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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
04-06-2015, 05:28 AM
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Man, thread bump from forever ago! I forgot about this!
You can read the thread to find out what ended up happening with mine. It ended up going in for service.
Mine was a camera fault and not a battery fault. I completely understand how that might be the case (i.e., camera with low battery wont store settings until it's able to hold charge, might be an internal battery, etc) but mine was not doing that. After it came back from repairs it was 100% reliable and solid until I sold it last fall, and the D750 I now shoot with (I know, I know :P) retains its settings while turned off as well.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-17-2015, 02:35 PM
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Didn't mean to post and run, sorry!
So whoever posted about holding the hood, I tried that. If I wrapped the bottom of my hand fairly tightly around the hood portion of the lens and my first finger and thumb around the rest of the body of it, the noise went away. As it was it was, it was very faint, needed the lens near my ear to hear it, and I think someone posted it sounded like an Ika-ika...that's a good description.
The gentleman came and checked it out and shook it gently, immediately saying he didn't feel anything loose inside it either. It has a happy new owner now. :)
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-15-2015, 03:24 PM
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So I have a question. :) I'm selling off some Pentax gear including my FA31 (that I bought used from a member here a year ago and have loved, have had no issues)
I've got it listed locally and I got a bite, but he asked me over the phone 1) where it was made, which is Vietnam, and 2) does it have a rattle when you shake it?
I held it up to my ear and yes, when I hold it tightly and shake it just a little there's a noise inside..I don't know that I'd even call it a rattle, it's not clunking, or loud, or metallic sounding, its quite quiet and maybe more of a "thunk thunk" or a "thump thump."
As I said, I've had no issues with it. It's definitely a lens that took a while for me to learn to use well, but it's been fine. Is there possibly something wrong I'm not aware of? I would hate to sell a faulty lens to someone. He did mention that there's a known issue with some assembled in Vietnam.
Thanks!
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Forum: Sold Items
03-11-2014, 12:55 PM
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-04-2014, 11:29 AM
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Good thread timing. I'm also keeping my sights set on an FA 31. I'd normally buy from the US but the exchange rate is pretty poor right now and I'm crossing my fingers something Canadian will show up first.
Then I get all confused over whether it really will be worth it, if I should, but the choir sings its praises of the 31 and back to hunting I go!
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
02-02-2014, 12:32 PM
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I did use a bright flashlight right after I posted this. No rainbow sheen. I can see a bit of dust in there, but not enough that I think it would cause what I'm seeing. Hmm.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
02-02-2014, 12:11 PM
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I pulled an old FA 28-105 out of my bag today that I inherited years ago. Checked it out, cleaned the front and back and aside from some wear on the lens hood it looks fine. When I put it on the camera and look through the viewfinder, though, it almost looks hazy. Or like it has a super light and even layer of dust, or a filter on it (it does not). It's hard to describe, I'd almost liken it to very very fine noise/grain such as in a high ISO photo.
I feel like a total newbie asking this question, but, any chance this is this normal for this lens? Or does it sound like there's dust or something internally? It doesn't seem to appear in the few photos I've taken testing it out, but it's noticeably different to look through than, say, the 35/2.4 I had on the camera previously.
I've been planning to sell it - it's not worth much but is just taking up space as I've never used it. Obviously I wont do that if it's dirty, I am just not sure it actually is. Maybe back into the bag it will go?
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Forum: Photographic Technique
01-31-2014, 09:35 PM
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Always, always, always. I love BBF. I'm shooting either portrait, lifestyle, or just snapshot style of my kids 98% of the time and I find that back button focus is both really comfortable for me and also that I like my focus and shutter separate.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
01-31-2014, 09:26 PM
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Just a followup to this. It got progressively more annoying and constant until I gave up and called tech support and sent it in for warranty repairs. I used my K-r the entire time it was gone with no issues whatsoever. They replaced the K-5ii circuit board and it came back today. So far, so good. We'll see if it stays that way. :)
Thanks again, all.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-30-2014, 01:03 PM
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The flash is a great point, too. Mine has been mostly sitting in my bag the last month or so and it needs to come out a lot more. Thank you for more comparison photos as well. They're helpful. :)
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-29-2014, 10:45 AM
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This is what my thought train keeps coming back to. I've been using my 35mm almost exclusively lately and I feel like I'm finally making it sing. Still, winter is long and the light in my house is poor and I find myself often wanting the extra speed of my 50 without compromising the room for composition. The little bit of extra for subject isolation helps too (though I realize this also has to do with distance to subject and background, and tone and key, etc)
This is great to hear. Two small children here and tough indoor lighting also. And those are great photos!
This and the other comments about the Sigma 30 being soft at the edges or having inconsistent AF are my concern. I flip flop between portrait where I don't care about the edges, and more lifestyle where sometimes I really do want sharpness all the way across. I don't want to fight it, I want it to work. :)
I think I'm going to start stashing money away with the FA31 in mind, and keep my eye out while I do. Maybe something else (preferably less $$, haha) will pop up that I think I need.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-27-2014, 07:19 AM
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Some more awesome recommendations, thank you.
I'm here, I'm just still parsing all the info. Manual focus is out - I can MF but I'm not fast or accurate enough yet and in my day to day with small ones I don't always have 2 hands free. I do like the idea of some of the much wider focal lengths or of using a zoom for a bit to narrow down what focal length I prefer most.
Lots to consider. :) Hmm...
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-24-2014, 01:01 PM
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Haha, well, when I mentioned "that range" I was referring more to focal length, but I get what you're saying. The 20-40 did come up as an option as well.
Also totally valid points. :)
Thanks, to you and everyone.
This is why I started this thread :) Some good options presented and a lot to think about. I especially agree with the points that it's a lot to spend for what isn't a major improvement in speed. At the same time, I constantly wish the 50 wasn't as long and the 35 was faster. Off to look up some of the other recommendations and ponder for a while.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-23-2014, 09:39 PM
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Hi all,
I need some recommendations. I have an FA 50/1.4 that I love, but I find it too long indoors and with small kids who feel the need to be ON ME the second the camera comes out. I picked up the DA 35/2.4 a while back to see if I liked the focal length and I really do. I'd just love for it to be faster for it to be my regular walk around lens (with the added bonus of great bokeh, please).
I'm eyeing up the Sigma 30/1.4. Is there anything else in that range I should consider? Pentax 31/1.8? I admit to being a prime addict but I could probably consider a zoom in that general range. Price is a factor, I'd love to find it used, but I'm expecting to save up and shell out quite a bit for this. I shoot with a K-5ii and a backup K-r, if it's a consideration. Probably wont upgrade my camera body for at least another 18m-2 years.
Thanks!
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
12-02-2013, 08:07 PM
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Thanks, all! I've cleaned all the contacts and will do a firmware upgrade tonight. Then I think I'll just keep watching it and see if I can pinpoint what's causing the problem. It's so minor in the grand scheme of things but it's pretty annoying to pick it back up and not realize all my shots are now off. To be continued, I suppose.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
12-02-2013, 01:55 PM
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Nope, it's not battery related, that I can tell. I don't wear the battery down all that fast and it has definitely happened a few times per charge. It may be that the SS goes to 1/125 as this happens well and I just haven't noticed - that's close to what I generally shoot at so it would slip past me more easily.
I'll clean things and check the firmware, too, thanks for the suggestions.
In all other respects the camera and controls act perfectly, which is why I'm having trouble pinpointing what the problem is.
As I typed this I turned it on, not realizing I hadn't put my card back in and the little door was still open. Closed the door, and it's at aperture of 8.0, SS 1/125, and I know I didn't leave it at that. Changed both values and tried to repeat it but it retained the settings I put in. Gremlins? :P
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
12-01-2013, 10:08 PM
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It's the SMC Pentax-FA 50/1.4, I suppose I could have included that. I can immediately put the aperture back to where I want it, and the camera functions normally. I just have no idea why it happens in the first place.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
12-01-2013, 09:19 PM
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Hi all! I will love you if you can give me any ideas on this. I have a minor but annoying problem.
I have a K-5 II, less than a year old. I've noticed lately that it occasionally will change the aperture to 8.0 when I come back to it, but the ISO and SS always seem to be untouched. It SEEMS like it only happens when I have taken the camera card out of the camera, uploaded photos, and put it back in. I'm not clearing the card when I do this, just importing into Lightroom. I can't tell you if it's because I turned it on or off or something first, I just notice it when I go to grab it to shoot a photo of my kids, which are always closer to 2.0 so I'm never leaving it at 8. :)
I sat here and tried two lenses, turning it off and on, and taking the card out and putting it back in, and I can't seem to get it to happen, it's retaining all the settings perfectly. I have only ever noticed it doing so with my 50mm, but that lens remains on my camera 90% of the time.
Has anyone ever experienced this? Is there a bug or a setting or something I'm unaware of? I have not checked on or updated firmware, and should probably do that. I realize this is minor in the grand scheme of things, but man, it's bothersome when I want it to be at whatever I left it at!
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
06-11-2013, 06:35 AM
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Docrwm, Kona, bass3587, manacho2005, and Racerdrew, thank you. It sounds like the K5 variety with a grip is the consensus and I'm good with that.
VisualDarkness - Thank you. I knew there was some advantage to the repairs and exchanges and I suppose I was aware of the tethering too. It helps to hear it laid out though. Truly, I like my Pentax cameras, but as all the portrait photographers I have encountered locally are using one of the big two, I was unsure. Most of what I find in researching is just accounts of picking one of those brands because that's what others had picked rather than any serious comparison. The links didn't work, but I'll look up those names, thank you for the assurance that there really are Pentax using pros to be found. :)
bdp1 - Agreed on all points. I currently just use a few reflectors and bounce an off camera flash. At this point I'm not doing studio work and as my subjects are friends and family I'm able to pick and control timing of a shoot to when I know I have adequate light. I need to work on my posing technique quite a bit, and if it does become a business then insurance, taxes, etc will be dealt with. I'll check out ppa.com. Oh, and my plan is for my K-r to hang out as my backup and second body, and I do need something wider than 35.
Cynop Ap Brychan - thank you for the account of using both. I also prefer natural light and especially shooting outdoors, but I live where it's cold way more often than I'd like so a studio setup is probably something I need to consider. Size and portability are also important to me - I'm usually out and about with a three year old and a 4 month old and only have so many hands.
pinholecam - Thanks! Budget is a consideration but not a huge one. The improved AF was the reason I had considered going the route of the K-30, but I think low light AF gives the K5II some edge for me. Working more on learning strobing is on my summer to do list. It's an area I'm admittedly weak.
RonHendriks - Thank you for putting so much time into your response. I don't think I disagree with any of your points, and if I wasn't clear, I do enjoy my K-r and likely wont get rid of it. I can get great images with it. Things like dual scroll wheels, silence, top LCD, Kelvin, etc are definitely wants - I am getting along fine without them, but if I'm upgrading, then they're on the consideration list. I'm trying to be cognizant of where I may go in the future, but I'm very much at a bridge point right now, which is why fast AF and grip are important to me. While I do use my gear for some more formal work, I also use it as a mom running around taking quality candids of my kids and their friends, which often includes the baby in one arm and no chance to place a perfect speedlight. :) Your lens suggestions are great as well, I'll look into them.
Anvh - for now, it's mostly candid and outdoor work, which I am accomplishing okay with some reflectors. I need to put some more thought into lighting, though.
Thanks to all of you again for the suggestions. I hope I cleared up that I'm not in a hurry to jump the Pentax ship, and I find camera bodies fairly replaceable, but I was a bit nervous about putting any more into Pentax glass if there was a solid reason that I shouldn't. I don't believe it's going to be an issue. I think I might start watching for good deals on the K-5 II, it sounds like it will be a good fit for where I'm at right now. Capable enough of quality work, but also more comfortable for my day to day shooting.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
06-10-2013, 07:16 PM
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It's a bit of a split between M and Av on my K-r. M is probably 80% right now, just for the control. I've got fast kids, though, and Av keeps up better than my thumb in rapidly changing light as they run around my house.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
06-10-2013, 06:53 PM
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Hi all! Here's the short version - I have a K-r, it's my best buddy. I'm looking at upgrading and there is the slight chance that down the road I'd get into the portrait business, though for now its personal work. Question is, what do I upgrade to now, or should I be looking at switching systems before I get much more heavily invested? Fish, or cut bait?
Long version:
I've got a K-r that I've had for 2-3 years now, and my most used lenses are a 50/1.4, 35/2.4, and 90/2.8 macro in that order. I have Pentax because it's what my husband's previous camera was before I swiped all the gear and called it my own. My usual uses are shooting my kids and family, portraits, lifestyle work, and maybe some nature and landscapes. Not a birder, and the extent of the fast sports for the next 5-10 years will probably be Timbits soccer.
I'm getting better, however, and there's a chance that down the road I may turn this into profit. Step one, acquire new camera. Step two.... Step three, profit, right?
My first thought is a Pentax K-30, maybe K-5 II, but I've been researching a bit as I want to know why all the portrait pros use Canon or Nikon. Is it just lens compatibility? Popularity of gear and following the crowd (thus resale)? I realize there's the full frame option but that's currently overkill for me, so if Pentax is coming out with one someday, it's not an immediate concern. Is there something else I'm missing?
If not, give me thoughts on what to upgrade to. Points that are important to me beyond the basics are:
- IQ
- dual scroll wheels
- good mid-high ISO (my house has East/West windows and awful light)
- top LCD is a major bonus - the viewfinder is impossible to read in high light
- would love to be able to set temps in Kelvin
- fast, accurate AF (but the K-r isn't horrible, IMO)
- bonus points for a quieter shutter than the K-r, it's loud next to my father's K-7 and my kids hear me clicking
- do any of them have the ability to spot meter off of the selected focus point?
- a fairly beefy hand grip, if possible. Obviously this I can test by going into a store, but I shoot one handed with a baby on my left arm a lot. Between that and back button focusing, I've got quite the uncomfortable death grip on my camera - the grip is almost too narrow, if that makes any sense.
If there is a newer system on it's way and I should wait a few months, that could be considered too. Thoughts, suggestions? Thanks a ton!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
05-01-2013, 10:57 AM
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Turns out there's a Tamron 90mm 2.8 macro coming to my hands tonight. I worked out a good deal, and don't currently have a macro lens anyway - I ditched my old macro (I think it was 50?) a while back. So I'm going to attempt to kill two birds with one stone and see what I think about the focal length for portraits, then go from there in determining my next purchase. An el cheapo zoom might still be in the works as I have nothing long, and then maybe something quite wide..you know how it goes. ;)
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
04-30-2013, 08:51 PM
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Interesting. This might be a way to go too. Shipping to me from there isn't cheap, but low and behold there's an excellent condition one locally on my classifieds...
Thanks all. I'll have to sit and chew on this a bit and figure out where I want to go.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
04-25-2013, 08:52 AM
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I do think 85/1.4 would be the best fit for what I'm looking for. Does the Samyang (et al.) 85/1.4 come up for sale used often? It's a great price point even brand new, but I'd be tempted to save that $$ and put it toward a used AF lens if I couldn't get a good deal on it.
The 70 or 77 would probably also work well, but if anyone has used the 70 and a 50 in particular - do you find them too similar?
I have that whole "I CAN spend X, but I was thinking maybe I'd spend more like Y, but well then my tax return is about to come and who needs a new deck anyway?" thing going on, lol. :P
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
04-24-2013, 11:40 AM
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Wow, you're quick! And Scratchpaddy, love that shot. The tongue cracks me up and the bokeh is awesome.
I don't need to stay Pentax, I'm pretty open. Budget friendly makes me especially happy :P I do think something in the 70-85 range is probably perfect for me. 100 might be pushing on the long side, but I also don't have a longer zoom at the moment either, so it's not ruled out entirely. Auto focus preferred, but I could potentially adjust to a manual. I've got a 2 month old baby that's often wrapped on my front or in one arm, so one-handed shooting is the name of the game lately.
I'll check all those out, thanks! 85/1.4 would be awesome...
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