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Forum: Pentax Forums Giveaways
12-14-2014, 07:38 AM
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It's mine I tell you, all mine, keep your grubby little hands off my 31mm lens. Seriously, this lens will complement my not yet received K-5 with 1.8/50mm lens that I will be getting for Christmas.
On the 12th day of Christmas Pentax Forums gave to me: a Pentax 31mm lens!
Cheers
John
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
12-07-2014, 03:44 PM
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Despite the fact that smaller cheaper cameras can take excellent images, I don't feel they are what photography is about. I have been using SLR cameras since 1966 (Zenith-E) and nothing can come close to the experience of seeing the optical image in a viewfinder. Obviously point and shoot cameras are more convenient from the size point of view, but give me a DSLR every time. My present from my wife this Christmas will be a K-5 II and 1.4 50mm DA lens.
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Forum: Do-It-Yourself
04-18-2013, 04:23 PM
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Frustrated by the battery problem with the K-X, and lack of a battery grip, I was inspired by another member on this group to solve the problem.
I chose a CANON type BG-E5 Battery Grip ( bought from Amazon for £15.88), which seemed to have the tripod bush in the same position as the K-X. This grip comes with two battery trays. One takes 6 x AA and the other takes 2 x LP-E5 lithium batteries.
With 5 x 1.2V rechargeable (and 1 x dummy battery) I will get 6V or more (better than the 4.8V with just 4), thus solving any battery problems. The cable isn't a problem, I have a small length of twin cable that connects to the grip (this is tucked inside the grip after connecting) that goes in via the small hole in the battery compartment. I have cut a small section off of the "door" so by the time the grip is fitted the cable is barely visible. The other end is connected to 2 x modified dummy batteries that are inserted into and power the K-X.
I have retained the metal post in the grip that stabilises the camera. I removed the bottom of the K-X and after exactly measuring the position, I drilled a hole in the bottom and glued a small piece of plastic over it to (stop any water/dust entering. The grip fits perfectly, and does feel much more comfortable than without, and adds a nice bit of weight and balance when using a strap, especially when using a large lens and/of flashgun.
As I got carried away with this project, I fitted a small voltmeter device (about £2.00 on ebay). This natty device runs from any source 3-30v and gives an accurate voltage reading. I wired it to the on/off switch on the grip, as, although it doesn’t consume much power, would eventually drain some power over a period of time. With 5 fresh batteries AA batteries, it will show 6.8V and lasts for ages. I shot a wedding a few weeks ago and took about 600 shots and the batteries still showed 6.2V with the camera switched on. I am basically getting the same performance as 4x Energizer Lithiums without the cost.
I have also fitted a trimmed down remote transmitter inside the grip wired to the portrait shutter button and powered by the grip. I fitted The remote transmitter LED in the bit that sticks out and houses the shutter botton. When remote operation is enabled, this works well in portrait mode, albeit without anti-shake.
I am intending using the LP-E5 battery tray, but I am concerned about the slightly higher voltage. This can be as high as 8.4 v on freshly charged batteries. Although my gut feeling is that the K-X must have some protection/regulation, I am not willing to take the risk at the moment. 4 x Energizer Lithium AAs can actually be as high as 7.2v.
If I have to use 4 x Lithium AA batteries, I use 2 x dummy batteries.
I have been a TV/Video engineer for 40 years, so I am used to working with electronics, but there was a lot of work and trial and error with this project. There are of course three buttons and one wheel that are not used, but that is normally the case is a grip is turned off and used in landscape mode.
All in all I think it was a worthwhile project, and I use it all the time.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-08-2013, 11:56 AM
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I have just modified a Canon grip for my K-X. I use 5 AA rechargeables & 1 dummy in the (6) battery tray, which gives me 6.8v with fresh NIMH AA's or 4 Lithium primary batteries & 2x dummy cells - this gives the usual 6-7V with fresh batteries. I made a battery connector from 2x dummy batteries.
I have fitted a small LED voltmeter in the grip which I have connected to the grip switch, so I can see exactly what voltage the camera is getting. The K-X battery problem is no more. I cannot understand why manufacturers don't have a voltmeter in the design as standard instead of the Green - Orange - Red/Off display
I will post pictures, but I am working on powering the grip with the alternative 2x 7.4v lithium rechargeables (I am a bit concerned with the higher voltage, as these batteries can be 8.4v when fully charged.
I did get the inspiration from a member who had used a Canon grip for his K-X.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
02-01-2013, 07:36 PM
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Hi , I have a Tamron 18-200. I find that at the 200 setting, the image is not the same as my other 200mm lenses. The actual lens barrel doesn't extend in a linear way, the setting from 135 - 200 not giving the image size you would expect. Does anyone else find this.
I do have a slight problem with a loose zoom ring, giving annoying backlash. I beleive that there are screws that have worked loose, and I am concerned that the mechanism will jam or get damaged. I am on the lookout for a workshop manual, does anyone know where I could download one.
Aprt from these problems I am very pleased with the lens, but if I could afford it I would like to get the 18-250 version.
I must apologise if I have posted this in the wrong place, but I havent used the site much. and I am still finding my way around.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
01-28-2013, 03:11 AM
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Hi, I have done a similar thing with my K-X. Like you I chose a Canon grip, which seemed to have the tripod bush in the same position as the K-X. I am intending using the battery trays. With 5 1.2 rechargeable I will get 6V or more, thus solving any battery problems. I do intend using the Lithium 7.4v trays also, but I am working on possible problems with the higher voltage (7.4v). As 4 x Energizer Lithium AAs can be as high as 7.2v, the camera may be ok, but as I said, I'm working on it. The cable isn't a problem, I have a small length of cable that connects via a DC plug/socket (this is tucked inside the grip after connecting) that goes in via the small hole in the battery compartment. I have cut a small section off of the "door" so by the time the grip is fitted the cable is barely visible. I have retained the metal post that stabilises the camera. I removed the bottom of the K-X and after exactly measuring the position, I drilled a hole in the bottom and glued a small piece of plastic over it to (stop any water/dust entering. The grip fits perfectly, and does feel much more comfortable than without, adds a nice bit of weight and like yours, is slightly larger than the K-X, but the curved edge looks like it's meant to fit. When I have finished I will post more info and some pictures.
The grip I used was CANON type BG-E5 Battery Grip with Vertical Shutter Release for Canon 450D, 500D, 1000D & Rebel XS, XSi, TSi bought from Amazon for £15.88.
I found that the quality was very high, I can't imagine how they can make it for this price.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
01-16-2013, 05:04 AM
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I was asked at a friend's son's wedding if I would shoot the ceremony. In the event I managed to get almost everything including ceremony, speeches, receiving line first dance etc - over an hour of video. I have edited this and burned DVDs for the happy couple. They were delighted. Had I planned to shoot the whole wedding, I would have used a dedicated camcorder. As it was, my K-X did a great job, and I was able to take stills in between takes.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
01-16-2013, 04:58 AM
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Hi, Although the K-X battery problem is well known, I have successfully videoed a complet wedding (over 1 hour recorded) and at least 50 stills on one set of Energiser lithiums. On another occasion I got an OVERHEAT warning and the camera switched off after about an hours use (small video clips and stills). Because I don't like spending on disposible batteries (Lithiums @ £6.00 x 4) I am at the moment toying with fitting/modifying a Canon battery grip for use with rechargeable lithiums and 6 (5) AAs. If succsessful I will post results/pictures.
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
03-08-2011, 03:45 PM
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Hi George.
I have just aquired an MZ-50 with the( lack-of) pop-up flash.
I do intend taking it apart, andt your pictures have enabled me to be prepared with a cunning plan.
Cheers
John
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Forum: Ask B&H Photo!
05-26-2010, 10:38 PM
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Hi
I upgraded from the 18mm-55mm DAL lens supplied with my K-X to an 18mm-55mm DA. I find the zoom actiion on the DA is not as smooth as the DAL. When slow zooming it tends to "stick" causing a stuttered effect. I did manage to get my hands on another DA version for comparison, and found this to have the same fault.
For stills this isn't really a problem, but it is for video.
Many thanks for your involvement in this group.
Cheers
John
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Forum: General Talk
04-09-2010, 12:22 AM
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Well done with the large volume of posts. This is only my second post, as I haven't had much to say. I do however have a Pentax K-X, but another would be great for my Daughter.
Cheers
John
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Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
01-23-2010, 12:29 PM
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Hi all
Thanks for the welcome. I'm hope I will aquire lots of info, and perhaps even give some.
Cheers
John
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Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
01-22-2010, 08:28 PM
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Hi all
I have just joined having been given a K-X for my recent birthday. I have been an amature photographer for years, and have also worked in darkrooms etc. I am a musician (guitar & bass), and play in a band.
Cheers
Scorpion
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