Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
07-16-2020, 04:06 AM
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My main argument against the OVF is bad manual focus calibration and fickle AF calibration of the PDAF system. What you see in focus in the OVF is not in focus in the image. For AF and CIF you need to calibrate every time you use a lens because apparently it depends on conditions how much it is out of wack. So what Pentax needs to do is properly calibrate the focussing screen so that is correct out of the box and create a lens calibration feature using live view. I don't think they will do it so my next camera will be mirrorless.
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Forum: Pentax Price Watch
11-22-2015, 09:28 AM
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I have both Nik and Macphun. And at first I thought Macphun's stuff was sort of gimmicky in an iOS-filters kind of way. But it isn't.
The big advantage Macphun has over Nik is layers and layer masking. Nor does Lr have that; you have to go out to Ps to do stuff like that. Nik's Silver efex has some more intelligence built into their zone-type adjustments, but I just think I like using layers more.
I've tried Aurora HDR, and it's nice, and primarily for the interface, since with that you can use layers as well. And you have more tools in one interface than with most HDR applications. But out of the box I can't say it's much better than Lr, and not more than Nik. But that's only because I already have many of the tools in Aurora, which is why they are selling it separately from the Creative Kit I expect.
Also, a big big big advantage of Macphun's plugins is that they can operate on RAW, not just TIFFs or PSDs. And Nik limits you to the latter. That might not matter if you like Adobe's RAW processing, or pre-apply lots of Lr adjustments, but I like to be able to use a RAW as a base for adjustment, especially when doing B&W conversions.
DxO can also do this AND send a RAW back to Lr with DxO adjustments, which is very cool (obviously it's really sending a RAW with parameters for adjustment). And they are having a 50% off sale right now too.
And while I'm mentioning RAW, it's notable that Mylio is the other application that can pass around RAW adjustments, although it's more of an organizer and sharing/synching/DAM application, although it does have editing functions. Edits you make get synched to other RAW images on other devices, kinda like how Apple Photos does, but without the need for cloud storage, with more types of devices, and with the ability to pass along Lr adjustments without having to pass the whole RAW file. Unfortunately, it doesn't work with DNG (it's possible, but not very effective). Works with other RAW, and they're working on it, but not yet.
BTW, I need to check out whether Macphun's stuff can handle pixel shifted images. Kinda doubt it.
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Forum: Monthly Photo Contests
10-10-2015, 04:43 AM
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Nominated, great view of the storm
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Forum: Monthly Photo Contests
10-09-2015, 11:16 AM
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Forum: Monthly Photo Contests
10-01-2015, 06:04 PM
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Forum: Sold Items
06-27-2015, 10:36 AM
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♫Everybody wants some cash in hand, hey yeah♫
Love that song, and love your lens. Now, all I need is cash in my hand to put in your hand and we'll all be singing. :)
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Forum: Do-It-Yourself
05-26-2015, 08:44 PM
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I have owned 3 of these v.1 AF-540FGZ flashes and figured eventually the flimsy battery door was bound to break. The design includes three tiny plastic nubs molded onto the flash housing side, that eventually wear down or snap off. One of my nubs has worn off, causing the door not to stay closed and i have been using rubber wirst bands, tape, even a bulky C-clamp to keep the door closed, but finally found a working solution that does not block the viewing screen nor any of the buttons.
I used 2-part epoxy to affix three lego pieces strategically on the door and surrounding the door. then simply close the door and lock a single large lego piece or individual crossbar pieces to lock it shut. It is working just fine now and i can even attach little Lego men if i want for some whimsy.
Check it out and good luck if you are having trouble getting replacement parts: |
Forum: Pentax Price Watch
04-02-2015, 03:12 PM
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Adorama has been generous enough to offer PF users two exclusive deals. These are our first-ever 100% exclusive coupon codes, so I'm excited to be sharing them with you guys! To get this pricing, enter the coupon code PFADORAMA1 at checkout after clicking on one of the links above. The coupon code will only work if this page refers you to Adorama.
Expires on 4/21.
Adorama's coupon codes are US-only, unfortunately, but I hope to get you guys more such exclusive deals in the future. Manufacturers' restrictions really limit what retailers can do, so while it might be hard to get additional savings on cameras or lenses, but let me know if there are any other third-party accessories that you'd like to see discounted! |
Forum: Post Your Photos!
03-18-2015, 09:24 AM
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I experienced a dream come true yesterday. I'm in Durham/Raleigh for business and I realized that this is the home of Shannon Johnstone, a photographer who has been photographing the series Landfill Dogs. She brings dogs that are part of the Wake County Animal Shelter (either in the shelter or in foster care) to Landfill Park and photographs them. Before the park became a park, it was a landfill and this is where dogs that were euthanized (because no one stepped up to adopt them) are buried. Despite the somewhat grisly history, this is a beautiful place and her photos are filled with hope and joy. Johnstone has been a significant source of inspiration for my volunteer work as a photographer for animal rescue and rehab groups. You can see some of her work here. Landfill Dogs
I decided "nothing ventured, nothing gained" and sent her an email, asking if she wanted to meet for a coffee - or if she might have a photo shoot scheduled while I was in the area. And as it turned out, she did have a shoot scheduled last night. And so I got to spend the golden hour last night with three very special beings: Shannon, Giovanni, and his foster mother Lisa. I'm so grateful I was able to share this time with them.
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Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals
02-24-2015, 12:01 PM
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I had several comments during my vacation trip with family about how my "big" (K-3) camera must take good photos...
Until I asked one lady what size of pots she uses in her kitchen and then told her surely when she uses the small ones, the food must taste awfull. :D
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
03-17-2014, 11:20 AM
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For some reason you can't see the previews with the K3 when you look at the card under "Devices".. You have to drill down into the folder(s) themselves under "Files". Either choose a subfolder specifically, or start at the top with "Include Subfolders" checked.
I agree: totally annoying.
Doesn't matter if it's PEF or DNG, btw.
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
03-01-2014, 10:12 AM
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Was going to mention this too. Has helped me more than anything. He has a very specific way of processing photos that when used to, it can be done very quickly. Biggest thing that I find from his technique is sharpening.... Sharpness=100-Luminance amount (minimum of 10). Then Alt+click on masking to define areas to receive sharpening and those that do not (like the sky).
Also look around at free plug ins for quick adjustments (and not free ones).
I do all my uploading to Flickr and Facebook from Lightroom. Allows you to make adjustment to a Flickr image and retain comments/faves/view count.
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
02-26-2014, 11:15 AM
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When I bought Lightroom 2, I also bought Scott Kelby's book. If you ignore the chapter introductions you can avoid nausea from his alleged humour (and he admits it) and then there is a collection of instruction snippets on how to do specific things. For LR 3, I bought Nat Coalson's book, and it is laid out in a more traditional way, but is helpful. LR 5 is laid out similarly to LR 3, and I probably won't bother with a book and just use the help on line to handle the new gadgets.
As written above - get your import working right first. I have some 20,000 photos in my current catalog, and there is no way I could find the pictures I took of Cameron Falls in Waterton without the keywords.
I have a set of keywords that are linked to smart collections. Examples are: birds, mammals, reptiles, parks, etc. These smart collections are triggered by adding the word bird, mammal, reptile or park anywhere in the keyword list of an image. These are one of the most useful sorting devices I have.
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
02-26-2014, 10:58 AM
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There are a lot of settings and preferences in LR (including catalog settings that Na Horuk discussed above). I know there are tons of articles around the web including on this site regarding preferences. I started with LR at version 3 and found the SLR Lounge tutorials to be quite helpful. They haven't overhauled them for LR 5 but I think most of the info still applies (and there are other LR5 tutorials, tips etc. on the site). You can find the LR3 tutorials here. I've since upgraded to LR5 but haven't gone back and looked at these tutorials again. I probably should, but I think LR keeps all of the settings and preferences (at least those that still apply) when you upgrade. |
Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
02-26-2014, 09:21 AM
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Which version of Lightroom?
With Lightroom, you should first think about the cataloging system (folders by date, whether you will "import" or "copy as dng"). Then make a default action for that camera - so that Lightroom will automatically apply some things that you want. Make sure it uses the "embedded" camera color profile (instead of the Adobe one), adjust NR (you can probably lower it from the default), and sharpness (don't be afraid to add some)..
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Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II
02-02-2014, 05:48 AM
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Microfiber cloth wipe down?
At first, when I read your title, I wondered why you were showering with your camera. Then I decided that maybe I didn't wanna know...
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Forum: Pentax Price Watch
01-16-2014, 07:59 AM
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The free grip offer was reinstated yesterday or this morning. One is on the way to you.
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Forum: Ask B&H Photo!
01-16-2014, 08:07 AM
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Yep and I've already processed a transaction to send one to you.
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Forum: Pentax Price Watch
12-30-2013, 10:27 PM
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Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II
11-04-2013, 08:51 AM
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I went out to test AF-C and tracking yesterday. I have so many tack sharp photos of flying gulls, I don't know what to do with them. For a sample sequence, go to this link, hit Slideshow. https://picasaweb.google.com/bonhommed/K3BIF#
I used the DA*300 f/4. Settings were AF-C, auto-select AF (27 points), SR off, TAv mode (1/1500s, f5.6). ISO in this set varied from 280 to 400. There are some AF-C settings I was unfamiliar with: Custom Menu item. Parameter - Setting I used
16. 1st frame action in AF-C - Auto
17. Action in AF-C Continuous - Focus Priority
18. Hold AF status - Medium |
Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals
10-10-2013, 02:20 PM
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I know a woman who went on a motorcycle trip across a couple continents and one of her sponsors was a meat industry (they make hotdogs and whatnot). Had nothing at all to do with her reason for the trip, but she managed to convince them. It helps greatly if you know who to ask, though. A store clerk will not be able to help you. You need to ask the right people, which can be a difficult task
About a portfolio, its probably a good idea to have something, either a list of exhibitions or publications (even if they were done without your permission), or some photos that you can show. But dont show too many, only a couple of your absolute best. Get some opinions on them first, because it is hard for us to judge our own stuff.
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Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals
10-10-2013, 02:38 PM
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This is the key for your photographic perspective. Make your photos illustrate the more intangible parts of what you are writing about. Illustrative photography is its own thing and has a lot of value in the real world. If your written stories are strong, then your photographs will only help boost them exceptionally.
I leaned this decades ago as a writer and then art editor for a large corporate in-house ad agency. We had to sell extremely complex and expensive products aimed at executives and heads of state. The more I could match the copy with the photographic and graphic art, the better the presentation was understood and thus considered a success.
I think you are on the right track.
M
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Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II
10-08-2013, 10:30 AM
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I'm here to make an exclusive offer to a US based K-3 fan who has found the K-3 features so irresistible that they have pre-ordered without clearing it with the 'boss.'
Once the cameras start to ship and you realize your grave mistake of skipping the pre-approval stage, I am here to rescue you.
I will take the new camera off your hands for only $200 below the pre-order bill amount.
I should point out that $200 is a tiny fraction of what a divorce settlement will cost, so the discount is extremely generous on my part.
This offer will be valid for one person only, so do not delay once you realize your mistake. This selfless offer is being made with only the most noble intentions to help save a marriage for one of our members. (Offer subject to change and may be rescinded at any time possibly due to announcement of Black Friday deals or solid rumours of an FF release.) |
Forum: Pentax Price Watch
09-18-2013, 04:31 AM
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Like Yoda speaks, your title is.
"300mm leads to 500mm. 500mm leads to 600mm. 600mm leads to suffering..." |
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
07-08-2012, 12:53 PM
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I was motivated to make this. This video was the second take (it wasn't until after the first take that I realized it would be more effective to use both cameras and 2 lenses at the same time), so the K-5 combo was especially mad at me lol.
The motivation behind this was that a lot of videos show water sealing, but nothing that I could find that really demonstrated the anti-dust protection Pentax provides when you couple a sealed body with a DA* lens. You Tube |
src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Eo61t5fH6Qw?controls=1" allowfullscreen> |
For those that want the link to actual video, click on the link at the top of the embedded video.
Please feel free to use this video at your leisure - I abused the hell out of my cameras and lenses made it for the Pentax community to promote the outstanding quality of products we cherish everyday. :D
Thanks!
-Heie
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