Forgot Password
Pentax Camera Forums Home
 
Log in or register to remove ads.

Showing results 1 to 25 of 83 Search:
Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II 09-20-2023, 02:20 AM  
If I were to get a K-5
Posted By papillon_65
Replies: 18
Views: 1,749
I just picked up a VGC K5II and this lens set is exactly what I have ( 40mm is XS version), minus the DA 70mm, which I will be getting in due course as I've had it previously and know how good it is. For most things the 18-135mm will do a great a job, the primes are all gravy and for lower light and specific shots where I'm concerned.
Forum: Pentax K-3 III Monochrome 09-20-2023, 01:03 AM  
My thoughts on k-3 mono.
Posted By papillon_65
Replies: 20
Views: 1,979
So people who paint only in oil are dumb? People who specialise in a specific subset of any creative pursuit generally tend to excel in that subset compared to others who don't. There's nothing 'dumb' about doing that, for some it is just a way of differentiating yourself from others. Such people could justifiably argue you are missing out by taking a 'jack of all trades' approach rather than being more specific. I'd be interested in how you come to the conclusion that not shooting in colour will make you a worse black and white photographer as I'm failing to see any logic in that. We see in colour, so you can't avoid it, converting what you see into an imagined black and white shot is a skill in itself.

One last thing, never apologise for your opinion, just stand by it and explain it otherwise it betrays a lack of conviction....imho.
Forum: Pentax K-3 III Monochrome 09-08-2023, 02:07 AM  
K-3 Mark III Monochrome firmware update.
Posted By papillon_65
Replies: 2
Views: 678
Nothing, it only applies to the K3iii.
Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 08-25-2023, 08:02 AM  
Another morning of illicit fun...
Posted By papillon_65
Replies: 36
Views: 2,826
That was an entertaining read Mike, fwiw I bought a Sony A7RIII about a year ago, still an excellent well built camera, I quickly sold it. It was a joyless unengaging experience using that camera, on paper it had everything I could ever want, the evf was huge and fast, focusing as to be expected, but boy was it dull and the menu's and configuration need no further discussion.

A recent impulse purchase of the Kimono has brought me back to Pentax. I had a K3II for a while, I loved the camera, the build, the feel, using it, the focusing? not so much. Maybe that was a mistake and I didn't pursue the focusing issues as much as I should have. Handling the Kimono I'm reminded of how much I liked the K3II and using a decent DSLR with a great ovf. The build quality of these cameras is beyond reproach, a proper man cam IMHO.

I'm pleased to say the focusing has improved, there's still room for improvement but it's good enough for my needs. The best thing is that the K3III/Kimono is a camera you want to pick up and go and shoot with, and I love the green/gray button and TAV functionality, I have other digital cameras but none as nice to use as the kimono, I'll be sticking around this time..
Forum: Pentax K-3 III 08-24-2023, 04:56 AM  
I AM GETTING THE HANG OF THIS PENTAX K3-MARK III - and LOVE IT!
Posted By papillon_65
Replies: 18
Views: 1,210
Well, I guess there's no easy way to sugar coat this, but to me, over-saturation is much like sharpness, people over-use it to compensate for the fact that their photos are boring. Give me an interesting composition and I'm not going to be looking at how sharp or colourful it is. I understand that it's not always possible to post interesting or creative compositions, but I think many fall into the trap of feeling they've got to make their photos stand out somehow, so I see tons of over-sharpening, over saturation, HDR, hyper grungy black and white etc etc as a crutch for less interesting shots. In a world where everyone is vying for attention, this seems to be the way of things, I prefer a more a subtle approach, but, as I said, each to their own.
Forum: Pentax K-3 III 08-23-2023, 04:18 AM  
I AM GETTING THE HANG OF THIS PENTAX K3-MARK III - and LOVE IT!
Posted By papillon_65
Replies: 18
Views: 1,210
Indeed, it's kind of like that situation when you ask a young woman with a protruding stomach when her baby's due, and she replies 'I'm not pregnant'. You think you're being polite but there's a potential banana skin awaiting. Sometimes people aren't aware of how their photo's are displaying, so I thought I'd check, on my camera I'd have to rename that setting as 'Rockwell', but each to their own.
Forum: Pentax K-3 III Monochrome 08-23-2023, 02:20 AM  
My thoughts on k-3 mono.
Posted By papillon_65
Replies: 20
Views: 1,979
I recently bought the Kimono and generally echo your thoughts apart from one or two things. It was an impulse buy for me but the main reason is that it will force me to shoot black and white. I often end up converting colour shots but I am never disciplined enough to shoot with a colour camera and just shoot black and white, I always end up in the analysis paralysis phase of post processing. Shooting with the Kimono just means that choice is taken away from me, and I will have to shoot for black and white results.
As for printing, yes I do print, but it's not essential to shoot this camera IMHO, and I find the jpegs very good, and I will be tweaking those to see if I can get a look SOOC that I like, though I always have raw as a backup.
One final thought, I kind of like the exclusivity of the camera, the ability to shoot something different from most ( I'm a contrarian, I also shoot sigma cameras, that's the level of niche I go to ) and Pentax have done a great job with the nice little touches of mono buttons and menus. It's also the first dedicated mono DSLR ever, it might even be the last, so a nice collectable potentially.
Forum: Pentax K-3 III 08-23-2023, 01:02 AM  
I AM GETTING THE HANG OF THIS PENTAX K3-MARK III - and LOVE IT!
Posted By papillon_65
Replies: 18
Views: 1,210
Maybe it's my monitor, or maybe it's your monitor? but these photo's seem excessively over-saturated to their detriment?
Forum: General Photography 08-23-2023, 12:49 AM  
How Pentax and its most common kit lens saved me as a photographer
Posted By papillon_65
Replies: 50
Views: 5,080
HD version, and I actually like the hood and lens cap. The lens cap is on nice and tight (but not too tight) and the hood makes complete sense to me, and matches my DA 21mm. The lens extending mechanism requires a bit of technique to make it smooth but I've worked that out now. It looks pretty cool folded on the Kimono and the size and weight means it's not a heavy carry on a peak design clip. I'm happy with the quality and performance for a very a modest £89.
Forum: General Photography 08-22-2023, 02:16 PM  
How Pentax and its most common kit lens saved me as a photographer
Posted By papillon_65
Replies: 50
Views: 5,080
I enjoyed your original post and agree with your premise about kit lenses. This has also come at a prescient time for myself, having just purchased a kit lens for travelling with my shiny new Kimono. The purchase of the camera was a pure impulse buy, and I have decided to take it on a 200 mile hike I have planned and was looking for a lightweight kit lens to carry with it on a peak design clip.
I'm newly returned to Pentax and hadn't had great experiences with two 18-55's previously, both being extremely soft. In the end I decided on the 16-50mm F4-5.6 DW WR RE and picked one up very cheaply online. The lens has since arrived and my tests shots indicate it's pretty decent once stopped down throughout its range and it sits nicely on the Kimono. Getting back to your OP, I decided to take a kit lens on this trip with a back to basics mentality like yourself. I am taking a couple of faster pancakes for lower light/street stuff ( 21mm F3.2 and 40mm F2.8 XS ) but the 16-50mm is going to be the workhorse lens.
Shooting a kit lens on the Kimono removes both colour and lens performance considerations, it's a case of getting what I can in both respects, and I'm looking forward to that challenge (late September). In the meantime I'll practice and post some shots here when I have something I'm happy with.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 10-02-2017, 09:33 AM  
Are we really THAT rare?
Posted By papillon_65
Replies: 7,240
Views: 985,572
Pentax users have no fear, shoot with Sigma cameras as well, like I do, then you'll really know what it's like to feel different. Chances of spotting another Sigma camera user? there's more chance of world peace at the moment.......
Forum: Pentax K-01 01-26-2017, 10:20 AM  
Forgive me Gods of Pentax...for I have sinned....but repentance is nigh....
Posted By papillon_65
Replies: 28
Views: 4,725
Thanks Barondla, the K-01 is now with me and I'm very pleased with it, high ISO is pretty impressive for such an "antiquated" camera lol, what a shame they never followed up on a newer version but I think I'm going to enjoy this one anyway. I also picked up the 40mm XS lens as well, and I love it, a great little lens :)

---------- Post added 01-26-17 at 05:21 PM ----------



Thanks Monochrome, I feel like I've joined quite an exclusive club and I'm impressed with the K-01, just the job :)
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 01-01-2017, 08:38 AM  
Buying from SRS micro systems
Posted By papillon_65
Replies: 29
Views: 2,157
I ordered the 60-250mm F4 from them, which had an amazing discount of £400 in their latest sale. Even though it showed out of stock they got one to me within 5 days and honoured the sale price. I've used them plenty of times before and never had any problems, even when I've returned something, they're as good as it gets for me.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 12-30-2016, 09:29 AM  
Deciding on new Primary Lens [Pentax 16-85 vs Sigma 17-50 vs Tamron 17-50]
Posted By papillon_65
Replies: 38
Views: 8,163
I have the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8, the 16-85mm and the 20-40mm F2.8-F4. My experience of them is as follows:

Sigma 17-50mm F2.8
My copy of this lens is brutally sharp, and I mean sharp, it behaves exactly as the better reviews say. It's sharp wide open at both ends but unusually for a lens of this type, it's sharpest at the long end. Mine is also a bit of an erratic focuser in low light, much better in good light. The build quality is very good and it feels much better built than your average Tamron. The Sigma does have a bit of clinical look to it, but you can get great results with it no problem. If you're looking for a sharp lens this is the one to get, it's prime sharp stopped down, sharper than plenty of primes in fact. For the money it's an excellent lens.

Pentax 16-85mm
This is also a sharp lens, especially at the wide end and it's sharp wide open throughout it's range. It's not as sharp as the Sigma but that's an exceptionally sharp lens as I've said. The 16-85mm is also a quick and reliable focusing lens, and has nice colour and contrast. On my K3II this lens is also good for C-AF track focusing in good light, I was pleasantly surprised by it's performance. It also focuses quite closely, so with a close-up lens you can do semi-macro with it. If you want a lens for its versatility then this is the one to get.

Pentax DA 20-40mm Ltd
This one is a bit of a mixed bag, mine is a bit erratic focusing wise, but it's capable of excellent results. It's very sharp in places, not so in others. It definitely benefits from stopping down. In its favour is that it is just a lovely piece of engineering, it looks great and is lovely to use. It also has the classic DA Ltd rendering and is very flare resistant. It's most definitely in the DA Ltd mold, quirky and a lens you can learn to love. It makes a great combination with the 15mm and 70mm DA Ltd's and I use it with these on my K-01.

I don't know about the Tamron or the 16-50mm, but out of the lenses I have I'd pick the Sigma if ultimate image quality and speed was important, the 16-85mm as a general slower workhorse and the 20-40mm because....well...it's just one of those lenses that has character. Personally I'm tempted to try the DA* 16-50mm, I've just received my DA* 60-250mm and boy is that a nice lens, so the 16-50mm is calling to me now, but it will have to be very good for me to give up the Sigma 17-50mm, that lens is the sharpest zoom of this type I've ever used, when you nail a shot with it then it's brutal, if sharpness is your thing it's a no-brainer.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 12-23-2016, 12:10 PM  
DA 16-85 WR,show us what it can do.
Posted By papillon_65
Replies: 1,626
Views: 242,180
Thanks, I mostly shoot those with the Sigma 8-16mm but the 16-85mm comes in handy for all sorts of things, it's a great workhorse lens.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 12-22-2016, 02:47 PM  
DA 16-85 WR,show us what it can do.
Posted By papillon_65
Replies: 1,626
Views: 242,180
An excellent lens, very versatile, I use it for anything and everything, it also tracks well on the K3II in good light, great colour and contrast, fast focusing, no complaints from me about it, it's excellent value for money. Mine has also had a complete soaking whilst trekking, and I mean torrential downpour, no problems at all, the weathersealing is excellent.








Forum: Pentax K-01 12-14-2016, 01:54 PM  
55-300mm PLM on the K-01
Posted By papillon_65
Replies: 5
Views: 1,957
My mistake, it looks like i jumped the gun, you can shoot it wide open no problem, you just can't stop it down, even though the exposure meter changes the values it's obviously doing the calculations from the wide open values but doesn't close the aperture when it takes the shot. Oh well, it partially works anyway.

---------- Post added 12-14-16 at 09:41 PM ----------



The aperture values do change but it doesn't actually close the aperture down, so it's calculating the aperture values based on the wide open value rather than closing the aperture to check the values.
Forum: Pentax K-01 12-14-2016, 01:02 PM  
55-300mm PLM on the K-01
Posted By papillon_65
Replies: 5
Views: 1,957
My K-01 finally arrived, pretty impressed with it actually. I tried the 55-300mm PLM on the camera and it works perfectly on it, no issues at all that I can see.
Forum: Pentax K-01 12-08-2016, 11:36 AM  
Forgive me Gods of Pentax...for I have sinned....but repentance is nigh....
Posted By papillon_65
Replies: 28
Views: 4,725
It's still not arrived yet, so the wait continues.....
Forum: Pentax K-01 12-07-2016, 10:00 AM  
Forgive me Gods of Pentax...for I have sinned....but repentance is nigh....
Posted By papillon_65
Replies: 28
Views: 4,725
No problem, always happy to help :)

---------- Post added 12-07-16 at 05:01 PM ----------



I can't wait for mine to arrive, having bought fully into Pentax it makes total sense to me now, looking forward to giving it a good try out and review.

---------- Post added 12-07-16 at 05:03 PM ----------



It'll compliment my 3 other smaller bricks nicely :)
Forum: Pentax K-01 12-06-2016, 03:26 PM  
Forgive me Gods of Pentax...for I have sinned....but repentance is nigh....
Posted By papillon_65
Replies: 28
Views: 4,725
It is a pre-requisite to using them, but when you get it right - boom! that's what I'm talking about......
Forum: Pentax K-01 12-06-2016, 02:34 PM  
Forgive me Gods of Pentax...for I have sinned....but repentance is nigh....
Posted By papillon_65
Replies: 28
Views: 4,725
I think we will get on fine, people's reactions to quirky cameras always makes me laugh, I recall a Canon shooter with a full frame camera clocking my DP2M and looking at me with total confusion, or maybe he just thought I was insane :D
Forum: Pentax K-01 12-06-2016, 02:32 PM  
Forgive me Gods of Pentax...for I have sinned....but repentance is nigh....
Posted By papillon_65
Replies: 28
Views: 4,725
They really are rare now, in the UK anyway, but that bodes well for the future in terms of collectability, I actually do like quirky cameras, so it will make a nice addition to my collection and I intend to use it regularly as well. Nice shot by the way.
Forum: Pentax K-01 12-06-2016, 12:08 PM  
Forgive me Gods of Pentax...for I have sinned....but repentance is nigh....
Posted By papillon_65
Replies: 28
Views: 4,725
There's a bit of story to this so bear with me.....

In the beginning was born the K-01, and as an owner and user of several different brands of camera (Olympus/Canon/Panasonic/Sony etc) I saw the K-01 and had my WTF!??? moment, I mocked and derided this camera, I laughed with all the others, taunting Pentax users for the brick like aesthetics of the K-01, it's coloured buttons, it's attempt at cool. I paraphrased John McEnroe, I made comparisons with Toys R Us etc etc. I then forgot all about it and carried on, condemning it to the camera dustbin of history. In my continuing travels in search of the camera for me, a woman asked me for help with her camera at our Camera club, it was a Pentax K3. I played with this model and thought whoa! this is a nice camera! This was like a smaller, newer Olympus E-1 (A camera I still own and love), this thing had loads of buttons and dials, it felt great in my hands, it made my Sony A7 feel like a toy, I was hooked.

I subsequently bought a K3II and the 16-85mm, I was impressed, great IQ in a tough package, so much better than the Pentax Kr I had flirted with years before, and the lens is very sharp to boot. So I made the decision, I bought fully into Pentax, I now own the 15mm F4, 20-40mm and 75mm F2.4 ltd's, I love them, not perfect, but excellent in their own way, really well made equipment, I love that. I have a whole load of pentax lenses now, and a couple of Sigma's and the Tamron 70-200mm F2.8 (Boy that lens is sharp on the K3II). But I needed something else, a backup body, but something smaller and lighter than the K3II (I think you can guess where this is going now...). So I looked around, and there it was, staring me in the face, the Franken-camera - the brick was back! So I read up about it, I watched youtube reviews, it wasn't built like a toy at all, in fact quite the opposite, it appeared to be the marmite camera, people either loved it or hated it.

But let me clarify something before someone warns me off. I also shoot with Sigma DP Merrills, this is a labour of love, not for the faint hearted. I have 14 batteries for 3 cameras, I am used to looking at a black screen in bright light, in the vain hope that I can align it with my subject and get a decent shot. I'm used to making tea inbetween shots as their red lights wink at me, taunting me in morse code "I'm not finished yet...I'm not finished yet...". I'm used to processing in Sigma Photo Pro, the lights in the house dim as my computer pulls all available power to convert the X3F files to tiffs, for further colour shift torture. I understand the issues involved in shooting with "not cutting edge" cameras, I even have a white faced Rolleicord if I want to shoot really slowly. So no, the K-01 holds no fear for me, I know all about the sensor, it's easily good enough. So I've ordered one, no mean feat in the UK, in fact they're rarer than a British born waitress, so I had to order one from Japan, it's on its way, it's perfect for what I want, I know I'll love it, if you can shoot with a Sigma DP1/2/3M you can shoot with anything, trust me on that one. I can't wait to shoot those cracking DA ltd's on it, they're perfect for it.

So, I confess my crime, I beseech you to forgive me, I knew not what I was doing, I was young (well ok, younger than I am now), I was foolish in my condemnation, I am ready to repent, I throw myself at your mercy, be gentle with me....
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 09-25-2016, 05:45 AM  
K-3 vs E-M1 (Mk I) - tracking AF
Posted By papillon_65
Replies: 11
Views: 1,763
I had an E-M1 and unless you use fast lenses on it, it wasn't all that for tracking for me. I tried the K3II with the 16-85mm and it is pretty damn good, at least for motorcyclists pulling stunts in reasonable light, but with the Tamron 70-200mm F2.8 it was hopeless, more the fault of the lens than the camera, it just took too long to adjust. I personally would not recommend the E-M1 for track focusing, it can be done but be prepared to pay for the best lenses to make it work effectively. I also tried the 55-300mm (not PLM) on the K3II and despite the noisy focusing it actually worked quite well, I'd expect the PLM version to be even better and behave like the 16-85mm.
Search took 0.01 seconds | Showing results 1 to 25 of 83

 
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 10:53 AM. | See also: NikonForums.com, CanonForums.com part of our network of photo forums!
  • Red (Default)
  • Green
  • Gray
  • Dark
  • Dark Yellow
  • Dark Blue
  • Old Red
  • Old Green
  • Old Gray
  • Dial-Up Style
Hello! It's great to see you back on the forum! Have you considered joining the community?
register
Creating a FREE ACCOUNT takes under a minute, removes ads, and lets you post! [Dismiss]
Top