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Forum: Pentax K-3 III 1 Day Ago  
Post your K3 iii pictures.
Posted By Mobusaki
Replies: 3,710
Views: 278,052
w/50mm classic

IMGP8821 by JBP_Mobusaki, on Flickr

IMGP9397 by JBP_Mobusaki, on Flickr
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 1 Day Ago  
The smc Pentax-DA★ 50-135mm f/2.8 ED [IF] SDM has been discontinued
Posted By Mobusaki
Replies: 85
Views: 6,990
Edit: My apologies, I missed the word "aperture" in your post. Very important distinction!

It's not alleged. The thing is amazing. I think few know how to use it properly, given the lack of fast AF tracking in the past. I picked up the lens in question, 50-135, last week and even though it is SDM it can track a dog running straight toward the camera without issue. Focus is on the face until the dog is very, very close, where all cameras struggle. The K-3iii can do this with the DA*300, the DA*60-250, and now my DA*50-135. All slow SDM motors, particularly the 60-250! More lens motor speed is nice, but it was always the camera bodies that needed updated most. And they have, finally. :)
Forum: General Photography 3 Days Ago  
Discontinued But Not Dead
Posted By Mobusaki
Replies: 23
Views: 1,488
This is why Pentax should always have something like the KP in their lineup. Variety is good! K-3iii is my favorite camera of all time, by a large margin, but I can see why it might not be the ticket for others. E.g., the fixed screen could be a deal-breaker. I want a KP for the tilt screen, compact size, and cool aesthetics. But ~$600 used I am not willing to bite. A new one with K-3iii autofocus, though? Goodness, I'd have a hard time choosing between that and the K-1iii. I'd eventually end up with both, I'm sure. haha
Forum: Pentax K-3 III 03-09-2024, 02:27 PM  
Post your K3 iii pictures.
Posted By Mobusaki
Replies: 3,710
Views: 278,052
31mm ltd
IMGP0125 by JBP_Mobusaki, on Flickr
Forum: Pentax K-3 III 02-18-2024, 06:41 AM  
Post your K3 iii pictures.
Posted By Mobusaki
Replies: 3,710
Views: 278,052
First two are with DA*60-250 + hd1.4x teleconverter. Last two are with DA*300 + 1.4x teleconverter.

IMGP2338 by JBP_Mobusaki, on Flickr

IMGP2535 by JBP_Mobusaki, on Flickr

IMGP2709 by JBP_Mobusaki, on Flickr

IMGP2733 by JBP_Mobusaki, on Flickr
Forum: Pentax K-3 III 02-07-2024, 11:43 PM  
K-3iii Eye Autofocus Works in SEL AF modes and in any Image Profile.
Posted By Mobusaki
Replies: 38
Views: 3,022
Just wanted to update this with a video Youtube decided to show me tonight. Someone did the exact same thing back in 2021 with firmware 1.0. So that confirms it, the K-3iii has been able to do this since day one. Pretty surprised this is not in the user manual.
















You Tube



Forum: Pentax K-3 III 01-30-2024, 09:42 AM  
Post your K3 iii pictures.
Posted By Mobusaki
Replies: 3,710
Views: 278,052
w/100mm macro

IMGP7951 by JBP_Mobusaki, on Flickr
Forum: Pentax K-3 III 01-29-2024, 04:39 PM  
Monitor Adjustment / Calibration on K3 Mark III
Posted By Mobusaki
Replies: 1
Views: 589
Do you have the time in the video where he talks about that? It's rather long, but I am interested. I haven't really noticed a discrepancy, but I would be surprised if there was agreement between my camera screen and my computer screen because my computer screen hasn't even been calibrated. Did you calibrate yours? I have thought about doing it but never got around to it. That would be the first step for me before adjusting the camera display.
Forum: Pentax K-3 III 01-22-2024, 11:25 AM  
Missing X Sync Cover
Posted By Mobusaki
Replies: 11
Views: 742
There should be weathersealing in that area, the cover would just protect the contacts from getting dirty. See post #23 here: Hot Shoe Cover how important is it and why ? - Page 2 - PentaxForums.com

I wasn't able to find a parts diagram of the K-3iii, but hopefully Pentax has not made it less weather resistant than the K-7... In any case, certainly no harm in leaving it on.
Forum: Pentax K-3 III 01-22-2024, 11:16 AM  
Post your K3 iii pictures.
Posted By Mobusaki
Replies: 3,710
Views: 278,052
Wow! What a perspective, and so much detail! Well done.
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 01-22-2024, 06:57 AM  
K1iii talked about as being under development......maybe
Posted By Mobusaki
Replies: 368
Views: 25,474
If they got the view autofocus anywhere near as good as through the viewfinder that would be amazing. I massively prefer looking through the OVF but there are times when it's just a million times easier to use live view, because I am not a contortionist. But even on the K-3iii the LV AF is not great. Accurate, but slow and no AF-C. You can already take photos fast w/little to no blackout in live view on the K-3iii by putting it in silent shutter mode - it just needs better AF.

IMO that's the biggest thing lacking vs mirrorless. Aside from wildlife, I'm not seeing many mirrorless shooters put the camera to their face... Imagine a camera with the luxury of a Pentax OVF but also modern mirrorless live view performance. That would be something and worth waiting for.
Forum: Pentax K-3 III 01-18-2024, 01:53 PM  
Post your K3 iii pictures.
Posted By Mobusaki
Replies: 3,710
Views: 278,052
With Helios 44k-4.

IMGP6476 by JBP_Mobusaki, on Flickr
Forum: Pentax K-3 III 01-18-2024, 01:50 PM  
Pentax K-3 III has anything improved over time?
Posted By Mobusaki
Replies: 38
Views: 3,257
Congrats! A year later I still smile every time I pick it up. :)
Forum: Pentax K-3 III 01-12-2024, 12:22 PM  
Can someone check the accuracy/difference of all AF points in AF-S Select
Posted By Mobusaki
Replies: 179
Views: 13,487
Glad you got it sorted!
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 01-11-2024, 02:25 PM  
I am shocked K5 vs 6D
Posted By Mobusaki
Replies: 62
Views: 5,024
That's one of my favorite lenses. I had the 40mm XS and loved it. I felt it paired perfectly with my K-5. You know how some lens + camera combinations just seem like a match made in heaven? That was the 40mm XS and my K-5. Later I picked up the SMC 40mm LTD because I wanted a hood and to complete my SMC Limited collection, which I haven't used on my K-5 yet. Both are great but I prefer the Limited for the build quality and quick-shift focus capability, and of course the hood (thought I didn't often feel I needed one with the XS). IQ they seem identical to me.

If I had to choose one prime, though, it would be the 35mm macro. While the 40mm is my favorite to use, the 35mm is more versatile (macro) and sharper too. It's a great "walkabout" lens, better than the 40 except for size.
Forum: Pentax K-3 III 01-08-2024, 06:32 AM  
Pentax K-3 III has anything improved over time?
Posted By Mobusaki
Replies: 38
Views: 3,257
Yes, if you're shooting a static subject that is how I use the "focus recompose" technique. Press AF button until the camera achieves focus (the beep or symbol in the viewfinder), then release button, recompose, take photo.

If I am photographing people or animals that are moving (but not running around...) then I'll use AF-C, Tracking Type 1, subject recognition on, SEL-4, and tracking sensitivity at 1-3.

If it's action photography then my settings are the same as above but with sensitivity set to 3-5, and sometimes I'll use fewer AF points depending on the scenario, and sometimes with tracking type 3.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 01-08-2024, 06:13 AM  
I am shocked K5 vs 6D
Posted By Mobusaki
Replies: 62
Views: 5,024
Very nice! I love the K-5 JPEGs also. Just something special about the colors and "pop" to them. As for a WR prime, one to consider is the HD 20-40 f/2.8-4. Not a prime, yes, but it is often treated as one.
Forum: Pentax K-3 III 01-06-2024, 05:25 PM  
Pentax K-3 III has anything improved over time?
Posted By Mobusaki
Replies: 38
Views: 3,257
That behavior in AF-C isn't surprising. The camera is expecting movement and trying to track that movement. It is surprising in AF-S, but I think I've noticed this as well and not just at wide angles. If you're in AF-S and sit there and hit focus again and again it won't always focus at the same distance. Light levels and subject contrast have the biggest impact on this. I always took it as normal DSLR behavior. Now I know in what conditions to expect it and will make sure I've nailed focus before moving on from the shot.

I am not much of a wide angle shooter but I am starting to use my 15mm ltd more, so I will be on the lookout for this. If it's bad even in good light with high contrast subjects then that could be quite annoying. So far though I've found focus is nailed easier with wide angle because the depth of field tends to be larger.
Forum: Pentax K-3 III 01-05-2024, 11:37 AM  
Post your K3 iii pictures.
Posted By Mobusaki
Replies: 3,710
Views: 278,052
Wow! I'm surprised at the detail with the 1.4x. I've never tried putting the teleconverter on my 55-300 but now I think I will.
Forum: Pentax K-3 III 01-04-2024, 02:42 PM  
Pentax K-3 III has anything improved over time?
Posted By Mobusaki
Replies: 38
Views: 3,257
I call it autoincorrect.
Forum: Pentax K-3 III 01-04-2024, 11:12 AM  
Pentax K-3 III has anything improved over time?
Posted By Mobusaki
Replies: 38
Views: 3,257
Well said! There's so much more to this camera than any review has ever even mentioned; it's obvious they never even got to know the camera and its features properly. That means no-one has properly reviewed this camera. Of the ones I've seen, including DPReview, they've all in fact been initial impressions videos/articles, despite the title of "review." I've even seen one or two long-term reviews where they are just using the camera as they would their old K-3... old habits, I guess (but if that's how they enjoy using it, that's fine!). So, again, not a proper review. It is a way different animal than the K-3 I or II.

IMO what makes this camera so great is actually hard to put into words, and is very subjective. But it's more than the sum of its parts and it's just a joy to use. Way more fun factor than I get with mirrorless. I am in no way a mirrorless hater. I have them and use them and enjoy them, I just have way more fun with my K-3iii.

Side note: it helps that Pentax has some really badass lenses if you don't mind screwdriver noises. The DA Limited lineup is just amazing on the K-3iii. Feels like a million bucks and the photos look like it, too.
Forum: Pentax K-3 III 01-04-2024, 10:17 AM  
Pentax K-3 III has anything improved over time?
Posted By Mobusaki
Replies: 38
Views: 3,257
They have improved the AF a great deal with firmware updates. They added options to control the sensitivity and aggressiveness of the AF tracking. This is nice for fine-tuning to what you're photographing:
- Good all-around performance (Type 1 and Sensitivity 3), which I find nice w/subject recognition on for eye tracking of my kids
- Aggressive tracking performance (Type 1 and Sensitivity 5),
- Absolute maximum z-axis performance (Type 3 and set Sensitivity to 5),
- Eye tracking for a model that is posing but moving slowly (Type 1 and Sensitivity 1)
- and so on.

Now it's still a DSLR, so you need skill and knowledge. But my keeper rate of a dog running toward me is now above 90% whereas with my K-3 it was 40% or less. This has always been the hardest use case for Pentax AF, the area they were behind the most, and now it has been fixed.

Camera will not overheat taking stills. I've never had it overheat taking video either but I don't do much of that.

RAW files are the best I've ever used. High ISO performance is remarkable: both in noise, but also in color accuracy. The latter is something I think few recognize and appreciate. Take an ISO 25.6k photo of a flower with the K-3iii and compare it to the same with a K-3, or even a K-1. You'll see how much better the K-3iii file is. I'm not sure how anyone could knock it.

It's not perfect. The screen doesn't tilt and the RAW buffer is small. The latter is not an issue for me because I don't shoot long bursts even when photographing birds in flight. I dread processing that many photos. But certainly there are cameras with better buffers. And of course the autofocus while absolutely amazing now for a DSLR is not going to be as good (or rather, as "easy") as the newest mirrorless. There is no animal eye autofocus, and even if there were it would not be as good. A mirrorless can focus across the entire frame with a ton of points, whereas the K-3iii is limited to a smaller area with fewer AF points. That's just a DSLR limitation currently. But boy does it ever get the job done, and IMO in a much more satisfying way than with an EVF.
Forum: Pentax K-3 III 01-04-2024, 09:54 AM  
Does anyone else think full-frame is getting old?
Posted By Mobusaki
Replies: 60
Views: 3,731
While sometimes I really appreciate a light camera (typically when I need to shoot one-handed), I really enjoy the heft of the K-3iii. It just feels substantial, quality, feels great in the hand. Size wise it is quite compact, which I like, yet still extremely ergonomic. With a DA Limited lens mounted it is not much bigger than my Lumix GX7, which no-one would ever say is a large camera (it is half the weight though).

As for the OVF, one thing I found I really enjoy is using my DA 40mm Ltd on the K-3iii. The size of the image in the viewfinder matches what my eye sees exactly. In portrait orientation everything lines up perfectly and I see one image with both eyes open. It's like I'm not looking through a camera at all and I am entirely in the moment. It's not quite the same in landscape orientation, but close, probably because my head is tilted. I wear glasses and I think this causes me to tilt my head more.
Forum: Pentax K-3 III 12-27-2023, 11:14 AM  
K-3iii Eye Autofocus Works in SEL AF modes and in any Image Profile.
Posted By Mobusaki
Replies: 38
Views: 3,022
I haven't done much testing of the different focus sensitivities to see which is best for what, but I want to. I figure 3 was the default and has worked well enough until now so I usually have it set to that. But maybe 1 would be better for people moving about normally (not running) and 5 would be better for BIF? I'm not sure! It's quite nice having all this control over the AF system now, but testing is definitely required.


On eye autofocus: I came across this article that says the D500 face recognition only works in AF-S mode. Now I am wondering if the K-3iii is the only DSLR that can track eyes with continuous autofocus, considering the D500 is/was considered the most advanced DSLR in terms of AF performance.

https://photographylife.com/nikon-group-area-af-mode

"Another important fact I should mention, is that when you use Group-area AF in AF-S mode, the camera will engage face recognition and attempt to focus on the eye of the nearest person, which is neat. For example, if you are photographing someone between tree branches and leaves, the camera will always attempt to focus on the person’s face instead of the nearest leaf. Unfortunately, face recognition is activated only in AF-S mode, so if you photograph fast-moving group sports and you need the camera to lock and track on a subject’s face (and not on the nearest object), your best bet will be to use Dynamic AF instead."
Forum: Pentax K-3 III 12-24-2023, 11:53 AM  
Does anyone else think full-frame is getting old?
Posted By Mobusaki
Replies: 60
Views: 3,731
To touch on the body vs lens size topic: I wanted to have a compact interchangeable lens camera for outings in public spaces, so I toyed with the Sony A6000 (APS-C) and Lumix G7X (M4/3). I know none of these are full frame but the size/weight/sensors vary so it's analogous. Anyway, the big advantage of those little cams was weight savings, not size. They aren't *that* much smaller than my K-3iii, especially when you put a DA Limited lens on it. And the ergonomics of those cameras doesn't come close. Actually what I found to be the most beneficial about them was the pop-up flash, which could be tilted back for bounce flash. The improved AF when using the back LCD screen was appreciated also, but I've gotten pretty good at manual focus w/focus peaking on my K-3iii. Anyway, all that to say that I've come to appreciate the "large body, small lenses" combination you can have with the APS-C K-series cameras. And comparing the M4/3 files to APS-C made me appreciate the larger sensor size, too. I imagine it's the same for people comparing their full frame Pentax to their APS-C Pentax.
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