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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 11-18-2016, 03:31 PM  
I can't decide between DA 35mm 2.4, 40mm 2.8 and 50mm 1.8
Posted By The_Reasonable_Man
Replies: 68
Views: 7,575
Of those three, go for the 40 limited. That lens is half the reason I stick with Pentax. It just renders colors beautifully, is tack sharp, focuses fast, and looks cool as heck.
Forum: Pentax K-r 02-22-2011, 05:11 PM  
interaction with pentax support on K-r
Posted By The_Reasonable_Man
Replies: 14
Views: 3,064
I can pretty much confirm everything that is two posts above. For me, the minor FF issue in pure tungsten lighting is not worth sending my camera for service. Live View is perfectly fine. The tungsten light in which I have the FF issue is such crappy light anyway that I shy from shooting in it.
Forum: Pentax K-r 02-22-2011, 01:06 PM  
Pentax K-R analized prior to purchase
Posted By The_Reasonable_Man
Replies: 23
Views: 6,001
I have no idea about how the KR stacks up against those other cameras. I will say this: you will have no fear shooting ISO 1600 on it. It is very, very usable even at 3200. I would spend less time analyzing technical specifications if I were you. In the end, all three are very comparable, and any measurable difference is unlikely to matter in the real world.

I did play around with my neighbors D5000 once. I'm sure it takes great pictures, but I hated the menus, the control layout, and the way it felt in my hand.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 02-04-2011, 07:41 AM  
Upgrade frm K100
Posted By The_Reasonable_Man
Replies: 19
Views: 4,290
I was in the same situation as you (wanting to upgrade from k100d for primarily family-type photography) and went with the K-R. It was a good choice for me - the KR is a significant upgrade from the K100d in every respect (including low-light), except handling as its noticeably smaller.

I shoot almost exclusively with primes, which balance fine on the K-R. With your bigger zooms, they might not balance well with the smaller K-R (or K-X, for that matter).
Forum: Pentax K-r 01-15-2011, 10:53 AM  
My KR Saga (So Far)
Posted By The_Reasonable_Man
Replies: 11
Views: 2,864
Got my replacement. E-dial works great. Reluctantly, I did a quick and dirty test of the FF/Tungsten light issue. Sho enough, its there. But dialing in -10 gets it to acceptable. Focus is spot on in daylight (which is 90% of my shooting), so who cares.

Now, I just need to mess with my jpeg settings in an attempt to get close to the glorious files my K100d churned out with the 40 Limited.
Forum: Pentax K-r 01-12-2011, 01:10 PM  
My KR Saga (So Far)
Posted By The_Reasonable_Man
Replies: 11
Views: 2,864
I have been hemming and hawing over upgrading my K100d since the KR/K5 were announced. Finally, after much teeth gnashing, I decided I would pull the trigger on the KR when the price seemed right.

The other day I saw one on Amazon Warehouse Deals for $766, with the 18-55 and 55-300. I did some quick math, figuring I could sell those (superfluous) lenses and bring the total cost to me down to $500-$550 or so. I pulled the trigger.

It arrived yesterday.

First impression: its small. Significantly smaller than the K100d. Second impression: the battery is taking forever to charge. Third impression: this is clearly a returned unit, as everything has obviously been opened before.

Fourth impression: it has that lovely/sickening new electronics smell.

Fifth impression: THIS REAR E-DIAL IS BUSTED! NO!

Sixth impression: the shutter is way quieter than my K100d.

Impressions 7-11: the autofocus is freaky fast. I don't miss the top LCD at all. It sure does take a long time to switch between shooting modes -- how annoying. There are zillions upon zillions of new submenus.

Twelfth impression: this thing is not nearly as comfortable to hold and shoot as my K100d.

Thirteenth impression: I am sad I have to return it.

Impressions over, I debated for all of 38 seconds about whether my brief experience with the KR was enough to convince me to try another unit.

So this morning I ordered another one, from Abes of Maine (body only) for $581. Hopefully its edial works correctly.

So far, it seems the KR is better in every way than the K100d, with the notable exception of comfort (and the lag when switching shooting modes). The K100d was *just* enough bigger to feel perfect in my hand. Its a downside I can live with.

Can't wait for my replacement to arrive!
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 01-10-2011, 11:29 AM  
Help me spend $1000
Posted By The_Reasonable_Man
Replies: 49
Views: 7,533
For the WA -- Pentax 16-45. Can be had for around $250 (used).

For the low-light/indoor/kid shots: DA 40 Limited. $300.

For the longer zoom: DA-L 55-300 -- $200 (used).

You are well under your $1000 target here, and with the savings you're about halfway to a KR.
Forum: Pentax K-r 12-17-2010, 11:04 AM  
First week with the K-r (positive thread)
Posted By The_Reasonable_Man
Replies: 4
Views: 2,501
Thanks for sharing your positive thoughts. I'm considering pulling the trigger on a KR, but the front-focus issue has me a bit leery - improved AF and low-light performance are the main reasons I want to upgrade (from a K100d), but those benefits will be severely minimized by the front focus issue some have complained about. Glad to hear its not inevitable!
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 12-09-2010, 05:35 PM  
Pondering an upgrade from K100D
Posted By The_Reasonable_Man
Replies: 7
Views: 2,254
Thanks for clarifying, Andi. I do love the keepers I get from my K100d -- the IQ (when I nail the shot) has never been the issue. Its nailing the shot that is becoming frustrating!
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 12-09-2010, 02:07 PM  
Pondering an upgrade from K100D
Posted By The_Reasonable_Man
Replies: 7
Views: 2,254
Andi -- what do you mean you like the K100d colors more than the KX? You mean the colors it produces in images, presumably? How so?

My most used lenses are small -- a DA 40 2.8 and a 50A 1.7.

Jeff -- saving my dimes for the K5 is the most reasonable thing to do, but its also the hardest, especially when I miss great shot after great shot because the AF sucks! I appreciate the encouragement, though!
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 12-09-2010, 01:22 PM  
Pondering an upgrade from K100D
Posted By The_Reasonable_Man
Replies: 7
Views: 2,254
I've been shooting with my K100D since 2007. I think I'm finally ready for an upgrade, and I see a plethora of options, but I could use some help settling on a path.

Here is what is important to me:

(1) Faster AF, particularly in low light. Let's face it: for all its charms and virtue, the K100d has pretty slow AF, and in low light (i.e., natural light shots of my kids in my house), it is almost worthless. This is my most important consideration.

(2) More megapixels. I never print above 8x11, but I want the freedom to crop. Considering I shoot often at higher isos (800-1600 is very frequent), I'm pretty limited with how much I can crop. Any upgrade option will give me enough MPs, however.

(3) Good high iso jpegs. The high iso of the K100d is sufficient for my needs, but who wouldn't want better high iso if is available. I shoot 800 without hesitation with the K100d, and don't think much about going to 1600. An increase in this deparment would be good, but I could live with an upgrade that was a lateral move.

(4) I want video, but for the right price, I could live without it.

(5) Better viewfinder. Would appreciate the better viewfinder of the K20D, K7, K5 variety, but not essential or terribly important. I pretty much suck at manual focusing, and I don't think a better viewfinder will make all that much difference, but maybe I'm wrong.

(6) External controls. k100d is my only DSLR, and I have no idea if I will appreciate the better control scheme/handling of the enthusiast models. Probably, but I won't miss what I've never had.

(7) Top LCD/Focus indicators: I suspect I wouldn't care if these were missing.

Financially, I can swing a k20D, KX, KR, or K7 now or in the very near future. As much as I'd love a K5 (would tick all my boxes and keep me content for something like ever), I can't justify the price right now.

Specific questions:

(1) does the KX improve significantly on the K100d focusing speed, particularly in low light? No AF assist lamp makes me leery of this one. How much faster is the AF in the K7 and KR, over the K100d?

(2) does K7 have equal high iso performance to the K100d? I know this topic has been discussed ad naseum, but I can't seem to find a direct high iso comparison between these two models. If they are high iso equals, I'd be tempted to grab a used K7. I shoot about 50% RAW and 50% jpeg. I know the K7 does high iso better in RAW, but I don't want to lose the ability to shoot a useable 1600 jpeg. I rarely shoot below F/2.8.

Thanks for reading my longwinded post, and thanks for your thoughts!
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 11-08-2010, 03:04 PM  
40mm - weird focal length
Posted By The_Reasonable_Man
Replies: 28
Views: 5,365
I find I really, really like the 40 mm focal length. Obviously, there are time I wish it were wider. But that's not a problem with the focal length, just an issue you'll have with any prime unless you're in a very controlled situation like a studio or staged shoot. With my FA 35, I never felt I was tight enough to my subjects.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 10-18-2010, 10:53 AM  
DA 35mm/2.4 - A Plastic Wonder! -- DAL35 vs FA35 vs DA35m vs A35 (many photos!)
Posted By The_Reasonable_Man
Replies: 141
Views: 119,464
Thanks the amazingly detailed post -- you truly are putting in overtime in running down the new Pentax products! I'm very pleased to hear such good reports about this inexpensive lens. After the drastic price increases, I felt Pentax needed to introduce a good, cheap, fast normal prime (like the Nikon DX 35, only better). Looks like they did!
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 10-17-2010, 07:45 PM  
New convert to Pentax--which camera & lens to buy
Posted By The_Reasonable_Man
Replies: 11
Views: 4,979
Welcome aboard. I stopped into the Shuttberbug downtown the other day (broadway and alder) and they had a KX in stock. Not sure if they have any other bodies, but its worth at least a phone call.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 10-16-2010, 06:09 AM  
Pros Using Pentax
Posted By The_Reasonable_Man
Replies: 52
Views: 19,310
I'm not a pro photographer, but I am a pro beer drinker. As a pro beer drinker, it is necessary that I have many brands to choose from.
Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II 10-16-2010, 06:02 AM  
K5 vs KX
Posted By The_Reasonable_Man
Replies: 45
Views: 30,790
Thanks for sharing these. Wondering whey the very noticable exposure differences, though. KX looks overexposed compared to K5.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 10-13-2010, 01:55 PM  
do I need more stuff to shoot my baby ?
Posted By The_Reasonable_Man
Replies: 54
Views: 8,774
You have a sufficient kit. The KM + DA 40 will give you great baby pictures. I presume you'll be spending lots of time inside after the baby comes (getting out of the house is a herculean effort at first). So if you're really itching to buy something, you could use a flash (will come in handy when she starts moving around!), or a fast, manual focus 50.

I cut my teeth manually focusing with a SMC A 50 1.7 when my first baby was still stationary. Its a good way to ease into manual focus (because the kid doesn't move much) and those old lenses have awesome IQ and are cheap (less than $100). Getting a flash you can swivel and bounce will also solve the "indoor, low-light" issue, though it will cost you more and may have a steeper learning curve (you'll find babies cut into time for learning new things).

For video, get something rated as very good in low light. "Low light" in video terms is different than photo terms. In my experience, anything less than "awesome light" will give you less than great results (grainy). I'd avoid the Flip-type camcorders, because they have tiny sensors, no digital zoom, and crappy audio.
Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 10-13-2010, 12:52 PM  
Canon PowerShot S95
Posted By The_Reasonable_Man
Replies: 8
Views: 8,584
I picked up an S90 after my 7 year old canon P&S died last winter. I debated between the LX3 and the S90 forever, but finally settled on the Canon because it is tiny. I had the same rationale as many: it fits in my jeans pocket, weighs nothing, and I'll never leave it at home because its too big. The LX3 was *just* enough bigger that I could see myself debating about bringing it because of the size.

The S90 control layout is really sweet, too. The dual rings work very well, and you can assign a shortcut button to handle ISO. Arguably, it has better controls than many DSLRs. IQ is very good in good light; in low light, I think its fine until ISO 640 or so. Your tolerance for noise and detail loss may be different than mine.

People complain about the ergonomics. They could be better, but I'd rather have the small size than great handling.

I would buy the S90 again if I had it to do over.
Forum: Lens Clubs 10-11-2010, 03:07 PM  
The 15mm Limited controls my mind - club
Posted By The_Reasonable_Man
Replies: 12,402
Views: 2,284,939
This thread should come with a warning. It is killing me. Can somebody please just delete it? Thanks.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 10-11-2010, 02:59 PM  
Lack of Pentax retail support in the States
Posted By The_Reasonable_Man
Replies: 50
Views: 8,482
Nobody in Portland keeps Pentax in stock either. Actually, that's not true. The other day I wandered into the Shuttberbug downtown (Alder and Broadway, I think) and there on the shelf, in a rumpled looking box, was a KX. Clerk said they keep the "body kits" in stock, but nothing else.

Its a shame. The build of the K100d is what sold me on it. Had I not been able to hold one in my hands in a shop, I never would have taken the plunge. I don't and won't pretend to understand the economics of the DSLR business, so I won't second guess the rationale behind not being in stores. I'm sure there's a valid, logical business reason behind it. I just wonder what it is.
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 10-07-2010, 10:27 AM  
Some K-r high ISO JPEG samples
Posted By The_Reasonable_Man
Replies: 34
Views: 11,184
Those look superb to me. Even the 25,000 looks usable in a pinch. This sensor will finally convince me to upgrade the ol' K100d.
Forum: Photographic Technique 09-23-2010, 02:13 PM  
Why did YOU Choose Pentax?
Posted By The_Reasonable_Man
Replies: 73
Views: 14,159
My first child was born in 2006. I wasn't satisfied with the pictures I was getting from my Canon P&S (lots of hand held, low light stuff), so I started researching DSLRs. The K100d offered the best combo of price/features at the time. I liked the SR, backward compatability (although I had no Pentax glass at the time), and build quality. Canon felt cheap. Nikon ergonomics felt wonky. Olympus scared me with their smaller sensor. Sony is pure evil and I avoided on principle. The Pentax felt right.

The K100d has been a great camera to learn on and I don't regret the purchase one bit, but I'd be lying if I said I don't consider switching from time to time. I love Pentax lenses and bodies, but part of me worries about Pentax going belly up and stranding me with a bunch of K-mount glass. Unlikely and out of my control, I know, but it does niggle at me every time I feed my LBA.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 09-22-2010, 02:43 PM  
Poll: Those getting a K-5 : What will you be upgrading from?
Posted By The_Reasonable_Man
Replies: 44
Views: 7,635
Interesting idea for a thread -- I'm curious to see where this poll goes. Assuming the K-5 delivers in the areas of improved high ISO and AF speed/accuracy, I'll upgrade once the price drops.

I got a K100D as my first DSLR (or SLR of any kind) in 2007, with the idea that if I really start to enjoy this whole "photography thing" (as opposed to the point and shoot and pray thing I had been doing before), I'd eventually step up to a more robust body. Nothing in the K100d Super, K200d, K10d, K20d, KM, K-X or K7 made me think an upgrade would be worth it (more a testament to the awesomeness of the K100d than anything else). But the K-5 seems to tick all the right boxes for me. Hoping it delivers on its potential!
Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 09-19-2010, 07:04 PM  
why not something like this? - not a Pentax
Posted By The_Reasonable_Man
Replies: 131
Views: 19,291
I'd totally consider this thing if its under $1000, has the K-X sensor, and the lens is good. Looks beautiful.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 09-16-2010, 10:49 AM  
Lenses for Pacific Northwest Vacation
Posted By The_Reasonable_Man
Replies: 30
Views: 5,812
It poured last night. It will probably pour while you're here. I've totally given up on my tomato(e)s. Bring the K20D. Leave the KX at home. Don't forget to visit the library when you're in Seattle (I'd bring the 10-17) -- oodles of really cool photo ops in there.
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