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Forum: Vintage Cameras and Equipment 03-10-2024, 01:30 PM  
My Spotmatic Collection
Posted By builttospill
Replies: 34
Views: 1,209
Why not collect both? I like things to shoot (cameras and guns). There is a "knives and guns" thread somewhere around here. You have a very nice collection. By the way, I've sold all my m42 collection, as well as all my black powder collection for more modern things to shoot with.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 02-21-2024, 06:19 PM  
Film Body Compatibility
Posted By builttospill
Replies: 23
Views: 866
Welcome to Pentax. I have a couple MZ-S bodies and really like them. I use Canon DSLRs for video, Nikon for low-light event shooting, and Pentax film and digital for everything else. There is a lot of information in this thread but it's all over the place so I thought I'd simplify and summarize it here.

The MZ-S doesn't have a mode dial. It switches to Av when you take the aperture ring off of A. It switches to Tv when you change the shutter speed, and switches to manual mode when you move both. The MZ-S can control the electronic aperture when you are in Tv mode (set the shutter speed to give you the aperture you want).

Depending on your needs you could pick up some outstsnding manual focus film cameras and lenses too. Here is a list of Pentax AF film bodies which give you full aperture control with or without aperture rings:
Z-1/PZ-1
Z-1p/PZ-1p
Z-20/PZ-20
Z-20p
Z-50p
Z-70/PZ-70
Z-70p
MZ-50/ZX-50
MZ-7/ZX-7
MZ-30/ZX-30
MZ-6/MZ-L/ZX-L
MZ-60/ZX-60
*ist

Here is a list of Pentax AF fim bodies which have the electronic data pins to adjust aperture on lenses without aperture rings but don't offer all shooting modes:
MZ-S
MZ-M
MZ-5
MZ-5n
MZ-3
MZ-10
Z-10
Z-5
All SF
All P
Program A
Super A

As long as the lenses aren't PLM-focus or SDM-focus only, they will work on the top list of cameras. I'd also recommend starting with the FA Limited lenses, the 31, 43, and 77.

Lastly, the FA* 28-70 is a weird lens and I hate how it's not an IF lens (the barrel extends as you zoom and focus) unlike the FA* 80-200 (a lens built with pure magic). However the FA* 28-70 is not plastic. It's all metal and is quite impressive.

Here are two recent shots I took with the MZ-S and FA* 28-70:


Forum: Lens Clubs 02-18-2024, 09:15 AM  
F* & FA* club!
Posted By builttospill
Replies: 927
Views: 212,487
It's a stunning shot, but my eyes also go immediately to the vertical ray of light. It does remind me of a film light leak.

FA* 28-70 on MZ-S and Fujifilm 400


FA* 28-70 an MZ-S and Ilford HP5+
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 02-17-2024, 01:22 PM  
New to Pentax and can't find answers to a few questions in the manual
Posted By builttospill
Replies: 20
Views: 1,062
This is a great suggestion. Install the Pentax Image Sync app on your tablet and you can immediately review all images on the SD cards in the camera.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 02-17-2024, 01:18 PM  
Meet The Gang [Pz-1p] - Film Score
Posted By builttospill
Replies: 8
Views: 787
What a beautiful collection.

Before the K-1 was released I bought a PZ-1p. It was strikingly similar to my beloved K10D so it was easy to find the buttons and controls. I had the grip attached to the PZ-1p so even the weight of the two cameras were similar. The flash sync speed of 1/250 second and max shutter speed of 1/8000 second are impressive.

I ended up selling my PZ-1p because it didn't give me the same experience as a K1000 or MX. It was too much like my K10D and had too many features I would never use. I probably shouldn't have sold it.
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 02-17-2024, 01:06 PM  
New to Pentax and can't find answers to a few questions in the manual
Posted By builttospill
Replies: 20
Views: 1,062
Welcome to Pentax and welcome to the Forums. I'm glad you're enjoying you K-3 Monochrome.

1. Use the light meter instead of a histogram and measure the light from the viewfinder. As far as I am aware, you'd need an electronic viewfinder to overlay a histogram. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. The K-3 iii uses an optical viewfinder. I'd also rather use the viewfinder, but if you absolutely need a histogram you can use Live View on the rear LCD.

2. Whole stops, half stops, and third stops with shutter speed and ISO are easy to remember. For example ISO 200 is one stop brighter than ISO 100 and one stop darker than ISO 400. It works similarly with shutter speeds.

Apertures aren't as simple. A stop of light is a stop of light whether you're using Canon, Pentax, Nikon, film, or digital. An aperture set to f/5.6 is one stop brighter than f/8 and one stop darker than f/4. F/6.7 is 1/2 stop brighter than f/8 and 1/2 stop darker than f/5.6. Once we measure in third stop increments it goes from f/5.6 to f/6.3 to f/7.1 to f/8, for example.

I'd suggest two tips. One, each click of the e-dial adjusts shutter speed, aperture, and ISO one-third of a stop. Three clicks adjust exposure by one stop. Two, Google aperture stop diagrams to see how stops are measured.

Keep bringing questions.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 02-17-2024, 11:10 AM  
Which bodies worked w/o batteries...
Posted By builttospill
Replies: 20
Views: 809
I own every K-series body except the K2. I sold my K2 because we never got along well. I have three K2 DMD bodies and would even say the K2 DMD is my second-favorite film camera of all (second only to the MX). As mentioned previously in this thread, K- and M-series bodies can do long exposures in bulb mode without batteries. The LX would also work, but if you have an LX, I'd put batteries in it and use aperture priority OTF metering for perfect long exposures.

My Nikon F5 doesn't have a T, but it does have bulb mode. My F4 and F3 bodies both have a T on the shutter speed dial but require batteries. The F2 I believe would be able to use T or B indefinitely without batteries, but I can't confirm because I sold both my F2 bodies (black and silver) for the same reason as my Pentax K2: I didn't get along with the F2, and I tried. I'll probably sell my F4 soon because I like the F3 and F5 so much more.

If you decide you're okay with third-party K-mount cameras, there are quite a few which can do the job. After looking for one in good condition for quite some time, last year I purchased a Revue Solar 100 K-mount camera. I love shooting with this camera. It doesn't even take batteries, but instead uses three solar panels on the top of the camera. The shutter is completely mechanical at all speeds and the solar cells power just the light meter. The old cells work better on bright days. These cameras can be difficult to find even though they came in three flavors: Cosina E1 Solar, Revue Solar 100, and Ricoh XR Solar (not to be confused with the earlier XR-S). These cameras are a bit too much plastic, but build quality is good and they are very enjoyable to use.
















Youtu.be



Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 02-14-2024, 01:35 PM  
:cool: Lets see those ''film'' shots
Posted By builttospill
Replies: 26,316
Views: 3,321,207
Thank you!

MZ-S, FA* 28-70 2.8, Fujifilm 400


Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 02-14-2024, 01:05 PM  
Poll: Are film cameras pizza or Damascus Steel? Best of Pentax Forums Feb. 14 poll
Posted By builttospill
Replies: 47
Views: 2,212
Anyone can make a plastic point-and-shoot camera. Making something like an MX or LX is a lost art, but with some work and knowledge from retired engineers they can do it again.

Also, tomatoes are in pizza sauce. Some consider tomatoes to be a fruit. If that's the case, a pizza isn't a pizza without pineapple.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 02-07-2024, 05:18 PM  
:cool: Lets see those ''film'' shots
Posted By builttospill
Replies: 26,316
Views: 3,321,207
About 20 years ago my sister-in-law bought me a camera for my birthday. After all this time I decided I should probably use it instead of having it sit on the shelf. This camera is brand new and has never had film through it. I ordered some respooled 620 film from B&H, removed the paper wrapping from the camera, and loaded it up. The giant 6x9 negatives look amazing.

1939 Kodak Vigilant 620, Anastigmat 105 6.3, FFC Kodak Gold 200


Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 02-03-2024, 02:29 PM  
:cool: Lets see those ''film'' shots
Posted By builttospill
Replies: 26,316
Views: 3,321,207
I too bought some Phoenix 200 just to support any new film venture. I haven't shot it yet, but I think it will take some time to finish the roll due to it's characteristics. But I am happy to support any new film, especially with this being Harman's first color film ever.

When I shoot this, I'll shoot it at ISO 125 instead of the box speed 200. In a recent video the two chemists who created this film said it is actually rated at 123.5 but the company chose to label it 200. It's at 10:45 in this video:















You Tube




Here is some more from the same roll of JCH Pan 400, Revue Solar 100, and FA* 28-70.


Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 01-25-2024, 01:30 PM  
AF540FGZ II is discontinued
Posted By builttospill
Replies: 194
Views: 10,588
I'll occasionally bring my $25 Flashpoint transceiver (https://www.adorama.com/fprrr2spt.html?) to a shoot, which I originally bought to trigger non-r2 flashes with my r2 set of strobes and flashes, and let my assistant put it on his Nikon and get a few shots in while I'm changing lenses. At the same time I'll have the r2 Pro Transmitter on my Pentax. All lights work perfectly with his Nikon.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 01-24-2024, 10:41 AM  
:cool: Lets see those ''film'' shots
Posted By builttospill
Replies: 26,316
Views: 3,321,207
MZ-S, FA* 28-70 2.8, Fujifilm 400


Hasselblad 500 C/M, Planar 80 2.8, Kodak Gold 200
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 01-22-2024, 12:25 PM  
AF540FGZ II is discontinued
Posted By builttospill
Replies: 194
Views: 10,588
I have this flash and I haven't tested second-curtain sync, but it's listed in the specs as a feature:
https://www.adorama.com/fplfsmminip.html?
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 01-21-2024, 04:56 PM  
AF540FGZ II is discontinued
Posted By builttospill
Replies: 194
Views: 10,588
Godox and Flashpoint make a very good system of flashes compatible with Pentax. Both offer Pentax triggers.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 01-21-2024, 10:52 AM  
Spotmatic IIa- The Seldom Seen Spotmatic
Posted By builttospill
Replies: 15
Views: 3,345
Several people have replaced the NiCad batteries in their winders and motor drives with modern batteries. You should consider updating the batteries so you have a fully-working set.



From the photos above it looks like you manually set the aperture on the flash control dial so the flash knows the aperture without the use of additional clunky cables.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 01-11-2024, 08:59 PM  
:cool: Lets see those ''film'' shots
Posted By builttospill
Replies: 26,316
Views: 3,321,207
I tried a new film and I quite like it.

Revue Solar 100, FA* 28-70 f/2.8, JCH Pan 400


Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 01-10-2024, 08:16 AM  
:cool: Lets see those ''film'' shots
Posted By builttospill
Replies: 26,316
Views: 3,321,207
Pentax P3, FA 43 Limited, Reto Glow 400


Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 01-10-2024, 07:34 AM  
Introduce Your... Non-Pentax Film Camera!
Posted By builttospill
Replies: 58
Views: 2,850
Are you left-handed? Do you like the location of the advance lever?
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 01-09-2024, 02:49 PM  
Introduce Your... Non-Pentax Film Camera!
Posted By builttospill
Replies: 58
Views: 2,850
I've been looking for one of these in good condition for a long time. This one required a little bit of service once it arrived, but it came in three flavors: Cosina E1, Revue Solar 100, and the Ricoh XR Solar.

It is completely mechanical and the solar cells power only the light meter.

















You Tube



Forum: Vintage Cameras and Equipment 01-03-2024, 08:18 PM  
What's the attraction with old Leica stuff?
Posted By builttospill
Replies: 60
Views: 4,018
I own both the M2 and the P. I traded several cameras and a little money for a pristine iiif, then traded the iiif for the non-pristine but fully functional M2. I really quite like the P, but the M2 finder is brighter and the framelines are a little better. I hate having to flip the rewind lever upside down to advance film on the P, but overall the P takes less effort to make an image than the M2 does.

Oh, and I traded my Canon 7S for the P, but I kept the 50/1.2 from the 7S to use with the P. I like the 7S better, but would rather have the P with no meter than the 7S with an old incorrect built-in meter.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 01-02-2024, 11:24 AM  
Viva MPB
Posted By builttospill
Replies: 3
Views: 651
Congratulations on your purchase of the K10D. I love my K10D, as I'm sure you will love yours. It's a very competent camera.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 01-01-2024, 09:52 PM  
KX Meter Needle Not Going Home
Posted By builttospill
Replies: 13
Views: 562
If you disassemble your camera, please take pictures and document your process here to help others.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 12-31-2023, 02:39 PM  
:cool: Lets see those ''film'' shots
Posted By builttospill
Replies: 26,316
Views: 3,321,207
The pictures look great. The Canon AE-1 has my least-favorite sounding shutter of any camera. Each time sounds like it will be its last actuation. Other than that the AE-1 (and AE-1 Program) aren't that bad.

Leica M2, Summicron 50 2, Kodak TMax 400
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 12-26-2023, 07:41 PM  
Would you still recommend Eric Hendrickson for a CLA?
Posted By builttospill
Replies: 85
Views: 12,630
His replies won't be marked as spam, but the third-party software (Intuit E-Commerce Service) he uses to send invoices after inspection of your camera might.
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