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Forum: Pentax KP
01-29-2017, 07:49 AM
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A retro camera is useless without retro lenses. Sure Pentax could make a new serie of lenses with aperture rings, but what I do like with the Pentax approach is the HyperProgram and HyperManual. This requires two electronic dials that also are programmable. This concept was introduced with the Z-1p in the early 1990's and it's still the core of Pentax handling and operation. You turn one dial (aperture or shutter) and the camera turns the other (shutter or aperture). You turn none and camera turns both (P), or you turn both and camera turns none (M). This is genious!
And this is coming from me, a guy that really loved the MZ-5 and MZ-5N control layout with shutter dial and aperture ring and 'A' setting on them.
The silver/black KP really looks like a digital MZ-3/MZ-5N, but with HyperProgram control. I like that.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-20-2016, 03:45 AM
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The dioptre correction in my camera isn't enough (I need more than -5 and it goes down to -2.5), so I use contact lenses. This works best. I don't feel comfortable shooting with glasses on they feel as being in the way.
---------- Post added 02-20-2016 at 11:47 AM ----------
My guide to how to use the dioptre correction...
1. Remove the lens from the camera body and put the white plastic lens mount cap on.
2. Point the camera to an uniform and bright area, like the cealing or a wall...
3. Adjust the dioptre to the markings in the viewfinder so you can see them clearly (the AF markings and spot circle on the matte screen).
Now you set the dioptre to the matte screen and when you check focus you check it on the matte screen.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
09-25-2015, 07:41 AM
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I have the K-S2. It is a nice camera. Mine is "forest green". Very nice. :)
In your case, you need to turn off the auto AF select and go to manul selection of focus points.
First, see to that your flip back screen is visible with the LCD panel facing towards you. Otherwise you won't see a thing. :)
Second, press the INFO button.
Third, locate the third row from top to bottom. Move the marker with the 4-way controller (it is around the OK button) to the *second column* from left in the third row. When you hare highlighting this, press the OK-button.
Here you can select between Auto 11, Auto 5, Select, Select Extended and Spot. I recommend choosing the Select-option. You choose it with the 4-way controller then press OK when you are highlightning the Select-option.
Now you're all set.
Ok, time to take a picture.
At the back of the screen you should have the AF area visible with a red dot showing the actual AF position. With the 4-way controller you can now move around and select the position of your choice. If you have a look in the viewfinder, you will find a red dot showing the AF position.
When you have moved it to your preferred position just shoot away, press the shutter button.
The AF stays where you left it, so if you want to reset it to the center just press the OK button.
You can also choose the Spot AF - this locks the AF in the middle and then you re-compose.
If you wish to change ISO, flash and White balance etc. you have to give the OK button a *long* press - then it switches from AF position to those functions. When you're finished, you can go back to AF point selection with a long press on the OK again.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
08-28-2015, 04:59 AM
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The Nikon D7000 has a top flash sync speed of 1/250 with the built-in flash, the K-50 has a top flash sync speed of 1/180. If you want to use faster shutter speeds with flash you need a high-speed-sync flash. The built-in flash is not a high-speed-sync flash, it is limited to 1/180 because of the hardware. It is more expensive to make a 1/250 flash. Pentax do offers external flashes with high-speed-sync. Note here: They need electronic aperture coupling with the lens, because they need to know the aperture. A manual focus non-A lens (such as the M or K-series) does not have electronic coupled aperture so they are of limited use with this special function.
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Forum: Pentax K-S1 & K-S2
06-12-2015, 08:28 AM
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Had some fun with Apple photos. :)
K-S2 with DA 17-70. A high contrast image so the highs were blowned out and the tangerine colour was bleeding and washed out, didn't liked it but "straight out of the box" but I did this instead. :) I like this one... :)
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Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands
07-17-2015, 09:08 AM
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Different users has different needs. I don't feel that Pentax (Ricoh) must adress everyone's needs, but I do understand what you want and why. Myself I'm a stills photographer first and foremost, and if I want video then I want a dedicated video camera. I'm not a fan of pressing as much functions as possible in one body. :) I do remember the Optio... was it called the Optio MX? It looked like a videocamera (or a Super 8 on stereoids) but was also for still photo. Maybe it was before it's time... but an interesting concept. My main problem with a DSLR as a videocamera is that stills and video photography means different holding of the body, and the body can't be designed for both functions so you have to make compromises and most DSLR's for video (if not all) are designed for still photography. Video is an after though in the handling and exterior design. This is when you handhold it, if you use a tripod then it doesn't matter really... But when handholding, oh a camcorder with a pilot grip a'la Super 8 days that is my preferences...
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Forum: Pentax K-S1 & K-S2
06-29-2015, 05:26 AM
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If you have few focus points you may need to re-arrange the composition to get one of the focus points at the subject and then-recompose to get the final image. With more focus points you have a higher chance that you find a focus point where you have the subject, or at least one will be close so you'll have to move the camera less - this also gives sharper focus since if you move the camera after you have set the focus - you actually change the camera-to-subject distance - this may be a problem with lenses and/or aperture settings that gives a short depth-of-field.
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Forum: Pentax K-S1 & K-S2
06-13-2015, 08:02 AM
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DNG from K-S2, developed and adjusted in Apple Photos.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
06-15-2015, 03:24 AM
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I use the DA 35 f/2.8 Macro as my standard normal lens, it does an excellent job so it's not only for macros. :)
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
06-15-2015, 05:13 AM
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The first re-badged as Samsung was the Samsung GX-1S (Pentax *ist DS) and the GX-1L (Pentax *ist DL). Then came the GX-10 (K10D) and then the GX-20 (K20D) with Samsung sensor and some co-development. Some Pentax lenses was also re-badged as Schneider-Kreuznach för the Samsung versions, essentially they were the same as the ones labeled Pentax, but with some cosmetical differencies (blue ring instead of green, different focus and zoom rings, optically they were the same). Like the 18-55, 50-200, 12-24 and some others.
Oh, why the collaboration ended? Well, Samsung wanted an entry into the DSLR-market and working with Pentax looked like a good thing, but Pentax was shaky and Hoya took over Pentax which changed some direction for the company. Also, Pentax felt the Samsung sensors wasn't good enough. The first for the GX-20 was competetive, but the 2nd generation used in the K-7 showed to Pentax that the development was too slow and that Sony had a better plan for the future. The current Samsung sensor is very good, but it has taken Samsung some years to be as good as Sony and others here.
Another parameter to consider is that Samsung wanted to move into mirrorless, and Pentax wanted to continue with it's K-mount. So these two companies simply felt that they had different directions in the future, they wanted different things.
Looking at the Samsung NX-cameras I do see some inspiration from Pentax in the look and feel of them, but they have no Pentax technology in them and Pentax does not use any Samsung parts since the sensor in the K-7.
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Forum: Pentax K-S1 & K-S2
06-10-2015, 10:08 AM
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Program-mode on the K-S2 is similar to the K20D, it is HyP-mode (Hyper Program mode). Set the camera to P, then you use the front and back dials (e-dials) to set aperture and shutter: If you turn the aperture wheel (standard setting is the back wheel) then you enter Av mode (aperture priority mode) - you set aperture, camera sets shutter. If you turn the shutter wheel (standard setting is the front wheel) then you enter Tv mode (shutter priority mode) - you set the shutter, camera sets the aperture. If you press the green button you reset to Program-mode (camera sets both aperture and shutter).
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Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II
06-03-2015, 02:55 AM
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Expect the K-S2 to feel much like the K-30, but with higher resolution and more sharpness (it has the same trick as the K-3 when it comes to no-antialias filter and using the SR-system to reduce moire) and some more features. Sure the K-3 will feel better balanced with bigger lenses, but in terms of image quality I say no big differencies... The key advantage of the K-3 is the AF system, but K-S2 is more developed here than your K-30 so you still get better AF with that one too. The new DA 16-85 has high sharpness, nice motor and is weather sealed - it covers a good range. Combine this with the DA Star 60-250 for more telephoto power or DA Star 200 f/2.8. DA Star 16-50 f/2.8 is a nice option, but 16-85 has longer reach and it's sharper than the 18-135.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
02-12-2015, 02:42 PM
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When it comes to the D FA and DA Star lenses, it is about the combination of weather sealing (not the simpler weather resistance), fast aperture, Quick Shift focus and built-in AF motor in the lens plus advanced optical formulas. The DA 560 is a f/5.6 lens, compare this to the DA Star 60-250 which is a f/4 design. Seems to me that DA / DFA Star is f/4 or faster, and fixed widest aperture for the zooms not variable. The D FA 150-450 design is variable and f/5.6 as it's slowest, the D FA Star 70-200 is f/2.8.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II
01-18-2015, 04:24 AM
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So you're entering a state of flow when it doesn't feel like you're doing photography, it's more like it is happening to you and your camera. It is effortless... That's what flow is about, a moment without struggle and suffering, a moment in total presence with life as it is Now - it can absolutely be called a Zen-moment... Zen as in a state of meditation and total awareness in the presence of now. Congratulations. :)
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
06-13-2013, 10:08 AM
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Found this on the swedish site for Pentax Fotoprodukter med unik vädertätning och kompromisslös bildkvalitet - PENTAX Photo :
"Hösten 2010 köpte Ricoh kameradelen av Pentax, och med det kom det in stora resurser till utveckling av nya modeller. Nu kommer de första frukterna av det. Två nya systemkameror på en och samma gång, och i höst är det mer på gång."
My translation:
In fall 2010 Ricoh bought the camera division of Pentax, and with this came big resources for development of new products. Now we can see the first fruits of this. Two new DSLR's at the same time, and this fall there's more on the way.
Taken from: Pentax ökar takten - PENTAX Photo
Note: The "two new DSLR's" they talk about here is of course the K-50 and K-500.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
09-17-2012, 12:08 PM
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Pentax has given us the K-30 which is a stellar design for the price, a very exciting camera. It seems like you've already forgot it? It do lifts the bar in the midlevel category. The K-5 has got a sensitive upgrade, why change a winning design? A good camera has got even better.
As for a 24x36 camera - Pentax problem is the sensor. Their most likely source is Sony, but Sony has since many years a deal with Nikon which means that Nikon has exclusive rights to Sony's newest sensors for several months before Sony can sell the sensor to another manufacturer (like Pentax). I don't know if this deal is a bout a delay for 6 or 12 months before Sony can ship it to their other customers. So, when Pentax gets the newest Sony sensor - it is already old on the market...
This is also the prime reason for Pentax trying out a co-operation with Samsung some years ago, and while the first Samsung sensor was very nice - Samsung failed in keeping up with the tempo of Sony so even with the Sony-Nikon delay, it was worth using Sony sensors again...
Another thing to consider is that Ricoh took over Pentax quite recently.. It takes time to merge a company with another company. During the "melting" phase of Pentax into Ricoh, the projects are changed and priorities shifted. This also takes time. I don't expect any Ricoh-developed product to be introduced this year (the K-30 was the last product developed under the supervision of Hoya). Next year will we see the fruits of the Ricoh takeover. This year is simply too early.
And yes, it is a drawback for a company when owners are changed - this delays product development and marketing and the new organisation takes time to kick in, but in the end this may well be worth it. Let's give them a chance!
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Forum: Pentax K-30 & K-50
05-24-2012, 03:32 AM
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It depends on the dealer. Can also depend on the distributor / importer in each country. In Sweden, where I live, it is the 18-55 WR that is included in the standard basic kit. In the US, it seems like B&H is offering the K-30 with the 18-55 WR too.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
05-23-2012, 05:42 AM
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The Canon EF 50 f/1.8 is indeed from ancient times, it is a pre-historic lens. :) It has paid for itself a long time ago.
The Pentax new 50 f/1.8 is a new construction, new optical design, and Pentax wants to get their development money back. Plus the optical design is likely to be very good, if we judge from the new 35 f/2.4. Optical quality like the Limiteds but in a plastic body.
I believe that the problem is that people just compare focal lengths, aperture and price - and not optical quality. Do you want a 50 just because it is cheap, or do you want one because it is good? If you want a cheap 50 then you have this in the 18-55 kit zoom...
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
01-24-2011, 09:50 AM
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I believe that joining micro 4/3 would be a logical choice for Pentax.
- The mount is there, it is a standard, and there are lenses already on the market for it.
- Pentax needs only release a few Limiteds and then they are sailing, they don't have to build up a completely new system.
- Investment is less than if Pentax would build up a new system.
Now, Sony does not (yet) make sensors as small as 4/3 so sensor needs to be the Panasonic sensor the others are using, or a new design (Kodak again? they have many interesting ideas, it's time to release them...).
As a low level hybrid between p&s compacts and pro APS-C system, yes I can see a market and customers for it and the Pentax version needs of course be the smallest and most compact of them all...
So for me, there is lots of logic in there.
But this is a personal reflection, the reality may be different when (if) the camera is released.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
01-24-2011, 04:11 AM
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Lens adapters are expensive, the K-mount adapter for Samsung NX-serie (with only manual focus) cost as a new Sigma zoom... The Olympus OM-adapter for 4/3 is also as expensive. Novoflex third party adapters is less expensive, but still cost quite much money for what is essentially only a metal ring with some mechanics.
Adding lens motor and circuits and controls for this to drive screwdriven AF lenses and price goes up, way beyond what most wants to pay for such an accessory.
It can be done, but not to a good price. This limits the market appeal.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
09-09-2010, 11:31 AM
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The reason that Pentax went for the 12Mp sensor in the K-r is to have the best high ISO for an APS- camera. This also means that it is very likely that the new K-5, most probably with a Sony 16Mp, will not have as good high ISO as the K-r - but the K-5 will still be very competetive in high ISO and similar to the K-x there, it is just that the K-r is better. Pentax decided to give the K-r the best high ISO, not the most Mp.
Note that the 12Mp CMOS in the K-r is not the same as the 12Mp in the K-x.
It is a new version with even better high ISO performance, expect 1 EV better than the K-x, this means roughly about 2 EV better than the K-7 and 3 EV better than the K10D.
New K-5 should land on the same level as the current K-x in terms of high ISO, despite having more Mp's (smaller pixels means more amplification means more noise, so it is harder to make high Mp sensors with low noise).
Pentax has listened to the customers - they want the best high ISO, not really the most Mp.
Many wanted less Mp in the K-7 but better high ISO.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
09-09-2010, 05:14 AM
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The new K-r is clearly a solid and well thought-out photographers camera. Instead of making some sort of hybrid DSLR with advanced video - Pentax choosed to make an entry camera for aspiring photographers.
The new version of the 12.4 sensor promises the best high ISO performance in it's class. The negative comments about "only 12Mp" is funny. I have seen many postings about the K-7 needed to have the 12Mp sensor and not the 14Mp because of the 12Mp performing better at high ISO, and now the complaints about "only 12Mp"...
The K-r has even better high ISO performance than the K-x had, and the K-x was best in class. Sure Pentax could have opted for a 14Mp sensor like the new competition, but Pentax listened to the customers that shouted "we want better high ISO, we want better high ISO" so they wanted to deliver the best high ISO performance money can buy instead of playing the most Mp game.
The improved autofocus must be seen as positive, and you folks got the separate AF assist lamp that you wanted so much.
Faster fps and with larger buffer.
AF adjustment.
A clever solution to the "I like AA" and "I hate AA"-solution. Now everyone will be happy.
Yeah, lot of improvements here and there. A solid and well constructed beginners camera with concentration on image quality and photographic usefullness.
Funny is the negative comments about the DA L 35.
You complained about Pentax lenses being too expensive compared to the plastic lenses from the competition. You said you didn't wanted the build quality of the DA Limiteds. That Pentax should lower their prices. Well, to lower the prices Pentax had to release full plastic lens without quick-shift focus and without distance info - just like the all plastic lenses from the competition. And now when Pentax has done just that, you complain about the new DA L 35 being all plastic and not metal and without distance info markings...
You want full metal lenses for free...
If the DA L 35 has similar optical formula as the FA 35 f/2, then it will be a great lens!
You talk a lot about technical specifications here, but nothing about *performance*.
Some buys equipment after how well they perform in the technical specification list, others buys equipment after how well they perform in real life, out in the field. Pentax has by tradition always concentrated on the latter.
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