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

Showing results 1 to 25 of 137 Search:
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 08-08-2023, 07:17 PM  
Lens suggestions for hiking/backpacking
Posted By wedge
Replies: 47
Views: 2,196
Yes, they're Optech. I've had one of their sling straps for years. These are "backpack connectors" which you can find here: amazon.com : OP/TECH USA 1301652 Reporter/Backpack - System Connectors , black : Camera And Optics Carrying Straps : Electronics?tag=pentaxforums-20&

The only downside is you really need backpack straps with vertical daisy chain webbing. My REI day pack has a couple horizontal loops and it hangs a bit awkward from them. All my other packs have vertical webbing and it works great. They're very easy to move from one pack to another. If you do that often, the plastic clips might wear out, but they're easy and cheap enough to find and replace if/when that happens.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 08-03-2023, 08:31 AM  
Lens suggestions for hiking/backpacking
Posted By wedge
Replies: 47
Views: 2,196
FWIW, I ended up getting these and used them last week around Acadia NP with the K70 and either the DA18-135 or Tamron 18-250. Yes, the camera bounced a bit while hiking (it's 3 pounds of tech on a tether, so that's unavoidable), but the weight was barely noticeable and it was super easy/convenient to grab and take a shot. It may not be great for a full backpacking trip, though. For the next couple trips, I'm going to take along my son's old WG-3 (not much choice as the K70 is in the shop getting the aperture solenoid fixed).
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 07-13-2023, 06:10 AM  
Lens suggestions for hiking/backpacking
Posted By wedge
Replies: 47
Views: 2,196
My son has a WG-3 that's still kicking around somewhere...I'll have to borrow that next time I know I'm going to face some bad weather. I do wish Pentax had gotten into the M4/3 game or made a "rugged" variant of the Q. I guess that market is pretty much dominated by GoPros and the like these days.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 07-12-2023, 04:50 PM  
Lens suggestions for hiking/backpacking
Posted By wedge
Replies: 47
Views: 2,196
For backpacking, I use a Granite Gear Crown 2 60, which has an internal frame sheet and a significant hip belt. I've tried attaching the clip both higher (practically up on my shoulder) and lower (at the very bottom of the padded section of the strap). Higher up seems more stable, but it's more awkward to unclip it (the clip I use has a pushbutton on the side to release the camera) and lower is easier to release but more bouncy.

For day hiking, I've been using an REI Trail 25, which doesn't have daisy chain straps, just a couple of horizonal straps. The clip doesn't really work well on this pack at all, so I often just carry it in hand or use the Optech sling I linked above.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 07-12-2023, 01:13 PM  
Lens suggestions for hiking/backpacking
Posted By wedge
Replies: 47
Views: 2,196
I have something like that (actually, this) and I use it occasionally for day hikes (because the clip doesn't work well on my daypack's straps). Only, it doesn't "lock" the camera anywhere...it just dangles and inevitably gets in the way.

But, I get your point. Backpacking with even a compact DSLR like the K70 is like driving a car with a bowling ball on your lap. It works, but it's not all that comfortable. I've got some suitable webbing and related hardware left over from some other DIY projects, so I might try to rig up something that will help distribute the weight better.

As for the other lenses, the 18-50 seems like the lesser compromise, but reviews on it aren't great. EDIT: Sorry, didn't realize there were two 18-50s, one DA and the other DA L, the latter of which seems to have some more favorable reviews.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 07-12-2023, 10:44 AM  
Lens suggestions for hiking/backpacking
Posted By wedge
Replies: 47
Views: 2,196
I've got a K70 with the 18-135 WR lens that's been on a few backpacking trips and my only complaint is the weight. I carry it mounted on a clip on one of the shoulder straps, which keeps it fairly stationary, but it still bounces a bit. The 18-135 seems to be mid-range in terms of weight compared to other "all in one" lenses. The DA L 18-55 WR kit lens is quite a bit lighter, but would I be significantly sacrificing image quality for weight? I'm also considering the DA 20-40, which may be a step up in quality, but lacks range.

My goal is to take a single lens that is going to provide good image quality with light weight in a weather-resistant package. I'm mostly shooting landscapes, vistas, waterfalls and other stuff you'd find out in the forest. So, I rarely go to far above 55 mm. I actually have a couple trips planned next month and, weather permitting, might take along just a prime (I have the DA L 35/2.4 and 50/1.8 to choose from).
Forum: Sold Items 07-13-2020, 09:36 AM  
For Sale - Sold: Pentax K-r (body and accessories, no lens)
Posted By wedge
Replies: 3
Views: 1,064
Bump for another price drop.
Forum: Sold Items 07-13-2020, 09:34 AM  
For Sale - Sold: SMC PENTAX-A 1:1.7 50 mm
Posted By wedge
Replies: 2
Views: 1,168
Bump for a price drop on a nifty fifty. Also, I'll include a 49mm macro reversing ring (has filter threads on each side allowing you to mount this face-to-face with another lens) free of charge. I fiddled with using this and a DAL-35/2.4 together but never quite got the hang of it.
Forum: Sold Items 07-05-2020, 03:32 PM  
For Sale - Sold: Pentax K-r (body and accessories, no lens)
Posted By wedge
Replies: 3
Views: 1,064
Bump for price drop.
Forum: Sold Items 07-05-2020, 03:26 PM  
For Sale - Sold: Pentax K-x & 18-55 mm kit lens
Posted By wedge
Replies: 4
Views: 1,304
Bump. Added kit lens and dropped price. This would be a great starter camera or backup.
Forum: Sold Items 07-03-2020, 11:01 AM  
For Sale - Sold: Pentax K-x & 18-55 mm kit lens
Posted By wedge
Replies: 4
Views: 1,304
Thanks...darn browser auto-fill...
Forum: Sold Items 07-03-2020, 09:48 AM  
For Sale - Sold: Pentax K-x & 18-55 mm kit lens
Posted By wedge
Replies: 4
Views: 1,304
PentaxForums.com Marketplace Listing

Item for Sale
Pentax K-x & 18-55 mm kit lens

Asking Price
70.00 USD

Item Location
Horsham (United States)

Item Description
Shutter count: 4,617

Includes:
  • camera body

  • 18-55 mm kit lens

  • original strap

  • body cap

  • 2 GB and 8 GB SD cards (see below)


Detailed condition: Good external condition. LCD is clean with a few very light scratches. Functional, but is very selective about SD cards. The included SD cards (Microcenter 2 GB and Team Group 8 GB Class 10) are the only ones that consistently works with it. Unfortunately, the lock tab is loose on the card is a bit loose, so careful insertion is required for it to work properly. I'm sure there are other SD cards that will work in this camera, but I have a half-dozen others (2 - 8 GB, Class 4 & 10) and all of them show "Memory card error" when installed.

EDIT: Added kit lens I forgot I had and dropped price by $5

Additional photos: Pentax K-x - Google Photos

Are you the original owner of the item being sold?
Yes

Are you selling or trading this item?
Selling

Item Condition (Key)
Used
Good

Shipping Destinations
Continental U.S. Only

Shipping Charge
$15

Shipping Services
USPS (Priority Mail)

Accepted Payment Types
PayPal

Return Policy & Additional Details
Item is sold as-is. If not received in described condition, I will refund purchase price on return of item (shipping will not be refunded or provided for return).

Please send me a private message if interested in the item!
Forum: Sold Items 07-03-2020, 09:39 AM  
For Sale - Sold: SMC PENTAX-A 1:1.7 50 mm
Posted By wedge
Replies: 2
Views: 1,168
PentaxForums.com Marketplace Listing

Item for Sale
SMC PENTAX-A 1:1.7 50 mm

Asking Price
25.00 USD

Item Location
HORSHAM (United States)

Item Description
I bought this from a member here several years ago. Very good/excellent condition, always kept in a cool/dry place. No fungus or internal dust, no marks on the front or rear elements, aperture blades and other mechanicals operate smoothly.

It's a wonderful lens, but since getting a DA50/1.8, it just doesn't get used.

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

Are you selling or trading this item?
Selling

Item Condition (Key)
Used
Excellent

Shipping Destinations
Continental U.S. Only

Shipping Charge
$10

Shipping Services
USPS (Priority Mail)

Accepted Payment Types
PayPal

Return Policy & Additional Details
Will refund purchase price if item is not received as described. Shipping will not be refunded, nor will return shipping be covered.

Please send me a private message if interested in the item!
Forum: Sold Items 07-03-2020, 09:30 AM  
For Sale - Sold: Pentax K-r (body and accessories, no lens)
Posted By wedge
Replies: 3
Views: 1,064
PentaxForums.com Marketplace Listing

Item for Sale
Pentax K-r (body and accessories, no lens)

Asking Price
90.00 80.00 USD

Item Location
Horsham (United States)

Item Description
Shutter count: 20,406

Includes:
  • camera body

  • body cap

  • unused strap

  • unused battery charger and cord

  • original battery (still has some life in it, but capacity has diminished)

  • third-party AA adapter

  • 8 GB class 4 SD card (Kingston - known to work with camera, see below)

  • Original manual and paperwork (no software)


Detailed Condition: very good cosmetic condition despite the amount of use/shutter count. LCD display is clean and free of visible scratches. The internal flash on this failed several years ago and it was sent to Pentax for repair. Flash works properly now. There are two issues with this camera:
  1. the internal (backup) battery is dead, so date/time needs to be set every time the battery is changed. I understand this is not an uncommon issue with this model, but I have no idea what it would cost to have it replaced.

  2. it seems to be very selective about SD cards. I replaced this because the 32 GB PNY cards I typically use stopped working reliably. When inserted, they (and most othe SD cards) produce a "Memory card error" message. I'm including an 8 GB Kingston card that (at this time) is recognized and works properly in the camera. I have a couple more 4 GB Adata cards that also work which I will include if the buyer would like.


Additional photos available here: Pentax K-r - Google Photos

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

Are you selling or trading this item?
Selling

Item Condition (Key)
Used
Good

Shipping Destinations
Continental U.S. Only

Shipping Charge
20

Shipping Services
USPS (Priority Mail)

Accepted Payment Types
PayPal

Return Policy & Additional Details
Item is sold as-is. If not received in described condition, I will refund purchase price on return of item (shipping will not be refunded or provided for return).

Please send me a private message if interested in the item!
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 07-30-2019, 09:11 AM  
Lens & Filter recommendations for travel photography
Posted By wedge
Replies: 19
Views: 2,481
Thanks for all of the great info so far. I wasn't planning to add any lenses to my collection; the trip itself is nearly exhausting most of my disposable funds. Adding some filters (sounds like a CPL would be a good investment) is justifiable.

And I think I'll stick with the 18-135 and 35/2.4 as my walk-around kit but have the 28-75 along in the suitcase as a backup. I may also take along an old 50/1.7 A-series I have. Have not tried it on the K-70 yet, though.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 07-29-2019, 08:52 AM  
Lens & Filter recommendations for travel photography
Posted By wedge
Replies: 19
Views: 2,481
In a couple weeks, I'll be going on a cruise to New England and Nova Scotia. This is likely a once-in-a-lifetime trip for me, so I plan on taking a LOT of photos and want to get the right.

I currently have a K-70 and the following lenses:
  • Pentax 18-135 WR

  • Pentax DA-L 35/2.4

  • Tamron 18-250 (clone of original Pentax 18-250, or vice versa)

  • Tamron 28-75/2.8


These all have clear UV filters on them (primarily for protection purposes), but I don't have any others (no polarizing, ND, anything like that). Also, while I could take them all (space/weight isn't at a premium), I'd prefer to stick with one or two to avoid complications from swapping lenses. I'm leaning toward the 18-135 WR and either the DA-L 35 or Tammy 28-75 (for indoor use, e.g.: museums and the like).

I figure most of the photos I'll be taking will be on or near water (from the boat, on shore excursions, etc) and know there are techniques to optimize image quality using specific types of filters or techniques. In the next two weeks, I'd like to learn and acquire what I'll need to take the best photos possible on this trip. I'd appreciate any recommendations for resources (websites, videos, etc.) and equipment.
Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing 05-24-2016, 11:49 AM  
How useful are touchscreens for photo editing?
Posted By wedge
Replies: 21
Views: 7,990
I've been looking at Lenovo, Dell, and Asus and it seems like many models now have some base amount of memory soldered on and one RAM slot. SSDs may be replaceable, but nobody advertises them as such. Unlike laptops from just a few years ago, most these days don't have easily-removed panels to allow user replacement of components. I'm sure there are a variety of drivers for this: less costly to manufacture, less likely for an inexperienced end user to do accidental harm, etc. But the end result is that most of today's portable devices are really never meant to be opened up for upgrading. Incidentally, Apples computer products (laptops, desktops, all-in-ones) - with the possible exception of the Macbook Air and the "new" Macbook - have always been just as openable/upgradeable as their PC counterparts. Often there's a bit more work involved to do it (e.g.: replacing a hard drive in the original 1999 iBook required the removal of no fewer than 20 screws in varying lengths and threads), but it could be done.
Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing 05-24-2016, 05:10 AM  
How useful are touchscreens for photo editing?
Posted By wedge
Replies: 21
Views: 7,990
It kind of depends what class of laptop or device you're looking at. It seems that all of the 2-in-1s can be purchased in multiple configurations, but what you buy is what you'll have. RAM is soldered in and storage is not user accessible, so upgrading isn't really an option later. However, like phones with non-replaceable batteries, manufacturers are banking on consumers just accepting a 2-year refresh cycle as normal. If you look at gaming or "workstation replacement" laptops, they often provide access to components, so replacing/upgrading is possible, but you pay a bit of a premium for those models.

Truth be told, my "photo editing" rarely goes beyond adjusting sliders or cropping, so it sounds like the Surface Pro with it's purpose-built stylus would be overkill (and I'm sure the stylus would get lost). I'm still liking the idea of a 2-in-1, but will need to go to a store and test-drive some of them to get first-hand opinions.
Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing 05-23-2016, 07:56 AM  
How useful are touchscreens for photo editing?
Posted By wedge
Replies: 21
Views: 7,990
This Summer I'll be in the market for a new computer. I'm trying to move away from the Apple ecosystem (I'm a longtime Mac user - since 1984, actually - but I don't like where they've gone since iOS came out) and am actually starting to use a Linux (Ubuntu 14.04) desktop with Darktable for most of my photo editing and organizing. For consistency, I'm looking at Windows 10 laptops and hybrids/2-in-1s, with the intent of dual-booting Win10 with Linux of some flavor so I can use Darktable and other Linux-based apps natively.

My hangup is that I've always been a traditional laptop kind of guy. We've all seen the MS Surface Book commercials showing how easy it is to use its Smart Pen to make intricate edits in (presumably) Photoshop, so that sort of makes me think that I should go with a 2-in-1; like that's the "future" of things, so I should grab on now. I've found a few blog posts reporting that some Linux distros will run on some devices (I'm looking most intently at the Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro).

So, the question in the subject is what I'm hoping to get answered here. Does having a touchscreen (or touch interface, like a graphics tablet) actually help in the realm of photo editing?
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 06-30-2014, 06:10 PM  
Impressing consumer lens: 55-300mm
Posted By wedge
Replies: 8
Views: 1,545
Anyone have one of these and the Tamron/Pentax 18-250? I've got the Tammy version of the latter and love it, but it'd be nice to have another 50mm of reach sometimes and I'm wondering if the image quality in their common range (55-250) would be better.
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 06-24-2014, 12:20 PM  
My SD cards are revolting!
Posted By wedge
Replies: 8
Views: 1,956
Trying to format in-camera returns the same "memory card error" message, unfortunately. Actually, I just remembered that something like this happened years ago (with my old Minolta Z5) and I was able to get a few cards working again by formatting in my camcorder. I might give that a try tonight.

---------- Post added 06-24-2014 at 03:22 PM ----------



Maybe that's why OWC was selling them so cheap ($13.99 each, I think)? No magnets were involved, and as far as I know, flash-based storage isn't susceptible to magnets as mechanical hard drives are. I could be wrong, though.

---------- Post added 06-24-2014 at 03:26 PM ----------



That's what I used - the Mac version. The two options it gives are "Quick Format" and "Overwrite Format"; tried both with no improvement. There's also an "Option" button that enables "Logical Address Adjustment" with a note that "This option is for interoperability with specific devices." I did not try that option, but may as well at this point. I don't think it's going to do any more harm.
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 06-24-2014, 09:29 AM  
My SD cards are revolting!
Posted By wedge
Replies: 8
Views: 1,956
I've got a slew of SD cards that I use between a Kx and K-r and have had a few that failed outright, but lately (as in, in the last 3 days), it seems that most of them are now resulting in a "memory card error" when inserted into one or both of the cameras.

Here's what I had:

Two 32 GB Class 10 Sony cards that give that error when inserted in either body
An old, store-brand (MicroCenter, which, I think were made by PNY?) 2 GB card that is recognized in the K-r, but not the Kx
An less old 8 GB Team Group Class 10 card that was recognized in the K-r, but not the Kx
Two 16 GB Class 10 Samsung cards (the "waterproof" ones in brushed metal), which were the only cards that reliably worked in both bodies
Two 8 GB Class 4 Samsung MicroSD cards (in Kingston-branded adapters) which were dead to both bodies


So, I tried low-level/overwrite formatting (using OS X's Disk Utility and the SDFormatter app) all of the cards that were generating the "memory card error" messages, after which the 8 GB Team Group card can be used in either camera, but the rest are in the same predicament. All of the cards are recognized perfectly by any computer to which I connect them, and the two 32 GB cards worked as recently as 4 weeks ago. They're only about a year old, too.

I haven't upgraded firmware on either body, and I almost always reformat the card (in-camera) after transferring photos to a computer. I'm not aware of any EMPs in the area of my home, but we are about 1/2 mile from a highly controversial military drone control center, so who knows what hinky stuff they (or the hacktivists) might have been up to.

All I know is those brushed metal Samsung cards seem to be the most reliable. I think I paid $8 each for them on one of the deal-a-day sites, and they've come up once or twice since. Next time around, I'll have to grab a few more as backups/replacements.

Any ideas why this mass-memory-card issue might have occurred? Should I bother trying firmware updates to the bodies (I think I last updated both of them in the Fall, so there may not even be anything newer).
Forum: Sold Items 06-10-2014, 06:02 AM  
For Sale - Sold: Sears 135mm F/2.8
Posted By wedge
Replies: 2
Views: 981
Trade pending...
Forum: Sold Items 06-09-2014, 08:10 PM  
For Sale - Sold: Sears 135mm F/2.8
Posted By wedge
Replies: 2
Views: 981
PentaxForums.com Marketplace Listing

Item for Sale
Sears 135mm F/2.8

Asking Price
50.00 USD

Item Location
Horsham (United States)

Item Description
So, I bought this Sears 135mm F/2.8 from another member here probably a year or two ago and have used it very sparingly. The reviews are fairly positive, but I've found myself not using this all that often. I've gotten a few decent photos with it, like this one:


There are a couple more here. I don't have any photos of the actual lens handy, but can get some tomorrow night.

I'm mainly looking to trade this for an 18-55mm kit lens; a DA would be nice, but a DAL (or DA AL?) would work as well. I'm planning to hand my backup Kx down to my niece and wanted to give her the kits lens to start out with. I lent her the camera with my DA 35/2.4, but she found the fixed focal length limiting. Ideally I'd like a straight-across swap, but for a DA with a hood, I'd be willing to spend a little.

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
Excellent

Shipping Destinations
North America

Shipping Charge
Included

Shipping Services
USPS Priority

Accepted Payment Types
PayPal Other (Elaborate)

Return Policy & Additional Details
Purchase price will be refunded if item is not as advertised.

Please send me a private message if interested in the item!
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 03-11-2014, 06:05 PM  
Cracked filter: replace or not?
Posted By wedge
Replies: 5
Views: 1,688
I've got a Tamron 28-75/f2.8 that has basically become my "everyday" lens. I bought it used about 2 years ago and it came with a slim Kenko UV filter, which I've left on it 95% of the time. Well, my rig took a spill off a pinball machine over the weekend. Thankfully, the only damage (at least all I noticed) was a crack in the filter glass.

In my mind, the filter did exactly what I'd hoped it would do: sacrifice itself so as to avoid paying to have the front lens element replaced. I should note that the crack is quite small and at the edge of the filter, so it doesn't appear to affect image quality at all. What I'm wondering, though, is if I should apply the child safety seat rule here. For those who haven't ever had to buy or know anything about child safety seats, the basic rule is that once one has been through an accident (of any kind, even a minor bump or fender bender), they need to be replaced (the theory being that the trauma of the accident has "compromised" the integrity of the seat.

So, since that filter has survived a fall and saved the lens in the process, should I assume that it's no longer fit for that purpose and replace it? Or should I just continue using it as-is? Or take it off and (possibly) enjoy slightly improved image quality?

FWIW, about 75% of the shooting I do with this is indoors, but, as I know now, there are just as many potential dangers indoors as out. If I replace it, should I get another UV filter or go with a totally clear one? It looks like prices for both are all over the place, but I'd like to keep any investment in the $25 or less range.
Search took 0.01 seconds | Showing results 1 to 25 of 137

 
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 12:01 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