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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing 10-23-2018, 12:52 PM  
Would you purchase DXO software now after their bankruptcy?
Posted By goldenarrow
Replies: 110
Views: 10,462
Just spent $89 upgrading from a previous Elite version to PhotoLab 1 Elite and they threw in Viewpoint version 1 for free. That's good since they took out Viewpoint functions with DxO Optics Pro 11. PhotoLab is worth its weight in lenses and can significantly rework a RAW file fairly easily with supported models of camera/lens combos. They seem to have all the Pentax and third party lenses defined that I will ever need, but I am just an amateur. Very happy with the software.

I do hope the management of the company can leverage this expert knowledge for future releases and learn how to control costs better. I went directly to the DxO website and ordered (create a profile, order, and they sent me an email with my Activation key - very easy peasy). This way, I don't have to worry about storing software keys where I usually lose them, its in the email! And my online profile reflects which products I have activated.
:)
Forum: Post Your Photos! 08-22-2017, 06:30 PM  
Abstract Eclipse from S. Illinois
Posted By goldenarrow
Replies: 3
Views: 813
OK, another eclipse photo. This one is a single HDR composite of 2 HDR photos shoved together and edited with 4 different pieces of software (uncropped). Not the greatest alignment and problems with HDR, but if you look closely, you can see the three storm plumes on the right side of the sun surface and some faint structure on the dark side of the moon.

Glad it is over, took 2 days to get home!! :lol:
Forum: Sold Items 08-11-2017, 07:25 PM  
For Sale - Sold: Pentax Helicoid Extension Tube K w/ original box and case!
Posted By goldenarrow
Replies: 9
Views: 1,702
Just a plug for this well built device. These things are awesome. If I did not already have two of them, I would buy this one! Besides macro, you can use them with a refractor telescope lens (with step and a reverse ring adapters) to give you a manual focus birding lens. Center spot focus gives reliable focus indication.
:D
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 08-11-2017, 05:42 PM  
Ricoh-Imaging Website?
Posted By goldenarrow
Replies: 81
Views: 10,299
What Year???
:)
Forum: General Photography 08-09-2017, 06:43 PM  
So you wanna photograph the Eclipse - what you need to know in (sorta) a nutshell
Posted By goldenarrow
Replies: 80
Views: 9,971
I will probably be doing this at the same time as preparing to photograph the eclipse:
LINK TO: AM radio DXing experiment

Radio waves will travel farther, just like at night, as the umbra dark spot travels over the transmitters of AM and Shortwave radio stations. I hope to record the broadcasts along the path of the eclipse to see what I can pick up on my portable radio and external loop antenna.


I will be very busy for three hours!
:D
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 08-08-2017, 07:44 PM  
Ricoh-Imaging Website?
Posted By goldenarrow
Replies: 81
Views: 10,299
Thank you for this story. I am sometimes very critical of programmers and their managers but it does get very complicated the more features that are stuffed into software, especially when dealing with ancient compatibility issues. Having DOS text showing up on a modern update is bizarre.

This is not quite the same as a web site migration but if Ricoh upper management has dictated ahead of time that they cannot spend ANY extra $$$ on this project, including any problems, then it may have run into a bumpy time. Similar to where I work now. Upper Management has dictated to my boss to not spend extra and I was tasked with having to choose a vendor to buy from because it was $10 cheaper!!! I don't like this kind of environment but I do remind myself that the owners are profitable in a thin margin business.
:p (joke is on me for staying there this long!)
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 08-07-2017, 06:15 AM  
Discontinue Panic
Posted By goldenarrow
Replies: 49
Views: 6,950
The "Mind of Minolta" reprogrammed you, you only thought that you owned a K-1....
:hmm:
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 08-06-2017, 08:49 PM  
Financial Results:FY2018/03
Posted By goldenarrow
Replies: 675
Views: 67,984
Technically, probably yes. But it does not seem to matter to average Joe/Jane consumer who might have bought a small camera. they are already spending $700-$800 on a new smartphone as it is, might as well use all of its features....
:(
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 08-06-2017, 06:42 PM  
Discontinue Panic
Posted By goldenarrow
Replies: 49
Views: 6,950
He who panics first, panics best!
:lol::lol::lol:
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 08-06-2017, 06:40 PM  
Financial Results:FY2018/03
Posted By goldenarrow
Replies: 675
Views: 67,984
I agree. Entry to a brand means there is enough to explore past the initial offering. For all camera makers, this is getting very difficult. Pentax/Ricoh could do something like a beefed-up Brownie Box camera, but a true DSLR. They tried it with the K2000 but that did not go anywhere but that was with a 10 MP sensor. They could re-introduce that with a 24 MP sensor with just green modes of different types, an easy to use pop up flash, simple to obtain battery but let them buy any K-mount lenses they want. Then have a K-70 type, then a KP and K3 replacement, then a K1 and K1 replacement for a full range line up. The Q and 645 lines would have to evolve to share common features/manufacturing (somehow) to save money. This is a very difficult problem because most people see sensors on phones as "good enough". And now phones are adding camera functionality to future designs. They have to maintain a big enough "ecosystem" to attract and keep new users. Not being able to share Q and 645 lenses with K-mount makes it difficult to maintain those lines with such huge pressure from all directions.

I will go out on a limb and predict that Ricoh pulls the plug on the "Q" system just like Nikon (maybe) just pulled the plug on the "1" system last month.
LINK TO: Nikon 1 Discontinued??

The 645 system still has a chance to evolve but Q seems dead unless they can morph it into a phone/radio/walkie-talkie/bottle-opener....
:hmm:
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 08-06-2017, 05:51 PM  
Discontinue Panic
Posted By goldenarrow
Replies: 49
Views: 6,950
Programmers and their mangers suck. They think that it is "cool" to put up an urgent banner ad that a "k1" tablet device has been discontinued in the middle of someone looking to buy an expensive K-1 DSLR. Now he won't buy because he thinks the camera is discontinued (a lost sale). There must be a way to get through to these management morons that their f***ing "cool" programming widgets are such a pain that it is losing them sales!!!
:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:
Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories 08-05-2017, 12:15 PM  
Moisture Control for Photo Equipment Storage
Posted By goldenarrow
Replies: 12
Views: 1,787
Posted this elsewhere so just in case someone reads this thread also:
UPDATE: Found out that Blue Indicating Silica Gel is toxic if inhaled or accidentally ingested but the Orange variety is supposedly non-toxic. And also the flower-drying crystals I bought are too fine to put into a tea bag or mesh bag. So, I am getting 2 Lbs. of Orange Indicating Silica Gel from eBay:

LINK TO: SilicaGelFactory

The beads are an industry standard size of 2-4mm each and will be perfect to fit into salt shakers or drawstring type bags for tea or aquarium filter mesh without falling out and making a mess! They are also a popular brand name called "Dry & Dry". Live and learn....
Shown with aquarium media filter bag with about 3 ounces of orange beads:

:lol:

---------- Post added 08-05-17 at 02:21 PM ----------



??? I see 153 listings of various types:

Indicating Silica Gel

:)
Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories 08-05-2017, 10:21 AM  
Silly Storage Ideas
Posted By goldenarrow
Replies: 10
Views: 1,405
UPDATE: Found out that Blue Indicating Silica Gel is toxic if inhaled or accidentally ingested but the Orange variety is supposedly non-toxic. And also the flower-drying crystals I bought are too fine to put into a tea bag or mesh bag. So, I am getting 2 Lbs. of Orange Indicating Silica Gel from eBay:

LINK TO: SilicaGelFactory

The beads are an industry standard size of 2-4mm each and will be perfect to fit into salt shakers or drawstring type bags for tea or aquarium filter mesh without falling out and making a mess! They are also a popular brand name called "Dry & Dry". Live and learn....
Shown with aquarium media filter bag with about 3 ounces of orange beads:

:lol:
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 08-04-2017, 02:16 PM  
CIPA data for June: Nope, DSLRs are not dying
Posted By goldenarrow
Replies: 15
Views: 2,815
Technologically, lenses should last longer than digital camera bodies, so, executing their roadmap of lenses becomes important to get those new products into the hands of as many as soon as possible.

DSLR's or MILC's should last much shorter because of tech advances compared to older film bodies. Not having to pay for film and developing pays for the body over a few years of steady use. I would not be surprised if digital bodies of different kinds increase in sales slightly a few years from now. There is only so much that a smartphone can do unless you want something like this:

LINK TO: RED patent for modular cell phone!

Who knows, maybe that will be a big hit??
:lol:
Forum: Lens Clubs 08-03-2017, 07:06 PM  
DA* Club
Posted By goldenarrow
Replies: 5,894
Views: 941,940
Thought I would add one for the DA* 16-50. Good lens, this is handheld at f/2.8 and 50mm with some 3D bokeh and cropped some:

Yellow Prairie Flower:


:D
Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories 08-03-2017, 02:59 PM  
Looking for good Polarizing Filters
Posted By goldenarrow
Replies: 11
Views: 1,487
I vote for the Kaesemann's also but they seem to need slightly more care in fine tuning the polarization compared to their F-pro. I like the brass construction, does not bind like aluminum. The XPro's are thin and a little harder to rotate the front element but that is probably true of any low profile.

Never had problems with a B+W causing too stiff turning or sticking in one spot. It is best to buy them from genuine authorized dealers like the two NYC mail order companies. Would not be surprised if there are fake ones on FleaBay.
:eek:
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 08-03-2017, 02:28 PM  
Pentax/Ricoh HQ in Colorado, New Jersey, now Georgia?
Posted By goldenarrow
Replies: 20
Views: 2,997
Pentax Marketing never seemed to do much anyway. Maybe the few left will learn something from the Ricoh HQ people. It is not a horrible idea to "rationalize" back office, marketing, tech support as long as they don't chase away the more knowledgeable workers. And it is an opportunity for the Pentax folks to "evangelize" the Ricoh folks, Pentax needs more visibility WITHIN the larger organization.
:lol:
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 08-03-2017, 01:35 PM  
Pentax/Ricoh HQ in Colorado, New Jersey, now Georgia?
Posted By goldenarrow
Replies: 20
Views: 2,997
So, the copier help desk people will try to diagnose camera problems? They had better have an organized knowledge database and (up-to-date) written procedures or it will not go well....
:eek::eek::eek:
Forum: Lens Sample Photo Archive 08-02-2017, 09:46 PM  
Pentax HD D-FA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6
Posted By goldenarrow
Replies: 170
Views: 22,952
This thread is way underrepresented. Especially using other than full frame!

National Balloon Classic 2017, Indianola Iowa. Pentax K3.

28mm, f/5.6, ISO 200, 1/160 sec., EV -0.3, uncropped.
TWEETY:


28mm, f/11, ISO 400, 1/60 sec., slightly cropped.
Balloon over Trees:


53mm, f/4.5, ISO 100, 1/80 sec., slightly cropped.
Moon Balloon:


53mm, f4.5, ISO 400, 1/25 sec. lower right cropped.
Kidde Train:


88mm, f/5.6, ISO 400, 1/30 sec. cropped.
Bouncy Battle:


105mm, f/7.1, ISO 400, 1/100 sec. uncropped.
Field Balloons:


Makes for a very usable outdoor event lens on an APS-C sensor camera. Very happy with it. Not the sharpest lens but fairly even sharpness across the frame can be easily enhanced in PP; creates a very pleasingly rendered image. Used DxO Optics Pro ver. 11 and Adobe Elements 9.

:D
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 08-02-2017, 08:45 PM  
KP on Closeout at Adorama?!
Posted By goldenarrow
Replies: 93
Views: 13,913
Just curious but I use my K3 with a small caribiner only on the left side attached to a metal O ring, then sling the strap across to my right side and hold the grip with my right hand while walking. Seems effective so far and safe. Have you tried something like this with the KP?? Then the strap lug should not interfere on the right side since it would not be attached there.
:)
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 08-01-2017, 06:12 PM  
KP on Closeout at Adorama?!
Posted By goldenarrow
Replies: 93
Views: 13,913
KP used to mean "Kitchen Patrol". KP is being relegated to the back seat! (Just pushing more rumors!)
Forum: Lens Clubs 08-01-2017, 05:50 PM  
300mm plus Lens Club: discuss your long lenses
Posted By goldenarrow
Replies: 40,768
Views: 4,310,277
I don't use it for astro, I have a larger 10 lb., 6 inch mirror scope for that. I think this one is only 3+ lbs. including the camera. The helical + extension tubes + step rings I use are mostly AIR. That does make it somewhat fragile, so in the field I have to be careful not to abuse it. I did a lot more birding just before getting this particular lens and that older setup was 5+ lbs. and awkward. So, I don't have much to show for it (just a few Owl pics). But the older heavy setup did teach me that birding amongst trees, bushes, grass that manual focus was a lot more useful than autofocus. So, in many birding situations, it can get more keepers than an autofocus setup.

LeConte's Sparrow with heavy Celestron 500mm lens:


People complain about Pentax autofocus speed and such but I have found that the center spot focus indicator works just fine with non-SLR lenses. I mention this to Canon users and they knee-jerk ask me, "where's the lens chip???". I say that I don't need one, I use Pentax!!!!

I'll get back to birding eventually and will use the new lighter setup......
:D:D:D
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 08-01-2017, 05:32 PM  
some advice about Pentax 28-105
Posted By goldenarrow
Replies: 12
Views: 1,242
I bought the new D-FA and like it for outdoor events on a K3. I would say it is immaterial whether you plan to get a K1 or not, it has to fit the type of photography you will use it for with respect to the sensor size.

But the older FA 28-105 does not have good ratings from users. Check this forum's reviews of the older FA vs. the new D-FA. Which one is it????????

And if there is no store anymore, you won't be able to return it if it has decentering problems.
:hmm:
Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories 07-28-2017, 05:38 PM  
Silly Storage Ideas
Posted By goldenarrow
Replies: 10
Views: 1,405
So glad it is UNused jar! Looks like a perfect fit too!

---------- Post added 07-28-17 at 07:41 PM ----------



Just my wry or ironic sense of humor to name it this way. You could think "Silly" in quotes is more accurate. I think i got lucky since they fit perfectly, you may need strategic use of foam here and there.

---------- Post added 07-28-17 at 07:50 PM ----------



Yes, very good point and I agree about air circulation. I am using these twist containers at the moment to transport inside my photo backpack. In the larger Watertight Totes storage, I always keep the tops off the containers and have started to use Indicating Silica Gel. In fact, I just bought something better than the first post from WalMart. There is a cheap way of buying blue indicating silica gel. I will put them inside 2 oz. glass salt shakers and put one inside each Watertight Tote. These crystals can be microwaved to make the indicator beads turn blue again. And cheaper at 1.5 lbs for $9.
LINK TO: Silica Gel Crystals

But I have been very surprised that glass salt shakers have gone WAY up in price over the years!
:lol:
Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories 07-27-2017, 08:01 PM  
Silly Storage Ideas
Posted By goldenarrow
Replies: 10
Views: 1,405
While purchasing waterproof storage for my cameras and lenses at the Container Store, (SEE HERE: Weathertight Totes), I stumbled upon these very nice cylindrical food storage containers.





They are semi-hard plastic, food grade, waterproof gasket, and shaped like they could hold various sized lenses. I liked the simple round design and lack of dramatic tapering. Also appreciated is the BPA-free material which suggests no toxic out-gassing issues to damage lens coatings over long periods of time. Only 4.99 each, cheaper than most neoprene unless you buy the toxic stuff direct from China. After some quick smartphone searches for the dimensions of two popular lenses, I guessed that they might fit the 34 oz. version.

With two of them purchased and at home, I slid 16-50* lens inside with its lens shade attached backwards and it fit like a glove! On the other lens, I am using a 62-67mm step up ring with a 67mm rubber lens hood. Slid that one in the other container and, shazam, it also fit like it was made for it! I put a small silica gel pack in each one, sealed it up, and put them in my Lowe backpack for my next trip this weekend. I also figured that if the container was taller, a layer of black packing foam can be cut for the bottom and top. I do plan on putting some foam around the inside-bottom to hold the lens mounts in place to not stress what is being held snugly at the top.

What other stories out there and pics can you share for good storage ideas?? Hopefully something that can save money over traditional methods or better perfomance in some way.
:D

P.S., For the larger Watertight Totes, I have purchased these small, oven-rechargeable silica humidity control packs from WalMart:
40g Indicating Silica Gel
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