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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 12-22-2007, 09:06 PM  
Any suggestions?
Posted By dndavis
Replies: 13
Views: 3,055
Try KEH for M42 (screwmount) lenses and adapters at a reasonable price. Some recent prices I've seen there, all rated "Excellent" condition:

SMC Takumar 50/1.4: under $100
SMC Takumar 105/2.8: under $170
SMC Takumar 85/1.8: under $450

Add roughly $25 - $50 for a genuine Pentax M42 adapter and you're set. You may have to add a bit extra for lens hoods and caps, depending on what a particular lens ships with and what's available on KEH, eBay, etc.

I can personally vouch for KEH quality and service. Their "Bargain" grade, from what I've read, are true bargains if you're willing to accept a bit of cosmetic wear that doesn't compromise function and image quality. Personally, I think a bit of honest wear adds character (and saves money), but my Takumars are all "Excellent" grade, just because that's what was available at the time. I do think I see a "Bargain" lens with my name on it now, however...

Daryl
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 12-22-2007, 05:02 PM  
Flektogon 35mm f2.4 questions
Posted By dndavis
Replies: 4
Views: 2,514
Thanks, all. I bought the Flektogon today for a bit under USD 200, including shipping.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 12-22-2007, 02:52 AM  
My M42 adapter arrives, I am in LOVE
Posted By dndavis
Replies: 29
Views: 5,318
I bought my M42 adapter (genuine Pentax) from KEH. I got my SMC Takumar 50/1.4, 105/2.8 and 85/1.8 lenses from them, as well. They ship promptly, are reasonably priced, and accurately describe the condition of the product. They'll be hearing from me again soon, I'm sure.

Some say the Pentax adapter can be removed without a tool. I haven't found that to be the case with my adapter on my K10D. I use the tip of a plastic bodied, retractable pen or some other non-marring tool to turn the adapter.

Here's a shot from the 105mm. Reid Hillview Airport, San Jose, California:



Daryl
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 12-20-2007, 03:10 AM  
Flektogon 35mm f2.4 questions
Posted By dndavis
Replies: 4
Views: 2,514
Thanks, Andrei and DD. It sounds as if the Flektagon is still a good buy, if not the bargain it was ( though still about 1/4 the price of a FA 31 or the new Zeiss Distagon). I'll probably try to snag one in the next couple of days.

I've just made the move into M42 lenses in the past couple of weeks. So far, the battery consists of 105/2.8, 85/1.8 and 50/1.4 Super-Multi-Coated Takumars. I'm trying to go all manual for six months, to hone my basic skills. The only drag so far is that Pentax wireless flash doesn't work with them, so I'm going to have to invest in radio triggers a bit sooner than I'd planned.

Daryl
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 12-17-2007, 08:16 PM  
Flektogon 35mm f2.4 questions
Posted By dndavis
Replies: 4
Views: 2,514
With prices of this lens now through the roof, is it still worthwhile?

I want a wide M42 lens for walkaround use. I've found nothing with the close focus ability of the Flektogon. How useful, in practice, is this ability?

Would I be better served with a SMC 28/3.5 and Zenitar 16mm, for not much more money than the Flektogon alone?

I realize these questions are highly subjective; I appreciate any and all opinions.

Daryl
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 12-16-2007, 09:39 PM  
Giving up the 16-45. what should replace it?
Posted By dndavis
Replies: 11
Views: 2,579
What creampuff said.

I sold my 16-45, in anticipation of the DA* 16-50 and to finance some primes.

I've given myself an assignment for the next six months, to shoot exclusively with a variety of MF lenses (Takumar and other). When I buy another zoom, it most likely will be the DA 16-45.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 12-16-2007, 01:06 PM  
snagged a few good Taks!!
Posted By dndavis
Replies: 12
Views: 1,823
I just picked up 50/1.4 and 105/2.8, both Super-Multi-Coated. I have a 85/1.8 on order now.

I'm thinking of a 200/4 for the long end of things, and a 16mm Zenitar for wide angle. I'm a bit torn between the 28/3.5 and the 35/2.4 Flektogon for a standard length.

My plan is to shelve my autofocus lenses for at least six months and work just with the manual focus lenses, with and without flash. Back to basics.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 12-15-2007, 02:57 PM  
Dumb question:
Posted By dndavis
Replies: 7
Views: 2,076
It can be done, but probably is not wothwhile.

The lenses, being made for medium format, are bigger and heavier than even their 35mm full-frame counterparts. Adapters are available, but expensive -- about $150, if I recall correctly. The crop factor for a 645 lens on an APS-C sensor is approximately 2.2, so that 600mm lens would effectively become a 1320mm.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 10-18-2007, 03:42 PM  
21 or 43?
Posted By dndavis
Replies: 5
Views: 1,904
I'm on the opposite horn of your dilemma, having the DA 21, DA 40, and manual focus A 50. The question for me is, do I get the FA 31 or the DA 70 first?

In your shoes, I think I would get the 21 before the 43. The 18-55 is nearly as fast as the DA 21, but not quite as good wide open. The 43 gives you more low-light capability, as well as the greater creative control and easier focusing (automatic and manual) offered by the wide aperture, but you already have those bases covered with the 31. The 43, to me, kind of sits in the middle of a spread you can cover with a little bit of foot-zoom.

Have you tried running exposureplot on your current image library, to see into which range most of your favorite shots fall? Alternatively, you could use a bit of gaffer tape to lock your 18-55 in the 21mm position and shoot that way for a month or so, to see if you actually like the 21mm end.

Unfortunately, the Hessian who rules over us here in Kalifornia just signed into law an idiotic bill that may force me to shift my buying priorities from LBA for a bit. But that's another tough call and story...
Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing 09-29-2007, 01:19 AM  
Linux users
Posted By dndavis
Replies: 11
Views: 3,244
LightZone is available (free) on Linux, but trails the Win/Mac versions. Currently, they're at version 3.0 Win/Mac, and version 2.4 Linux. It's a good app, I think, one that I need to devote more time to learning.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 09-18-2007, 11:07 AM  
Worries on investment...
Posted By dndavis
Replies: 22
Views: 5,598
Syb,

My experience is exactly the opposite. When I'm at events or the local children's arcade with my family, I'm frequently asked by other parents -- almost all of them armed with P&S or cell phone cameras -- how much I charge for pictures. They see the K10D/BG2/AF-540 around my neck and assume I'm the in-house photographer! I'll offer to take some shots and either email the files or mail a few prints, free of charge. I do this because it's a cheap and easy way to make people happy; I'm not a fan of welfare and other forms of coerced "compassion." I make some new friends and get to practice my photography along the way.

As long as you're worried about what other people think, you'll never be happy. Even if the P&S crowd infallibly swooned over your equipment, you would eventually run across some pixel-peeping dolt who spends all of his time on the computer and couldn't take a photograph to save his life, who wil proclaim this, that or the other piece of equipment wholly inadequate to the task. "Deer don't read gun magazines," is my standard response when someone tells me he read what an inadequate cartridge the 100+ year old .30-30 is. Similarly, the moonrise over Hernandez, New Mexico, didn't know what an inferior lens (according to the pixel peepers) Ansel Adams was using to capture its image. It just stood there and let Mr. Adams make one of the world's greatest photographs.

Bottom line: your hobby is for YOU and you alone. Go out, take pictures, hone your eye and your skills. Spend your time looking at great photgraphs instead of pictures of cameras. Get your bragging rights from the work you produce, not from equipment anyone with a credit card can buy.
Forum: Post Your Photos! 09-15-2007, 03:27 PM  
Reboot
Posted By dndavis
Replies: 4
Views: 1,726
Brilliant!
Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories 09-09-2007, 06:38 PM  
Photo Bag Help
Posted By dndavis
Replies: 6
Views: 2,157
You're welcome. Please let us know how you like it.

I'm also thinking of the F-803, for the same reasons. San Jose Camera don't stock that model, but I've business in Palo Alto this week and I'm pretty sure Keeble & Shuchat carry it.

Regards,
Daryl
Forum: Sold Items 09-07-2007, 09:47 AM  
For Sale - Sold: Doctor says we're having twins, so some toys must go !!
Posted By dndavis
Replies: 22
Views: 3,503
Dave,

Congratulations! Here's a quick snap of my twins, age 4. We were in Vietnam, visiting my wife's family. I sold all the gear from that trip (K100D, lenses, flash) and now have just a K10D, DA 40, and AF-540.

You're gonna love it! Trust me on this. I'm glad you're keeping a DSLR -- a P&S just can't keep up with them.

Regards,
Daryl
Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories 09-06-2007, 10:30 PM  
Photo Bag Help
Posted By dndavis
Replies: 6
Views: 2,157
I've used my F-5XB for 25 years, without complaint. The canvas is water resistant, not waterproof, but mine has never soaked through.

It's fine for the K10D with grip and DA 40 lens attached. I can tuck my A 50/1.7 in one corner and the DA 40 pouch, cleaning cloth and small blower brush in the other. The AF 540 can cram in on top, but I can't zip the main compartment completely. I'm thinking of asking my buddy to stitch a loop to the back of the AF 540's pouch, which will allow me to mount it on the bag's shoulder strap. That would give me a lightweight kit capable of carrying the entire DA "Pancake Stack," albeit with no room to spare.

To carry a bit more, I'm looking at another Domke (F-2 or F-6) or the Crumpler 7 Million Dollar Home.

Regards,
Daryl
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 08-30-2007, 11:58 PM  
k10d and 540 flash combo question
Posted By dndavis
Replies: 10
Views: 2,712
I have the K10D and AF-540FGZ combo. It offers P-TTL (Pentax proprietary TTL), TTL, Automatic (camera meters then turns over control to the flash), and Manual modes.

I can't speak to your lens question.

Hope this helps,
Daryl
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 08-28-2007, 08:36 AM  
Who is excited about the DA*55 F/1.4?
Posted By dndavis
Replies: 8
Views: 3,503
Spot-on analysis, jeffkrol.

We don't know how much difference USM will make to focusing speed. We do know it will make the lens expensive and heavy.

I'd value the DA* more for its weathersealing and Quickshift than for USM. I have an A 50/1.7 I bought on eBay that I'm in no hurry to get rid of, though I have been tempted by the FA 50. All things being equal, though, I prefer a manual focus lens to an AF lens without Quickshift.

Right now, the only lenses I own are the A 50 and the DA 40. I'm making a project of working exclusively with the DA 40 for a month or two, to help develop my eye and refine my style. I'll probably finish the "Pancake Stack" ( I already know I want the DA 70) before I pop for any DA * lens. Unless Pentax uncharacteristically step things up, I'll have plenty of time to decide if the DA*55 is worth whatever Pentax plan to charge.

It would be nice if the DA* were built like a Super Takumar. Unfortunately, the mechanics of autofocus don't allow for the close tolerances of the older lenses. Pity. Still, my DA 40 lacks only by comparison.
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 08-24-2007, 09:05 AM  
645D is dead!
Posted By dndavis
Replies: 98
Views: 19,597
Pentax are suspending 645D development in favor of a 4x5 digital back with a street price less than $1800 and ... uh, whazzat noise? Jeez, is it time to wake up already?
Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories 08-23-2007, 03:03 PM  
Which Tripod
Posted By dndavis
Replies: 46
Views: 10,713
I think what he means is the ability to change the center column itself from vertical to horizontal orientation. Some tripods do have this feature.

Regards,
Daryl
Forum: Photographic Technique 08-21-2007, 12:07 PM  
Upcoming Trips - Filter Choices
Posted By dndavis
Replies: 14
Views: 2,365
1) Singh-Ray LB Warming polarizer - I rarely took mine off my DA 16-45 during a month in Vietnam. I used it with a step-up ring on my Tamron 70-300 Di. It only costs about 1.3 stops exposure. I really miss it on my DA 40.

2) ND gradient filter - Don't have any yet, but I've seen the need for them.

3) IR filter - Because it interests you. You'll kick yourself if you see the perfect shot for it and don't have one.

Regards,
Daryl
Forum: Pentax DSLR and Camera Articles 08-19-2007, 09:02 PM  
285HV compatibility for the K10D
Posted By dndavis
Replies: 42
Views: 19,485
You're welcome.

FYI I just ordered the Strobist SP2 kit and a Bogen Superclamp (with stud) from MPEX. I figure I'll work with the Pentax wireless system and a single light until I can do nearly anything with them, then branch out into multiple lights and radio triggers.

I'm not abandoning on-camera flash and P-TTL, since a lot of my camera time is spent chasing 4-year old twin daughters.

Regards,
Daryl
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 08-19-2007, 05:56 PM  
Sharpness & distortion of M 28mm f3.5
Posted By dndavis
Replies: 6
Views: 1,514
Ken,

You should always carry a resolution test chart and a roll of gaffers tape in your camera bag. That way, you're prepared when opportunities like this arise.

Great shot. I certainly wouldn't argue against the quality of that lens.

Regards,
Daryl
Forum: Pentax DSLR and Camera Articles 08-19-2007, 03:55 PM  
285HV compatibility for the K10D
Posted By dndavis
Replies: 42
Views: 19,485
I feel your pain.

I've been researching this a lot lately, myself. Please bear in mind that there is little practical experience to back this up, so what I say may be taken with a HUGE grain of salt.

The Strobist SN1 Kit from MPEX has everything you need -- maybe more, depending on what you already have at hand -- to use an off-camera flash in manual mode. USD 240, including the 285HV. The household-to-hotshoe adapter makes sync cord extensions dirt cheap and avoids the issue of Vivitar's proprietary sync jack. If you're only interested in doing macro work, this seems the best route.

The Cactus V2s (not the V2) can be had for a hair under USD 40, including shipping, from Gadget Infinity's eBay store. The V2s supposedly solves the reliability problems the earlier (V2) model had with the 285HV.

The Elinchrom Skyport radio trigger is available from MPEX. The Microsync radio trigger is in stock at B&H. Both get good reviews, at about half the cost of the Pocket Wizards. They'll need an adapter to work with the 285HV, or you can easily and cheaply replace the Vivitar's weird sync jack with a 3.5mm female mono jack.

For my part, I have the AF-540FGZ. I've had it less than a week but, so far, I've no complaints with P-TTL performance. I use Peter Gregg's A Better Bounce Card whenever I can. I used a Metz 36C-2 for a while and found that I got good results but lost a lot of shots while fiddling with settings. I'm planning to branch into off-camera light, using either the AF540 in manual mode and optical sync (Strobist SP2 kit, USD 105) or the SN1 kit with the Vivitar. Right now, I'm leaning toward the first option as the least expensive way to get my feet wet. Come to think of it, though, you don't really want your feet wet when working around high voltage, do you? Oh, well...

Regards,
Daryl
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 08-16-2007, 02:56 PM  
which remote?
Posted By dndavis
Replies: 14
Views: 3,527
Keebler,

For your purposes, the CS-205 is the way to go. You can lock it open for long exposures.

I have the F remote and it works fine. But you can't lock the F remote open. It will hold the shutter open as long as you hold down the button, but I don't think you want to stand around holding the button for a ten-minute exposure.

Regards,
Daryl
Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories 08-15-2007, 09:58 PM  
Photobanks/Portable Drive Suggestions?
Posted By dndavis
Replies: 25
Views: 4,836
I took a 60GB Wolverine with me to Vietnam for a month. I bought it on sale at Fry's, with a $50 rebate, so I paid $60 -- $1/GB -- in the end. It's a bit slow, but it's far from the glacial pace some claim. I'd swap cards in the field and transfer images while having coffee, eating lunch, brushing my teeth, whatever. I'm reluctant to jostle ANY HDD-based system while transferring files.

The Hyperdrive Space is supposed to be quite fast, but it's more expensive. They have a cute model on their homepage, whereas Wolverine just have some boring techno-gizmo, if that factors into your buying decision. :lol:

Regards,
Daryl
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