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Forum: Monthly Photo Contests
04-07-2011, 01:21 PM
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One interesting application that has been bothering me for a long time, and most of all recently -what with all the events in the Muslim world and all that- is to allow phtographers take "forbidden" pictures.
Usually if you do, as soon as you are spotted a soldier or agent will come over to you and either confiscate the camera, the card, both or at least ensure all pictures are erased.
But if you can take the shot and send it somewhere else immediately, you can then have the card deleted, removed or whatever and the document picture is safe. You could report on any abuse, human or civil rights violation, etc... and circumvent the abusers' censorship.
Imagine getting real images of whatever is going on now in Libia!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
06-02-2010, 12:20 AM
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I think there is a flaw in the way you interpret the impact of old lenses: you are assuming they impact negatively the sales of modern lenses.
I beg to disagree: old lenses may decrease sales of new ones in the hands of experts or fans who can use them proficiently. In most cases they are bought by new aficionados who got their DSLR and want the taste of a prime or a better lens without the price penalty. In a few cases they will discover the advantages in the results they get over the kit lens do not justify a buy, in another few they may decide to go all the route to learn to use them (out of romanticism or economy), but in a large number of cases they will see they get better pictures and will hate the inconvenience of not having automatic or AF modes, or WR or some other feature and will move on to a better lens.
So, actually, older lenses are helping sell newer lenses (and bodies lowering the entry cost), as people who would not try those optics due to high prices can get an enticing taste off older lenses and be motivated to save for the newer lens. Granted, they may delay buying the newer lens, but it is arguable that were it not for the old version they might never make the expense only to try if a new lens suits them.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
02-18-2010, 07:54 AM
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Just a quick update. Yesterday it worked flawlessly, but today the lens failed again. In this case it does not seem to be able to focus.
One thing I notice is the focus ring seems loose. With other lenses the focus ring is stiff when in AF mode (as one would expect), but with this one it slides softly in AF mode. I suspect that something is either broken or disengaged in the motor/ring connection.
Has anyone else noticed this looseness when their lenses fail?
I'll be returning mine for repair while the guarantee lasts.:mad:
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
02-16-2010, 07:03 AM
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Hi,
recently I started having the same problem with the kit lens of my K20D. It is an SMC DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL II.
The lens would not focus at all on Sunday (two days ago, after some months unused) and I had to use manual focus. The camera (a K20D) also refused to use AE or any exposure program at all, so I had to revert to manual exposure as well. Curiously some of the pictures where overexposed but it might have been my nerves.
Yesterday, with more time I tried again and noticed it did allow exposure control now, but AF didn't work. After a few tests I noticed AF working when it was already very close to actual focus. It seemed to become a bit better, but then I also noticed the battery was too low, so took it to charge. Noteworthy is that a Tamron 18-250 worked flawlessly all the while.
Today, I tried with a fully charged battery and it seems to work OK. As my warranty is expiring next March, I need to take a decision soon. In principle the problem is too similar to the one described, but it might be a low battery charge problem, so I feel tempted to send the lens for repair, but I would hate to have it back as OK and having to pay all transport costs.
BTW, it may make sense to check if the problem may be battery related. I do not mean the battery itself, but may be the contacts, or as someone else mentioned, may be the lubricant in the motor rearranges because of gravity making it more difficult to move and a simple light shaking redistributes lubricant again and makes it work (much like an old car's motor).
Again, my problem is warranty expires in a few weeks, I don't feel tempted to wait for a new failure to check (I'll wait though, just in case it was low power issue and if it happens again will try a few common sense tricks before sending it quickly to repair).
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