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

Showing results 1 to 25 of 300 Search:
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 04-16-2023, 02:47 AM  
Best currently available ring flash for Pentax DFA 100/2.8 macro
Posted By Ishpuini
Replies: 22
Views: 1,620
Final update: I've received the flash from KEH and tested it yesterday. It works beautifully on my K-3 mark III with the SMC DFA100/2.8 macro. I love the controls being extremely intuitive. Also the 5 way switch on the flash head plus its easy rotation is great for sculpting the light. Don't know why I didn't buy it all those years ago when it first came out. This is going to serve me fine. Happy days.
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 04-04-2023, 01:19 AM  
Best currently available ring flash for Pentax DFA 100/2.8 macro
Posted By Ishpuini
Replies: 22
Views: 1,620
Hello all,

Update on my quest. I found a second hand AF160FC on KEH, including all adapters. I'll be expecting it in a few weeks or so... I'll be spending some time testing and getting to know it, so I will master it fully by the time of my South American trip later this year. Looking forward to this. Thanks very much for your input!!

grtz, Wim
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 03-23-2023, 12:57 AM  
NEW K-3 III Firmware 1.80 is out
Posted By Ishpuini
Replies: 38
Views: 5,934
Wow, haven't been coming here for too long... Seems I missed quite a few firmware updates... Making a note in my agenda to update and visit here more often again...

To think that I'm visiting back here to read the thread on the DPR demise (where I hadn't been in many more years until I got the notice yesterday).

tx & grtz, Wim
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 03-17-2023, 06:54 AM  
Best currently available ring flash for Pentax DFA 100/2.8 macro
Posted By Ishpuini
Replies: 22
Views: 1,620
Looks great indeed. Not something that will solve the carry-on luggage issue, nor do I see myself trudging through the Amazon rain forest with that setup. ;)


As stated above, I indeed need a solution that will freeze the image, since most daylight will be blocked by the dense Amazon rain forest canopy. Also there will be some dusk and night photography since that's when many insects come out.

Both good suggestions in a more general context though, tx!

I'm starting to think I might alternatively get some sort of bracket to mount the Lightpix Labs FlashQ Q20II onto, so it sits right above the lens. For instance, I have a 3LeggedThing L-bracket that some sort of flexible arm might attach to...

Wim

---------- Post added 17-03-23 at 15:18 ----------



Tx, I'll keep that in mind.
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 03-17-2023, 02:15 AM  
Best currently available ring flash for Pentax DFA 100/2.8 macro
Posted By Ishpuini
Replies: 22
Views: 1,620
Hello all,

Long time no post, but for the first time since a while I'm considering some new gear.

Context: I'll be going to the Amazon later this year. Not the first time, but this time I'll be flying into the destination and luggage restrictions apply. I used to use one of my two Pentax AF 540FGZ for my macro photography in this type of destination, but I would like to have a more compact setup to fit in my carry on luggage next to my large DFA150-450 (which I didn't have on previous similar trips). I do also have a Lightpix Labs FlashQ Q20II for my GRiii, which is extremely compact and is easy to use off camera, which can be nice for macro if no other alternative is available.

However, I want to take the opportunity to look at a dedicated macro flash, i.e. a ring flash that works more or less automatically on my Pentax K-3 mark III, fits my DFA100/2.8, and that has the possibility to use full circle or half circle of the lights.

I haven't followed the market much lately, so I'm asking here hoping for some useful feedback.

Thanks in advance!

Wim
Forum: Pentax K-3 III 06-28-2022, 07:47 AM  
K-3iii with older SDM -- DA* 50-135
Posted By Ishpuini
Replies: 57
Views: 8,741
Thanks! In the mean time my K-3 mark III has been put through the testing mill quite seriously. I'm just back from two weeks in Iceland. Though most action (wildlife) photography was done with the DFA150-450, AF on the screw drive converted DA*50-135 performed really well.

As usual I got a lot of weird looks when I continued shooting in heavy rain while everybody else started panicking and putting away or trying to shield their gear from the elements. Some actually pointed out that I should take more care of my stuff. I laughed it off saying "this is a Pentax, it can take it", and happily continued knowing I would be alright, and I was of course. Happy days!

grtz, Wim
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 04-07-2022, 02:25 AM  
New GRiii/GRiiix firmware
Posted By Ishpuini
Replies: 2
Views: 2,288
Great! Whereas the 3.5m snap focus distance is probably more useful in the GRIIIx with its longer focal length and thus shorter depth of field, I imagine it could be useful on the original GRIII as well. I'll check what the depth of field range will say at 3.5m, perhaps I'll be able to get faster shutter speeds using a slightly larger aperture than at shorter options to get DOF to infinity and get more foreground in focus than a similar setting at 5m... I'll upgrade on Saturday.

Tx, Wim
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 10-14-2021, 11:29 PM  
Battery Shelf Life
Posted By Ishpuini
Replies: 20
Views: 1,279
I have 8 D-Li90 batteries (for 3 cameras, two of which gripped), the oldest one being from 2010, the most recent ones 2020. FWIW, I do not observe any difference in performance between them yet.
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 10-13-2021, 12:26 AM  
New Theta plug-in: Instant Night Snap
Posted By Ishpuini
Replies: 1
Views: 882
JPG only. Hence not for me, but a nice addition nevertheless...
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 09-08-2021, 01:33 AM  
Ricoh GR IIIx announced. new 26.1 mm lens (40mm eq)
Posted By Ishpuini
Replies: 237
Views: 23,635
Ah yes, I see... shame...
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 09-08-2021, 01:32 AM  
something to think about ....courtesy of asahi man
Posted By Ishpuini
Replies: 372
Views: 25,994
A new DA50-135 sounds great, but there's nothing wrong with my old one. Optically at least, though the AF could use an update (mine has been screw drive converted BTW)... If they could make it a DA50-150/2.8 I might be easier to convince... Anyway, by the time these are reality, we'll be a few years down the road, so we'll wait and see...
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 09-08-2021, 12:55 AM  
Ricoh GR IIIx announced. new 26.1 mm lens (40mm eq)
Posted By Ishpuini
Replies: 237
Views: 23,635
Nice!!! Though carrying a second GR III would be confusing to me, as both versions seem to look (and feel) too similar. 28mm equiv is more flexible to me, so I'll stick to that. The 1.5x teleconversion GT-2 does look nice for just in case. I suppose it would fit the original GR III as well? That would turn the GR III into a 42mm equiv and move the crop modes one step longer...
Forum: Pentax K-3 III 08-29-2021, 11:28 PM  
What about the D-BG8 battery grip for the K-3 III?
Posted By Ishpuini
Replies: 10
Views: 1,219
Thanks for bringing this thread back to my attention. In the mean time I have had my K-3 III for almost 2 months, with the grip. I'm actually using the grip more often than on previous bodies. The main reason is the strap attachment, which is so practical for shooting in portrait orientation. Ever time I take it off to save some space, I realise how annoyingly the strap dangles in front of the OVF when it's attached to its "normal" attachment point on the body. It's a relief to be able to attach the grip every time.
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 08-20-2021, 04:49 AM  
Pentax HD DA* 16-50mm f2.8 to be released in August
Posted By Ishpuini
Replies: 322
Views: 28,546
I can confirm these findings 100% from the albeit relatively limited experience so far with my own copy.
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 08-19-2021, 01:58 AM  
Giveaway: HD Pentax-FA 31/43/77mm | Enter here once per day until July 31st
Posted By Ishpuini
Replies: 2,872
Views: 70,633
Congrats and have fun with this amazing lens!!
Forum: Pentax K-3 III 08-13-2021, 02:27 AM  
A very nice review of K-3 iii from Japan Kitamura website
Posted By Ishpuini
Replies: 34
Views: 2,327
Nice photos, but they are a bit overprocessed to show what comes out of the camera IMHO.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 08-05-2021, 11:42 PM  
K-3 III L Bracket
Posted By Ishpuini
Replies: 14
Views: 3,043
Same as @Macario, I have one by 3 Legged Thing: QR11 Universal L-bracket system

They fit onto Pentax cameras nicely, although the opening on the side doesn't align with connections on a Pentax body (I don't use those so I don't care). Indeed there is no pin to prevent the bracket from rotating, though I have never had that issue because of the grippy material facing the camera on the bottom plate. Really heavy lenses I mount using a foot on the lens anyway... Most important disadvantage is that the bottom plate partly covers the battery door, so you have to undo the screw slightly to move it to the side when changing batteries.
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 08-05-2021, 11:07 PM  
Pentax HD DA* 16-50mm f2.8 to be released in August
Posted By Ishpuini
Replies: 322
Views: 28,546
You are correct in clarifying what I wrote. Reading it again I realise I didn't write things as clear as I should have... I'm not a native speaker...

To be complete, SDM was not the reason I stopped using the SDM DA*16-50, IQ was. After conversion to screw drive it was noisier, but AF worked fine again.
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 08-05-2021, 09:11 AM  
Pentax HD DA* 16-50mm f2.8 to be released in August
Posted By Ishpuini
Replies: 322
Views: 28,546
Yes, I have both.

The DA*16-50/2.8 is a completely different beast to the DA20-40. They compare as any recent DA* lens should to a more or less equivalent DA limited IMHO, the DA limited prioritising portability and "character" over performance.

The fact that the DA20-40 was ever considered an alternative or even an improvement over the 16-50 is due to the old SDM's showing the age of its design on >20MP bodies, which the DA20-40 was designed for of course.

The new PLM is a different category altogether. IQ-wise it blows the DA20-40 out of the water, it's as simple as that IMHO. The DA20-40 still has its place as a flexible and compact light weight lens centred around 30mm. I can see myself still use mine from time to time when size or weight are of consideration. But the default workhorse standard zoom spot has been returned to a 16-50/2.8 lens now.
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 08-05-2021, 02:42 AM  
D FA 21 Limited is one of the three.
Posted By Ishpuini
Replies: 1,748
Views: 145,943
I guess it's a mixed bag, depending on the distortion of the lens. The distortion correction process would result in some areas of the image being slightly stretched and others slightly compressed. The latter could improve the perception of sharpness in that area. The former, however, will result in some additional blur in the affected areas. Next to that, removing colour aberrations that are especially visible on the edges of subjects, would probably increase perception of edge sharpness and improve contrasty texture?
Hence I can see a profile can improve things, though I think it would be limited to subtle changes only... A blurry lens will never become razor sharp thanks to a profile. At least I have never seen this... My DA21/3.2 in any case doesn't noticeably improve after application of the Lightroom lens profile.
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 08-05-2021, 02:17 AM  
Pentax HD DA* 16-50mm f2.8 to be released in August
Posted By Ishpuini
Replies: 322
Views: 28,546
Well, regardless of the ongoing discussion, I've given the new PLM DA*16-50/2.8 a score of 9 based on a few days with mine. It's a great lens that ticks most boxes and in some respects exceeds my expectations, but perfection doesn't exist...
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 08-05-2021, 12:14 AM  
Lost the filter window from my DFA 150-450
Posted By Ishpuini
Replies: 10
Views: 743
A bit late, but indeed getting an entire hood is probably the only way to replace the filter window cover. A long time ago I lost the one on my old SDM DA*16-50/2.8, and I had to buy a new hood as well.
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions 08-04-2021, 11:38 PM  
New member from Belgium
Posted By Ishpuini
Replies: 14
Views: 672
Another welcome from Belgium! Great to see someone with a similar history as I started with a SFXn back in 1989 myself, and stayed with Pentax ever since using a long list of DSLRs and lenses. I used to have that M300/4 as well, though it's now in the hands of a Pentax lens collector. Enjoy your time here!
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 08-04-2021, 08:15 AM  
New DA*16-50/2.8 PLM arrived in my B&M store
Posted By Ishpuini
Replies: 22
Views: 3,227
Thanks for posting these! Very much in line with my first shots. I think your frustrations with the SDM will be quickly forgotten with the PLM. I know mine will!
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 08-04-2021, 07:24 AM  
D FA 21 Limited is one of the three.
Posted By Ishpuini
Replies: 1,748
Views: 145,943
Only Adobe Lightroom, but that generally does a decent job.
Search took 0.02 seconds | Showing results 1 to 25 of 300

 
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 08:14 PM. | 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