Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
04-24-2011, 06:32 PM
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These days the main tradeoff with zooms is their lack of speed. Stabilization helps, but you can't control the depth of field.
The old zooms had horrible flare control, loss of contrast and no real sharpness. The only thing that limits new photographers using zooms these days is a lack of understanding of how focal length affects perspective.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
04-24-2011, 06:25 PM
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Well, it stands to reason that the Tak will be faster and sharper... but I'm guessing that the Tamron is auto-focus, so if you get a sharp f/2.8 at the 75mm end, I'd be tempted to keep it.
Fast MF lenses aren't that hard to come by. The Helios 44-2 can be had for cheap enough that you can have that AND your 28-75!
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Forum: Photographic Technique
04-16-2011, 01:22 PM
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Yeah, this looks like photoshop to me.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-17-2011, 08:22 AM
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I assume we're specifically talking about the FA50/1.4 Vs the DA*55/1.4. These are two lenses that are only really similar on paper... if you take the same picture with both lenses, you'll be able to see the difference immediately, I'm sure!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-14-2011, 09:20 AM
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It's interesting that people don't like mixing 'old' and 'autofocus' in the same sentance considering AF came out for Pentax around 25 years ago!
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
01-05-2011, 01:06 AM
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Yeah, looks like you have a soft copy of the sigma. You would be much better off with a few good primes IMHO.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
12-30-2010, 06:13 PM
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Yeah, the metering system changed between the 'M' and 'A' type lenses. The ME and other standard K-Mount cameras worked by the camera metering wide open and then mechanically calculating the number if stops of light lost between wide open and the pre-set aperture. It didn't matter what the maximum/minimum aperture of the lens was, only the loss of light mattered.
The 'A' setting repurposed the lever arm allowing the body itself to set the aperture. In order to do this, the lens had to be at its minimum aperture, the aperture lever need to be linear and electrical contacts were added to inform the camera what the minimum and maximum aperture the lens had.
In todays dSLRs, the first metering method is absent, hence the green-button mode. It's a shame because it's probably not too expensive to build support into the camera (call it legacy-Av mode!)
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
12-26-2010, 02:52 AM
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Yeah, I had enquired abouts some lenses on Craigslist a while back as the mount wasn't listed. I got the answer back that they were FD mount but had already sold. Either the buyer had an FD compatible system or some morons are going around picking up the decently priced glass, but it's frustrating when even 'undesirable' mounts are going straight away!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
12-22-2010, 06:15 PM
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You know, there really are not that many bad fast 50s out there. You can get a helios 44-2 for $5 if you look hard enough and it still matches most of the newer lenses of equivalent spec.
(yes, I know the 44-2 is actually a 58mm f/2 lens, but the point stands).
In terms of sharpness, the Pentax f/1.7 lenses are a bit special; not so much beyond that though. The screwmount f/1.4 will not get you the same level of sharpness, but you will get a really nice vintage look to your shots, especially if you can get one with slightly yellow glass through the radioactivity (yes, some were radioactive!).
So the REAL question is, knowing that there are a number of cheap options out there, what extra qualities are you looking for in the lens?
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
12-22-2010, 05:10 PM
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Is a larger format the answer? I thought DoF issues were MORE prounounced with a larger sensor... I mean, if you used a point and shoot, the DoF wouldn't be a problem at all.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
12-22-2010, 09:17 AM
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
12-21-2010, 02:34 PM
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That's a pretty nice shot. I was trying to get a shot at 1/50 ISO1600 210mm focal length F/4 (no IS) - I somehow achieved that, but your shot is better! |
Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
12-20-2010, 01:11 AM
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To correct the statement, you can't have FD glass on an EOS body without altering the lens mount, losing infinity or using a optical adaptor (which acts as a mild teleconverter)
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Forum: Sold Items
12-16-2010, 12:59 AM
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It might be worth putting some shots taken with this lens before you put it onto fleabay!
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
12-15-2010, 09:37 PM
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Metering's for amateurs! :lol:
Actually, I've never used an LX, so I cant speak for the metering, but my point was (camera cliche 51) that it's just a light box. Plug the same exposure values into each camera and the results will be identical... unless you are using flash and are at 1/125 of a second because you'll get a big black line if you're using the LX!
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Forum: Photographic Technique
12-15-2010, 05:43 PM
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The way I see it is you either shoot manual + RAW and make creative decision about how your photo will look, or you let the camera do it all for you.
Does the latter make your a better photographer? i don't think so!
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
12-15-2010, 05:33 PM
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The biggest differences were build and ergonomics. Both cameras went to 1/2000 shutter speed and the ME super actually surpasses the LX in flash sync speed. The lens compatibility was the same and they took the same film. The ME super even had a very nice big viewfinder.
So really, it all comes down to a matter of personal preference.
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Forum: General Talk
12-14-2010, 09:55 PM
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Personally, I'm what you'd call a bottom dweller. I take a good look at the price of things on this forum and only bit on stuff that has a good bang-for-buck... a discerning buyer I guess. Either way, take a good look at the prices on here. The Pentax-F 50mm F/1.7 used to sell for $150 a few months ago. The last few listings have been for $200 - $220 and have been selling.
Now I know what you're thinking, but this isn't pure supply and demand. The price of this sought-after glass going up has prompted an increase in price of less saleable items and sellers wonder why they're not moving.
It's because the audience on this forum is eductated enough to know that you shouldn't buy glass if it offers you nothing over glass you already have. If you want to make a mint on less disirable lenses, go to ebay, there's hardly a lens on there that doesn't have bids on it.
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Forum: General Talk
12-14-2010, 12:45 AM
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Walmart is the 3rd largest employer in the world - behind the Chinese Red Army and the Indian State railway company. Supporting local business is great, but you're putting food on more peoples plates if you shop at Walmart.
It's just not very good food!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
12-13-2010, 05:26 PM
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If you use M42 lenses, look for the pre-set type. These will allow you to change your aperture between fully open and a preset f/stop.... silently and steplessly.
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
12-12-2010, 01:44 PM
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My toy dog approves of this pic! |
Forum: Sold Items
12-08-2010, 03:20 PM
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Forum: Site Suggestions and Help
12-01-2010, 06:34 PM
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You've got a strong case for damages if you believe they were negligent in their responsibilities. You should at least get the money for the extra work you had to do to correct their mistake.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-26-2010, 10:29 PM
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I'd quite like to find a chrome industar 50... according to the review section, they for for an average of $23, but good luck finding one. :)
I didn't realise you could simply convert m39 to m42. That does increase my options!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-26-2010, 09:50 PM
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My question is pretty simple. I'm on the look out for a shiny chrome lens, but I only really want one for show... any ideas for a shiny M42 or K-mount lens that might readily available for bargain prices?
I'm not too concerned about focal length, or even optical quality (soft is good for portraits right?). Just looking for a lens that looks good, is cheap and is easy to find!
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