me for paypal info.
Are you the original owner of the item being sold?
No
Are you selling or trading this item?
Selling
Item Condition (Key)
Used
Excellent
Shipping Destinations
Continental U.S. Only
Shipping Charge
free
Shipping Services
USPS
Accepted Payment Types
PayPal
Return Policy & Additional Details
I am a private seller and will only consider returns as a per case basis. Purchase should be considered "as is".
Please send me a private message if interested in the item!
|
|
Forum: Monthly Photo Contests
09-09-2010, 05:22 PM
|
| |
will the real photographer please step forward?
|
|
Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
06-25-2010, 11:24 AM
|
| |
OK, now that I've posted this, I saw and read the related threads already answering my Q in adequate detail. The 72 is meaningless on the exif. I've learned now dpi is entirely a function of the print size to MP ratio, and all my 6 and 10 MP images will be more than 300 dpi for anything 8x11 or smaller. Shoulda searched the threads first.
|
|
Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
06-25-2010, 10:52 AM
|
| |
I've run across prof. printers or publishers who have been requesting images for print to be in high res at 300 dpi. All the jpegs I save from my K200d to my HP Vista machine show to be at 72 dpi. My old Kodak 2MP p%s images were saved as 160 dpi with this same computer and software (Windows Photo..)
My Q is, is the dpi setting for my jpegs a function of or operation of my camera or the software in my computer?
Now, I've used photoshop to change the dpi to 300, and I don't see any difference. I've printed plenty of images from the 72 dpi files, some in 8x11 size and they appear as sharp and clear. What's up with dpi in prints vs viewing on computer screen. Is it better for me to convert my images to 300 dpi before printing? Can I change any settings in my camera or computer so that they are automatically saved as 300 dpi? Or is 72 dpi good enough?
|
|
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
06-24-2010, 07:15 AM
|
| |
There's that Canon guy again in photo #3 :lol:
|
|
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
05-18-2010, 12:58 PM
|
| |
This is just the type of image exposure, I think, that PENTAX is after - outdoor adventure camera. This is why I think it would be prudent of PENTAX to sponsor the Banf Mountain Film festival shown annually around N America at Universities and small arts-film venues. FTWDK, Banf Mountain FF is a series of short amature films of extreme outdoor sport events. It is primarily sponsored by companies who want to promote their products with rugged outdoor images and/or appeal.
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-31-2009, 07:54 AM
|
| |
Joel from Photographic Solutions called me back and said that there was initially some question to the use of E2 on lenses, but it has since been proved that the retailers' statements, "E2 is NOT to be used on lenses or critical optics," is "simply not the case." "E2 is perfectly safe to use for claning lenses and other optics... there should be no problem using E2 for those purposes."
I will also keep in mind what the other 2 replies stated, that the less the lens itself is touched, the better.
I have a case here where I have a Sakar UV filter, that looks perfectly clean, over a lens. However this UV filter makes a noticeable bluish cast and reduces the contrast of the lens. :mad: Either its a bad filter or has some sort of film build-up thats not detectable. I am sometimes hesitant about using filters such as UV or sky-light, especially if they're not coated, because they can add flare and detract from the lens' initial IQ. :hmm: Some of these "better" quality coated filters cost as much as some of my lenses. :( So I need to find a good balance.;)
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-30-2009, 09:02 AM
|
| |
Not sure where best to post this. Since this is about cleaning lenses, I thought this would work..
I've read that Eclipse cleaning solution is good for lenses etc, dries quickly and leaves no smears, etc. But many retailers of this say that the Eclipse E2 formula for sensors, is not recommended for cleaning lenses or critical optics.
Any one know why E2 not recommended for lenses? Any harm in using it on lenses, coatings?
I ask, because the traditional lens cleaning solutions I try do leave smears, and I have a bottle of E2 for my sensor, but I hesitate on spending another $10 for 2oz of solution if the E2 is safe to use on lenses.
Comments please?:confused:
|
|
Forum: Sold Items
03-20-2009, 09:57 AM
|
| |
Here are: The Back, Bottom, Mirror chamber (2), and my attempt to capture whats in the viewfinder:
|
|
Forum: Sold Items
03-20-2009, 08:31 AM
|
| |
That's right. If the camera buyer doesn't want the lens, you're welcome to it. Keep in mind the shipping costs may be the same as the lens ($10). If you're serious, keep an eye on this thread. We'll see what transpires...;)
|
|
Forum: Sold Items
03-20-2009, 05:28 AM
|
| |
PentaxForums.com Marketplace Listing
Item for Sale
Pentax ME w/ or w/o lens
Asking Price
US$50
Item Description
30 yr old ME. Looks and works as new. I'd like $50 for both camera and lens (SMC M50/2) or $40 w/o. I'll consider reasonable offers.
Are you the original owner of the item being sold?
No
Are you selling or trading this item?
Selling
Item Condition
Used
Excellent
Item Location
Michigan
Shipping Charge
$10
Shipping Services
USPS
Shipping Destinations
North America
Accepted Payment Types
PayPal
Additional Details
Accepting offers for with or without lens.
Please send me a private message if interested in the item!
|
|
Forum: Sold Items
03-12-2009, 06:50 PM
|
| |
Thanks, but 4/3s forum charges $35/yr membership in order to post an ad:hmm:
|
|
Forum: Sold Items
03-12-2009, 02:37 PM
|
| |
1. F.Zuiko Auto S 50mm f1.8 has 49mm threaded rubber hood included ($50)
2. Soligor 90-230mm f4.5 Auto Zoom ($40)
3 Kentar 2X TC with case. ($50)
I've seen all 3 of these items listed for higher prices on e-bay, but whether that's what they sell for is the ???. If these prices seem unreasonable, make me a reasonable offer.
All these lenses appear to be in mint condition. They are clean, spotless, and show no wear. They belonged to my dad, I've never used them, so I can't attest to their IQ. I've read that some really like their 50/1.8s.
I'd say add another $10 for shipping and Pay Pal fees.
If all 3 are sold together ($125), I'll even waive the shipping and Pay Pal fees.
Again, make a reasonable offer if these prices seem off the mark.
|
|
Forum: Sold Items
03-12-2009, 06:29 AM
|
| |
PentaxForums.com Marketplace Listing
Item for Sale
Olympus OM lenses
Asking Price
$50
Item Description
:confused:
I am wanting to sell 3 lenses for Olympus OM. I can't find any good forums like this for Olympus fans to list them on. Any suggestions? If anyone reading this is interested in OM lenses, let me know, and I'll post the details.
Are you the original owner of the item being sold?
No
Are you selling or trading this item?
Selling
Item Condition
Used
Excellent
Item Location
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Shipping Charge
??
Shipping Services
??
Shipping Destinations
Worldwide
Accepted Payment Types
PayPal
Additional Details
Soligor 90-230, OM 50/1.8, 2x TC Kentar
Please send me a private message if interested in the item!
|
|
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
03-11-2009, 02:19 PM
|
| |
You must have a lot of time on yer hands...
Make: K1000
color: black
serial # stamped on bottom plate 6996142
Asahi logo on Prism (YES)
" above "Pentax" (YES)
" stamped on back of top plate (YES)
NO bump
METAL top plate
METAL bottom plate
THREADED battery cover
"Body assembled in (Hong Kong?)" illegible worn-out sticker on bottom plate
( I can make out Body, Assembled, and a KO (I think)
MICRO PRISM focus screen
HEAVY LIKE A BRICK
purchased in 1979-82? thereabouts Now when I think more about it, I think it was in 82. Yes, it was indeed '82
This might be interesting too...
Sold with the plastic version of the M 50mm f2 for the kit lens |
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-11-2009, 12:29 PM
|
| |
Ah!... Indeed. ;)Both the Kalimar and the Tamron do decrease shutter speed by 2X as the zoom approached 300, as my Tokina ATX 100-300 f4 not only is 2X faster at 100mm, but remains at that same shutter speed all the way to 300mm. IOW the Tokina does not get darker as it zooms, as the Kalimar and Tamron do.
Is the Kalimar 60-300 f3.9 a "fixed" 3.9?
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-10-2009, 03:12 PM
|
| |
Someone is selling some lenses including a Kalimar 500mm f8 refractor lens for around $40. I saw some images on an online gallery with this lens and was not that impressed. I have a Tokina RMC 400 f5.6 manual lens that does pretty well with some PF in high contrast. I'm wondering if the Kalimar 500 would be worth $40 or if I should let it pass. I like to do wildlife shots, birds etc, and have used both the RMS 400 and an ATX 100-300 zoom with a 2X converter for the really long shots. Anyone have experience with the Kalimar 500 f8?
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-10-2009, 02:55 PM
|
| |
I have a Kalimar 60-300 f4~5.6. I dunno who made it, but as far as I can tell, it performs optically as well as the Tamron 70-300 f4-5.6 LD Di AF lens, although the Kalimar is manual focus and its macro is only 1:3. I bought it back in the early 80s for my K1000. I had to cut away part of the "flange" so that it could fit on my K200d. It works in spot meter mode and seems to meter correctly with it set on "A" and my k200d set to P, Tv, or Av.
I have to add that even though the lens says its a 4-5.6 aperture, it seems to act like a straight f4 from 60 through 300. That is, when in Av mode and lens ring on A, I can set the aperture to 4 at all focal lengths with my K200d's e-dial.
Now, I can't say that your f3.9 is the same or not...
|
