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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 02-19-2010, 08:39 PM  
Few questions on FA 31mm limited
Posted By zenspector
Replies: 35
Views: 6,691
I bought the FA31 and used it for a week. It is a beautifully sharp and outstanding lens. I couldn't get over the bulk and unremovable lens shade, however. I was put off by it, so I exchanged it for a DA15 and FA43 which totaled about $100 US over the 31 price. I'm looking forward to returning home where they await me.
I naturally did not use it in the rain, but had I not been considering an exchange, I wouldn't have worried at all about doing so. Tremendous build quality.
Cheers
Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories 02-15-2010, 10:34 PM  
Rust Never Sleeps!-post your rust images here.
Posted By zenspector
Replies: 3,118
Views: 271,082
From the photos I've seen, rust is a beautiful subject. My humble submission.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 02-15-2010, 08:03 PM  
Question: which one should I let go?
Posted By zenspector
Replies: 12
Views: 2,000
I've got the DA15, FA43 and FA77. Pretty fine kit for travel or any use. Cheers
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 02-14-2010, 08:37 PM  
Swapped the FA31
Posted By zenspector
Replies: 3
Views: 2,674
Okay, I am going to try this again. I don't have any idea what I am doing, obviously, but I think I may have figured it out.
Cheers
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 02-12-2010, 10:38 PM  
Swapped the FA31
Posted By zenspector
Replies: 3
Views: 2,674
On an earlier post I pondered exchanging my 'just delivered' FA31 for an FA43 and a DA15 because I just wasn't comfortable with the size and bulk of the 31. The 43 and 15 together totaled about $100 more than the 31. I shot the 31 for a few days in order to assure myself I was thinking right, and after doing so, I sent the 31 back and await my two new lenses. There is no doubt as to the sharpness of the 31. It is actually fascinating how well it works in low light, but it just didn't jive well with me. At least for now. I hope I am happy with the exchange. Time will tell.
I am including a few shots I took at my friends river house last Sunday. He is an avid collector of 'Old South' memorabilia (has it all over his cabin and grounds), and I couldn't help but try out the lens on some. The lantern bearer was shot wide open at what we call 'dark-thirty' around here (barely light enough to see) and overcast, gray skies. The one I call 'Finish Your Plate' was shot wide open inside and is a 50% crop. 'Hoodoo Dancer' wide open with 30% crop. All JPEG, shot with aperture priority, no PP.
Well, I tried to upload, but was not successful. Said something about a security token. Can anyone tell me what this means?
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 02-07-2010, 12:28 PM  
Keep the FA 31 or not?
Posted By zenspector
Replies: 34
Views: 5,878
Nice shots, Julia. Apparently very usable at f1.9. Thanks.
Would love to see some longer shots and landscapes with the FA43 if anyone has any to share.
Cheers, Ted
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 02-05-2010, 09:49 PM  
Keep the FA 31 or not?
Posted By zenspector
Replies: 34
Views: 5,878
I would also consider the FA43 (and possibly the DA40, though not quite as much) along with the DA15. The speed is there with the 43, although not as sharp wide open as the 31, so I don't know how usable it would be at f1.9. All good things to consider as I put the 31 (and the 77) to the test over the next few days. Sorry, cardinal, but I'll have to pass on letting you test them. I want to have some fun.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 02-05-2010, 04:54 PM  
Keep the FA 31 or not?
Posted By zenspector
Replies: 34
Views: 5,878
Thank you all for your comments. I intend to give the K7 and both lenses a good test run this weekend. Lousy weather here today and tomorrow, but nice Sunday, so I will have good varying available light conditions to work with.
There is no doubt that speed matters. It has made all the difference in my getting the right image so many times in the past.
This is my first DSLR after forty five years with film, so I have a lot to learn with my new tools. I guess I have been spoiled by my years with my Leica M6 and primes as to small size and light weight.
These and any further opinions are greatly appreciated. I will follow up after my weekend foray.
Cheers
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 02-05-2010, 11:46 AM  
Keep the FA 31 or not?
Posted By zenspector
Replies: 34
Views: 5,878
Okay, this may be a dumb question,but it won't be my first. I just received my new K7 with FA 77 and FA 31 Limited lenses. Pulling them out of the box last night to get the feel of the system, I felt a little put off by the size of the FA31. The FA77was perfect. Now, I haven't had a chance to shoot with them, and I know through my extensive research that the 31 is an outstanding lens. Also I like the idea of the FA's since there is the possibility of a FF Pentax in the future, maybe. I got to thinking , however, I might like the DA35 Macro Limited and a DA15 Limited (which I had considered getting later) better , especially if the 35 is smaller. They both can be had for just a bit more than the 31 alone, and now would be the time to do this if I am going to. I enjoy shooting macro, but had planned on getting a 100 Macro in the future for that purpose. Am I being crazy? As always, aound advice is appreciated.
Forum: Photographic Technique 02-05-2010, 11:18 AM  
Do you carry around your camera.....
Posted By zenspector
Replies: 73
Views: 13,378
How true! At least one of my cameras stays close at hand all the time. Except when in the shower.
Forum: General Talk 02-02-2010, 09:24 AM  
Who plays guitar... or any musical instrument?
Posted By zenspector
Replies: 94
Views: 15,931
To jpzk: We are playing some '60s-'70s rock in our own arrangements, blues, alt country, and writing a lot of our own stuff. I enjoy playing bass as much as any instrument I have ever played. Seems my Hwy 1- American made Jazz Bass was made for me.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 02-01-2010, 09:55 PM  
Show Us Your Best K-7 Shots.
Posted By zenspector
Replies: 18
Views: 5,637
I'm just patiently waiting until my new K7 and two limited primes arrive.
Cheers
Forum: General Talk 02-01-2010, 01:28 PM  
Who plays guitar... or any musical instrument?
Posted By zenspector
Replies: 94
Views: 15,931
Yeah, I play guitar (3 Taylors-314, 514 and T5), Bass (J&P Fenders, Mustang, Epi-Alan Woody, SG-6 string, Pedula-4&5 string,), and piano. I'm a very active musician at the moment playing bass in my band.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 01-30-2010, 11:02 PM  
Bit The Bullet and Went For It
Posted By zenspector
Replies: 18
Views: 4,640
Not yet. Just ordered today. Should be here by Wednesday. I must say, I am excited and anxious about getting it and putting it to work. I will let ya'll know my full opinion and feelings. I'm even looking forward to the learning curve.
Cheers
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 01-30-2010, 10:40 PM  
Bit The Bullet and Went For It
Posted By zenspector
Replies: 18
Views: 4,640
Believe me, I did my homework well, and I already had a budget of $3000 I had allowed myself to spend. I simply wanted to find the best combination of body and lenses I could find. I thoroughly believe I have. I've never owned a Pentax but will never forget using my friend's Spotmatic in 1971, photographing him and his newborn son. I really don't understand why I have never owned one before. Cheers.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 01-30-2010, 06:38 PM  
Bit The Bullet and Went For It
Posted By zenspector
Replies: 18
Views: 4,640
To brandoniscool. I certainly hope so since I have been shooting for some forty odd years now, and have made some money with my work along the way. Photography doesn't pay my bills, but it is nice to think someone else likes my stuff well enough to pay for it occasionally. I'm new to digital, but consider it a good challenge for this old fogey and his creativity. Like my music and my theatrical work, my photography keeps my mind clicking on all cylinders and my eyes open to all that life has to offer.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 01-30-2010, 06:24 PM  
Bit The Bullet and Went For It
Posted By zenspector
Replies: 18
Views: 4,640
Thanks. I believe in quality glass and quality photo gear. I am considering looking for a DFA 100/2.8 Macro in a few months. How do you like yours Bbear?
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 01-30-2010, 04:46 PM  
Bit The Bullet and Went For It
Posted By zenspector
Replies: 18
Views: 4,640
I have a Summicron 35/1.2, Summicron 50/1.2 and Tele-Elmarit 90/2.8. Had a Summilux 75/1.2 for a few years, but sold it. Fabulous lens but too bulky for the M6, IMO.
The M8 or M9 is just too expensive, and as I said, I missed through the lens shooting. I guess I have the best of both worlds now-Leica for film (which I still shoot) and Pentax for digital. All this gear together would probably weigh less, and be less bulky than a Nikon or Canon with a couple of fast zooms (or five fast primes). Just jokingly guessing, of course.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 01-30-2010, 03:14 PM  
Poll: who keeps their strap on the camera?
Posted By zenspector
Replies: 171
Views: 46,029
Ever since I dropped my Olympus OM2 into a creek in New Zealand thirty years ago because I did not have the strap around my neck, I have used a strap. At least in my outdoor photo work. Cheers.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 01-30-2010, 03:01 PM  
Bit The Bullet and Went For It
Posted By zenspector
Replies: 18
Views: 4,640
Okay, after all the fretting over which camera to buy (K7or 300s), and pulling myself from the zoomitis I fell for with my film SLRs in the past, I flipped the switch and just ordered a K7 with FA31/1.8 and FA77/1.8 Ltd Primes. I feel for me this is the best kit for the money, or otherwise, and will be the most practical and photographically creative way to gravitate from my Leica M6 and primes to DSLR. I've found myself missing the SLR way of shooting over rangefinder in the past few years, but loved, the quiet, rugged portability of the M6. Thus this transition. I now anxiously await arrival and proving myself right. Got what I think is a good deal from Adorama. Cheers to all.
Ted
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 01-29-2010, 05:54 PM  
K7 or 300s???
Posted By zenspector
Replies: 40
Views: 7,150
This advice is truly appreciated. The more digital I fool with the more I realize that I will be shooting RAW in the majority of cases, especially in situations where I know it is necessary to obtain the proper image.
I have always protected my gear in harsh conditions (I've been in many) and still keep a couple of sandwich bags with rubber bands in them in my gear bag for that purpose. It makes good sense to go the Tamron route with the zooms and have money to go toward some limited primes, which I really prefer.
I feel I will be more satisfied with the K7 because of its size. It grew weary of lugging around the heavy and larger stuff years ago.
All great food for thought. Again, thanks. It is nice to be in a forum where I'm getting real, friendly feedback and logical advice.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 01-29-2010, 12:33 PM  
K7 or 300s???
Posted By zenspector
Replies: 40
Views: 7,150
My concern with the Tamron are their ruggedness and weather &dust protection. Otherwise I would consider them. I understand the 17-50/2.8 is an outstanding lens. What is your reason for not recommending the DA* lenses?

I am very interested in Pentax primes. I feel they are some of the best glass around, and I plan on adding some. I learned with the Leica that primes really help me to be more creative. Before, I had gone more to using zooms with my Nikon gear. This was a lesson well learned and not forgotten. The main reasons for quality zooms in my kit will be for travel and not having to change lenses so often, especially in inclement weather.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 01-29-2010, 11:09 AM  
K7 or 300s???
Posted By zenspector
Replies: 40
Views: 7,150
Woops! I realized too late that I was in the wrong thread after submitting. Sorry. I cannot remember the exact lenses my buddy has but they are all primes dating back to Spotmatic days. I probably over stated the importance of his collection to me anyway. Most important to me are the size, handling and ruggedness of the camera, as well as its ability to produce good images. I have not been able to handle a K7 since no shop in Atlanta sells Pentax anymore, which is a shame. I was talking to the manager at Wolf Camera's main store yesterday and asked,"why not?" He said Pentax doesn't sell in the south. Said they sell like hot cakes in the NE and Colorado westward. Wolf (they've go through some real changes lately) does not even sell Canon anymore, just Nikon, Oly and Sony. Anyway, back to the main subject- a picture can say it all. The photo of the K7, 300s and 7d together tells me what I pretty much need to know. Based on it the K7 wins hands down. Looking to get a DA 16-50 with it and a 50-135 later. Any thoughts on that? Thanks to all.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 01-27-2010, 09:03 PM  
K7 or 300s???
Posted By zenspector
Replies: 40
Views: 7,150
Okay, I threw out the following thread on another forum. I have been planning on buying a K7 with 50-135 zoom and 31 or 35 prime for starters, but I wanted to see what others thought. Now is the time for the Pentaxers to explain why I should go with the K7. :
I could use some advice on my DSLR choice. I am still pretty much old school with my photography-shooting 35mm slides and negative film for some forty odd years now. Started with a Minolta SRT-101, moved to an Olympus OM2 (great camera) until I dropped it in a creek in New Zealand in 1980 (still worked for weeks). Then I went Nikon and stayed there until moving to a Leica M6 eight years ago. My gear has to be tough and dependable. I appreciate fine machinery and optics, and I use them well and for a long time. Light weight and handling are also necessary. I began to hate my Nikon F4, no matter how great a body it was, because of the size and bulk. Still have and regularly use an FM body. Now that I am accepting digital, my requirements for gear don't change. After research, I have narrowed my choices down to the Pentax K7 or Nikon 300(300s). I am leaning toward the Pentax, one reason being an photo friend is a long time user and I have access to a lot of great glass which the K7 will accept. Sorry to be so windy. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 01-20-2010, 08:55 AM  
K-7 + lens rebate extended
Posted By zenspector
Replies: 39
Views: 9,605
Good point ghelary and glanglois, and well taken. I ordered my K7 with DA*50-135 today. Also the fact that I just found that can get an adapter to fit my Leica lens' to the K7 made the decision even easier. Thanks and Cheers.
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