|
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
06-02-2018, 10:17 PM
|
| |
Welcome to the forum Scott. I am in Oklahoma as well. I didn’t know much about photography either until I got my first Pentax DSLR about 10 years ago (K10D). I’ve learned a lot since then - I believe in large part because I chose Pentax instead of the other camera systems out there. The ability to use older - manual focus lenses (k-mount and screw mount) on the modern DSLRs - opened up a lot more options for me than I would have had otherwise. Using the manual lenses forces a person to learn a lot more about how things work - in order to get a good shot. Truthfully, at this point, even if I was able to buy the nicest modern glass, I don’t think I would. I enjoy the old manual stuff too much.
As for the camera you bought. I can’t speak to it specifically as I haven’t used it before. I can say that if it works and if you’re interested in shooting film- then it’s worth using. It’s hard to say if it’ll be easy to learn, as I’m sure there’s a bit of a learning curve. Speaking strictly about the lenses, there are a lot of great older lenses that produce wonderful results - if you’re willing to learn and be patient with them. The screw mount lenses can also be used on the modern DSLRs - with an inexpensive adapter. Again - with patience - they can produce great results. If you do become interested in going for a digital SLR - I recommend going with a used one. It’s a great and inexpensive way to get started. But don’t let me talk you out of using film - as that’s great too. Again, welcome, and enjoy!
|
|
Forum: Lens Sample Photo Archive
03-19-2016, 01:09 PM
|
| |
Very nice. The colors are excellent!
|
|
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
03-19-2016, 12:40 PM
|
| |
+ 1 to what murfy said. Also, if you zoom in on your image, any noise that is there will be more pronounced / easier to see.
|
|
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
03-19-2016, 12:01 PM
|
| |
Is your camera set to AF.S or AF.C?
If it's in AF.C then it will refocus when you recompose.
If it did refocus, then I'd bet that a portion of the bottom of his shirt or jacket is sharp.
|
|
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
03-17-2016, 09:02 PM
|
| |
A couple of spring flower shots taken on my lunch break today. K20D with a Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm f/3.5 (Kiron). The tulip was shot at f/5.6 and the second shot was at f/8 (I think...).
|
|
Forum: Post Your Photos!
03-17-2016, 08:48 PM
|
| |
Here are a couple of shots I took with mine earlier today on my lunch break. These were shot on a K20D. I really like using this lens with that camera body. I know the newer bodies offer a bit more in dynamic range and speed (shots per second), but this lens seems easier to handle on the K20D for some reason. Plus, its not really a lens that you can use quickly, so the extra speed of the newer bodies really doesn't matter.
The orange and red tulips were shot at f:4.5 and the daffodils were shot at f:6.7 (I think - but might have been f:8). Such a fun lens to use. I haven't used it on a tripod - so the weight hasn't been a problem for me. I agree with niceshot - great colors with this lens. If you've got the time to spend with your shots - this lens really rewards!
Pioneer - I think I should also look into the 24-48mm. Sounds like something I'd like. Between that, my 70-210 and my Sears 50mm f:1.7 - I'd just about have it covered...
|
|
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
03-17-2016, 07:34 AM
|
| |
AV for my autofocus and "A" lenses. M for my "M" lenses or when shooting the moon (with any lens).
|
|
Forum: Post Your Photos!
03-16-2016, 06:17 PM
|
| |
Very nice. I love the images produced by these lenses. I've got one in my bag as well. It's my preferred lens in the 200 mm range. I Picked it up a few years back for $20. Thought it needed some work. Turned out the guy just didn't know how to operate it. I'm hoping to get out in the next couple of days to take some shots with it. The flowers are waking up and they're begging to be photographed...
|
|
Forum: Post Your Photos!
03-16-2016, 12:47 PM
|
| |
Is that the Series 1 with the macro mode you have to engage by holding in a button and rotating the base of the lens?
|
|
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
03-07-2016, 01:24 PM
|
| |
Greetings from Norman, Oklahoma.
Welcome to the forum!
|
|
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
03-07-2016, 12:51 PM
|
| |
Welcome!
It sounds like your dad got you started off right!
There are a lot of film shooters on the forum. I don't happen to be one, but I shoot almost entirely with manual lenses like the ones you listed.
Looking forward to seeing some of your photos!
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-06-2016, 11:54 PM
|
| |
There are a couple of older, third party k-mount lenses that I really enjoy.
The first is the Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm. There are several versions available, but it is the first 3 versions that are considered to be the best. The first two versions are f:3.5. The third one is f:2.8-4. Later versions are also f:2.8-4, but you can tell them apart because they have Series 1 embossed on the grip. The earlier - better versions don't. The best ones are made by Kiron, Tokina, and Komine.
The first version was made by Kiron in the mid to late 70's. I have this one and I find it to be excellent. It is all manual. It takes great portraits, is great for wildlife and landscapes, and it has a nice macro mode (you have to depress a button and rotate the base of the lens to put it into macro mode). If you do find one of these, I highly recommend it. Just check the aperture and make sure it operates properly. It's not uncommon to find them with oily apertures. You can search the PF lens review database for more info on these lenses. This is one of my 2 or 3 favorite lenses. The images have great contrast and almost appear 3D - especially stopped down a stop or two. I got mine for $20 a few years back. They usually go for $50-$150 - depending on the version and condition (the third version - Komine - is usually the most expensive).
Another older - manual focus telephoto that I use quite a lot is the Tokina AT-X 80-200mm f:2.8 - SD. This one has the "A" setting. It is easier to use than the vivitar. It is also very sharp and I find it quite nice to use for sports and indoors at concerts and my kid's performances (dance, orchestra, plays, etc.). This lens is bigger and heavier, and it's built like a tank. It has a tripod mount, which helps. There are several reviews about this lens on the forum as well. I've seen a couple of these recently for $120-$175 - depending on condition. In this focal length - this is a great bang-for-the-buck lens for a fixed f:2.8.
I hope you find some great old glass to experiment with. To me, that's most of the fun of owning k-mount cameras.
Enjoy!
|
|
Forum: General Photography
03-05-2016, 09:50 AM
|
| |
I think I agree with LensBeginner. Although the 50-200 is a great travel lens (nice and compact).
It looks like you've got everything pretty well covered. The only thing missing might be a macro lens - if you're into that.
If you're trying to take a small kit - I'd probably go with the Sigma 10-20mm, 50mm 1.8, 18-135mm, and the 55-300mm.
Enjoy your trip!
|
|
Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
03-01-2016, 09:36 AM
|
| |
I agree that if you have options in the "tool" department, you should definitely choose the tool you feel is best for each job. If you're like a lot of us and you don't have a lot of options, you simply use the tools you have, and try to get the most out of them.
For me, the choice to go with Pentax over Canikon wasn't based necessarily on which one had the highest quality lenses, fastest autofocus, best low light performance, highest video quality, etc. It was simply about getting a system I could afford to grow...(my budget won't allow me to have multiple systems or a bag full of the latest and greatest lenses). Pentax allows me to do that. I love being able to find inexpensive old glass and use it on my digital Pentax bodies to get great results. I know there are people who can't imagine using old "cheap" glass on modern expensive camera bodies (of any system), but I enjoy and even crave doing just that.
But I digress...
If you have a K-1 (or are getting one) and want to use it to become a serious birder (or casual if that suits you better), go for it! The extra resolution and ISO improvements will probably allow for great results.
Regarding autofocus, I don't use it much for wildlife. I find that my subjects are usually far enough away that I'm typically at or near infinity most of the time - so it's easier to just focus myself. This also helps with "stealth" as my autofocus telephoto lenses are screw-drive and will make some noise otherwise... it may not be the ideal situation, but it works for me.
Happy shooting!
|
|
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
03-01-2016, 07:37 AM
|
| |
Welcome!
I spent a couple of years in your part of the country finishing up my degree (New Mexico State - in Las Cruces). It's a beautiful area in my opinion. Great climate, wide open views, and great food (I'm still addicted to green chile).
Can't wait to see some of your photos!
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
02-29-2016, 12:26 PM
|
| |
I miss my K10D. I sold it and "upgraded" when it started getting up there in shutter actuations (55,000 or so). I then spent a lot of time trying to regain the image character that the K10D images had (at least to me). I've had a couple of K-x's, a couple of K20D's, a K-7, and a K-30 since the K10D.
I know it's been said a lot, by a lot of people, but there's just something about the images produced by the old 6 and 10 megapixel CCD sensors...I also enjoy the body on the K10D. It fits my hand well. I still have one of my K20D's which uses almost the same body, so I still get the same feel as I did shooting with the K10D.
I have noticed that prices for gently used K10D's are cheaper than basic point and shoots right now. Maybe I'll have to pick one up just for kicks. It would probably be a great camera to start teaching my kids on as well...
|
|
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-29-2016, 09:54 AM
|
| |
Sorry to hear about your gear. Here's my two cents worth...
From what I understand, the K-50 may (a least on paper) be "better" than the K-5 in a few ways. It is said to have improved auto focus in low light, it has improved video (more frames per second options at 1080p), focus peaking for help using manual focus lenses, and potentially better jpeg output.
I don't know first hand if these actually translate into major improvements over the K-5. I have used a K-30 (almost identical specs to the k-50) for several years and also used a K-7 (same body as K-5) for a year or so. I also have a friend that uses a K-5, and I've spent a lot of time out shooting with him. Based on my use of -essentially the same bodies - I would not hesitate to trade the K-30 for a K-5, for the following reasons:
The K-5 has:
Top lcd
Higher frames per second (not by much...7 vs 6)
Better build quality (though the K-50 is still quite solid)
HDMI output
External microphone jack
Battery grip
14 bit RAW vs 12 bit on K-50
Better battery life (although you can use AA's on the K-50, which can be nice)
And possibly the most important difference (in my mind) the K-5 is noticeably quieter when taking photos. If you shoot wildlife, weddings, or anything that requires "stealth", the K-50 can be a bit distracting in these environments compared to the K-5.
Here is an older thread I found asking for advice choosing between the K-5 and K-30. The K-30 and K-50 are so similar, I believe it may be helpful to you.
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/115-pentax-k-5/186886-k5-vs-k30.html
They're both great cameras. Good Luck!
Edit: I forgot to mention faster maximum shutter speed on K-5 (1/8000 vs 1/6000 on K-50).
|
|
Forum: Sold Items
02-27-2016, 11:17 AM
|
| |
There were actually 2 versions of the Auto Sears MC 50mm f:1.7. One was built by Ricoh and is made of plastic and is fairly low profile (short). It goes from f:1.7 - f:16 in full stops. it generally looks like the Ricoh lens you have shown here - without the "A" or in this case "P" setting. It also has a 52mm filter thread - just like the Ricoh. I have that version of the sears lens and it is quite good and would probably be a similar optical formula to the "P" version Ricoh lens shown here.
The second version of the Auto Sears MC 50mm f:1.7 is also very good, but it is likely made by Chinon. It has a 49mm filter thread (as does the Chinon). It is also a little larger (taller) and is typically made of metal. As a result, it is heavier - and built like a tank. (Even though the Ricoh version is plastic, it is still very sturdy/well made). The Chinon version goes from f:1.7 to f:22 and generally has half stops. I also understand that it has a closer minimum focusing distance. It looks like the Sears lens shown here is the Chinon version.
Here are a couple of links on the forum that discuss these lenses.
Chinon Auto MC 50mm f/1.7 Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/269891-lets...enney-etc.html
Hope this helps!
|
|
Forum: Maintenance and Repair Articles
02-06-2016, 10:37 PM
|
| |
I have to come to the defense of this lens. I own a nice clean copy and I use it frequently. It's in my 4 or 5 lens kit that I keep with me most of the time - with my K20D.
It's actually a pretty amazing lens if you think about it. It was a pretty unique design and was highly regarded when it came out in the mid 70s, and it has held up well - to the point that it can still hold its own against modern lenses that cost 10 times - or more - what you'll pay for a clean copy today.
I'm a little biased as I tend to prefer manual focus lenses, but I also like good results, and this lens delivers. So much so - for me - that it has caused / allowed me to sell a couple of modern lenses because I didn't use them enough to justify keeping them (one being the Pentax 55-300mm). I simply prefer this lens.
It's very sharp, especially stopped down just 1/2 stop. It also has amazing colors and contrast that rivals some good primes I've used. The macro function isn't bad either.
It is old, heavy, and all manual, but it's also well built and smooth to operate. It's also a verifocal design and not a true zoom - which does take some getting used too - but also contributes to its great optical properties. In the end though, it can produce stunning results for those who will take the time to work with it.
You can check out some user reviews in the lens review database. Most are very positive.
Vivitar Series 1 (Version 1 - Kiron 22xxxx) 70-210mm f/3.5 Lens Reviews - Vivitar Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database
I am just a hobby photographer. I wasn't really into shooting film, and I never used one of these in their "prime" - so I'm not biased in that respect. I've only used it for the last 8 years or so on my digital pentax bodies. I do have other lenses in this focal range (one is a DA lens) that I use for specific tasks - but if I have the time to set up the shot, and don't have to rush - I'll choose this one over the others.
If I were in the UK and had a Canon that this would work on - I'd definitely be interested. Also, it would probably be fun to mess with - just to see how it works...
Thanks for the offer, and I hope you find a good home for it!
|
|
Forum: General Photography
02-05-2016, 07:43 AM
|
| |
Trees - I completely agree. The ability to acquire older manual focus lenses is the reason I got into Pentax in the first place. I had a Canon DSLR about 10 years ago and realized that I wasn't going to be able to afford very many lenses with my budget. I frequent thrift stores, resale shops, auction sites, and I use craigslist often. I kept finding older k-mount lenses in good shape for not much money. My buddy had a k100D and he'd buy them, walk out of the thrift store, mount them up, and start shooting. I decided I wanted to do that, so I switched to Pentax.
The only thing I'd add to your recommendation is that new users or beginners should spend some time reading up on lenses in the pentax forums lens review database - to become familiar with what is good and what to avoid. It helped me out a lot.
Reguarding your recent craigslist purchase (of should I say - score!), those are some great, very useful lenses.
If I'm looking at it right, I'd say the biggest steal of your purchase may be the Vivitar Series 1 70-210. Without being able to see the serial number, that appears to be the third version of that lens (judging by the grip pattern and the fact that it is f2.8-4.0). As you may know, the third version was built by Konime, and is considered by most to be the best version of that lens. It's really sharp, and it has great colors and contrast. I routinely see them go for $125-$175 in good working condition.
I have the first version, built by Kiron (also highly rated), which I also picked up for $20. It's a great lens, and is one of my 3 favorite lenses. I've picked up 15-20 great old lenses for not much money over the past few years. To purchase modern, auto focus lenses that can do what my bag of old glass can do - would have cost hundreds to thousands...
My frequently used - 4 lens kit - is the vivitar 70-210 discussed above, a Sears 50mm f1.7, a Mitakon 28 mm f2.8, and a promaster 28-70 mm f2.8-4.5. These are all "M" lenses. In total - I have $55 in these 4 lenses.
Anyway, I've gone on too long. Great advice! Enjoy your "new" gear!
|
|
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
02-03-2016, 11:02 AM
|
| |
I recently owned both of these at the same time. I think they are both great cameras that can still do a lot - especially considering their current used prices. I eventually sold the K-x and still have the K20D.
The K-x is small, well built, shoots video, and is great in low light (high iso). It also uses AA batteries which can be good. While all these are good qualities - the build quality is not as good as the K20D (which isn't really fair given their starting price / target users), the viewfinder is not as good (pentamirror vs pentaprism in K20D), there is no visible focus point indicator, video is nice, but for what I do - my phone works fine for this, and the biggest one for me - poor battery life in the K-x. I tried all the tricks (eneloops, firmware updates, etc.), but could never get very many shots out of a set of batteries on my K-x. I did have decent luck with energizer ultimate lithiums, but I didn't want to spend $10 every time I needed fresh batteries.
The K20D gives up a bit in low light, but it's not bad, IMHO, up to iso 1200 or so (especially with decent glass). It's built like a tank, is weather sealed, has great battery life, and has a big - bright viewfinder with visible focus confirmation.
Ergonomically, it and the K10D are still my favorite bodies (I've used K-7 and K30 also, but I still love the way the K20D fits in my hand). I've also never had any of the problems with mirror flop issues using older M lenses with the K20D like I did with my K30 (which is why I don't have it any more).
I've also found the images from the K20D to be sharper (especially jpegs), with better colors than the K-x.
I've owned 2 of each of these, and I really like what they can do. But if I could only have one - it's the K20D.
Sorry for the long reply. Good Luck, and enjoy!
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
02-03-2016, 08:57 AM
|
| |
Your friend's kit sounds great to me, though I might like some additional length...
I tend to like older, manual focus lenses. Ones you might find at thrift stores and resale shops (which is good since that's typically all my budget will allow). If I could only keep 4 of my lenses I'd probably keep the following:
1) Mitakon 28mm f2.8 (sharp and decent macro)
2) Auto Sears MC 50 mm f1.7 (possibly my favorite lens)
3) Promaster 28-70mm f2.8-4.5 (good walk around)
4) Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm f3.5 (Kiron) (this is probably my second favorite lens - great for flowers and portraits)
I don't have anything wider than a Tokina AT-X 24-40 mm at the moment (which I almost included in place of the promaster). If I did, it would be on here.
If I was going light - for travel - I'd go with my DA 50-200mm WR (one of only 2 auto focus lenses I own - and an underrated lens IMO) in place of the vivitar.
Everyone has had great suggestions. It's always fun to hear what others like to shoot with, and why.
|
|
Forum: Monthly Photo Contests
01-23-2015, 06:57 PM
|
| |
My 4-year-old son and I were supposed to be watching his older brother's football game. As usual, the game only held his attention for about 5 seconds. To pass the time we were walking around under the bleachers. To him, they look like a giant jungle gym. The light was great that afternoon, so I started snapping shots of him climbing around (don't worry - he was only about 2 feet off the ground). What makes this shot cool (for me) is that he never sits still for a shot - and he even less frequently looks at me when I request it. I typically do a lot of "anticipation shooting" with him. He just happened to look up - and I was ready for him.
Thanks for looking!
|
|
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
11-15-2014, 08:11 PM
|
| |
P. Soo
If you use a Mac, and are not sure about Lightroom or photoshop - you might look into Darktable. It's free - and has a lot of the functionality of lightroom (so I've read). I haven't spent much time with Lr - so I can't say for sure, but it can do a lot. I've been using it for about a year now - and I really like it. It's only for Mac and Linux users. If you do a search on this forum - you'll find several other members talking about it. I also really like Perfect Photo Suite - by OnOne. It's a lot cheaper than photoshop - especially if you catch it on sale - and is pretty user friendly (which is why I opted for it over photoshop). It can be used as a stand alone suite - or as plug-ins for photoshop, photoshop elements, and Lightroom. The Adobe products are very good and very popular - so you can't go wrong there. I just mention these as capable and inexpensive alternatives.
|
