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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 08-23-2014, 08:17 AM  
How to deactivate SDM and allow for screw drive autofocus with DA* 16-50mm f/2.8
Posted By jremick
Replies: 870
Views: 274,721
I'm having this same issue. Has anyone figured this out?
Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories 07-21-2014, 04:00 AM  
LBA decision help with Pentax 20-40mm vs ??
Posted By jremick
Replies: 10
Views: 1,524
Thanks for the replies, everyone! I won't be going the route of the 18-55wr or 18-135wr as those wouldn't make much sense with my existing setup.

@ JohnX - Thanks for recommending the 12-24. I was considering this one some time ago and gave it a thought this time around but will reconsider it.

@ savoche - I spent quite a bit of time considering something like the GR. I'm very tempted by the Sony RX1, but I think, in reality, it would be a better short term move to get a second K-3 for a variety of reasons including having a backup body with me. It's a hard decision though! :-)




I recently read about doing this! I'll be sending it in for repair anyway, in particular for seeing if I can get its softness fixed, but then I'll probably look into doing this if all goes well. I've read good things about the DA* 16-50 but have never liked mine so I assume I just got a bad copy.
Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories 07-19-2014, 10:27 PM  
LBA decision help with Pentax 20-40mm vs ??
Posted By jremick
Replies: 10
Views: 1,524
So the short summary is that I'm considering buying the new 20-40mm Pentax but I'm not quite convinced it's the right choice. Here's why...

My girlfriend and I do a fair bit of traveling and a range of different photography (animals and landscapes are my favorite). She is using my K-5 and a few lenses, most notably the 15mm Ltd (one of my favorites for landscapes). I use the 31mm Ltd a lot (my go-to lens) with the second being the DA* 60-250mm. The 31 makes great landscapes as well, it just takes a bit more work with the stitching and such (which I don't really mind).

However... my main annoyance at the moment is the need to swap lenses. Sometimes the DA* 60-250mm is what I need when I see a shot and other times it's the 31mm. So I've finally decided to get another K-3. Now, if I'm carrying the DA* 60-250mm on one body I'd use a short lens on the other, which will likely be the 31 most of the time. But... I'd like the ability to go a bit wider but would ideally have weather sealing as I don't like running from the rain, etc.

I have the DA* 16-50mm but, honestly, I hate it. I think it's the worst lens I own. From the reviews I've read, I'm guessing I got a poor copy but the SDM just recently died so I've developed a strong dislike for it except when I'm desperate for WR + wide. Adding to this, like I said earlier, I travel a fair bit so I'm fairly conscious of weight.

So it sounds like the 20-40mm would fit quite well, but is it the right choice? Do you think it will work well for landscapes? (In the low 20mm range is what I'm looking for, otherwise I'll use the 31mm). Should I be considering anything else? 21mm? Sigma?


....Lastly, should I be considering a different body? I've been reading a lot about the A7 and DXO rates the sensor very highly (I don't fully understand why the K-3 sensor is so much lower but I know I get great photos out of it...) I've even been teasing the idea of a 645D or Z, but that's not the right fit for my travels (or budget) at the moment.
Forum: Pentax K-3 Photo Contest 06-02-2014, 02:45 AM  
Cityscape Venice by Night
Posted By jremick
Replies: 3
Views: 818
Beautiful! I nominate this photo. :)
Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II 10-22-2013, 07:59 PM  
So who is pre-ordering?
Posted By jremick
Replies: 36
Views: 4,074
Pre-ordered the limited silver the day it was announced. I've been waiting for it for awhile so I was a bit twitchy on the trigger... haha!
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 06-14-2012, 11:26 PM  
FA31 vs FA43 for portraiture [on K5]
Posted By jremick
Replies: 21
Views: 5,168
I wouldn't say I like the 50-135 for studio work since I don't really do studio work (I just play around). But I've used it on long hikes, goofing around in my pretend studio, weddings, etc. and the weight has never bothered me. I feel like the quality of it rivals primes and it's always fun for me to use. That said, if I need something the focuses quickly, has wider aperture, etc. then I, of course, always go for a prime. Oh, I also have a +8 adjustment on mine —*still one of my favorite lenses though.

As far as the 16-50; I've heard mixed reviews but it seems to be hit or miss depending on the quality of the copy you get. I'm pretty sure I just got a bad copy. I wasn't able to send it back though because I waited to long and order it while I was overseas. I'll probably send it in for repair or replacement soon though.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 06-14-2012, 09:26 PM  
FA31 vs FA43 for portraiture [on K5]
Posted By jremick
Replies: 21
Views: 5,168
I have the 31 ltd and I think it's an outstanding lens. I don't have the fa43 but if I were shooting portraiture I'd prefer closer to that focal length because the 31mm is technically a wide angle lens. I use the 31mm for street shots, panoramas, group shots, etc. If I want to shoot full body I currently use my 50-135 or 55* but I have used my 31mm and was happy with the results.

Also, I hate the 16-50. I think its quality compared to these other lenses isn't even remotely close. But maybe I have a bad copy. I void mine like the plague and only use it if I need WR or if I have to be quick and won't have time to switch lenses.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 05-16-2012, 03:05 AM  
If You Had To Pick One Lens You're Coveting Right Now?
Posted By jremick
Replies: 90
Views: 6,971
Hmm... probably the 10-17 fisheye right now. I'm addicted to super wide right now. For everyone wanting the 31mm ltd, get it! It's one of my most used lenses. I usually walk around with the 15mm ltd and 31mm ltd since the 15 is small enough to fit in my pocket. The 31 is a stunning lens!
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 03-20-2012, 12:30 AM  
Do you want Pentax to introduce more WR lenses? Please post here
Posted By jremick
Replies: 104
Views: 8,394
I'd like a high quality DA* replacement for the DA* 16-50 (I hate mine), a wide angle DA* prime (built like the 55mm) and maybe a WR or DA* version of the 12-24. I would buy all my lenses in WR versions if they were available.
Forum: Photographic Technique 03-18-2012, 10:22 PM  
Nocturnal Photography Lights?
Posted By jremick
Replies: 11
Views: 1,991
Awesome, thanks!
Forum: Photographic Technique 03-18-2012, 09:55 PM  
Nocturnal Photography Lights?
Posted By jremick
Replies: 11
Views: 1,991
The limited feedback I got when I asked was that it needed to be a constant light (flash, even dim, is disruptive). I asked about a bright diffused lamp similar in concept to something you'd bring camping to illuminate your camping spot, but more focused to a specific area (maybe covering 10-20 ft). They said that'd be fine.

I found nocturnal constant lights on BH but they're essentially just LED flashlights built for diving.

I'm guessing jatrax's suggestion will be the easiest solution. I might try buying a high output (multiple level select) LED "torch" and using it with something to soften and spread the light.
Forum: Photographic Technique 03-18-2012, 08:04 PM  
Nocturnal Photography Lights?
Posted By jremick
Replies: 11
Views: 1,991
I'm staying in Australia for awhile and I've had the opportunity to photograph penguins while a research team collects data on them (weighing, etc). Flash is a no-no for these birds so I tried going off the flashlights being used by the team, a fast lens (55mm f1.4 or 31mm f1.8) and cranking up the ISO. The results, as expected, were less than ideal.

I tried doing some searching but I still have no idea what I could be using to improve the lighting conditions without bothering the birds and still getting decent shots.

I'm thinking if I had some sort of lamp (not a flashlight) that was diffused and soft it would do the trick to get decent shots without bothering the birds. They aren't bothered in the least by the flashlights so I assume a diffused lamp (less focused light than a flashlight) would be fine.

Any tips or suggestions?
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 03-06-2012, 03:12 PM  
*HELP* FA 50 f1.4 or DA 70 f2.4 ltd or FA 77 f1.8
Posted By jremick
Replies: 29
Views: 3,323
I'd use the 31 ltd for group shots and a 50 for shots closer to portrait. After using the 31 ltd, you'll want to buy it. I absolutely love mine!
Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II 03-03-2012, 08:30 PM  
weather sealing
Posted By jremick
Replies: 69
Views: 12,784
People would put their gear through poor conditions if 1) it is designed to withstand it and 2) it is necessary to get the shot. Saying we have more money than sense may be true in some cases but I don't go running around in the rain with my camera just because I can or I want to look cool. I do it because that's what it was designed to withstand and that's what I have to do to get the photos I want.

Plus, pushing the boundaries of your equipment also teaches you what its limits are for the next time. This is how professionals out in crazy conditions figure out little tricks here and there about their equipment.

No need to call someone a putz just because you wouldn't do it.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 03-03-2012, 08:07 PM  
How does Pentax weather sealing compare?
Posted By jremick
Replies: 29
Views: 8,222
Well, like everyone else in this thread so far, I can't answer your question either. However, I can say that the abuse my K-5 has survived has given me far more faith in its weather sealing than I really need. Short of liquid submersion, I will most likely give up before the K-5 does.

I've taken mine into torrential rain for hours and day-long hikes in the rain, through sand, dirt and dust, paintballing, snowshoeing, high heat, etc. During all of this abuse I didn't hide the camera in a bag or under my jacket, it was out and ready for use at all times, exposed.

The few people I've shot with that owned Canon, Nikon or otherwise don't put their cameras through this for one reason or another. Maybe I'm just crazy, or maybe I just trust that my K-5 is built well. ;)
Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals 03-03-2012, 07:54 PM  
There's GOTTA be a full frame coming...
Posted By jremick
Replies: 40
Views: 4,398
I hope a FF Pentax is on the way because I've set a deadline for the end of this year or I'm jumping over to Canon and the new mkiii. For the time being though, I'm happy enough with the K-5. And if the K-5's replacement is a nice enough improvement, I'd probably hold out longer for a FF from Pentax.

That being said, it's hard to justify a mkiii when I can get a second K-5, grip, accessories and a few top-notch lenses for the same price (this month's plan) and turn out quality photos comparable to friends sporting FF's (my skill being the limiting factor).
Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 03-03-2012, 07:40 PM  
Nikon D800 36mp sensor detail kills the Canon 5D MKIII
Posted By jremick
Replies: 28
Views: 7,005
Disappointing. From the thread title I was hoping for a comparison that was more than just unsupported claims. :(

Until both cameras are compared in a controlled environment, we're not going to be able to determine each sensor's strengths and weaknesses.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 03-03-2012, 07:35 PM  
36 vs 22Mp FF (just for fun)
Posted By jremick
Replies: 20
Views: 2,735
Between the 36 mp and 22 mp I'd go with the 22 mp hands down. I don't want larger files and don't need greater than 22 mp (or 16-18 mp for that matter). However, the theoretical light sensitivity improvements of the new 22 mp sensor is something I'd really like, among other things.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 02-20-2012, 05:25 AM  
So you guys convince me I need more glass for this trip
Posted By jremick
Replies: 17
Views: 2,067
+1

- -

I've been doing a lot of traveling lately and the kit I have come to prefer so far is the 15 ltd, 31 ltd, 16-50 and 50-135 w/ K-5 and grip. When I want to go for a quick and light walk I use the 31 ltd as a walk-around and the 15 ltd for the wide stuff (it fits nicely in a jacket pocket since it's so small). If I'll be going out for longer or something, I bring my backpack and tote the 16-50 and 50-135 around (but I ditch the 16-50 if I know the weather will be good).

I'm currently contemplating getting a TC or the 60-250, but for weight the TC is my first choice with the 50-135. The 60-250 would have to replace the 50-135 but it's much heavier, larger and not as good for low light so I'm on the fence there.

So, from what you said you have available, I'd definitely bring the 55-200 but only carry it when you think you'll use it. I'd probably also consider bringing the 50 f/1.4 Having the 35 macro available would be nice, but if weight is an issue and you don't use it often then I don't think it's worth bringing.

Hope you have fun! :)
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 02-12-2012, 09:57 AM  
Traveling from USA to Paris - power for K5 battery
Posted By jremick
Replies: 9
Views: 1,586
Take a peek at the info. tag on the charger where it lists input power. It says 100-240v so you can use it pretty much anywhere in the world, you just need an adapter to change the plug type. :)
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 02-12-2012, 09:36 AM  
Top 10 legendary lenses...what is on your list?
Posted By jremick
Replies: 99
Views: 32,160
There are lenses that are on my list in which I don't currently know are on the list (ie. I'm still discovering which lenses are amazing and then I want them), haha. So far it's been these (the first three I already own)

- DA* 50-135
- FA31 ltd
- DA15 ltd
- FA77 ltd

I don't know if these would be considered legendary, but they're top lenses and on my list

- DA* 55
- DA* 60-250
- DA 10-17 fisheye
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 02-06-2012, 08:36 AM  
Keep Fa31 or swap to Fa43 + Da15
Posted By jremick
Replies: 30
Views: 5,095
+1 here to keeping the FA31. The loss you'd take on it by selling it isn't worth it IMO. I think you'd be better off keeping the money you'd lose and keep saving for the other lenses. The FA31 is also a stunning lens IMO. I have one and I love using it every chance I get.

If you shoot a lot of stuff that needs a really wide lens then I'd get the DA15 next and then work towards something on the longer end like the FA77. I don't shoot a lot of stuff that requires something like the DA15 unless I'm traveling so if it was me I'd go for something on the longer end first.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 01-30-2012, 11:46 AM  
55mm f/1.4 is a stunning lens.
Posted By jremick
Replies: 41
Views: 6,282
I'm considering picking up this lens so I'd also be interested in hearing people's feedback on it.
Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II 01-24-2012, 05:50 PM  
Putting the K-5 through the elements (lots of pics)
Posted By jremick
Replies: 44
Views: 9,291
Ah, yes! That would be quite a lot of fun! If the opportunity comes up, I'll be sure to jump right in. :)
Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II 01-24-2012, 02:14 PM  
Putting the K-5 through the elements (lots of pics)
Posted By jremick
Replies: 44
Views: 9,291
Yeah, I'll admit I'm pretty poor at PP work. Half the time I don't have time to really do it right and when I do have time to do it right I don't really know what is actually right, haha. ;)

It's a fun hobby anyway though. :)
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