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Forum: Photographic Technique 07-22-2019, 03:45 PM  
Portraiture Family Pictures
Posted By aleonx3
Replies: 5
Views: 891
"everyone to wear long sleeve dark colors (preferably black)" what is the occasion? Any reason why black? never heard of that, just curious. :)
Forum: General Photography 07-19-2019, 06:07 PM  
What single thing improved your photography the most?
Posted By aleonx3
Replies: 84
Views: 6,476
Years of event photography taught me not to go after the "dreamy shallow DOF with nice bokeh" photos.
Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II 07-19-2019, 04:28 PM  
Rented a K-1, What Should I Know?
Posted By aleonx3
Replies: 22
Views: 2,045
I would definitely try the pixel-shift feature for landscape photography since you are coming from Canon.
Forum: Video Recording and Processing 07-19-2019, 04:25 PM  
K-70 Terrible video results.
Posted By aleonx3
Replies: 67
Views: 11,393
I understand video capability of any Pentax cameras is not great, but IMHO, it is still usable. Based on your video, it is hard to get a good focus as you are taking the video at an angle of the drawing table. Even if it is in focus (perhaps around the center), it is hard to see. However, if you take the video with the drawing at a vertical position, you will clearly see if it is in focus or not.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 07-19-2019, 02:53 PM  
Travel portraits on crop vs full frame
Posted By aleonx3
Replies: 26
Views: 3,675
OP, just to get an idea of the FF vs APS-C differences, I attached a couple of photos taken on my travel to Tokyo in 2017. First one is the cropped photo from the original image taken with k-1; the second is the original (from DNG file). Back to your original question, narrow DOF does not play any part in my style of photography, and most of my photos are in f4 - f5.6 range, and sometimes f8 (probably the sweet spot in many of the lenses I use). It is not a true comparison but close enough if you were using APS-C camera vs FF camera using the same aperture.

K1_P0386_1

K1_P0386

K1_P0299_1

K1_P0299
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 07-19-2019, 11:44 AM  
Travel portraits on crop vs full frame
Posted By aleonx3
Replies: 26
Views: 3,675
If I may ask you whether those travel portraits are cropped or not after the shots are taken? The reason I am asking is that close-up shots can make the subject (person) uncomfortable as you are getting into someone "personal" space. As an event photographer, we don't usually do that unless requested, especially for someone unknown to you while traveling, I think in your case, your style, the crop sensor camera gives you more room between you and the subject, with a full frame camera like k-1, you have to get closer.

I have both k-1 and k-3, I seldom take wide-open shots (the days of bokeh fever have subsided :)), accurate focusing with enough DOF is the key IMHO. The k-3 provides more DOF for the same f stop, but I prefer the look of shots taken from the k-1. My travel photography style is more like pinholecam's with sufficient background stuff surrounding the subject.
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 07-17-2019, 07:01 PM  
Mode dial not working
Posted By aleonx3
Replies: 7
Views: 2,262
correct, you didn't say what lens you have mounted on the k-3... is it a manual k-mount lens? If so, only M mode works.
Forum: Photo Critique 07-05-2019, 06:25 PM  
Landscape Teide National Park
Posted By aleonx3
Replies: 9
Views: 1,048
I can see this landscape orientation is much better and interesting than the first one; the road is not closed, just elevation heading straight is up and then dip and leading to the right (one can see the road a bit further to right). Unfortunately, the overall image is not appealing (due to lack of sharpness and contrasts) and nothing striking to attract the viewer. You mentioned about the heftiness of the lens, I agree with you, that Tokina zoom lens is a beast and weighs a 'ton'. You could have bumped the ISO a bit to give a faster shutter speed to help a bit more on the sharpness, but then again, you have the k-7 which is not so great if you bump the ISO too high.
Forum: Photo Critique 07-05-2019, 02:40 PM  
Landscape Teide National Park
Posted By aleonx3
Replies: 9
Views: 1,048
Looking at the image, two suggestions that come to mind; first, I would use 'landscape' format instead of 'portrait' format to give a sense of wide-open space. Second, if the road leading to 'nowhere' is the main point of interest in this image, I would try a different angle of view so that the road is taking the direction of viewer (from left to right or right to left) where the composition is more interesting and pleasing.
Forum: Pentax KP 07-05-2019, 02:26 PM  
How did I ever live without this feature?
Posted By aleonx3
Replies: 24
Views: 3,154
Good to know that Sony A7 (and/or its variants) work with EV compensation. My brief experience playing with Nikon D750 does not (as what they say Manual is 'manual', nothing more).
Forum: Pentax KP 07-04-2019, 09:02 PM  
How did I ever live without this feature?
Posted By aleonx3
Replies: 24
Views: 3,154
I agree, TAv shooting mode is extremely important for me to shoot indoors with a cap of ISO setting; likewise, I also like to use Sv mode often times over Av or Tv mode especially for outside shooting. Both shooting modes are unique to Pentax DLSR camera only.

---------- Post added 07-05-2019 at 12:15 AM ----------



I think all shooting modes (Sv, Av, Tv and TAv), except M mode, are affected by +-EV comp adjustment. I am not sure if M mode with auto-ISO works the same with other brands.
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions 06-30-2019, 04:10 PM  
Hanimex 100mm F2 lens.
Posted By aleonx3
Replies: 4
Views: 2,489
I used to have more than one Hanimex lens, now I only kept one which is a m42 screw mount 28mm/f2.8 lens with M/A switch. This one is all metal lens with anodized based so in order to use the "catch-in-focus" feature, I had to use a piece of aluminum foil to short the pins. It works quite well that way, except in this case, I can use the center focus point. Look forward to see how your Hanimex 100/f2 lens work out.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 06-30-2019, 03:59 PM  
Poll: Do you install a UV filter on all of your lens
Posted By aleonx3
Replies: 85
Views: 7,337
I used to make an effort to find a UV filter for every lens I own/purchase, but not any more. I rely on the lens hood for protection instead, except may be for one lens, the DA 12-24/f4 lens. This lens has a bulging front lens element and when I bought it used, it comes with a large 77mm UV filter, So, for that one, I leave it on all the time.
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions 06-29-2019, 05:07 PM  
Hanimex 100mm F2 lens.
Posted By aleonx3
Replies: 4
Views: 2,489
Welcome and hope you find this forum useful in your journey of photography.

The Hanimax brand is an off-brand much like vivitar, soligor, kiron and other 3rd party lens makers. In general lens performance varies a great deal (at least from my samples), hope you score a good one. :)
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 06-29-2019, 04:53 PM  
Impossible to get good sharpness żis it the camera, lenses, focus, me...?
Posted By aleonx3
Replies: 40
Views: 3,544
A lot of the good points about the inability to decent photos have been suggested and discussed by many experienced folks here. When I look at one of the sample images included here I don't see anything that is in focus at all when enlarged. Since the k-x is an entry-level DSLR, I am not sure it has the AF fine adjustment feature on the camera that you can use to fine-tune the focus accuracy or not (perhaps lens problem). In addition, if you set the camera on AF.S shooting mode in "release-priority" instead of "focus-priority" in the custom menu, you can shoot all day long without getting anything in focus at all (kind of like don't care about getting sharp photo). Also, keeping in mind that IF it is the first time the OP is using an APS-C DSLR camera, then expecting 'everything' to be in focus is unreal when comparing to cell-phone photos (because of much smaller sensor size).

Anyway, just want to throw in a few thoughts; hopefully it could be just a few minor adjustment to be made and, of course additional knowledge would be helpful as well. By the way, for "focus accuracy and sharpness" test, I would not use a lanscape scene as a test environment, but rather something closer and manageable so I can see the subject with much greater details to ensure that the camera/lens setup is up to the task.
Forum: Photo Critique 06-27-2019, 06:07 PM  
Landscape 20-40+kp
Posted By aleonx3
Replies: 25
Views: 2,741
I keep looking at this photo many times and come up empty with words because it looks to me something is missing, but I just don't know what. Until finally after looking at some of my old travel photos taken at top of the mountain years ago I suddenly got it... it is missing the "middle" ground because I know when you were there taking the photo, you probably remember the breath-taking view from where you stand. Unfortunately, when looking at the photo, it does not give my that feeling. For me in this photo, I am not too obsessed with the horizon and the sunset (color etc); unless that is what you want, but I would rather capture the grand view of everything around me with a majestic view. This photo does not do it for me, I would look for something in the photo that can provide me with a sense of scale. That's just IMHO and I could be wrong.
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 06-19-2019, 05:23 PM  
New Sony APS-C Sensor - 26MP
Posted By aleonx3
Replies: 1,219
Views: 109,363
Interesting, I am looking for an upgrade to my k-3. Would this new sensor be one of Sony's BSI sensors? Sorry, TLDR, :) I would be interested if it is the BSI sensor.
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 02-24-2019, 11:14 AM  
Show us your 'flashed' photos without the 'flash' look
Posted By aleonx3
Replies: 10
Views: 1,810
Couple of things that comes to mind re 'flash' look are: flash shadows and 'deer in the dark' scene. I also think that balance of ambient with flash light mix and avoiding flash shadows are the keys.

---------- Post added 02-24-2019 at 01:21 PM ----------



In your situation, I would lower my angle of shot with the sculptor body against the empty space (sky) backdrop and adjust the angle of the flash so it does not create the shadow on the logs; also drag the shutter a little or raise the ISO a little, and perhaps reduce the flash power a little as well.

---------- Post added 02-24-2019 at 01:24 PM ----------



I like that shot. I would have done the same. Does your flash have the front LED? IMHO, if you do that will also help.

---------- Post added 02-24-2019 at 01:27 PM ----------



UncleVanya, I think you know the trick already; always try to look for the backdrop without giving away the shadow. :)
Forum: Pentax K-70 & KF 02-23-2019, 08:00 PM  
Help choosing a flash for point and shoot and maybe a little more
Posted By aleonx3
Replies: 23
Views: 2,752
very good suggestion.. I think it's a good fit for the OP.
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 02-23-2019, 07:46 PM  
Show us your 'flashed' photos without the 'flash' look
Posted By aleonx3
Replies: 10
Views: 1,810
I had a discussion with a few photographers during a recent performance event about using hot-shoe flash on the camera, some suggested they don't like to have the 'flash' look on the photos and hence try to avoid using flash even if it means settling with high ISO and increased noise. As my interest is mainly in 'events' photography so it is important for me to use flash whenever I feel it is necessary (in complex lighting situations especially indoors). Here are the examples of what I mean (notice the front LED on the 360FZG II)... I know some of you folks here are really good on flash photography, so I like to get your thoughts and comments; and how would you do it differently.



In the example above you can see me using the on-board flash, this one below is subtle and hardly noticeable. But I want the look of photo as much as I see it (to retain the natural colour of the subjects/objects).
Forum: Pentax K-70 & KF 02-23-2019, 06:52 PM  
Help choosing a flash for point and shoot and maybe a little more
Posted By aleonx3
Replies: 23
Views: 2,752
Interesting question: As mcgregni suggested and helpful comments from others, I think you have found the answer to your own question, given all the limitations (and reasoning) you have imposed on yourself.
Forum: Pentax Full Frame 01-19-2019, 02:57 PM  
K1 over exposing shots
Posted By aleonx3
Replies: 9
Views: 1,574
Do you have another lens to test the over-exposure problem of the k-1? The problem may not be the camera but rather the lens (aperture opening), just to make sure that it is not the camera.
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 01-14-2019, 07:55 PM  
Indoor Exposure Mixing
Posted By aleonx3
Replies: 9
Views: 1,594
+1 absolutely, 100% agree. :)




I remember the first time (many years ago) I used the on-camera flash in full auto shooting mode, the shutter speed was set to default at 1/60. From that point on, I started to research on why such setting is considered the 'standard'. Later, I learned more about sync speed limit and limitation on high-speed sync flash etc. Since then I have been shooting in manual mode whenever I use flash, until later when I discovered that TAv mode actually works better in most situations. In TAv mode, we have complete control of the ambient/flash light mix, to allow more ambient light influence, one can drag the shutter, widen the aperture, use EV to control overall light at will; add that flexibility with the high-dynamic range sensor on the k-1, it is quite easy to work with lots of headroom for any user error.



As a matter of fact, when I first got the AF-360FGZ II flash, I immediately look for the sto-fen diffuser as I have used the same in my older AF-360FGZ flash (noticed that the flash head between the 2 versions are different. I did more research on the difference in the 2 flashes and learn that since version II flash has the front LED, I just discovered some comments about not needing the diffuser on the newer flash. I did more tests on the newer flash and discover that with the flash head turn straight up and front LED on, it is actually a good setup to minimize (if not complete removal) of shadow in regular portrait shooting against a background wall.
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 01-12-2019, 07:32 PM  
Indoor Exposure Mixing
Posted By aleonx3
Replies: 9
Views: 1,594
Nigel, again, thanks for sharing and opening up the discussion of flash photography as it is indeed an intriguing topic worthy of discussion and sharing. While we both share the same passion for flash photography, our focus areas and knowledge background are quite different imho. I don't usually do multi-flash setup, soft-box or flash umbrella as many other wedding photographers would do. I generally use a single hot-shoe mounted flash in most situation for weddings, events etc.

K-7: With regard to the k-7, I used to own one, it was a great camera at the time, because of the ISO performance (I think it was a Samsung sensor), I had replaced it soon with the k-5, then k-5II and then k-3, now of course the k-1. By comparison, the sensor from the k-1 is far superior than the k-7 and gives me more headroom to correct most underexposure errors. I remember that I often tried to avoid shooting past ISO 1600 on the k-7.

Pentax 360/540 II flashes: As I have stressed often times the importance of the front LED, with the flash tilted at different angle, it is a great "shadow killing" tool IMHO. In essence, the flash when fired is providing 2 separate light sources simultaneously, one frontal (LED) and one from flash head (bounced light).

No more diffuser: Also, with the use of the front LED on the flash itself, I have also stopped using any flash diffuser such as Sto-fen or similar kind. IMHO, there is no need to use it anymore. If I need to, I just use my left hand on the flash head provide a bit of angle to deflect the light and that's it.

Use of flash to remove color-cast: Another point that is often forgotten is that one can make use of the flash bring back the native color (of the costume/dress) in the image in many difficult color cast lighting situations even in a well-lit environment.

Anyway, hope others can chime in for more thoughts on this topic.
Forum: Pentax Full Frame 01-09-2019, 07:11 PM  
are you happy with switching to FF?
Posted By aleonx3
Replies: 392
Views: 44,142
I have the k-1 for over a year now and definitely enjoy using it more than the crop-sensor camera. IMHO, the camera ergonomic design gives me more flexibility in various situation (especially the articulate screen vs the k-3). The full frame sensor on the k-1 also gives more headroom to crop and/or under exposure tolerance in high dynamic range situations. I am mainly in event photography so k-1 is more suitable for me than the k-3.
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