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Forum: Pentax KP
11-17-2023, 01:12 PM
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The KP is my favorite camera of all time. It's unique in that its a compact DSLR designed for serious photographers. It allows the photographer to make all kinds of changes, from ISO to the brightness of the LCD, without diving into menus. It was also the first Pentax camera I've owned where I could get a hand-held landscapes at base ISO and an appropriate aperture in optimal light that were tripod sharp. I've gotten tripod sharp shots down to 1/5th of a second. I struggled to get tripod sharp shots with my K-5 series of cameras at anything much under 1/60th.
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Forum: Lens Clubs
10-23-2022, 09:05 AM
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With the FA 31:
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
02-15-2020, 09:28 AM
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Ultimately the DA design is based on the Pentax-m 40mm F2.8 which is a full frame lens. The XS has worse corners than the limited.
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
03-13-2020, 05:53 AM
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
03-13-2020, 04:58 AM
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K 1 + D FA 28-105
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
02-18-2020, 11:44 AM
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80 ISO • Sigma 8-16mm f:4.5-5.6 DC HSM
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Forum: Lens Clubs
11-22-2019, 07:33 PM
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
11-21-2019, 12:26 AM
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
11-04-2019, 02:58 PM
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I like the K-1 flip out screen. The way I usually use it, for astrophotography, other hinge designs would probably work just as well for me.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
09-29-2019, 02:45 PM
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Pretty damn'd good - except that the shutter speed is "too high" because the prop blades are too "sharp" - generally you need to use around 160th to 320th (max!) to get the "right blur" levels to make shots look "right" for a prop plane.
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
09-25-2019, 06:11 AM
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Recent shots.. outing with film users while i am the only Digital camera user which K1 (mk 2 upgraded)
Mitakon 85 1.2
FA200 F2.8
DFA50 F1.4
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Forum: Pentax KP
10-07-2019, 09:02 AM
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I know you didn't ask me but I had the 18-135 and sold it, it was the softest of my zooms. There's no comparison in sharpness between it and the 16-85, it has good colors and contrast but that's it. You are better off pairing your 55-300 with the 16-85, and those 2 extra mm in the wide end make a difference.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
05-16-2017, 04:26 PM
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The main focus for the fast-wide/fast-ultrawide is for museums/castles. I think the 18-135mm will do well for most outdoor items that I plan to shoot.
I have used BorrowLenses in the past (tested the 18-135mm actually on a trip to Hawaii through them).
I do see the Sigma 10-20mm 3.5 through LensRentals which might be worth a try for the price.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
11-01-2019, 09:10 PM
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That is wonderful! Very fine image quality. I have informed many people considering the DA 18-135mm lens as their main or only lens, that it is even capable of good closeups. Certainly one of the most overall capable and versatile zoom lenses I have come across.
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Forum: Pentax K-70 & KF
12-18-2018, 07:31 AM
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Thanks for the feedback everyone!
I've always disliked the look of using the flash - perhaps the problem is due to using the built-in flash?
And I just found a K50 body on ebay for $200...I'm tempted because the K70 is $500 more!
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Forum: Lens Clubs
02-02-2019, 09:43 AM
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...refreshing this thread...
...f/1.2 raging bull...
K-1 + K 1:1.2/50mm; @f/1.2; linked to flickr scaled ooc jpg
...i learned a lot in this moment...
...there is always an individual physical distcance to any model a photographer should respect...
...accurate manual focusing and picture framing is difficult if unforeseen moving backwards cowering down...
...50mm is too short for wildlife...
...i am an idiot...
(cross posted from "the bokeh club"; shot November 18. 2018, Texel, NL)
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-27-2019, 03:31 AM
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Forum: Pentax KP
12-02-2018, 02:16 PM
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I finally broke down and purchased the KP (the sale price was too good to pass up). I normally don't write about a camera, but feel compelled to do so this time. A lot has been said about the KP, plenty of it negative, which is a lot of the reasons I delayed as long as I did in buying one.
A bit of background: I've shot with the K10D (ist DL as backup), K20D, K5, K3 and K-1. All of the aforementioned cameras were used at some point and time for paid work, I did a lot of portraiture, both at the beach and for schools. Later, I started doing weddings, my most recent using the K-1, K3 and K5. Also of relevance, I have large hands, wearing XXL gloves.
Size: The KP is small, there's no question to it. But having used, and still using film cameras daily, I find the size quite similar. I've never had an issue holding onto my Program Plus, or LX, and I don't see the KP as being much different. The first lens I used with the KP was my DA 17-70, followed by the DA* 50-135. Both of these lenses are rather large, especially compared to the Limited line. Maybe it's my technique from years of film cameras, but I didn't find an issue holding the camera, even with the medium grip, which I have found to be my favorite.
Auto Focus The auto focus on this camera is far and above any other Pentax camera I've used, and I was quite happy with the K3 and more so with the K-1. The DA17-70 has become a new lens, quick, accurate and never hunting for focus. The DA*50-135, I'll have to reserve judgement on, my copy is a little sticky and I have to work the focus manually back and forth a few times before it starts to work, although after that it does focus faster than it has on other cameras.
The layout of this camera is really a thing of beauty. My thumb rests on the back button for focusing, and for the first time, back button focus is completely natural to me. I originally had a few concerns about not having a top LCD, but quickly realized I have no need for it with the KP. All of the dials and buttons are easy to access and in places which make sense.
As far as two card slots are concerned, to each their own when deciding how important that is. I shot for many years with only one card slot in a camera, and never gave it a second thought, so it was never a deal breaker for me.
As with my other cameras, I will buy a battery grip, which I find useful when I'm shooting portraits, but most likely, I'll only use it for that purpose or when I decide to use the KP for a paid shoot.
The flip screen is nice, although I would have preferred a set-up like the K-1. But I understand that would have likely made the camera larger/thicker.
Bottom line is this; The KP has received a lot of unwarranted negative comments, which I wish, I for one had ignored. If you're on the fence, this is one great aps-c camera.
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
01-26-2019, 03:11 PM
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
01-17-2019, 11:39 PM
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Yes, that's a good point to mention. I had the same situation when photographing a group of people, some people were out of focus. I figured out the problem wasn't Pentax AF, the problem was insufficient depth of field because in a group of people not everyone is in a same plane. The solution is to stop down the lens.
The selection of fast new primes 35mm and 85mm is what's currently missing for the K1/II. Although I'm afraid that the D850 won't be able to have everyone in the group of people in focus at f1.8. When I shoot portraits of one person I stop down the lens to f4 or f5.6. For a group of people, I'd use 35mm f4 or 85 f5.6/f8, so in that case the fast primes have nearly not advantage over the DFA24-70 or DFA70-200 zooms.
---------- Post added 18-01-19 at 07:47 ----------
Slowing down shutter speed to record an image of motion has nothing to do with the resolution 4K monitors., it's a photographic technique that is available for photographers. This idea of Morihei Ueshiba and other martial art artists is that the mind is you best weapon, not the camera gear. People who don't understand that martial art concept will never level very high. Photography has something in common with martial arts, photography is the art of seeing, not a competition of camera specs, we don't become black belt at a martial art by using a machine gun, in the same way, we don't become a better photographer by buying a D850. Pentax forces you to progress on the path on photographic master, Nikon give you the opportunity not you work on the path to personal mastery of the mind. People leaving Pentax when they can't resist the temptation of Nikon, have let Nikon control their mind.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
01-17-2019, 07:32 PM
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I think that the OP's post certainly sparked a lot of good comments, perspectives, and constructive counter-points.
Some of the discussion centers on AF performance. In recent years, it seems that the Pentax brand has been criticized for its relatively poor AF capability -- not by all users, but in notable numbers.
AF on Static Subjects. Concerning the present thread, I am having trouble understanding the problems that the OP has had in focusing on static or slow-moving subjects. I think it's reasonable to assume that the camera(s) were calibrated for AF Fine Adjust and that the problem camera was checked out for possible damage or component failure. The only comparison I can make directly is to my own experience -- I'm not an 'action shooter', and I've had very little issue focusing on stationery targets. But I'm a sample of one. It would be useful to know more about the conditions under which the OP had those somewhat surprising problem shoots.
Pentax compared to others. Concerning the AF performance of Pentax compared to other brands, it seems that most conclusions I have read elsewhere are based on hearsay or anecdotes. I do not refute that there are problems. However, despite my daily monitoring and reading of numerous camera/photo web sites during a number of years, I have never seen a credible AF test of recent Pentax cameras compared to other brands. By credible, I mean rigorous, well-designed and executed tests that are repeatable under controlled conditions and provide numerical data. I exclude the random wobbly-bicycle runs that are conducted variously in an alley or along a sidewalk.
Nikon issues. Finally, concerning the Nikon system, I understand that the D850 and many of the Nikon lenses are fine pieces of kit, indeed. However, the D850 is not without problems. A quick scan on the DPR forums reveals all sorts of issues: LV AF hang-ups; AF calibration; occasional freezes; AF release priority problems; "Autofocus Blues"; inconsistent focusing (requiring repair shimming); AF problems with third party lenses; "AF stops working"; "Low AF hit rate", and 3-D AF tracking failures.
I don't mean this post as a slam against the OP or to try to convince him to stay with Pentax. I think he'll enjoy the Nikon system, and wish the best.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
01-17-2019, 06:34 PM
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As to Fuji, they do APS-C mirrorless. I looked into that quite thoroughly. Nice stuff, they have a couple of nice, small lenses to envy. Other than that, I'll put my KP and lenses over what they offer any time. I went over the comparison of systems a while back in another thread. With my KP, my DA 20-40mm, DA 70mm, FA 77mm Limiteds, and DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 lenses, among others. I get superbly detailed images with my KP. Many of the Fuji lenses do not have SR. No IB SR, and many others of their lenses are bulkier and/or weightier than some Pentax lenses of a similar FL, so any size advantage fades compared to the KP system, and that without a built-in flash, or having even close to the superior controls layout of the KP. And at much higher cost. There's no way I'd trade my system for theirs..
But each has their own reasons for what they select. I've known of cases where someone bought a brand of camera just to shoot with one particular lens.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-02-2019, 01:27 PM
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@Des- I am glad to use your work any time as reference, as it is indeed very fine. Glad to have it available! I figure anyone interested in this lens would and should be impressed as to its potential upon seeing what you've posted!
I am also often going out and about for lengthy periods, so portability is one of my major concerns. The DA 16-85mm lens is much bulkier than is the DA 18-135mm, which is amazingly compact. So for my outings it is either the very fine, extremely compact DA 20-40mm Limited, or when I need more zoom range, it is the DA 18-135mm. I have used it for landscape shots without any issues. Actually the edge performance is quite good at its shorter zoom end, where wider angle is more often used for landscape shots anyway, especially when stopped down a click or so. I also like its wide open aperture still being f/4.5 out at 70mm, which can blur the background a little more, and with the gradual softening at the edges provides a 3-D effect for portraits and closeups. The whole central area is remarkably sharp though its large zoom range, which is exceptional! And if some subject or other should come along, I've got more reach to zoom and get a grab shot. Its compactness makes it very physically compatible with the KP.
But, if my shooting demonstrated a specific need for edge sharpness at longer zoom settings, and I would need the added wide angle at the short end of the zoom range, I would then have to go with the larger, costlier 16-85mm.
Here's my carrying setup- with either of the DA 20-40mm or 18-135mm lenses on camera, and put into a belt-loop/cross-shoulder strap holster case, the ensemble is secure from swinging, and quite easy-carrying. These last couple of years I've also included the very small DA 15mm Limited lens, which is so small it fits into the front accessory zippered compartment of the camera holster case! And with room to spare for an extra battery, SD cards and a few other small items! I put a small piece of bubble wrap partially around this lens for added protection, which takes care of any extra wide-angle need. This is an extremely capable, amazingly compact and convenient carrying package, especially for hiking or going on bicycle. If I need even more reach, I can put a tele lens (like a 55-300mm) into another belt loop lens case on my other side. But due to the zoom reach of the DA 18-135mm I don't have to change over to the the telephoto lens all that often, and actually the little extra-wide angle DA 15mm LTD stays put most of the time also.
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
10-01-2018, 01:37 AM
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Forum: Lens Clubs
02-23-2016, 07:49 PM
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