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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
12-07-2020, 06:36 PM
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Thank you! I'm checking out that link now. It's mostly diamonds I have trouble with. My costume jewelry shots have been coming out really well. The k-70's color rendition on metalwork and on stones not as reflective is excellent, and, of course, the sharpness/clarity is better without all that reflectivity. I have some diffusers that I don't use, but I guess I should start working with them. Or rig up a light box.
P.S. You should see, however, what an improvement the new batch of shots is over the old! I'm embarrassed when I look at the old ones. LOL.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
12-07-2020, 09:57 AM
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No, I haven't; please fill me in!
Oh, and the shot I posted was without using a tripod; I can't find either of mine since moving! I really need to make that a priority.
---------- Post added 12-07-20 at 11:59 AM ----------
Thank you! Still learning, as always, but I really do like the K-70 now. And it is noticeably lighter than the K-7, which is good for me at my age.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
12-06-2020, 04:25 PM
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Well, it's been awhile since I got my K-70 and, once again, thank you all for you comments and advice. At first I didn't think I was going to like it as much as my K-7. I couldn't seem to get the hang of it. I was getting "good" images, but not great. My outdoor landscape shots were very good, but my work shots (stills of clothing, jewelry, etc.) were just OK. I was hanging on to my K-7 and also looking for a K-5IIs "just in case." Fast forward a few months, and my skills have improved, plus my 35 mm SLR film training has been coming back to me. Plus the camera is really an upgrade!
Jewelry is often a tough shot, due to reflectivity, the need to zoom in, the need for optimum lighting, etc. This week, for the first time, I took shots of jewelry that I'm pretty thrilled with. Anyone here who's a professional likely won't be impressed, but for what I do, the photos came out beautifully, especially considering I'm using just the kit lens. (I have a film zoom lens I have to figure out with this camera!)
I re-shot a diamond cluster ring that I had shot with my K-7. Those shots weren't very good. The diamonds are set so well that it's very hard to see the individual diamonds (which is good, but you need to show that it's not a solitaire, since nobody reads anything anymore). This is one of the shots I took, and you can see the individual diamonds. Just barely, but you can if you know it's a cluster setting. (The black and pink in the stones are reflections.)
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Forum: Monthly Photo Contests
10-18-2020, 06:56 PM
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Oh, what a tough choice; these are all great! I went with #7; it's so unusual in composition and very evocative.
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Forum: Pentax Forums Giveaways
10-18-2020, 06:47 PM
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There were three I liked, but I was able to narrow it to two fairly easily.
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Forum: Lens Clubs
08-22-2020, 07:11 AM
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Thanks! I found my Minolta, and the lens fits. Now I have to dig up my stash of film and test it out!
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
08-01-2020, 08:43 AM
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It's sad to see these independent shops go out of business. Fortunately, we still have one left in my area, a camera sales and repair shop with processing and printing services. When I was in there the other day, they were really busy. I was glad to see that.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
07-28-2020, 06:46 AM
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I read up on this quite a bit before buying the K-70, and I agree with you. From what I can tell, there have been relatively few reports of the solenoid failing, and certainly not anywhere near the level of the problem on the K-50. Considering that this camera has been out for a few years now, if the problem were widespread, I imagine there would be more talk about it.
I have a K-7, old (of course), but with fewer than 25,000 actuations. The auto functions on it have failed and it's usable only in manual mode. I've read reports here of it happening to a few people as well. Should I assume that this is a huge problem with the K-7? When you think of the thousands of K-7s that were produced, a few incidents doesn't present a tremendous worry, imo. Same with the K-70. Time will tell, of course, but I'm comfortable with my purchase. Assuming I can get the hang of it. Maybe you can't teach an old dog new tricks.
---------- Post added 07-28-20 at 09:50 AM ----------
Well, if you ever do decide to sell it, I "might" know someone who's interested. (wink, wink)
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
07-27-2020, 07:32 PM
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Yeah, well, if you knew me, you'd say that. Just ask my family; I drive them nuts. LOL.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
07-27-2020, 06:02 PM
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I got my k-70 this afternoon and although I haven't had much time to check it out, I think I like it. It's different enough from my two old bodies that I'm sure I'm going to have some trouble figuring everything out and getting used to it. Not as intuitive as the K-7 was. I'll have to work my way through the manual a little at a time. So far I'm very impressed by the image quality, especially (so far) color reproduction. I took a quick pic of my dark red, patent-vinyl camera case, and the color was amazingly true, and the reflectivity of the surface wasn't an issue in focusing or in the actual image. I find that the blue-red shades usually warm up too much, and orange-reds are often too hot. This was darn near perfect.
After I took my initial test shots, the shutter count is 41, and camera and lens look brand new (I think I'm going to be happy with the lens as an all-round, everyday one; glad I decided to get the kit). I also really like the looks of the silver and black body. In the end, the slightly lighter body was probably a good choice. It feels heavy after months of using my old k100d super, but I'll get used to it.
Thanks to everybody here who weighed in on this. It was a helluva decision, especially for somebody like me who weighs to death the pros and cons of everything. Still not sure that I won't pick up a k-5 IIs, just in case.... I'm impossible.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
07-27-2020, 01:56 PM
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Of course, I didn't mean that one can do that directly (like push a button or select a menu option, and voila! There's your shutter count -- LOL). But how hard is it to upload an image to, e.g., myshuttercount, to get the info? When I mentioned it to one guy, he tried telling me that you "can't do that with this camera." I'm pretty sure the issue was that he didn't want to do it, not that he couldn't. But maybe he thought he could bamboozle me.
---------- Post added 07-27-20 at 04:57 PM ----------
Yup; I know how to do that. But I haven't used the above tool (I've used myshuttercount.com and one other, I believe) . I'll try it; thanks!
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
07-26-2020, 08:07 AM
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I went back and forth for a long time before deciding on the k-70. The two deciding factors were the weight and the reputed-to-be superlative IQ. As I get older, I have trouble with my hands and although the weight difference isn't huge, I think the lighter body is probably better for me in the long run. I've heard, though, that some folks used to the pro-style bodies have a hard time making the transition, so I'm still on the lookout for a K-5 IIs.
The k-70 was, according to the seller, in an estate sale along with another one. Seller seems to be knowledgeable, though. (Could ascertain shutter count, while I've had two supposedly knowledgeable retail-store employees tell me you can't do that with a k-70. Like, what?)
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Forum: Lens Clubs
07-24-2020, 06:57 PM
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If I can find my old Minolta SLR, my first option will be to see if it works on that. If it does, I'll keep it for that body. But I've been looking at the adapters with glass, so that would be my next choice. And if all else fails, I can try to sell it, even though it's not worth a lot. Better than using it as a paperweight!
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
07-24-2020, 11:56 AM
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Well, I'm awaiting my K-70, which I purchased complete with the 18-135mm kit lens. I was going to buy just a body and put one of my old lenses on it, but I decided to get the newer lens and use my older lenses as needed. This body supposedly only has a shutter count of 12, so should be "like new."
Call me crazy, but I'm also looking at a K-5 IIs body I may be able to get reasonably and then see which one I like better. I'm still a little reluctant to give up the feel of the better body and the familiarity of the controls, but we'll see....
I can't afford to keep both, but at least selling my K-7 (which now works after the guy at the camera shop re-set it, but only in manual mode) will help defray the cost of either, though. Two bodies is all I really need, and I'm keeping my K-100D Super. (Well, I myself could use another body, but that's a different topic altogether.)
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Forum: Lens Clubs
07-21-2020, 07:59 AM
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I did look at the reviews, but not sure they were much help. They were mixed, and as we know, even within the same make of lens, performance and user ratings can vary widely with individual lenses.
That's good to know, though, that you're happy with your prime lenses. It helps.
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Forum: Lens Clubs
07-21-2020, 06:16 AM
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I have a Sears f 3.5-4.5 28-85mm lens with Minolta MD mount; pristine condition. Never got around to buying an adapter. Saw one today for a little more than $20 and am wondering if it's worth it. I have a K100D Super as my fun camera and am buying a K-70 for business. I'm going to be selling a K-7 that only works on manual mode, so this might be a good fit to sell with it (but not sure I'd get the investment back). I'd sell it by itself, but I don't think it's worth much as a standalone. Not sure if it'll fit my old Minolta 35mm film camera, but am going to check that out.
One commenter above indicates good results with a Sears lens w/adapter. Anyone have this specific lens or have had it?
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
07-16-2020, 08:06 AM
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Great shots!
I loved my K-7, one of the reasons being that it feels so good in the hand. Hefty, solid, but not unwieldy. Great ergonomics, as someone commented. I bought mine used in 2012, and it served me well until Nov. 2019. It's now stuck on manual focus, and I've tried all the recommended fixes. No luck. And the worst part of it was that I had finally taken the time to really push my own limits with it and was getting some great images from it. Using it on a fairly basic level (more than just program mode, but not a lot of experimenting with settings) was giving me what I needed, but I was finally doing "more" with it.
Now I'm looking for a K-70 or a K-5IIs, and it's quite a dilemma. The K-5 IIs is so much like the K-7 that I'd feel really comfortable with it. OTOH, I feel like it would be nice to have something newer.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
07-15-2020, 06:45 PM
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Such great feedback! I keep wavering, but for now, have made an offer on a K-70 on eBay. You can buy a brand-new body only for $546, but sellers are asking well more than $400 for used ones. If had $450 for a used one, I'd just go buy a new one for $100 more. Or get a used one for about $425 at B & H or Adorama with warranty and return acceptance.
If I can't get a K-70 at my price point, I'm going to go for a K-5 IIs and get another lens (a good used one) to go with it. I can do that for about the same price as many of the used K-70 bodies I've seen.
I do like the fact that the controls on the K-5 IIs are so similar to my K-7; I doubt I'd have any trouble getting used to it. But I'm kind of liking the idea of such a new camera. I don't mind buying used and have had great luck, but a newer used one is tempting. We'll see. I'm perfectly happy to go the other route as well.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
07-15-2020, 07:01 AM
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I bought my K100D Super (used) around 2010 and replaced it as my main camera for business in 2012. I wanted to sell it then, but my husband wanted to keep it. Glad we did, because it's what we take on vacation and what I occasionally take out and do some "fun" stuff with. Now I need another camera (K-7 died), and, again, considered selling the Super, but, again, DH talked me out of it. Again, glad he did, because as I was looking through photos to see if I had anything to post here, I found some wonderful shots. So... She's here to stay, I think!
I just have the standard kit lens (18 - 55) on it (newer than the one that came with it), and these were taken with that.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
07-14-2020, 05:40 AM
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Thank you, gatorguy! I've been in touch with the seller.
Right now, I'm working with someone on eBay who has one with similar shutter count, so I'll see what happens with that. I imagine some people would be hesitant to buy through eBay, but both of my Pentax's have been purchased that way, and both have given me years of service. I've had the K-7, bought used, for 8 years and have more than gotten my money's worth.
(Wish I'd been looking just a couple of weeks ago. Two were on auction listings, and the sellers got hammered [$270 & $290 ending prices; crazy, but that's what they get on eBay's selling model of start at under $1 and pray you sell high]. I don't expect to be able to replicate that pricing, though! LOL.)
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
07-13-2020, 11:47 AM
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Terrific information; thank you! Yes, I can certainly understand the "plastic" issue. There's plastic, and then there's plastic. I bought a plastic desk tray for my office that I was worried would be flimsy, but the thing is rock-solid, practically indestructible! My only frame of reference is the Canons and Nikons I looked at before I bought my K-7. I just liked the feel of my Pentax models more. It sounds like the K-70 wouldn't feel flimsy in comparison. "Feel" really does make a difference. :)
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
07-13-2020, 10:51 AM
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Thanks so much, everybody, for your help here. I don't have the in-depth knowledge that most of you do, and your feedback is really appreciated. TBH, I never did use my K-7 to its fullest, but I liked the ability to do "more" with it as I had time. Just as I was pushing my own limits with it, it died on me! Sigh. So, the K-70, although not as advanced, from what I can tell, would more than be able to do what I need it to do.
I think it's gonna depend on price. If I can find a K-70 within my budget, I think I'll go for it. Otherwise, I'm sure I'll be happy with the K-5 IIs. Either is an upgrade over the K-7.
ETA: I guess the KP-70 body is mostly plastic instead of metal; has this made a huge difference in feel to any of you? TIA.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
07-13-2020, 10:21 AM
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Thank you! That's another concern. I'm sure I can get used to the controls on the K-70, but have been wondering if the feel will indeed be "cheaper." I really like how solid my K-7 feels. It would be a great idea to make sure if I get the K-70 that I can return it if I decide I'd prefer something that feels and acts more like the K-7.
Although I plan on picking up another "vintage" k-mount lens (not a problem that you have to focus manually), it would be nice to have something compatible with current and future lenses....
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
07-12-2020, 05:38 PM
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I normally do the opposite when buying used -- buy what was more expensive when new. But in this case, there's quite a bit of difference in age between the two.
The lack of top LCD is concerning. I'm so used to having it. But it doesn't appear to be a big problem for most people.
I generally don't use a tripod, but am going to start doing so for jewelry.
The arthritis in my hands isn't painful so much as it results in weakness at times. So I'm thinking ahead. I keep my cameras a long time and don't want to be buying another in just a year or two.
So, it's quite the dilemma, since it sounds as if either will do the job. Decisions, decisions. Argh!
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
07-12-2020, 11:56 AM
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Have been checking forum marketplace out.
Good information on the AA/no AA filter; thank you. I did see that no AA is supposed to be sharber, but probably not going to be a big factor for me.
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