Forgot Password
Pentax Camera Forums Home
 
Log in or register to remove ads.

Showing results 1 to 25 of 26 Search:
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 03-16-2013, 03:51 AM  
why the Pentax smc A* 85/1.4 is more expensive than pentax FA 85/1.4
Posted By sparkston
Replies: 10
Views: 6,083
The FA* is less sharp than the A*, which is probably deliberate- the FA* is an excellent, dedicated portrait lens, where maximum sharpness can be unflattering. I have the A*, and it is my sharpest lens- I can get more detail by cropping an image from the A*85 than from uncropped images from several of my longer lenses.

Check out this review where the A*85 out resolves the famous Canon 85mm 1.2 L: Canon 85mm f1.2 L v Pentax SMC 85mm f1.4

Of course these are both film era lenses, but in this day and age when flattering softness can be added as desired in post processing, it may be preferable to have the sharpest available lens even for portraiture, which may explain the premium often paid for the A* lens.

Sparkston
Forum: Ask B&H Photo! 03-07-2013, 01:14 PM  
Giottos YTL tripod range
Posted By sparkston
Replies: 1
Views: 1,244
Hello,
I am thinking of buying a tripod from the recently announced Giottos YTL range, but they do not seem to be available on the B&H website- do you expect to stock this range in the near future?

Thanks,

Sparkston
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 04-11-2012, 04:59 AM  
Ned response to price increase?
Posted By sparkston
Replies: 389
Views: 42,566
There are only 4 US states bigger than Germany.

Sparkston
Forum: Pentax Q 02-29-2012, 09:41 AM  
Pentax Q comparison to similar cameras
Posted By sparkston
Replies: 25
Views: 5,506
Hmm. I see your point, at US prices the decision would be a no-brainer. Nevertheless, I would appreciate comments to help make the choice in the context of UK prices, which it seems to me make the pentax Q a serious contender.

Sparkston
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 02-29-2012, 09:35 AM  
Just FYI - 50 Euro instant rebate in France on all Pentax lenses
Posted By sparkston
Replies: 27
Views: 3,998
I dropped into the Phox shop in Nice today, and they confirmed that the offer applied to all Pentax lenses, including the Q system.

Sparkston
Forum: Pentax Q 02-29-2012, 09:10 AM  
Pentax Q comparison to similar cameras
Posted By sparkston
Replies: 25
Views: 5,506
That's rubbish. On Amazon uk, the prices are

Olympus XZ-1 £275
Pentax Q £329
Canon s100 £360

I would also dispute that they serve different markets- I am in the "very compact camera with good manual controls" market, and the three cameras mentioned above all seem to be reasonable candidates.

Sparkston
Forum: Pentax Q 02-29-2012, 08:44 AM  
Pentax Q comparison to similar cameras
Posted By sparkston
Replies: 25
Views: 5,506
There is a tendency to compare the Pentax Q with other MILC cameras (because it has interchangeable lenses) whereas it would be fairer and more helpful (IMHO) to compare it with compact enthusiast cameras such as the Olympus XZ-1 or the Canon s100, which are of comparable volume and sensor area.

Can anyone point to comparisons with these cameras, or if not, perhaps outline the salient points?

Sparkston
Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 02-27-2012, 06:34 AM  
645D eat your heart out- Nokia phone has higher resolution!
Posted By sparkston
Replies: 6
Views: 2,256
The Nokia 808 Pureview is described as having a 41Mpixel camera.

Nokia Europe - Nokia 808 PureView with 41 MP camera ? Specifications

More info here- seems that there really are 41mp;

http://europe.nokia.com/PRODUCT_METADATA_0/Products/Phones/8000-series/808/N...Whitepaper.pdf

OK, so there's obviously no real comparison to the 645D here, but I guess they could put one of these crazy sensors in a Pentax Q. I'm quite curious to see how much the lens on these phones actually resolves.

Sparkston
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 02-23-2012, 10:34 AM  
Just FYI - 50 Euro instant rebate in France on all Pentax lenses
Posted By sparkston
Replies: 27
Views: 3,998
Salut John. Is there any info on this on the internet, or do I have to find a local Phox store? I checked out the Phox website, and found nothing relevant.

Sparkston
Forum: Pentax Q 02-23-2012, 03:17 AM  
No Q System on pentax forums home page
Posted By sparkston
Replies: 5
Views: 1,356
Pentax are unique in offering three separate interchangeable lens digital camera systems. Strangely, the welcome banner on the home page (Welcome to the ultimate Pentax camera site!) provides links to three k mount cameras (one discontinued, one not yet available), and the 645D, but is entirely silent on the Q.

Why is that?
Forum: Pentax K-01 02-19-2012, 09:36 AM  
pentax K-01 convince me
Posted By sparkston
Replies: 43
Views: 5,818
Hi. I'm in the same boat. I'm sick of my KX's inability to correctly focus fast lenses in low/artificial light- the AF just isn't precise enough for large apertures, and I'm hoping that the CDAF on the K01 may be the solution. The other option would be to get a K5, and I am waiting to hear whether the K01's CDAF is significantly better than that of the K5 in Live View.

Sparkston
Forum: Pentax K-01 02-18-2012, 05:36 AM  
K-01- might this mean a return to proper TTL flash
Posted By sparkston
Replies: 1
Views: 1,168
I was thinking about the expected/hoped-for GXR K mount module, and it occurred to me that the current GXR body is probably not compatible with Pentax flashes. I then discovered that the Ricoh flashes appear to be vanilla TTL. This lead me to realise that the K01 should also be able to work with ordinary TTL.

Is this correct?

Sparkston
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 02-09-2012, 05:57 AM  
LX sticky mirror
Posted By sparkston
Replies: 21
Views: 14,467
I have an LX which exhibits mirror problems which do not seem to be "classical" sticky mirror, which I understand is due to the aging of rubber pads supporting the mirror in the down position.

When I release the shutter of my camera for the first time after a period of non-use (an hour is enough), the mirror lifts v..e..r..y s..l..o..w..l..y. I don't think this is the usual problem a) because I have had the pads replaced, and b) because the mirror lifts of the pads immediately- it is the entire movement to the "mirror up" position that is slow. If I take another shot immediately it is much faster, and a third shot is at usual speed.

Can anyone suggest what the problem might be here?

Sparkston
Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 08-25-2010, 10:16 AM  
Game Changer?
Posted By sparkston
Replies: 49
Views: 13,002
So what? It would be trivial to license the tm to Sony for use on cameras, and I don't doubt that Konica-minolta would have given sony anything they wanted for a few extra dollars. If sony arn't using the minolta brand it's because using a sub-brand didn't fit their marketing policy.

Sparkston
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 08-10-2010, 01:09 AM  
Could anybody read it? about samsung-schneider
Posted By sparkston
Replies: 48
Views: 19,955
Alpa Si 3000

and judging by the picture, at least one k mount lens!
Forum: Sold Items 08-08-2010, 05:34 AM  
For Sale - Sold: K10D + zooms + FA28mm (Worldwide)
Posted By sparkston
Replies: 3
Views: 3,816
K10D body in "excellent" condition €300

I have had the camera from new, and have looked after it carefully- the only significant imperfection is a small chip missing from the base plate (a known issue with the k10d- see Question to all K10D users [Page 1]: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review).

10000 shots taken. In original box with all accessories and paperwork except original charger, which has been replaced. Also included- a second battery, and an alternative focusing screen for manual focusing.

If you need a lens to get started, I can offer either of the following (only available at these prices if you buy the camera!)
NIB FA J 28-80mm €10
New DA L 18-55mm €30
"fair" Tamron BBAR 80-210 f4 €10

I also have a FA 28 f2.8 in "fair" condition for sale at €180 (regardless of whether you are interested in the body). This would make a great "Normal" prime, on any pentax dslr. The front element has some minuscule micro-scratches, possibly from impurities on a cleaning cloth. These are invisible in ordinary light and do not affect the performance of the lens- I hadn't even noticed them until I came to prepare this description.

I am attaching a picture of the k10d body, taken with the 28mm lens.

The items are located in France. I will accept payment by Paypal or Bank Transfer. Buyer pays all fees and postage.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 08-05-2010, 09:51 AM  
Pentax *ist
Posted By sparkston
Replies: 4
Views: 22,665
Pros Small size, modern Autofocus Cons Consumer features and build Rating 7 Price £30 Years Owned 3

I can recommend this camera: Yes

Value, Features, Performance & Size
Value- if you bide your time you can pick one up for a nominal sum. For the £30 I paid it's amazing value.

Features- Not bad- it has the wired remote socket, dedicated depth of field preview control, three position AF selector switch and viewfinder AF indicators all lacking from the Kx. On th other hand it only has one control wheel(like all pentax film cameras except the PZ-1. The killer feature is the last generation (for a film camera) Autofocus.

Performance. OK- see specs. Being a film camera, it's mostly a matter of film and processing.

Size. Exceptionally small for an AF camera. Significantly smaller than the *istD or Kx

Camera Review
The pentax *ist was largely overlooked at the time of its release since the world was then already moving towards Digital. Even now, this camera is not the most sought after Pentax film camera (the MZ-S and PZ-1p are generally considered the best K mount film cameras). Nevertheless, the *ist has a number of aces up it's sleeve. Firstly, as the last pentax film camera, it has the best Autofocus system of any pentax film camera, which it shares with pentax's first digital camera, the *istD. Indeed, even modern Pentax cameras offer only incremental improvements. Secondly, this camera is extremely small, having been billed at the time of its release as the smallest 35mm SLR.

The camera is not without drawbacks however. In terms of construction, reliability, features and finish this is a cheaper and inferior camera to its sister the *istD, as well as the MZ-S and PZ-1p, which were intended for more demanding professional users. Furthermore, this camera uses the "crippled" KAF2 lens mount (in common with all pentax DSLRs since), which lacks mechanical coupling for the lens aperture ring, depending instead on electronic control from the camera body. This means that older lenses lacking electronic coupling (M42, K, and M lens families) can only meter in the stop-down mode. "A" family lenses with the aperture ring in the "A" position and all more recent lenses (F, FA, DA, DFA) all work as originally intended.

One of the preceding reviews states that the *ist lacks a program mode. This is not entirely true. Although there is no "P" on the mode dial ther is a "standard picture mode" (smiley face) which as far as I can tell is the same thing.

For users looking for a cheap film body for occasional, casual use that works as far as possible like their pentax DSLR and can use all the same lenses, this is a good choice.

For users who require a true film workhorse, this camera is probably not sufficiently reliable or solid.



Lesson learned the hard way

I bought my first *ist after 4 years with my Pentax K10D had given me the confidence and desire to return to film, and develop my own exposures. The *ist uses CR2 lithium batteries (another difference to the *istD, which uses AA pen cells). On the strength of my DSLR habits, I ordered rechargeable lithiums on Ebay. All went well to start with, but after a while the AF went haywire. I bought a replacement *ist, which came with two sets of disposable CR2s, and on an impulse put one set in the old *ist. Lo and behold, the AF worked again, so now I have two *ist film cameras. This is actually quite convenient, since it means I can have two different film speeds loaded.

A note to Buyers
Prices on ebay fluctuate wildly, and "buy it now" prices are generally unrealistic. By biding my time, I have bought two copies of this camera for under £30
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 05-27-2010, 09:00 AM  
HOYA Patent Application Numbers for the Past 8 Years
Posted By sparkston
Replies: 11
Views: 4,271
I agree that an increase in patent application filings does not necessarily indicate an increase in innovative activity, but your proposed explanation is not plausible. Miserere does not indicate in which jurisdiction these applications were filed, but even if they were in fact filed in a jurisdiction with a reissue procedure, a change of assignee is not a reason to seek reissue.

Sparkston
Forum: Sold Items 03-13-2010, 01:36 AM  
For Sale - Sold: Pentax FA* 80-200mm f2.8 ED(IF)
Posted By sparkston
Replies: 5
Views: 6,435
Bump with new price €850!
Forum: Sold Items 02-03-2010, 12:42 PM  
For Sale - Sold: Pentax FA* 80-200mm f2.8 ED(IF)
Posted By sparkston
Replies: 5
Views: 6,435
PentaxForums.com Marketplace Listing

Item for Sale
Pentax FA* 80-200mm f2.8 ED(IF)

Asking Price
NEW REDUCED PRICE €850

Shipping Destinations
Other (Elaborate Below)

Item Description
I bought this lens on Ebay 3 years ago, and I have had some very satisfying results from it, but a need for cash and my preference for primes mean that it's time to look for a new owner.

I have described the lens as being in "poor" condition, since as you will see from the pictures, it has some fairly heavy scratching and wear on the top surface. I hasten to add that it has no dents or other more serious damage, and mechanically and optically it is fine. The lens was this way when I bought it, and if you are looking for a lens for taking photographs rather than sitting in a display case, this could be the opportunity for you.

More particularly, the glass is clean and clear, and free of fungus or scratches. There is some dust inside, as may be suspected but I have no reason to believe that this has any visible effect on image quality.
The AF/MF collar, PZ collar, aperture ring, focus and zoom rings all function correctly.

The lens comes with its original
  • lens caps

  • soft case

  • hood

  • tripod collar


I'm including some of the pictures (obviously reduced resolution) I have taken with this lens.

Please contact me with any questions or requests for further images.

I am interested in getting a sigma 180mm macro, and would consider a trade involving this lens.

Are you the original owner of the item being sold?
No

Are you selling or trading this item?
Selling or Trading

Item Condition (Key)
Used
Poor

Item Location
Nice. France

Shipping Charge
depends on destination- can post from UK or France

Shipping Services
TBC

Accepted Payment Types
PayPal Other (Elaborate)

Return Policy & Additional Details
I will post to Europe, US, Canada, Australia, at the buyer's expense.
I will accept payment by Paypal or Bank transfer. The buyer covers any charges for the payment.
I am also happy to hand over the gear in person, and can do so in Nice (France) or Bristol (UK).
The Buyer is responsible for any customs duties, import formalities etc in the case of postage outside the European Union.
I will accept returns requested within one week of the article being received by the buyer, as long as the buyer covers all costs.

Please send me a private message if interested in the item!
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 12-15-2009, 08:23 AM  
k-x 4 way pad function
Posted By sparkston
Replies: 1
Views: 2,129
I have a k10d, and am thinking of replacing it with a k-x. I had a go with a k-x today, and while I think I can live without the focus point selection lights in the viewfinder, I was rather stumped by the fact that in manual AF point selection, pressing any button on the 4-way keypad immediately modifies a camera setting (iso, flash, shutter mode etc), rather than selecting the AF point as it would on the k10d. It seemed that to select the AF point was to go to the dedicated AF point selection menu.

Can someone confirm whether the 4-way pad can be configured to give me direct AF point selection?

Thanks in advance,

Sparkston
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 12-10-2009, 11:12 AM  
eye candy request- silver k-x
Posted By sparkston
Replies: 9
Views: 4,995
Hi,
I am planning to get a k-x, and toying with the idea of a silver one (from Japan) to match my FA ltd and FA* lenses. Can anyone point out a picture of a silver k-x with such a lens mounted? Probably not wise pandering to my weaknesses like this, but I can't help myself!

thanks,

Sparkston
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 12-05-2009, 11:41 AM  
Help! *ist gone haywire
Posted By sparkston
Replies: 1
Views: 2,423
I bought this camera on ebay a couple on months ago, and have happily shot several rolls of hp5 with it. Now all of a sudden it's stopped working properly.
AF works, but the shutter refuses to release. I initially thought the shutter release button was faulty, especially since the shutter would stilll not release in MF mode, but I have now discovered that if I plug in a cable remote, the shutter does release, not only with the remote, but also with the camera's shutter release. On the other hand, it no longer tries to auto focus in AFS mode. In AFC mode it seems to work correctly as long as the cable release is plugged in. All very weird.
Does anyone have any idea what is going on, or even, what I can do to fix it?
Sparkston
Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories 11-05-2009, 09:01 AM  
Converting TR power pack for use with AF-540FGZ
Posted By sparkston
Replies: 0
Views: 2,405
I recently acquired one of the original TR power packs. Although the device is basically the same as the current TR III power pack, producing 330v DC from 6 C cells, it has a three pin plug which is not compatible with the 2 pin socket on the AF-540FGZ flash.

It may be of interest to the forum to hear that I have successfully modified the TR Power pack to function with the AF-540FGZ as described hereafter:

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

warning- this process is potentially dangerous and could damage your equipment- do not attempt unless you have suitable facilities and training. The following suggestions may be inaccurate or incomplete- you are responsible for understanding what you are doing sufficiently to spot such issues!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The three pins on the power pack socket are arranged in a line, in a plastic block which is rounded on one end. The pin at the round end is +330v, the pin at the square end is 0v, and I don't know what the middle pin is for- if anyone knows, I'd like to hear it. Inside the cable, the 330v line is red, the 0v line is black and the middle pin has a white wire.

Meanwhile, the AF-540FGZ two pin socket has a short pin (on the left) and a long pin (on the right). The long pin is the ground pin, as can be confirmed by determining that there is a short circuit between this pin and the camera hot shoe contacts on the side of the hot shoe mount.

Turn the power pack off and remove the batteries. Saw off the segment of the plug at the square end of the plug containing the 0v pin, flush with the surrounding plug material. Round off the corners of the remaining square section so that both ends are rounded in the same way as the AF-540FGZ socket.

Cut the powerpack cable at the straight section, and bare suitable lengths of copper on the black and red wires on the power pack side, and the Red and White wires on the socket side. solder the powerpack-side red wire to the socket-side white wire, and the powerpack-side black wire to the socket-side red wire. Use heatshrink sleeves to isolate all wires and to reinforce the cut section.

You can now power up the power pack, and check that you have 330v across the two remaining pins on the socket, with the ground pin now being the one that was rounded from the start.

The plug is inserted into the AF-540FGZ with the cable extending towards the subject with the flash mounted on a camera, or to the left when looking down the axis of the plug (it doesn't fit properly the other way, which is why I reversed the polarities). It is of course a good idea to further modify the plug to include an indexing element so that it can only be inserted with the correct polarity.

With the modified TR Powerpack, my AF-540FGZ cycles in 4 seconds instead of 7.

Have fun.

Sparkston
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 11-02-2009, 05:20 AM  
T1i vs K-x ??
Posted By sparkston
Replies: 13
Views: 4,345
In body stabilisation works fine with any zoom that can report its current focal length to the body, i.e. any autofocus zoom. No Canon lens so old as to lack this ability would have any kind of stabilisation anyway, so you are still better off with Pentax.

While it may be true that in-lens stabilisation out-performs in body stabilisation of the same generation (although I am not aware of a conclusive demonstation of this), you can upgrade your in body stabilisation to the latest version just by changing your body, whereas to get the same benefit chez canon you need to replace all your lenses (assuming updated versions exist).

Finally, many lenses are simply not available with shake reduction, so there is no comparison to be made. In body SR works with all lenses, of any make, no matter how old.
Search took 0.01 seconds | Showing results 1 to 25 of 26

 
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 12:39 AM. | See also: NikonForums.com, CanonForums.com part of our network of photo forums!
  • Red (Default)
  • Green
  • Gray
  • Dark
  • Dark Yellow
  • Dark Blue
  • Old Red
  • Old Green
  • Old Gray
  • Dial-Up Style
Hello! It's great to see you back on the forum! Have you considered joining the community?
register
Creating a FREE ACCOUNT takes under a minute, removes ads, and lets you post! [Dismiss]
Top