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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
12-11-2023, 07:15 PM
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I can add a Nikon F4 to the list, with the small battery compartment, so it's not that much of a boat-anchor.
Interestingly, putting the AF-S Dx 18-55 lens on it from the D3200, it AFs as fast as a fast thing, and the lens is quite useable from around 24mm upwards.
I'm looking forward to using it more - it's barely been out of the bag so far, and the weather is now dire.
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Forum: Vintage Cameras and Equipment
07-19-2023, 06:25 PM
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Sekonda - Beware of Expensive Imitations.
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Forum: Vintage Cameras and Equipment
07-18-2023, 05:36 AM
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You're not alone. I picked up a couple of old Daiwa tripods a decade ago, knowing they weren't in the first flush of youth and likely had a hard life. The pair of them have been in regular use by me and look to keep on going for decades yet.
Daiwa's name seems to have disappeared from the market, but still pops up in connection with Slik and broadcast quality tripods.*
The pair I've got are fairly well built and I'd say were aimed at the serious amateur or pro market, with one of them having a video pan head too.
The price was about a tenner each, and for that I had to scrub a decade's worth of nicotine from them.
* The Slik 515QF is almost identical to the more camera-oriented one of the two I bought
http://www.daiwa-tripod.com/products_educational.html
The other is almost the same, but with a more video-oriented head on it.
I think I scored a bargain with those two, and I've no need for anything heavier.
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
07-05-2023, 07:58 AM
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Really useful work, thanks.
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
06-18-2023, 06:55 PM
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My Singlex is missing its meter bracket, but the never-ready case that it lived in saved it from much more.
I've been meaning to Dremel the Singlex 55/1.4 lens to fit my manual Nikon bodies for years, that diagram is helpful.
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
04-17-2023, 06:28 PM
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As ever, enough is never enough.
Recent aquisitions include a Nikkormat FTn, a Nikon FE, a Ricoh XR2s (last two with winders) and some assorted PK-fit lenses, as well as more SP Tamrons.
It never ends.
The Nikkormat was a trip down Memory Lane, but I'd have preferred the FT2 as that was my first decent camera back then. I'm impressed with the fit and finish of the FE, though.
Both of the Nikons were really bought to use some legacy AI and pre-AI lenses, and I've even picked up a couple of digi-Nikon bodies that are OK with them (a D600 and a D3200).
I really want a K-1 though. Only reason I bought a FF Canon and then a FF Nikon was because I was getting frustrated with high prices for used K-1s.
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
08-09-2022, 01:13 PM
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Cameras (and other stuff) I bought from ebay that were described as working have all been in satisfactory condition, except one which died after one shutter event. The seller refunded me.
Various cameras I've bought that were as-is or unknown have been more of a mixed bag, with about 80% being in satisfactory working condition. Any that need a re-sealing get it, as that's only to be expected on 40 and 50 year old cameras, so I'm not counting them.
Biggest let-down was a Ricoh 500G which is simply worn out. Bought as-is, so it was a gamble that didn't pay off. It actually still works but can only shoot at full aperture, so it's useable in a crippled way.
Voigtlander RFs (which I bought a couple of) seem to give good weighty bang for the buck, and I might buy another one or two of them.
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
03-15-2022, 07:37 PM
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I bought a well-used 45 CT-4 about ten years ago. What with one thing and another it only saw odd use and sat quietly in a box for at least five years until recently. I didn't expect it to charge up, but it did.
Round about the same time I was given another of the same model, but one that had seen much less use. It also sat unused for years, but charged up and fired properly.
The 40 MZ-2 was the same - very little use but worked perfectly after lying idle for a good couple of years.
They don't make 'em like they used to, that's for sure.
I think I've got a Metz addiction, though. Just bought another one that I probably won't use all that much, but fun to have available - a 54 MZ-3. I hope this one works properly after sitting for a while, too.
But really, I must make sure I charge them up and at least dry fire them every so often; it certainly doesn't do them any good to be left idle for too long. It speaks volumes about the quality of the components in Metz gear.
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
09-21-2021, 08:23 PM
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Recent additions include a Chinon CE-4 with m/d, Vivitar 2000, an OM-40, and a Winder II for the P50.
Decided I've really got enough 35mm film cameras for now, but a Nikon FM is really pulling at me.
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
06-26-2021, 08:16 PM
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In 35mm, my drawers contain an OM-1n, Pentax SF-7, P50, Praktica LTL, Cosina Hi-Lite, Zorki-4, Ricoh SInglex (Nikon Fit), and a Zeiss Werra.
Two basic fully manual K-mount Cosina and Chinon bodies will be joining them soon, as I like to have something totally manual to back up my P-K D kit if needed, and just for the odd day spent shooting film only.
This way, I'm never stuck for something to shoot with, and when I want to go over to the Nikon Dark Side, I can use the Singlex and the various Tamron Adaptall-2s with it.
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
03-21-2015, 08:03 PM
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If I may add - a couple of years ago I bought a Metz MZ40-2, and found a couple of other adapter bits and pieces to enhance it - the SCA3701M2 and the SCA3007m rangefinder illuminator. I mount the lot on a Cullman bracket, with the flashbody off to the left.
The whole kit is really nice to use with my K10 and K20, but doesn't do P-TTL. No great loss, as when I simply set the Metz in 'A', the camera in 'P' and it's pretty much a point and shoot, as sufficient comms are going on between the two units for good exposure on nearly every occasion. The flash responds to the lens zoom and sets the flash zoom, the aperture displays on the Metz panel, and the other parameters available to fiddle with are a joy to tinker with. Oh, and the 'flash ready' light shows in the viewfinder, which is nice. Sure, there are times when P-TTL would be better and nice to have, but for a total of less than €100 I have a top-notch outfit that does what I want it to do and who knows, some day Metz might bring out a firmware upgrade for the adapter, but I'm not holding my breath waiting for that one.
I also have the CT-45 hammerhead, and that's an impressive beast but overkill for the majority of situations. However, it can be used with delicacy and provides a very nice fill when dialed down in power, as well as being a light cannon when needed.
If you want to pick up some very nice, top-notch kit for not a lot of cash, consider a couple of used Metzes. Many former users think they really really need the latest gear, but I know I don't.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
09-15-2013, 05:37 PM
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Ah well; that's not so bad, then. By that time (allowing for it not failing tomorrow and that MTBF figures have any real meaning outside of actuaries/marketeers offices), the camera will be electronic dusty junk and not used or recycled anyway.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
09-15-2013, 04:06 AM
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In film days, I used hyperfocal settings a lot in street shooting, being reasonably happy with a shot that was in focus to an acceptable degree where it counted. I must admit that dSLRs have made me lazy, but I recently started using DOF scales again to hyperfocal street shots (using old 50mm-ish manual lenses and others) and find they still work fine. The laws of physics haven't really changed in 20, 30, 40, 50 years.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
09-14-2013, 10:17 AM
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And that's why I stopped using the card-swap method - both for convenience and to avoid wearing out the camera-side SD contacts. The USB life isn't great either, so I might do what you suggest and put a permanent short USB fly-lead in place. This is one connection that should have been duplicated on the battery grip.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
09-13-2013, 12:23 PM
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I think I'll go back to using the card reader anyway, because one thing happened earlier that gave me pause for thought - the camera slipped off the table and I caught it in time. If it had pulled the USB cable or landed on it, it might have done some damage. Pain in the donkey though card swapping is, it's less liable to cause much physical damage.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
09-13-2013, 11:54 AM
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I bought both cameras used and never got an external power supply with either - does anyone use the 8.3V power supply when PC connected?
Is it even supplied with the camera when new?
I ask because I have an old Fuji bridge cam which came with an external PSU for this kind of use and also for powering it when using an external monitor
when boring the pants off neighbours with the modern version of a slide show :)
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
09-13-2013, 11:37 AM
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I just discovered something to beware of.
I left the K20D connected, totally by accident, to the PC after downloading some pics two days ago.
This morning, I discovered the batteries were totally drained, both the body and grip battery.
Utterly flat - both had 0.04V in them. Thinking they were probably knackered by this treatment, I stuck them on
charge, and was surprised to see them both come up to snuff and, so far, hold their charge. I'll see how they fare
over the next days and weeks. Both are original Pentax batteries, one being nearly 7 years old, the other
came with the K20D and is a bit younger of course.
I thought there might have been a time-out, but I suppose it wouldn't make sense for a time-out while connected and downloading, in case of data
loss and/or corruption, so it just depends on not forgetting it's connected.
Well, I won't make that mistake again.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR and Camera Articles
06-19-2013, 04:38 PM
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Very handy utility, thanks.
My newly-acquired but battered K20D shows 10K-ish which surprised me that it's so relatively low, while my good condition but older K10D shows 12K-ish, which is about right. I recall using some other utility when I bought that used and it showed about 6K at the time.
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Forum: General Talk
04-08-2010, 06:13 AM
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Nah, I'm quite happy with my K10D, thanks.
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Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands
01-09-2010, 08:49 AM
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Good point about the batteries - if you find yourself stuck you can use four LR44 alkaline button cells wrapped in a paper tube with a piece of foil in the end to make up the length. It ends up being 6.2V nominal instead of 6V, but that's nothing worth bothering about.
To the OP:
Nice to know KEH are still knocking out M645Js at rock-bottom prices - I got one last year for $38 including an UG prism. The camera is a delight to use and the prism isn't as UG as it might have been. :) Currently using it with P6 and Russian glass, with decent results.
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
10-27-2009, 11:24 AM
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Oh, right. I should have included some link to the game - it's easy to assume it's a widespread one, but it seems to be almost unknown in some places.
www.IrishConkerchampionship.com
Click on 'Rules' on the left.
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
10-27-2009, 11:03 AM
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Held in the village of Freshford, Co.Kilkenny on 25th October.
Camera: Pentax K10D.
Three lenses used: Kiron 28-210 4/5.6, Samsung 18-55 kit lens, Tamron 70-300 Di LD.
Click on pics for larger ones.
1. Kiron
2. Kiron
3. Kiron
4. Kiron
5. Tamron
6. Tamron
7. Tamron
8. Tamron
9. Tamron
10. Samsung
11. Samsung
The winner of the event, Aileen Dooley, who will go
on to the World Conker Championships next year.
12. Samsung
13. Samsung
14. Samsung
A survivor...
15. Tamron.
More lambs to the slaughter...
16. Samsung
Not as easy as it looks
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
09-06-2009, 05:17 PM
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I had difficulty finding a K-mount for my Novoflex, so settled for an M42 adapter, a COA, only cost around 20Euros, iirc. Suited me, as I have several M42 lenses and adapters already. New ones are about 140Euros, no contest.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
09-06-2009, 05:14 PM
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I can only speak of the later version, the Pigriff-C.
There's a button on the front handle, which gives you a choice of cable operation or electrical. The cable simply screws into the rear of the grip, or the electrical connection is available at the rear of the complete assembly, via a 2.5mm jack socket.
Simply turn the button horizontal or vertical to avail of which mode you want.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
08-22-2009, 08:53 AM
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One click to the right of centre does it for me with my normal glasses on. Even though the right spectacle lens is like a Coke bottle at the edge, it seems to be corrected quite well.
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