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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
02-08-2010, 12:14 PM
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Thanks Marc-- that was what I meant. And, I forgot all about the 50-200WR. So it looks like just the DA* and the WR-designated lenses are weather resistant. Correct me if I'm wrong, thanks!
Kevin
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
02-08-2010, 11:26 AM
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I have done some research on this site, and haven't found a definitive answer (maybe I wasn't looking in the right places). Which Pentax lenses are weather resistant? I understand that none of the limiteds are, but that 18-55 WR and all the DA* lenses are. Are the other * series weather resistant?
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
02-02-2010, 06:44 AM
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Is there any vignetting problem using the DA40 (or any DA) lens on the MZ-L/ZX-L?
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
02-01-2010, 04:35 PM
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Did Pentax ever make a compact SLR along the lines of an OM-1? I am thinking of going back to film for travel, and would like a light weight rangefinder or compact SLR to take the place of my K20D in my travel bag. [As an aside, the Panny GF1 looks great for a DSL(R), but the cost seems too high for me for a travel camera, and it's noise is more than I'm used to.] I had a K1000 a long time ago, and liked it, but it got stolen. Also, I tend to shoot in aperture priority mode, and want something with a built in meter. I don't need a motor drive, but might need a compact flash at times. AF is nice, but not necessary, especially if it adds much weight or bulk. I understand the ME Super gets good reviews, but I'm not sure what is small and high quality in this field. Thoughts? Other ideas I have are for an old Olympus 35 CR (for cheap, but good quality) or a Contax G2 (for pricy, but great quality). Any thoughts on this are appreciated, including good film choices and where to get film developed. (I have been out of film, literally and figuratively, for a very long time.)
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
01-30-2010, 04:23 PM
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That's a cool picture. The IQ of the four thirds format seems really good, with just a little less dynamic range due to the smaller sensor. (Not that I could see any loss in that shot.) Too bad the compact P&S size cameras don't have that kind of IQ, except the new $2k Leica which is way out of my league.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
01-30-2010, 01:05 PM
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I have a K20D kit and a few lenses and accessories, and really like it. With my A50/1.7 lens, low light performance is great, and the DA 18-55 kit lens is great for bright light work. I also have a DA 55-200 that I don't really use. The issue is that I find even a 2 lens kit a bit large is for travelling on business, with photos taken on the side. I have gotten spoiled on the IQ of the K20D though, and now I really don't like the slow speed, low IQ, and poor low light performance of my old pocket-sized Canon SD550. So, I have been thinking of getting a Panasonic GF1 with the 20/1.7 for travel. I played with it at B&H (what a store!) and like its feel. I'm not crazy about the lack of optical view finder for manual focusing, but I guess that's the tradeoff when you lose the mirror box. (Plus, I probably won't be manually focusing as much since I won't be using my A50 lens.) The manual focus enlarged screen does seem to work well, though. It also looks like it has performance up to ISO 800 that is comparable to the K20D (and that's the max I ever use on my K20D due to the noise). If it's good enough, I may--gasp--sell off the K20D to offset the price, since I don't really NEED the weather sealing or the battery grip, or the remote, or a lot of the other gizmos I picked up for it. Is this a big mistake? Have any of you had a chance to use the GF1? Any experience with its IQ or any problems with it? Your opinions are appreciated.
Kevin
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
01-26-2010, 01:34 PM
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Thanks! I do appreciate the quick reply.
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
01-26-2010, 10:50 AM
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Is the battery grip supposed to have a rubber gasket all around the outer edge to seal it to the bottom of the camera body? Or is the only seal the one around the multi-pin connector? I just bought a used one, and had the impression it would have a gasket all around its outer edge (the one I bought does not). Thanks!
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
01-23-2010, 07:58 PM
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I am a newbie, looking for a first tripod for general, all around use. I may take it hiking, and use it at home. I found a decent deal on a Manfrotto 3205G leg / 3265g ball head. Is this a decent set up? It seems to have gotten good reviews, and is not crazy heavy. I'll be using it with a K20D and kit lenses, with a future of maybe a 300/f4 type lens.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
01-23-2010, 09:14 AM
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I am a newbie with a K20D, too, and went with the A 50/1.7 as my second lens for low light based on recommendations here. It is a great lens, and ran me $85 in excellent condition off the big auction site. It is more fun to use than the kit lens, and manual focusing is no biggie, at least for stationary targets. Not using the auto aperture mode, though, would seem to be a big hassle (at least for this newbie). I just couldn't afford the FA version when I bought the A, and after using the A, I am quite content with it, which is unusual for me. Good luck!
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
01-22-2010, 12:39 PM
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The more I think about it, the more I am considering buying a slingshot or something similar to carry everything. Right now, all I have is a top loading Tamrac pack that holds the camera+lens and small accys (which is great for going with only one lens).
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
01-22-2010, 09:45 AM
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I was just going to ask about that. I always shoot in raw, and would rather focus on composing the shot and depth of field/ISO while I am out.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
01-21-2010, 06:08 AM
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My pockets must be smaller than yours, Brit and Paul! But you are right, it is only a few more ounces, and I can just carry a backpack or something.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
01-20-2010, 10:19 AM
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I am a newbie, and am going on a business trip to New York City and Hartford, CT. (I've been to NYC a bunch, but not since I got into photography.) I'd like to bring my K20D along to take some pictures since I will have some down time in the mornings before my meetings. I figure the shots will typically be people, buildings, trains, and maybe some shots of Central Park. I'd like to pack light because of all the schlepping (sp?) I will need to do, so I figure I should just take one lens and the camera body. My "arsenal," such as it is, consists of the K20D, the BG2, an extra battery, the F remote, an 18-55 DA kit lens, a 50-200 DA lens, and a manual focus SMC-A 50/1.5. My guess is that the 18-55 would make the most sense with these limitations, though the longer lens might be better for people on the street. Thoughts? Thanks!
Kevin
PS--Thanks to all those who suggested getting the manual focus 50/1.7. I really, really like it.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
01-15-2010, 06:51 AM
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I checked it out per Stevebrot's links, and it seems perfect. I'll take a few shots and see if I can see anything on RAW in the shots. I just can't believe it made it 3/4 the way across the country in perfect shape. Thanks all. I'll leave feedback.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
01-14-2010, 07:47 PM
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I just bought a used DA 50-200mm lens off the classifieds here from " inneyeseekay " and he mailed it in a thin cardstock priority mail envelope stuck inside a big tyvek envelope. The lens had no padding whatsoever, and when I opened the tyvek envelope, the lens had partially torn through the thin cardstock one. Amazingly, the lens still looks to be in excellent condition cosmetically. No marks on the glass or coatings, either. It mounts just fine, and seems to work fine as far as focusing and zooming. Is there anything I should look for in specific to make sure it is ok inside?
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Forum: Sold Items
01-12-2010, 03:27 PM
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
12-16-2009, 08:35 PM
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Thanks. I hope the guy still has it!
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
12-16-2009, 08:23 PM
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Well played, Grasshopper.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
12-16-2009, 03:06 PM
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That's good advice. I'll buy it and try it.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
12-14-2009, 07:26 PM
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It's the 50-135. The guy wants $675, and the average price listed on the reviews here is $850, I believe. Fleabay sellers have them for the mid 700's new, so I guess a "safer" price for resale concerns would be in the $500's, huh?
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
12-14-2009, 04:36 PM
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I recently bought a used K20D after reading tons of info, and am very happy I chose it over other used cameras like the XSi and D3000 based on ergos and apparent build quality. It came with the DA II 18-55 kit lens, which is fine for many purposes. I am looking for an A or FA 50mm 1.4 or 1.7 for indoor work, and a longer lens for nature photos. On the latter, I just ran across an FA 100-300/4.7-5.8 lens in excellent shape for $65. I know it would not be built like the DA* 50-135/2.8, or have that kind of quality feel, but the ratings for it on this site seem very good. The problem is there are never any real absolute ratings; most are "great for the price" or something equivalent. I understand that, but when I think of a $65 lens, I don't expect much at all.
So, my question for the gurus is, given decent (bright enough) conditions, is the FA 100-300 worthy of taking great outdoor pictures? My hope is that after using it for a while, I will figure out what focal length or range I really need, and then get a better, faster zoom lens or prime(s).
Thanks,
Kevin
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
12-14-2009, 03:19 PM
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Is there any ballpark as to how much to reduce a lens' price when there is a scratch on the front element? I saw a nice DA* zoom lens that normally runs $850 or so used in excellent condition (according to this site), and I am wondering what to offer when it has a tiny scratch about half way out from center. The seller says it doesn't affect image quality, and offered a return if I think it does. Assuming it doesn't affect IQ, what's a decent price to offer? I want to keep resale in mind if I go to other lenses down the road that make this one unnecessary. Thanks!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
12-08-2009, 03:37 PM
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I am a newbie to DLSR's, and have a K20D with the basic kit zoom lens. I have been reading about the joys of fast primes, specifically the FA 50/1.4 Being on a budget, I began wondering about how the IQ of the A series 50/1.4 compares to it. I wouldn't mind manual focusing (based on reading some linked articles) if the IQ is comparable. Any opinions?
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