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Forum: Post Your Photos! 02-08-2012, 10:26 PM  
Not Work-Safe Artistic Nudes on World Pentax Day
Posted By REM
Replies: 12
Views: 3,088
Nice pics, but this entry needs to be modified still by mods. The preview pic is still showing, which is NSFW, even though it is labeled NSFW.
Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II 02-04-2012, 02:41 PM  
What is your favorite DA limited?
Posted By REM
Replies: 59
Views: 7,626
I also own the 15-21-40-70. The 15 is a recent purchase so I've only had it literally for less than a week, so I haven't experienced the full "magic" that this lens is supposed to offer. My most used lens is the 40mm. Great IQ, small, fast autofocus. Since you already have the 35mm, the focal length of the 40mm may be too close to what you have already. The 21 and 70 are also jewels, so if you want a slightly wider perspective than your 35, the 21mm fits awesomely. If you want some more reach or have a nice portrait lens, the 70 fits the bill.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 02-02-2012, 10:06 AM  
NEW Pentax Lens Roadmap 2012/2013
Posted By REM
Replies: 331
Views: 44,836
I wonder why they have another superzoom (18-200mm) when there is 18-135 WR that just came out. Did that lens totally flop?

Wide zoom could be a WR refresh and/or update of DA12-24, maybe DA 12-24 II or DA 12-24 WR DC, with that new af motor.
Zoom Ltd. sounds interesting, though I already have the 21 and 40mm. It would probably be 3.2/3.5/4 max aperture to go with the small, slow, high quality of DA Ltds.

Also curious that the telephoto prime (550mm) looks not to be DA*. Hopefully it is at least WR, to appeal to the birders/wildlife photogs. Take that to a rainforest/safari vacation.
Forum: Pentax K-01 02-02-2012, 09:14 AM  
Poll: OFFICIAL K-01 Styling Poll
Posted By REM
Replies: 136
Views: 16,893
-How would you rate the look overall?
Overall, first impression is that it is ugly. I did warm up to it after a couple of views and its not as bad as I originally thought. However I do not like that there is no OVF/EVF, and that the rear controls (rear buttons/d-pad) layout is not arranged like the K-7/K-5 (drive/flash-mode/wb buttons in different spots, AE-L button could be better in the upper corner,etc). On a really sunny day how are we supposed to look at apertures/shutter speed/lightmeter if the rear LCD is washed out because of the brightness?

-Does the 40mm fit the camera well?
First impression was that it looked "snubnose revolver"-like. But I think it looks ok. They made a small lens even smaller.

-Are you planning on buying one based on what you've read about it in the official announcement?
No. I am quite happy with my K-7 at the moment and it is still working great for me. If I was without my K-7 due to theft,damage, etc, I do not think I would buy a K-01, mainly due to lack of viewfinder and some specs that a K-5 has that K-01 doesn't.

-In buying a camera, how important is the look compared to the features? Very important, somewhat important, or unimportant?
Electronic specs/features are very important. Look is somewhat important if the specs/features are real good. Like I mentioned, at first sight it was ugly. After a couple of views it wasn't as bad as I thought. Similar K-5 specs helped. If it had a viewfinder and more K-5 specs (weathersealing,etc), I wouldnt care how it looked.

-How do you think people who've never heard of Pentax would react to this camera?
They will go with their first guy reaction: This is ugly. Move along. Those that haven't moved along and still somewhat interested, will look or wait for other brand cameras with viewfinders (Fuji, Olympus, etc). Result is a smaller percentage of those who are interested.
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 01-30-2012, 12:36 PM  
Additions to the kit: New lens or a tripod
Posted By REM
Replies: 33
Views: 3,604
I would go with a wait and save plan as a first choice, tripod as a second. Tripods are always good. They help at all focal lengths, and are great for working with long exposures,and experimenting/learning about your equipment and photography in general. Don't skimp on a flimsy cheap tripod. Manfrotto is a good, popular brand, but I am unfamiliar with it, so I will let someone else chime on which models would be good or fit your budget.

Regarding lenses, I would shoot, shoot, shoot as much with the kit lens and then go back and see what focal lengths you shoot with the most. Maybe if you are always around 18, you might want to save up for a wide angle as your next lens. Most travel photos are done with wide angle lenses. Always at 55, then you could consider the 55-300mm or other telephotos. If you're always shooting your wife and baby, then you might want to save up for a portrait lens or find a used DA70, FA77, or many manual fast 50's.

My first lens on my first dslr was the DA40: great iq, compact, fast autofocusing. But I didn't really know what subjects I liked to shoot at the time, so it was rather difficult only having one lens for awhile. I then got the 21mm, and later the kit lens. I should have gotten the kit lens first, and really shot the heck with it to get an idea of what I NEEDED first, and what my next step would be. I eventually got almost all the DA ltds, kit lens, plus a 55-300mm, because I now know what things I like to shoot with each of those lenses (ex 55-300: daytime outdoor sports/little league,zoo pics; DA70: portraits, etc).
Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals 01-29-2012, 03:19 PM  
The next K-Mount lenses to come out this year... ?
Posted By REM
Replies: 55
Views: 7,544
maybe the ever elusive 55-300mm WR. Keep the same optical formula, just repackage it. Maybe add the AF motor from the recent 18-135mm (DC). It would still be a mid-tier telephoto lens above the 50-200 and lower than the 60-250.

As other have mentioned there is a hole in ultra wide for DA*. And something long around 400 or 500mm as a prime lens or as a Pentax version of Sigma's 120-400 or 150-500 only with smc,weather sealing, and SDM/DC af motors.
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 01-27-2012, 12:22 PM  
Travel advice
Posted By REM
Replies: 33
Views: 3,090
Lenses: go with the 18-55, the M50 and maybe the 70-210. The M50 I would take as it seems to be the fastest lens you got and would come in handy for any low light or shallow dof situations. I went to Spain last year and only took a 18-55 and 55-300. Only took a handful of shots with the telephoto lens. For Europe/travel, most people want wide. A large percentage of my shots were 18mm and i wanted to go wider (just bought a 15mm ltd for next trip).

Personally, do not leave anything of value in your hotel rooms. They get broken into as well, or stolen from hotel staff. If you are not going to use/carry it, take it to the front desk and have them store it in the "main" hotel safe.

If you shoot RAW, keep shooting RAW. Memory cards are not expensive nowadays, and usually there are sales were you buy x, get 1 free or get a rebate back, etc. I have mostly 4 and 8 GB cards, I would recommend going with a few 8 GB rather than relying on a couple of 16s (unless you have multiple 16s already). I rotate cards every day even if it is not full yet. Bring a portable hard drive if you want just in case for more storage and use it at an internet cafe.
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 10-05-2011, 10:57 AM  
New DSLR Owner
Posted By REM
Replies: 30
Views: 3,113
This topic pops up from time to time and the general consensus is: try to get the 55-300 rather than the 50-200 (there is no 50-300 or 55-200) if you can afford it. The image quality is better on the 55-300, you get extra reach, and the maximum aperture is around f/4 for most of the lens zoom range.

I have the 55-300mm lens myself, and I use it to photograph my nephew's little league games, and wildlife/zoos. I have had shots in those little league games where the focal length was around 250 or 300mm so that extra reach is helpful.


As for lens advice, get the kit lenses and shoot, shoot, shoot. Then using the pictures you took, note the focal length from the exif info and you might see a trend (hanging around 18mm alot, maybe you will need a ultrawide as a next lens). Maybe you are in the middle, and find yourself using the lens aperature wide open a lot. Maybe you'll want a faster lens like a nifty fifty or DA 40, DA35, etc.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 09-17-2011, 05:54 PM  
Hang it all
Posted By REM
Replies: 15
Views: 3,142
I use a Camdapter wrist/hand strap. It attaches to the eyelet of the camera and a loop on my L bracket (not from Camdapter). Many QR camera plates and brackets come with a loop for this reason. That way you can still use it on a tripod and have a hand strap.
Forum: Post Your Photos! 09-16-2011, 08:52 PM  
Macro Yeatzee's macros: My dirtiest subject yet
Posted By REM
Replies: 13
Views: 2,027
Amazing. Wow.
Forum: Post Your Photos! 09-16-2011, 08:44 PM  
Nature Spider web
Posted By REM
Replies: 5
Views: 1,125
Beautiful web!
Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories 09-15-2011, 05:54 PM  
Classy K5 Bag
Posted By REM
Replies: 30
Views: 12,594
I also have the Domke F-5XB. It's a small bag. I use it for my K-7 and a few DA Ltd lenses, plus a few accessories (microfiber cloth, extra battery, SD cards). You should be able to fix a prime lens and the camera w/ 18-55mm on its side, but I don't think there will be much room for another lens and especially not for a flash. I have the olive version and it doesn't feel waxy or greasy.

I use other bags if I want to carry more lenses and/or my flash (Tamrac Aerospeed backpack, and a Tamrac Explorer 200 shoulder bag).
Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing 09-13-2011, 09:07 AM  
Question about .PEF and Elements 9 Conversion
Posted By REM
Replies: 4
Views: 1,494
I have been trialing PSE 9, and am also a Smugmug user. Like mentioned above, after you do your RAW adjustments and/or post processing, just save as jpeg or PSD. Then go to the Share menu and choose Smugmug. PSE 9 seems to automatically convert a PSD to jpeg and upload to Smugmug. If it is already a jpeg, then it will just upload it normally.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 08-22-2011, 05:04 PM  
lense foging up
Posted By REM
Replies: 7
Views: 1,642
Being from Houston (similar weather) I understand. The best thing to do is usually wait a bit before you uncover the lens so it can normalize when walking into a different temperature zone.
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 08-20-2011, 08:35 PM  
where to store unused lenses??
Posted By REM
Replies: 42
Views: 10,844
I put my lenses in a plastic airtight ammo/dry-storage box. I toss in a few silica gel packs and some big bubble-wrap material for cushioning. I then place the box out of the way where it receives normal airflow and the ambient room temperature (i.e. not stuck in a corner of a closet or out in garage).
Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing 08-17-2011, 01:08 PM  
Building a PC optimized for Photoshop - Advice?
Posted By REM
Replies: 14
Views: 2,747
I recently built my first computer primarily for photography and has similar specs to what you're aiming for.

Processor: Core i5 -2500k; haven't overclocked it yet
Mobo: Asus P8Z68-V Pro, its a Z68 board, has decent reviews, and works great so far
RAM: 8 GB, memory is cheap and in dual channel config, 8GB is pretty reasonable
Boot Disk: 128 GB SSD for OS and programs
Data Disk: 2 TB hard drive for photos, music, OS backup and other data

Video: due to running out of budget I'm currently using the onboard Intel HD3000 graphics from the CPU, looks good for 2D stuff, photoshop elements right now, but I wouldnt run any games with it, I'll get a decent video card later. I'm not much of a gamer, so there is no rush.

Power Supply: 750 Watt; a bit overkill right now, but if I add more drives and a video card, and if I start to overclock then I shouldn't be limited

OS: Windows 7 64 bit
Backup: I plan to backup my photos onto DVDs and/or online services

For mobos, I also suggest a Z68 board. There are quite a few at different price points that have good reviews from Asus, Gigabyte, Asrock.
Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing 07-19-2011, 11:38 AM  
Which Monitor?
Posted By REM
Replies: 8
Views: 1,893
I will also be in the market for an IPS monitor soon. In addition to monitor suggestions in the 24inch range, what are some good calibration tools to go with it? I only have heard of Spyder3 and of Spectraview that comes with some NEC monitors.
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 07-16-2011, 01:40 PM  
Metz 58 AF 2 smell
Posted By REM
Replies: 4
Views: 2,633
Thanks guys. I did the suggested routine. I did about 10 full power manual flashes spaced about a minute or so apart. I also did a couple of strobe-oscope and modeling light pulses spaced at a normal pace as well.

As mtansley suggested, the smell is there but it is faint, and you only smell it with the flash practically "shoved up your nose". It is a very faint smell and it doesn't grow or get worse with use. The smell does fade if the flash is not used, even with the flash still turned on. Temperature-wise I felt no odd heat or warm spots on the flash.

I have done my fair share of electronics soldering, and it does have a similar smell. So it could be resin and or the flash tube being "worn in". I guess I might be overreacting with the smell issue. I'll watch it and see. And yes, it does have a one year guarrantee, but I will probably have to ship it to Bogen/Manfrotto who is the US distributor to get it serviced if it becomes a problem.

I am a flash newbie but so far I like it. I have a K-7 and using the flash with PTTL indoors I have had pretty consistent exposures. I did try wireless PTTL indoors with the built-in flash as controller. It was able to trigger, but the "controller" flash for sure does fire during the exposure time. I havent compared it if I set the built-in to master to notice any exposure differences. The smaller secondary reflector fires as the the red-eye flash before the main flash in those red-eye modes. It also only fires if the main reflector is tilted or swivelled and can be adjusted (no fire, full power, half power, quarter power). Mine already came with the latest firmware (v2) installed and noticed a remote servo mode in the menu, but havent played with that yet.
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 07-16-2011, 08:15 AM  
Metz 58 AF 2 smell
Posted By REM
Replies: 4
Views: 2,633
I recently purchased from B&H and received late this week a Metz 58 AF-2. Last night I got some brand new Eneloops to put in the flash and test it out. After about the 5th or so flash I put my nose near the main reflector head and noticed a burned-type smell. There was no smoke or anything, and it really wasnt a big smell, somewhat faint, only if you have the flash reflector under your nose. The flash unit continues to function normally.

Now, I did not "run-and-gun" this series of flashes. It was more like take a picture, chimp, adjust swivel/tilt, wait a couple seconds, then take another picture. I read the manual several times and did notice the "15 flashes wait 10 minutes" warning, but it was less than 15 flashes when I noticed the smell. I took a couple more test pics then put the flash away. This morning I took the flash and did one full power flash and smelled the reflector and got a similar faint burn smell.

I've searched the net and PentaxForums and read of other Metz 58 (AF1 and AF2) users with same/mixed results. Some suggested keeping it, while others to send it back. Some posts say it smells at first but it goes away. Some of those posts have no follow up though, so I'm not sure if others ended up keeping it or sending it back.

Should I return this to B&H and ask for an exchange for the same model? Or should I just keep on and see it goes away/ends up not a big deal? To those that also experienced this, what did you do?
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 06-01-2011, 04:38 PM  
GPS Pentax DSLR's
Posted By REM
Replies: 85
Views: 18,917
Bummer that there is no K-7 compatibility. But I do like the direction Pentax is heading in.
Forum: Photographic Technique 05-09-2011, 01:48 PM  
Another Wedding Photo Thread!! :)
Posted By REM
Replies: 15
Views: 3,685
I'm on a trial version of LR right now. It should be 30 days and as far as I know, there isnt any limit to it. I have been editing and exporting photos to jpeg no problem.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 05-09-2011, 01:09 PM  
Is It Worth The Extra Money??
Posted By REM
Replies: 24
Views: 6,394
Agree with all points mentioned above. I have the 55-300mm and I really like it. Yes it is variable aperature and noisy/hunts but the performance for the price is great. I'm sure the 60-250 is better optically, but that lens is a monster in price and in size compared to the 55-300. Since I have been used to small primes I decided to go with the 55-300mm.
Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories 05-03-2011, 11:12 AM  
Sandisk extreme sdhc card confusion....
Posted By REM
Replies: 11
Views: 4,320
The link macTak provided is for a class 6 Extreme in the camcorder section of the site. There is a class 10 Extreme in the dslr section of the site. I agree, it is very confusing both the site and their marketing approach.

My first set of cards from Sandisk were Extreme III, 30 MB/s edition, class 6 (I think Class 10 wasn't officially out yet). The next set I bought where Extreme class 10. It looks like their marketing is now focused towards HD digital video.

Either way, I have no issues with their products and they usually have sales/rebate offers, so I have been happy with their products. I just look for the capacity and the rating class I want which usually ends up being in the "Extreme" something or other product line.
Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories 04-28-2011, 11:04 AM  
macro tripods
Posted By REM
Replies: 12
Views: 3,863
I use my tripod (Gitzo 2531), which has the option of reversing or removing the center post. It can get real low with the center post removed.
Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing 04-28-2011, 07:48 AM  
LR 3.4 ACR 6.4 Lens Profiles for Kit Lenses!
Posted By REM
Replies: 5
Views: 3,468
Saw that there are new profiles for the 18-55mm WR and DFA 100WR but overall pics still show "Unknown lens" in the exif info for at least the 18-55WR.
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