Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
4 Hours Ago
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Show a pic of the mount to see if it is Auto Focus.
I have an AF version that has the APO DG designation with the red stripe. It's surprisingly sharp when stopped down a bit in good light. If you can get it for a super good price, I'd say it's likely worth it.
For a really great 50-300mm, get the Pentax PLM version, but it will cost you more than this lens up in the low $100s. This one should be roughly $60 to $90 if it is AF, depending on condition. Have you examined the glass with a flashlight?
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Forum: Photographic Technique
3 Days Ago
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I'm trying to fully understand the OP and your subsequent comments.
Does your experiment include intentionally moving the camera while pressing the shutter? Are the movements controlled mechanically somehow? Or is the camera hand-held throughout the exposures?
What are the experiments intended to examine? The accuracy of the Shake Reduction mechanism? Isn't the SR designed to address minor unintentional shaking? Unintentional movements may be much less than intentional movements.
If all the exposures are completely handheld during intentional movements, doesn't it follow that the movements would vary in degree and amount with each exposure?
Or maybe I don't understand the "pitch and yaw" and "circular movement" comments?
It seems that many are trying to be helpful with suggestions on how to keep the camera steady and movement-free while pressing the shutter, but the experiment seems to be intentional movement while pressing the shutter.
Again, my apologies if I've misunderstood the OP and following remarks. Trying to see what info is really being sought.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
3 Days Ago
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Practice now, well before the eclipse with your solar filter, your longest lens, and one or two teleconverters. Do it at roughly the same time of day that the eclipse will take place in your area.
Practice getting the right infinity focus (often not exactly at the focus stop). Decide how many teleconverters you want to use, how well you can track the sun.
Note that the normal ball head on a tripod may have too much movement when locking down to stay on track with the sun. Once you get to 300 > 600 > more with a 300mm + 2x + 2x or + 1.5 of APSC, movement at the ball head once you get the sun in the frame can be an issue.
So, practice to see how your rig works out. If you have to do something in compensation (like aiming high when you twist the ball head lock down, etc) then you'll know more about it and how to work with it during the few minutes of eclipse.
Also, even during 2-4 minutes of the height of the eclipse, the sun's going to move a noticeable amount at near 600mm or more.
You may want to take partial eclipse photos as the event proceeds, so practicing acquiring the sun in the frame now, beforehand, will be helpful. It's not as easy as it sounds with a TC, solar filter, etc.
Bring a lightweight white cloth to toss over your equipment between shots to reduce heating in the sunlight.
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Forum: General Photography
6 Days Ago
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What sort of lens are people using? Can a large enough image be obtained without excessive cropping? I'm just curious of the mechanics of it all. tia!
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Forum: Repairs and Warranty Service
6 Days Ago
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Interesting the K30 is listed, but not the very similar to internally identical (?) K50. And that the K-01 is still listed. I'll still say the KP deserved a lot longer life than it had, both in production and in spare parts.
But, as said, parts go out of production not only at Pentax, but at their suppliers. Nothing to be done then.
In an expanding rather than contracting photography world, there might be more spares warehoused. But "warehouse" became a dirty word during "just in time" manufacturing which flourished for a time, then that went to pieces in the pandemia. Ooops... there are no good answers or solutions.
Buy all the spares. Junk nothing. :D
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
6 Days Ago
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Welcome to Pentax Forums. I'm often the idiot, but people are remarkably nice about it. I've overlooked things many times. No worries.
Show us some photos taken with your adapted Canon lenses. If you end up happy, great! If you end up unhappy, consider picking up a used Sony E mirrorless camera as most everything can be adapted due to the mirrorless registration distance.
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Forum: Pentax Price Watch
03-12-2024, 03:33 AM
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Do they really collect 13-14% of the sales price? That's a steep cut, isn't it?
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
03-12-2024, 03:31 AM
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My experiences with KEH have been very similar to @pepperberry farm's and @Oldbayrunner's
Bargain items that I couldn't find much wrong with. Better rated items that arrived looking like new to me. Maybe I'm not critical enough? Maybe the paint was faded on one side or a bit of brassing on the knurls. Never a defect with the lens or anything non-functional. In fact, I was very pleased, because my "Bargains" were real bargains!
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Forum: Pentax Full Frame
03-10-2024, 01:47 AM
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I liked a lot of the OP ideas. In fact, a reduced down FF could be just about perfect for my uses. I'd avoid a lot of stuff I don't ever use. The premium version could be for all those who need the automation, extra features, etc.
I love this idea of split-screen focus. Instead of electronic visual representation for focus, just give us a great split screen OEM in the camera in a bright OVF. It's a great way to manually focus and, at least in my experience, very easy to do accurately.
Forgetting about the electronics for AF indication in the viewfinder would be a (maybe small or tiny) weight savings. It would reduce complexity for sure.
As far as the rear screen, I think that's something that most users of digital cameras will demand. The ability to see your images on camera, immediately, and reshoot or move on is very valuable. I can see it would be a weight and cost savings. But I don't think many would buy a digital camera without a screen. Even 100% manual shooters would likely want a screen.
As far as fixed or moveable, well, adjustable movement screens is a mature technology. Pentax used them on the K-S2, the KP, etc. Both those two were small form-factor cameras. Having a screen didn't noticeably increase the size. All other makers use them. And, yes, having at least the capacity to flip it up for low shots would be the minimum.
A lot of great ideas in this thread! Thought-provoking.
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Forum: Pentax Price Watch
03-09-2024, 03:11 AM
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Well over $2600 usd right now and 38 hours to go ! Have they usually gone that high? Well, it's a full set, including nice case.
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Forum: General Photography
03-09-2024, 03:04 AM
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The psychology behind discussion is always an interesting thing. We faced with some seemingly unsolvable complex issue at work, we'd often find that, while describing and defining the issue with others, the solution came to us, often without further input.
In another situation, auditing columns and rows of numbers to find the 37 cent error in a $2 million bank deposit, we'd often find that simply another person sitting in the same chair could quickly spot the error. Usually, it was transposed digits on a check input or something similar.
Before I got there, people were afraid to say they couldn't find the problem and balance the audit in time for the day's enormous deposit. They were worried of criticism or downrating. After a while of observing how quickly a different person's look would spot a discrepancy, we started a new process called "new eyes."
After a thorough look had been made without finding the problem, they would just say, "New eyes!" No embarrassment, no penalty, no criticism. People would simply change seats. We sped up our deposits nicely.
I think these kinds of discussions, "What should I take?" help people see with new eyes, contributed by others. And the process of typing it out often helps the OP see more too.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
03-07-2024, 02:03 AM
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Oh yes, absolutely. But that's been done, right? The HD version was released in 2021, nearly three years ago. But I don't really need anything else, most of which 'updates' would increase size and weight a good deal.
It's pretty good, isn't it? I think it is. What would we change, if we had three wishes? :D
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Forum: Pentax Price Watch
03-07-2024, 02:00 AM
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It only takes a couple people with money who want it, bidding it up. There are plenty of people with way too much money. I agree, it will be interesting to see how it goes.
I don't really want one, but I would like to see and maybe use some of the more rare lenses to see what I think of the results from the precious! :D
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
03-06-2024, 03:44 AM
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I don't know if discussing prices moves me one way or the other. Look at prices of other brands of cameras. I've looked around based on scattered remarks I hear now and then. I don't see Pentax prices being greatly out of line with similar quality products at all.
My impression has been that Pentax actually has updated a good number of the DA lenses. There are new ones that I haven't bought yet, though, because my old lenses are perfectly serviceable. I'm not sure why I'd want to buy a lens that gets significantly better every couple years. Seems like that original lens must not have been very good that so much improvement could be made.
Yet, I've been using lenses with designs a couple decades old with great success. A couple of them, in my opinion, are still the "best" lenses around (FA 31, 77 ltds for sure).
Pentax was industry leading in coatings and in compact, quality design. That's carried them so far that I don't really ... I can't really think of a "better" FA 31. Internal motor would mean larger and heavier. Weather-resistant would mean larger and heavier. I don't want larger and heavier. While, yes, I do have larger and heavier lenses, they serve more purposes. Or are for a different use case.
For example, the 50-135's IQ, I think, would be hard to beat. Does it need a new internal motor and new release? Well, sure, if the SDM fails. However, mine was screw drive converted, is faster, more zippy, accurate focus... I don't really need a better lens, because it's dang good.
I'm afraid I just don't connect. Maybe I'm just missing the point. The problem may be entirely me-related. What does a lens update every couple years get me? How often does the basic tech change that much?
DSLRs are pretty much abandoned, except for Pentax. Mirrorless cameras might release new lenses regularly. Then they could be "supported" regularly. What does it give you over Pentax? Pentax is DSLR. If I decided to convert to mirrorless, I'd just do it. But cameras are cameras.
The point is the image. I'm just not connecting and I don't know what my problem is here. If I buy a used lens, someone else can buy a new lens with the money. Or maybe they'll buy mirrorless. What does it have to do with me, though? All my things, cars, clothes, whatever, are a mixed of new and used. Although I fervently hope that Levis stays in business, sometimes, the pants called for on occasion are something else. I don't think about how I let Levis down after buying something else. \_O_/ (maybe someone can explain it like I'm 6 yo?)
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
03-05-2024, 02:46 AM
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I agree with all the above regarding the K5 and remember all the discussions of issues at the time. For that reason, I never had a K5, but I do have a K5iis, which is a great camera and still working solidly to this day. In some ways, I prefer it over the K3ii that I have.
If you can find an affordable K5ii or K5iis, I would recommend those. Yes, even the K5 will have an IQ improvement over the K-r, but with the later models, you'll have an even better experience, imho.
Welcome to Pentax Forums! Good to see you here!
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
03-02-2024, 01:25 AM
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Just a note on the "fear factor:" fungus spores are everywhere, all the time. The very same type of spores which were inside your viewer are likely to have to have landed on your K5 years ago.
The environment that gets them to grow and reproduce is dark and humidity. To the extent that a leather case can hold onto moisture and keep it close to the optics, well, yes, it could assist in the growth of fungus. Keeping things stored at around 50% humidity or a bit less, should prevent any further fungus spores which are floating in the air both indoors and outdoors right now.
High humidity, like a cellar or garage or attic with a roof leak, etc, or during rains with open windows for fresh air for days, greatly increased humidity is what spurs the growth.
If anyone else has successfully restored a leather case associated with fungus, I'd be curious what they say. Some lens cleaning enthusiasts used to use facial cold cream as the first pass to cleaning fungus from a lens, then followed by a soapy solution, then alcohol or hydrogen peroxide as the final step.
I've wondered if cold cream would be suitable for cleaning leather, but I don't know what the exact process might be.
In Yucatan, we have to use saddle soap on our belts and leather shoes (and leather sofas, if one is so blessed) during the rainy season, as very high humidity during long periods of tropical rains can inspire mold indoors any time.
Personally, I wouldn't harbor too much ill will with the seller. Most of the general public doesn't know about the flashlight test or how to thoroughly inspect optics. They just glance at the surface of the front and back of a lens, see it's clean and say "It's clean."
Unless the seller held themselves out to be a well-practiced photographer or an expert in optics, in other words, a typical general seller, I'd likely be tempted to send about half back, with a note saying something like, "I've cleaned it up fairly well. Took quite a bit of careful work. Going to try making a go of it.Thought I'd split the difference with you. Thank you!"
My personal belief is that the karma of purchasing works both ways. Now, if he'd said, "Inspected by expert. Perfectly good working condition," then no, I wouldn't send a nickel (or a pence?) back, because I'd feel he'd been dishonest.
I'm not at all saying what you should do, just offering my perspective.
But on the optics fungus thing, don't worry too much. Your cameras and lenses have been exposed to indivisible fungus spores for years. The growth shown in your photos is the structure of the "plant", which has likely already died off and not reproducing, well before you cleaned it.
It's the spores and humidity which are to worry about as far as growth from unsprouted spores beginning. So general cleanliness and lower moderate humidity are good practices for fungus and general reasons. Very dry conditions, very low humidity, can dry out lubricants, leather, and contribute its own set of issues. Moderation, 40-50% is the key.
Regular exposure to sunlight is a good idea, but just taking equipment out of their cases for exam and cleaning is often enough. No need to schedule them for sunbathing vacations! :D
So happy your operation was a success. It looks like you've done a fine job. I suppose I've rattled on long enough . . . :D
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
03-02-2024, 12:47 AM
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Thank you for your detailed and interesting reply. I did have a concern for straight lines and working with that regarding photos. I'm glad to hear you do not find it an issue.
After thinking about it a bit, I can see how the edge elements or controls "feel too far away" on a flat monitor. I've never used one that's very large, but sat down at seated desk-distance from our 32" TV and I can see what you mean.
I appreciate the recommendation on brands. I've used LG for TVs (a Samsung we bought had to be returned because of sharp drop-off when not viewing directly on center). That make not apply to monitors, however. I had an older 27" LG monitor/TV combo that we used in the kitchen for years just as a TV and the screen really ruined me for regular TVs until they improved over the years.
I'll keep an eye out for sales online, but for something new like this, I hope to be able to see it in person to get a good idea first. After years of not being in a Best Buy (where I used to go frequently for music), we found a great deal there on our 32" LG TV that replaced the 27" in the kitchen when it died. ---------- Post added 03-02-24 at 01:48 AM ----------
Good point about arranging the working area well for any impacts. I try not to have a bright light behind me, but sometimes when just carrying the laptop around, that's not an option. I hope for a curved screen, if I go that way, I'll be able to have a decent workspace. Thanks!
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
02-29-2024, 01:52 AM
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I've been considering the curved vs flat screen proposition for some time. Are there any specific advantages (or disadvantages) you feel you get from having a curved screen? Any particular brand you'd recommend?
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
02-29-2024, 01:25 AM
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Thank you to Gary for sharing the link!
I've responded with all my weirdities and personal preferences. I'm happy to see Pentax doing this. I'd hope they'd do it every quarter or so and see how their input morphs and evolves over time. Often survey information is more effective and more informative when comparisons can be made to previous surveys. "Answers over time" often reveals more answers than originally considered.
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Forum: Pentax Price Watch
02-29-2024, 01:12 AM
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Three days delivery is great service from any seller. I'm going to ry to keep them in mind whenever I go searching for something. Thanks for sharing your experience.
While I'm at it, thanks to Fenwoodian for sharing the link about MPB. They are another great seller that I've had good experiences with in the past. It's good to be reminded of them. Sometimes I forget to check there.
With luck, MAP will also prove to be good experiences in the future.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
02-28-2024, 03:32 AM
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$264 is a very low price for an FA 31mm. Around $600 is a more common used price, so it's less than 1/2 price for being well used and needing the fungus cleaned.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
02-26-2024, 03:05 AM
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Ah, I see I missed the two lower specs that the seven element S-M-C 50mm f1.4 had eight aperture blades in two of three versions. And it does have an aperture ring that matches the OPs, with eight positions on the scale:
So, someone has screwed on the beauty ring (what I called the label ring, lol) for the f1.8.
OP likely got a bonus on the lens!
Q: I realize the efficiency of having one overarching category in the reviews when there are several versions of a lens. Might eight aperture blades have an effect on the lens' rendering? They all have identical lens elements, so I guess it's best to keep them all together, even with other characteristics being a bit different. |
Forum: Photographic Technique
02-25-2024, 11:01 PM
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I saw your photos at the second link. The first doesn't seem to open for me. Great images. Can I ask what lens ( or lenses ) and camera you generally use for your photos? You must have some great access for some of those military aircraft. Thanks for the enjoyable view!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
02-25-2024, 10:03 PM
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Interesting.
Most of the photos of variants of the 55mm f1.8 SMC Super Takumar on PF show the f-stops going from f2.8 to f1.8, with seven positions on the scale: 16, 11, 8, 5.6, 4, 2.8, 1.8. Others are either preset or have the reversed aperture ring.
brupsilva's aperture scale goes from f2.8 to f2 to f1.4 with eight positions on the scale.
Neither the 50mm / f1.4 eight element or seven element lens has eight aperture blades. They both have six. And the 55mm / f1.8's all have either ten or six blades.
Clearly brupsilva's lens has eight blades.
It's a mystery. Could it be a short-term variant that's little documented? I know, in some cases, some lens' label front rings could be interposed, but changing the number of aperture blades is a bigger step above that.
I wonder if the lens could be tested alongside an actual f1.4 lens to see what amount of light is being admitted?
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
02-23-2024, 01:35 AM
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First, I agree with all the good suggestions already provided. My tiny bit of advice is that you soon find out which factors will directly impact your shots -- the actual resulting images -- and which are sorta, well, good to have around, but may not be used all that often.
I've been a KP user now for some time, and I don't find I have to go into the menu often for much at all. I set the mode dial for aperture priority or manual or program and just shoot. The display will give you info on the image you've taken, which you may want to change if the image you received isn't to your liking.
On the good side, Pentax presents us with a wonderful array of options for changing various aspects of image making. On the other side, there are just so many things to think about (if you care to think about them).
Concentrate on the basics. Then as you read the manual, think to yourself, "Why might I use that?" or "Why would I want to do that?" If there's no immediate apparent answer, ignore it and charge on! Or, if you'd like to know more, bring the specific setting question to the forum and see what variety of answers you receive.
To be honest, I'm in manual mode much of the time, just shooting without much assist. I make mistakes, but with digital, I'm not spending money to get slides developed and returned a week later. So I just charge onward! :)
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