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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
11-19-2019, 05:12 PM
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If you're still talking about it now, that is some impressive longevity.
Also, exactly where did you find the fountain of youth? I'm asking for a friend.
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Forum: Pentax K-30 & K-50
03-04-2019, 01:57 AM
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I think the problem wasn't ignored at the beginning. Ricoh and many others did not know what was the problem. It were members of a Russian forum which first noticed it was 'just the solenoid itself' and not the complete board! Actually Ricoh did not charge very high prices for the repair in the beginning, in Europe it was about $ 250 (after the 2 years European warranty run out). As I have built out 3 aperture-control-boards myself I know what work is involved. I would not recommend anybody to do it, too much has to be disassembled, imo not worth it.
So when it was finally known that the culprit is ONLY the solenoid itself Ricoh exchanged the solenoid only and almost halved the repair costs. They must have been reliefed because the difference in work involved is huge!
Some people guess that it could be "a powersupply" feeding the aperture-circuit but this is pure guesswork based on rather naive assumption that because using Eneloop rechargeable batteries did not cause solenoid failure and thus it must be linked with a powersupply, they don't even know which part of the camera is the powersupply because they never measured anything themselves but only reproduce by hearsay. Nothing wrong with guessing but they keep insisting that "it must be so" it's identification based on ... well... fantasy.
Anyway back to your question:
Ricoh only could really change anything when they designed the K70 and if you open a K70 you can see that its not the same aperture block assembly anymore, for example the screw sits on the left side. Most likely they have adapted the powersupply but as my K70 is still under warranty I don't want to fiddle with it.
It was member Tonytee who wrote about it Here post #70 . We checked the serial and could estimate, that after latest in December 2015 when Ricoh did "something" about it.
What they did, no idea. But in Germany cases had been reported where repaired K-30's and K-50's failed again after about 1 year. Some even earlier within the 1 year repair-warranty.
So we don't know. Fact is, the K70 has a green made in China solenoid as well. And very very few did fail. About 5 have been reported in Germany, none in Switzerland yet.
Also very few K-S1 and K-S2 bodies have been reported, so I guess strongly that something was done.
The white solenoid is not anymore manufactured, Shinmei Japan moved all their production to China (and Taiwan but not for this solenoid). The machines went there.
This is very similar what happened here in Europe long time ago to Radio-tubes: The great German manufacturer Telefunken, known for the worldwide very best tubes next to US Western-Electric moved production to then Jugoslavia. They actually sold their machines to another factory but still sold their tubes as Telefunkens, just without a particular (diamond) mark in the glass and in the beginning they even lied about it because the logo still said "made in Germany"! But the tubes were inferior. Later production stopped in Europe completly, new tubes were manufactured now only in China for a while: Disaster. Real disaster. Best example were KT88's and EL34's. Free firework included at times. Prices for NOS (New Old Stock) and even used tubes went rocket high. Then the Russians started to produce them as well. Better quality but soundwise still not great. Hardly anybody had real high quality tubetesters anymore to trace curves (which would show something about it but not all).
So here with the solenoid we have a similar problem: Machines are no more in Japan, work conditions at Shinmei are very bad, that bad that workers once took hostages |
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
03-01-2019, 07:10 AM
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Hello friends,
I posted a brief post (into news & rumours section) about the new Godox V1 round head speedlight. I'm sure many of you will be interested.
Regards.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
02-28-2019, 03:16 AM
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They will be a DFA*35/1.4AW and a DFA20/2.8WR. I'd stake someone else's life on it.
Be prepared to wait though....
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
02-28-2019, 04:31 AM
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This is Pentax we're talking about. Play safe? Run back to Momma.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-25-2019, 09:24 AM
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But which is the winner in your view? I think you're winner will be 40mm xs! I can bet on it!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-01-2019, 09:16 PM
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It's very flattering to be cited as a reference point! FWIW, the thread @Mikesbike is referring to is here: Which k-70 package? - PentaxForums.com
The point I was trying to emphasize there was how useful and versatile the lens is in my kind of real world use. For example, it doesn't overly bother me that the edges aren't sharp when shooting at the long end, because it has plenty of resolution in the centre - and that's what I want at the long end. (In fact the contrast between sharp centre and soft edges can even help give a more 3D effect - e.g. the parrot photo in the samples mentioned.) And even though I usually have the DA 55-300 with me as well, having the extra reach of the 18-135 saves a lot of lens changes. If I'm on a walk, or on a cruise, or in a dusty or damp environment, or if a lens change may mean missing the moment, that versatility really matters. And those are often the sorts of situations I'm dealing with. When those things don't matter so much (for example if I take the 55-300 or DFA 100 or another tele lens on a second body), I might take my DA 20-40 or DA 12-24 instead (the former for its compact size, wider aperture, lovely rendering and HD coatings, the latter for its great wide coverage).
On the other hand, for a more dedicated and skilled landscape photographer (like @Northcoastgreg - check out his excellent reviews: Lens Reviews | Reviews | The Northcoast Photographer ), shooting at f8 or so on a tripod most of the time and wanting more even resolution across the frame, and the superior resistance to flare and aberrations provided by the HD coatings, the 16-85 would be much more appealing. Same goes for anyone who never shoots beyond 85mm, or who doesn't have any issue changing lenses when they do.
I think it's telling that the main point of difference between the lenses in their common range, as reported by most people who have had both, is the corner/edge sharpness of the 16-85, particularly at its telephoto end, and the superior flare resistance etc of the HD coatings. Look at the photos you have taken to date and ask yourself: would those differences really really matter to me? If the answer is no, get the 18-135. If the answer is yes, ask yourself whether they matter more than the versatility of the wider focal range. If the answer is no, get the 18-135. If the answer is yes, pony up for the 16-85.
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Forum: Pentax K-70 & KF
02-20-2019, 03:56 AM
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I think you are imposing too many self made limitations ....(ISO limits, worry about camera weight and balance with flash attached worry about the hotshoe connection, wanting "point and shoot" to bring instant good results .). Until you free yourself from all this and dive in to learn about flash techniques and taking full control over ambient and flash exposures, then your Phone pictures will continue to be the better ones.
You're got a DSLR .... Time to start really using it!
BTW, I find that with my AF-540FGZII on the hotshoe, even with the D FA28-105 on the camera, I can get it to balance Ok on a flat surface by turning the flash head around towards the back. I usually have that silver "flag" thing you will have seen in the thread that was linked, and this adds to the weight on the flash head, meaning that when turned around and more facing backwards it balances the weight of the lens, so I don't have to rest the lens hood on the table.... the camera stays sitting fully flat on the Battery Grip base.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
02-19-2019, 12:10 PM
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Prime lens meaning you only have one focal length, you cannot change it. In other words, you cannot zoom in/out with your lens, you have to do it with your feet.
I would put some time into studying the theory to understand the basics of how your camera, lens and generally the light work together. Now, everybody learns in a specific way. I'm an engineer so I like to break down things. What do I do when I take a photo? Composition first? good, let's read some composition rules. Then I have to think about exposure and the things that contribute to it (shutter speed, aperture, ISO). OK, let's dive into those things one by one. Then I need to focus on my subject. Great, let's read about focusing techniques. Then you need to process your pictures. So, let's think about that (software, techniques etc). And then you press the shutter button :) I would not go into those too deep at the beginning, just try to understand the basics and then in time you can go into details while you practice.
One particular advice is to stay open minded and analyze everything that you read (and also test in practice). There are a lot of resources available on the internet, but whatever is that you're reading try to understand the reasoning when somebody is making a point. Is he bringing some arguments to sustain his view or is just "because I say so"? for instance, you'll be reading that you absolutely need to use filters for landscape photography every damn time. I don't agree with that. I would say "it depends." If somebody does it all the time it doesn't mean you can't get as good results (or even better) by doing something different.
Everybody has their way of doing things which works best for them and you'll have to find yours. As I said before, I'm an engineer so I tend to concentrate more on the technique. I believe this is my strong point and I'm lacking when it comes to creativity and imagination. Perhaps I should do exactly the opposite, but this is just a hobby and I'm lazy. It's easier for me to understand concepts like ISO rather than composition and stuff like that.
Better camera doesn't automatically mean better pictures, although it can help a lot, I don't deny that. If I drive a regular car and you give me a Formula One Ferrari, I will probably drive faster for just a short time. Then I will crash into a tree or something. You have to put some effort into other things, not just the camera. In this regard, I think this forum is a terrific resource!
And most important... have fun !! :rolleyes:
PS: if you're into landscapes also look for a steady tripod with good reviews.
Some quick snaps with my phone below to show you what he meant. Those two guys are all over my head!
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
02-19-2019, 12:24 PM
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Taking pictures is a lot of fun. I did not even bring a camera with me other than my iphone when we wet to Grand Cayman week before last. I really like this pic...mostly because of the color. The blue, blue water...my favorite!!
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
02-19-2019, 10:55 AM
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Thank you for the advice...I am just learning about DSLR cameras.
House panthers....per request....hope I uploaded correctly....:)
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
02-19-2019, 08:22 AM
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You could replace the Kipp Lever with a wing nut from the hardware store. Simply remove it and take the bolt to the hardware store and get the appropriate sized wing nut. Use a washer under the wing nut. Getting the smallish wing nut tight enough may give you a different issue, however.
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
02-08-2019, 03:38 PM
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The Metz 52 AF-1 is a good, though not cheap, fully featured option. It also has user applicable firmware updates, which is nice.
Have you looked at Godox, which has P-TTL now, as well as wireless support if you need it? From B&H at $85:
With full support for Pentax TTL, including high-speed sync, and a built-in 2.4GHz radio system, the compact Godox TT350P Mini Thinklite TTL Flash is an excellent everyday companion for your camera. With a lightweight design and guide number of 118' at ISO 100 and 105mm, the TT350P is useful for both on-camera and off-camera operation. Users can also use it as an optical slave in addition to use as a radio TTL master/slave unit. It is versatile as well with the ability to tilt from -7 to 90° and rotate 270°. |
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Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals
09-05-2018, 12:45 PM
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What's with the FF mirrorless rage all of a sudden? Sony came out with the A7 back in 2013, nearly 5 years ago. They stood alone until suddenly Nikon and Canon released new bodies back to back. Now there are strong rumors of Panasonic wanting to enter the fray. Just wait until Sony comes out with another update that jumps over whatever Panasonic reveals! The market is going to look like one of those first person shooter games where the hero runs around a hellish world blasting zombies and monsters. Where blood and bones splatter on the walls there we'll have batteries and sensors crunching underneath our boots here.
Meanwhile, Pentax just keeps plodding along with their mirrored system. I think that's great. DSLR cameras may be on a decline but FF MILCs are setting up for an implosion. Could Ricoh withstand an implosion? I don't think so. If they do make some sort of mirrorless K-mount body it will be at a point where the market is established enough that they can be a niche product like they are now with their K-1 bodies.
We'll see if the Nikon and Canon offerings provide enough value to the market for people shell out $2k - $3k. Personally, I would say anyone wanting a FF mirrorless is better served with a Sony. It's not perfect but a new, previous generation body is also 1/3 the price!
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Forum: General Photography
08-23-2018, 06:59 AM
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The interesting thing about traditional societies is that they were incredibly diverse. Think of Morocco, Britain, India, and China in the 17th century. Was there anything in common between them? These days we shun diversity for uniformity - unless you have an iPhone, drink Starbucks coffee and watch Netflix, there is something wrong with you. Similarly here. The fact that there is so much pressure to do what everyone else does is probably a sign of times. The more diversity there is in the camera market, the better for me as a consumer. I love Mamiya RB67, but I surely would not want all cameras to be like that, if only for the fact that I would not be able to carry 2 or 3 of them on any given outing. Mirrorless approach has some strengths, and so does the DSLR approach. The fact that we have both allows me to choose which one works for me. I like Pentax, but if I could make a wish and make it come true, I would not want Pentax to be the only camera maker, as it reduces my choices and I am selfish. I also don't want Pentax to be like Sony, because Sony is surely better than Pentax at being like Sony, and if I wanted Sony I'd just buy a Sony camera. And use it along side my Pentax gear, utilizing strengths of both camera makers. I think as consumers, instead of convergence between camera makers, we should encourage diversity. This will allow us to have sushi one day and pasta the next, instead of having rice wrapped in pasta and dipped into tomato sauce every day. Because who would want that?
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Forum: General Photography
08-23-2018, 04:51 AM
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So here's camera sales for the last year and a half. Mirrorless sales is substantially lower than DSLR sales. Furthermore, it's not like mirrorless is growing at a rate much higher than SLR.
How is the DSLR dying?
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Forum: General Photography
08-23-2018, 04:01 AM
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Whether you know it or not, if you are serious, you’re going about this the wrong way. In the two posts of yours I have read you state you expect bullying responses and you invite the bullies to stay away so you can can have a civil discussion.
By preemptively labeling the Forum members bullies you’ve already declared their responses invalid. You don’t seem to want a discussion. You seem to want your position affirmed and any contrary opinion dismissed in advance, making any discussion at all impossible.
If you aren’t serious, Alinsky would be proud.
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Forum: General Photography
08-23-2018, 03:59 AM
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Speaking of that video - Pentax "giving up" doesn't quite match with the release of the D FA* 50mm f/1.4.
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Forum: General Photography
08-23-2018, 03:58 AM
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Bertram, you are sounding a bit confrontational, so far this has been very civil :) regarding what Adam said, it is actually pertinent. In my opinion :) Pentax's position within Ricoh means there isn't likely to be anything avant garde in the near future. I considered getting an NEX but was put off by its usability, although, as fashion is a big seller in the affordable camera market, the likes of Sony and Nikon are likely to be the ones that shift the numbers. I believe Pentax and other DSLRs will always have a market but I also firmly believe if not actually "niche" it will be smaller than mirrorless sales. I can see mirrorless cameras getting the lions share of R&D but I wonder if they will push the MP count, after all, with each MP the file size grows and I wonder if the customer base would want huge files or simpler processing. Regarding Pentax, I really like (and want) the K-01 but its size is against it. I would love to see something the size of the Sony but with the K mount retained. Even if they did it with an adapter. Pentax limited are beautiful and slim, the xs is tiny! Surely they could make a pocketable camera utilizing existing lens stock, and the K mount opens the door to vintage lenses. Maybe a modified Ricoh GR ii, switch out the fixed lens, change the body shape slightly to accommodate the mount. I can't see it happening but you never know. Would I buy it. What do you think :)
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Forum: General Photography
08-23-2018, 03:51 AM
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civil and educated is what this forum excels in.
This is neither civil nor educated.
Perhaps you would do better if you actually commented on the points raised in the video, and made your own arguments about what you see the issues are with regard to mirrorless and Pentax. Then you will get a proper debate. Your opening post comes across as trrolling.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
09-28-2016, 01:27 PM
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The lake Slidrefjord in Norway.
(gently processed in Lightroom; cross posted)
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
03-25-2016, 12:01 AM
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I don't see why that wouldn't work.
I was going to suggest that you post to the Cactus community forum to make sure but then found that someone else had enquired about the Interfit Strobies pack already and that Cactus already replied that it should work with the RF60.
You cannot use the RF60 as a receiver in order to remote trigger your camera via radio.
The RF60 sync port is an "input only" port.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
03-01-2016, 04:55 PM
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I remember being on a hike and this person felt left out when I was snapping away...
Zoomed in:
-Heie
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
06-26-2014, 07:30 AM
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I stopped reading when I read "Mac".
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Forum: General Photography
05-13-2014, 08:17 PM
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Nice post. You must have a good keyboard.
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