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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 10-19-2012, 11:13 AM  
Question about Focus on a used Sigma 30mm 1.4
Posted By kmwsbabe
Replies: 9
Views: 1,914
I am so thankful to have found this thread. I know it's a year old, but this information just saved my $500 lens purchase! I have had the 30mm for about 6 months now, and still have not been able to use it due to the focus issue. Finally had a minute to search (coupled with a pressing need for the lens in the next couple of weeks) and found this. Still not having much luck with center focus recompose, shooting wide open, due to the slim DOF. BUT, LiveView AF focus is spot on, and amazingly sharp. Thank you to everyone who took the time to post to this thread. You are a Godsend!
Forum: Sold Items 10-19-2012, 09:49 AM  
For Sale - Sold: DA*50-135, DA 10-17 Fisheye
Posted By kmwsbabe
Replies: 13
Views: 2,584
PM sent regarding the 50-135.
Forum: Pentax Medium Format 08-02-2012, 12:11 PM  
Comparing with a Smartphone - Good for a grin
Posted By kmwsbabe
Replies: 14
Views: 1,934
Ha!:lol:

I'm still trying to figure out why they would even pack so many pixels onto such a tiny sensor. For WOW factor, advertising to the uneducated masses?

As for FB, yes, it degrades image quality, but for those who do any type of family portraiture, it is one of the best/easiest/cheapest avenues for marketing. Every little preview posted reaches the client's FB friends and family. Many of those people tag themselves. One image has the potential to reach 1000+ people, with an estimated 1/4 of those being in the photographer's specific area. Not to mention the psychological aspects of "Keeping up with the Joneses", it's arguably a worthwhile marketing tool. But it really must be viewed as that. Simply a tool.
Forum: Pentax Medium Format 07-31-2012, 11:57 AM  
Comparing with a Smartphone - Good for a grin
Posted By kmwsbabe
Replies: 14
Views: 1,934
Saw this little blurb today and had a little chuckle.

King of 40MP: Pentax 645D vs... Nokia 808 PureView tutorial
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 03-06-2012, 05:18 PM  
Should I upgrade my 28-70 EX DG Sigma?
Posted By kmwsbabe
Replies: 9
Views: 1,925
George, the calibration is a great idea. I would expect it would matter which body was sent, though. Is this an incorrect assumption? Because I can't really do without my k5, but I could send in my k-x.

JinDesu, I do tend to shoot wide open when I need the light. And it's typically around the 30-35mm focal length. However, even when I strobe, working with f8 and a tripod, I still don't feel the images are a sharp as they should be. But, I know I am unfairly comparing it to my 50, and there is no way they can compare. So, I went ahead with a 35mm purchase today. Just the cheapie 2.4 since it has predominantly good reviews, and it will be about a year before I can drop $1300 on a lens. And I am still highly considering the Tamron version, since this is a great zoom range for fast toddlers.

Ubuntu_user, thanks for the recs. I get where you are coming from on the 2 lenses. They are a bit out of my current budget together, but the 50-135 is definitely on the wish list.

I really appreciate all the thoughtful advice from everyone. It has been very helpful! Thank you so much!
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 03-06-2012, 12:10 PM  
Should I upgrade my 28-70 EX DG Sigma?
Posted By kmwsbabe
Replies: 9
Views: 1,925
Thank you for your thoughts. I will check out the Tamron 28-75 as you suggest. I know there are at least several well respected photographers here who use that fairly extensively, and that recommends it to me as well. The Pentax 50-135 is on my list, but more for weddings than studio where I need something to cover the wide end. Thank you again!
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 03-06-2012, 10:49 AM  
Should I upgrade my 28-70 EX DG Sigma?
Posted By kmwsbabe
Replies: 9
Views: 1,925
This post will show my absolute ignorance of the limits of a mid range zoom, especially with regards to sharpness, so I am relying on this community's brilliance and kindness to guide me. I shoot portraiture, and I just feel unhappy with my Sigma. I really only use it to get a bit more width when shooting in studio, and have toyed with picking up a 35 prime to replace it. But, for fashion, I do like having a bit of space between myself and the subject, and I would really like to know if there is a better mid range zoom out there. I'm willing to pay for it. Maybe not $1300, but up to $900-ish.

I do want to say that I get such stellar images with my 50mm 1.7, and I know that comparing the two is like comparing apples and alligators. But, seriously, can I get closer to the sharpness of the 50 with a zoom? Any closer at all?

Thanks for any advice.
Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II 04-06-2011, 02:12 PM  
What to expect from K-x to K-5
Posted By kmwsbabe
Replies: 28
Views: 4,616
I still love the images I get from my K-x. It is a great little camera, and I thought it was unbeatable until I got my K-5. It's still in my bag as a reliable backup, and second camera when I don't have time to swap out glass.

On to what I love about the K-5:
I really appreciate that there is a switch to change the metering mode right there beneath the mode dial. It makes it so easy to switch between center weighted and spot for those difficult metering situations.

I also like the larger display on the back.

BATTERY LIFE! BIG, HUGE improvement! I took 200+ shots during a Senior Session yesterday, on a battery that had already shot at least 100 frames, and it still reads "full". It will be even better when I add a battery pack.

I shoot in Manual mode, and really appreciate the front dial. I have it set for aperture, back dial handles shutter speed. Perfect!

Higher resolution = larger prints.

Definitely faster autofocus, the af assist lamp works well, and the shutter is so quiet it disturbed me at first.

Very solid camera. Impressive images. Enjoy!
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 04-04-2011, 05:35 PM  
Kx exposure problems
Posted By kmwsbabe
Replies: 5
Views: 2,813
First, I just want to say that if it all came easy, the process would not be considered "learning". Be encouraged - once you figure it out, the failures will be a more powerful teacher than succeeding right off the bat ever could.

Now, have you read your manual? There is a section in there about the different metering options available on the kx (spot metering, center weighted metering, etc...) You need to understand why you might want to meter with any of those options and choose which seems to fit your needs best. (And it can always be changed if you find something else is a better fit.) I think the kx is set by default to multi-segment metering. Personally, I prefer center-weighted metering. Here is a little tutorial you may find helpful:
Understanding Camera Metering and Exposure

I always take into account the scene - is there a large amount of black or dark material, clothing, etc...? Or, an unusual amount of light/reflective material? Both will have an affect on how much your camera thinks you need to expose the scene, which may mean that you need to expose to the right or left of that center mark.

Keep at it. Pay attention to what you are doing and learning. Practice. Practice. Practice. You'll get there!
Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II 03-16-2011, 02:30 PM  
If $1400 Was Your Threshold, Now Is Your Time
Posted By kmwsbabe
Replies: 44
Views: 7,754
Purchased mine this week from Beach Camera. Pretty sure it was $1369. Found a $30 coupon code thanks to Google. $1339 - I'm thinking not too shabby! Fed-Ex tracking says it's in transit, due to arrive TOMORROW! EEP!
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions 03-16-2011, 02:11 PM  
Greeting from sweden!
Posted By kmwsbabe
Replies: 7
Views: 621
Hello and welcome, Kevin! Glad you're here. The K-x is a right smart little camera. You should be very pleased. Can't wait to see your photos! :)
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions 03-16-2011, 02:09 PM  
new member from Singapore
Posted By kmwsbabe
Replies: 6
Views: 743
Welcome to PF, Jason! How are you handling that wait?:p I am in the same boat. I love my K-x, but decided to get on board with the K-5 just this week. (I have a wedding booked in April, and really wanted to have 2 cameras by that time.) I should have mine tomorrow, but it's a tough wait!

Welcome again to the forums.:)
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions 03-16-2011, 12:16 PM  
Hello from Houston, Texas, USA - wanna be K5 owner!
Posted By kmwsbabe
Replies: 14
Views: 1,086
Wonderful to have you here! Welcome! I just took the plunge on a K5 this week (should have my hands on it tomorrow, in fact), and feel very confident and hopeful for brilliant images. I love my little kx. It has delivered above and beyond my every expectation, so I have no doubt the K5 will be even better. If there is anything you need to know about Pentax, just ask. This is definitely the place for answers. Jump in and enjoy!
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions 03-16-2011, 12:10 PM  
Personal Introduction and comment
Posted By kmwsbabe
Replies: 7
Views: 708
Hello and welcome! I have been shooting with the kx for the past year and have found it to be quite an amazing little camera. I look forward to reading some posts from you and seeing some great kx images!
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 01-13-2011, 11:19 AM  
Newbie Question jpeg vs raw
Posted By kmwsbabe
Replies: 38
Views: 7,408
I see, Lowell. You are talking about people who shoot RAW, then run batch actions in PP, yes? And in that case I completely agree with you. It has become rather the fad to shoot RAW, then run Portraiture and a myriad of Photoshop actions.

By contrast, I import my select images into LR. I then process my favorite images from each set one at a time, using the sliders in LR. Then I sync those settings with the other images in each particular set. Finally, those images are individually fine tuned. It sounds laborious, but it is not, as I have worked diligently to streamline my workflow. The entire process takes me less than 5 minutes per photo.

And I'm with you - each should do whatever he feels comfortable and happy doing. If that means shooting in A or jpgs, fully M and RAW, or somewhere in between, it's all good. I personally see an improvement in my images since shooting RAW and doing my own processing. However, my photography is continually improving as well. Who's to say which is the reason, yk? My neighbor shows me his (Nikon) SOOC jpgs, and they are darn good.:cool:
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 01-10-2011, 01:21 PM  
Newbie Question jpeg vs raw
Posted By kmwsbabe
Replies: 38
Views: 7,408
I would agree with you, with one caveat. When the camera processes and compresses the photographic information to jpg, there is some loss. That's why a RAW file is so much larger than a jpg file. My own personal feeling on the matter is that I want to see the RAW photograph SOOC, with no adjustments, before I decide which information to lose and which to enhance through processing, rather than letting the camera decide. (I do want to say that I almost hesitated to post that, knowing that I do so on a forum comprised primarily of very tech savvy guys, and my knowledge and understanding of the technical aspects is lacking by comparison.) In any case, I do a range of portraiture, from studio to lifestyle and location, with strobe and without, backlighting, etc... and I do appreciate the control that shooting in RAW gives me with regards to highlight recovery when I need it. I will also admit that I am self-taught and not perfect at my craft by any means, so it may also be a matter of having greater ability to correct bad technique. (I hope hope hope this is not the case!:o)
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 01-09-2011, 06:30 PM  
Newbie Question jpeg vs raw
Posted By kmwsbabe
Replies: 38
Views: 7,408
I mostly do portraiture, so take this for what it is worth.

First, converting images takes no time. I use cam2pc to upload my images from camera to pc. Then, I import those that meet most of my requirements for a "wall worthy" portrait into Lightroom. I spend an average of 3 minutes per photo in post processing. The only time I really spend longer is if I am dealing with scars or acne, or maybe a distracting stray hair across the eye on a photo that is immeasurably above any similar photos from the shoot. Also, newborn images take some extra finessing.

The key to faster processing is getting exposure, white balance, and composition fairly close to perfect in camera. The rest is cake. Truly. Just as it takes practice to perfect your photographic techniques, it does take practice to refine and perfect your PP workflow. But once you have it down, it really goes quite quickly. And you can further shave time with software such as LR, with allows you to apply the same settings to multiple photos. And yes, it is worth any and all the extra "trouble" you may endure, in order to have complete control over all the aspects of the final image. I like to think of it this way - I love to spend an entire day simmering a marinara sauce. I get up early, blanch and peel the tomatoes, start some crusty bread drying for bruschetta, etc.... I would never, ever in a million years then take my sauce over to my neighbor and have him season it the way he sees fit. Why do all that work to have someone else change the flavor? In the same way, I want to be in control of how much priority the highlights are given, how much contrast, how saturated, etc... And the only way to do this is to control the processing, rather than letting the camera do it for me.

LR also allows you to individually or batch export your files in a loss-less format, or as jpg. It is really very simple.
Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II 01-07-2011, 10:29 PM  
K-5 sales volume
Posted By kmwsbabe
Replies: 56
Views: 14,344
I'm with Lee. In order to be meaningful, we need more data. For all we know, the 17,000 difference between the kits is accounted for by batteries and xbox controllers. ;)
Forum: Post Your Photos! 11-15-2010, 11:28 PM  
Macro Simple Dandelion Bloom
Posted By kmwsbabe
Replies: 6
Views: 2,104
Thank you, miss_alexx.:)
Forum: Photo Critique 11-02-2010, 11:19 AM  
Nature Skeletal
Posted By kmwsbabe
Replies: 24
Views: 6,344
I love a good bw conv, too, but must agree the colors and texture together really make this photo striking. Well done!
Forum: Post Your Photos! 11-01-2010, 08:10 AM  
Macro Warm vs Cold
Posted By kmwsbabe
Replies: 15
Views: 3,940
THAT is wicked cool! Well done.
Forum: Post Your Photos! 11-01-2010, 08:04 AM  
Macro Simple Dandelion Bloom
Posted By kmwsbabe
Replies: 6
Views: 2,104
Thank you so much!
Forum: Post Your Photos! 10-29-2010, 11:01 AM  
Nature RenFaire Wrap-up
Posted By kmwsbabe
Replies: 8
Views: 1,841
Love these! 1 and 3 are exceptional!
Forum: Post Your Photos! 10-29-2010, 09:39 AM  
Macro It's here somewhere!
Posted By kmwsbabe
Replies: 4
Views: 1,556
Wow! Looks like he is ready for a cold Autumn, bundled in a fur jacket! Bees are cool. Great capture!
Forum: Post Your Photos! 10-29-2010, 09:35 AM  
People My wife and kid
Posted By kmwsbabe
Replies: 29
Views: 6,114
Very sweet. Those are perfect!

I know exactly what you mean about overthinking everything. One thing I am learning is how to enjoy the process. Even the failures. Learn from them, yes, but even more than that - appreciate what beauty they contain, even if it is not technically "perfect".

(*not that these in any way are failures....just saying that to encourage you to see what beauty there is in any photograph you take.)
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