Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
10-22-2010, 01:39 PM
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I can't help, but I can empathize. The version that came with my K-x earlier this year was so unstable (on WinXP) that I ditched it completely. I've since installed on a different computer running Win7 and stability seems fine. I still rarely use the software though because I find it annoyingly slow. Good luck!
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
09-30-2010, 02:54 PM
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The first and last shots are my favorites. I can almost smell the wet dirt and leaves! Gorgeous!
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
09-30-2010, 02:48 PM
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I like these shots. They invoke a vintage feel without the gauzy, magenta-bumping PP that bugs me most of the time. Nice!
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Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
09-29-2010, 03:30 PM
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Welcome!
I'm a new DSLR owner as well and have learned much from the members here - I'm sure you will, too.
Have fun!
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Forum: Photographic Technique
09-29-2010, 03:22 PM
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DAZ:
Thank you for taking the time to compile the posts in this thread. Long exposures can be tricky (i.e.; intimidating) and you've done a great job explaining the practical side of the magic. Also, the bungee cord tip is one that I'll be trying next time I can't get my tripod rock-steady.
Again, many thanks!!!
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Forum: Photo Critique
08-24-2010, 01:53 PM
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Shots #1 and #3 are my favorites - they invoke a 'Streamline Moderne' feeling. And the while colors in the first shot *are* quite saturated (not overly so, IMO), they're very well-balanced. Great image!
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
08-24-2010, 12:59 PM
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I am so sorry to hear that your camera and card were stolen; what a shame. It sounds like you and your girl escaped being victims of physical violence though, which is very fortunate. I agree with Pentaxor - the woman that did the harassing and the man that did the stealing were most likely working together. Such a waste!
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Forum: Pentax Price Watch
08-18-2010, 09:45 AM
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
08-11-2010, 02:22 PM
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Beautiful colors! Very nice capture!
Have a look at earthlife.dot.net (LINK). It's a great resource for insect identification. Your subject looks similar to members of the Bee/Wasp order shown HERE.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
08-11-2010, 01:03 PM
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OK - you've convinced me that I should look into returning Funky for a refund. I didn't think it was worth pursuing, but the responses to my post here gave me food for thought and I changed my mind.
I sent an email to the seller a few minutes ago; we'll see what he/she has to say and go from there. In the event I'm stuck w/ Funky (for whatever reason), a forum member has offered to take her off my hands.
Thanks, all!
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
08-10-2010, 01:53 PM
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Same here. Even though my left eye is the "weaker" one, i.e., it requires the stronger corrective Rx. Interesting...
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
08-10-2010, 01:33 PM
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Exactly! I thought about returning Funky, but decided to avoid the hassle of (possibly) debating the definition of "clean" with the seller. Maybe to him/her, this *is* clean. Scary, but possible. Hence, my decision to donate her body to science and/or pursuit of the arts. ;-)
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
08-10-2010, 01:29 PM
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The Lowepro EX160 is pretty small at (roughly) 9"w x 6.5"h; it's a standard shoulder-carry w/ loops on the back for conversion to waist-carry. If that's still bigger than you need, you may want to check Amazon or ebags. IIRC, Lowepro (and others, I'm sure) had a model or two smaller than the EX160 when I was looking around earlier this year. HTH...
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
08-10-2010, 12:44 PM
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Behold the beauty that is my newly acquired SMC Pentax-M 1:2 50mm. I can't decide if the e(ek!)Bay seller was overly optimistic or simply delusional when offering this lens as "clean" and "in good condition". In any case, that description and my willingness to funnel $20 through PayPal brought this baby right to my door. I was initially excited; super smooth focus and aperture rings, and no obvious wear.
It wasn't until I gathered my cleaning gear (including flashlight) and sat down to *really* give the lens a once-over that I saw it. The Fust*. I was bummed. :(
At the moment, I've no use for this lens. I definitely don't want to tackle a disassembly and de-fusting myself. So, if anyone wants Funky, send me a PM and she's yours. If you decide you can clean her up, great. If you have time to document and post the process step-by-step for the DIY folks, all the better. If you simply need a freebie because your day's been crappy so far - that's OK, too! :p *Fust = the mutated b*stard offspring of fungus and dust Attachment 68070
~ Attachment 68071 |
Forum: Post Your Photos!
08-10-2010, 10:56 AM
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I'd say aperture coupled with multi-point AF helped produce a result other than what you wanted. FWIW, I found myself frustrated often enough with multi-point AF that I now use single-point AF only. Sometimes it helps if the machine is "smarter" than the human - choosing a point of focus for a photo is rarely one of those times.
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
08-10-2010, 10:42 AM
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I really like the way you framed/cropped the third Red Panda shot. Just that contemplative little face surrounded by branches and leaves; makes me wonder what he's thinking.
The B&W shot of the swan and goose(?) caught my eye as well. They could easily be spies passing sensitive info between them. Or maybe they're the Romeo and Juliet of the waterfowl world...
And no, I don't think I suffer from hyperanthropomorphism. :p
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
08-02-2010, 02:41 PM
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Gorgeous photos, all. The first is my favorite, though. Simply beautiful!
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Forum: Photo Critique
08-02-2010, 01:52 PM
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I really like the first shot you posted - it has a warm, quiet feel that's perfect for the subject matter. And the rays add just the right *something* to the image, I think.
The concept for #3 is cool: Dad's there, but he's relegated to the background so The Bump remains the focal point. The execution isn't the most flattering to Mom, though. Very few women look their best shot from that particular angle (full-on), IMO. Turning or shadowing her slightly would make a big difference. Again, just my .02...
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
08-02-2010, 12:30 PM
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I use Eneloops, along with a similar 4-chamber charger (the MQNO5U) and I'm very satisfied with the life-per-charge-cycle performance. This set-up does require several hours to fully charge, though. I recommend getting into the habit of recharging overnight to save yourself some aggravation. Unless you're comfortable with a rapid charger; I read so many debates about speed charging batteries that I gave up on picking a side just developed the overnight system. Oh, also: always keep fresh lithiums in your camera bag. Just in case...
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
08-02-2010, 11:53 AM
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Indeed; the ring is back to 'A' and it's never leaving. Ever, ever, ever...
Fantastic reference; fortunately, I don't have to muster the nerve to attempt a fix. :eek:
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
07-31-2010, 02:02 PM
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Six years since you seen the bluejays? How sad. Glad to see they're back and camera-ready!
I like the 3rd shot; looks like he knows he's being watched. Cute...
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
07-31-2010, 10:15 AM
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That 7 mil's impressive, huh? And all on a single charge of the eneloops! Who knew it was possible? :D
And no worries, she will not undergo surgery at my hands. I'll just wait for the next 'Auto' stop and park it for all eternity...
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
07-31-2010, 09:40 AM
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(bold mine)
Good point. I set the AF point to center and leave it - easy enough! Just remember that the actual area of focus is larger than a tiny phantom bullseye in the middle of the viewfinder's center brackets.
Like many others, I did lots of research and determined that the K-x offered the most features for the money. It's really a great camera - I don't think you'll be disappointed should you take the plunge!
Oh - one other thing to consider is the K-x's smallish size. It's perfect for me, and I have little hands. If you have big paws, you may need to start finger yoga classes. :D
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
07-30-2010, 05:28 PM
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That 3rd image makes me want to go for a swim! Very nice!
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
07-30-2010, 03:10 PM
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I agree re: #3 - gorgeous tones!
And yes, the Helios bokeh is a bit chunky. Which is one aspect so many love about it - myself and the OP included. :D
I see your point though. Since these particular sculptures are so highly textured, there's not much of a visual "break" between subject and background. Maybe that's why photo #3 stands out - the surface of the subject is smoother.
My .02...
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