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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 05-10-2018, 10:07 AM  
Getting first external flash
Posted By Popty Ping
Replies: 32
Views: 3,571
Hi guys

Im really glad my humble post has sparked a detailed discussion about using flashes.

You left me behind a long while ago, but ill come back to this thread when my skills have developed.

Interesting reading!


Si
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 05-01-2018, 10:42 PM  
K-r - solutions to a dark viewfinder?
Posted By Popty Ping
Replies: 9
Views: 1,714
Thanks for the latest advice guys.

Mike - I hadn’t thought of that technique.

Uncle - I’ll think about upgrading. It’s probably not possible money-wise though in the nearish future.
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 04-30-2018, 10:56 AM  
K-r - solutions to a dark viewfinder?
Posted By Popty Ping
Replies: 9
Views: 1,714
Thanks so much for all the replies folks.

I didn't find the f1.4 Sigma lens significantly brighter to look through. I was a little disappointed about that.

Didn't know that about the focusing screen surface - I learn loads on here! I do now have an external flash with an AF assist beam - I think it would be a bit intrusive to use that at events I go to though.

Plenty to think about - thanks again.



Si
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 04-29-2018, 08:24 AM  
K-r - solutions to a dark viewfinder?
Posted By Popty Ping
Replies: 9
Views: 1,714
Thanks for the reply.

Interesting about the Pentamirror/pentaprism - I wasn't aware of that.

I just have the 18-55 kit lens, the Sigma 18-250 travel zoom, Sigma 31mm f1.4 and a couple of old Pentax film 50mm primes (given to me by a kind PF member)!

Sorry, I get my terms mixed up sometimes - still pretty new to photography. I just meant something that could be used instead/in addition to the normal viewfinder. I have a vague recollection where I'd seen cameras where they could be added to the camera somehow to give a better, brighter display than the one usually used. I could be really wrong on that though!

Thanks again.
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 04-29-2018, 06:19 AM  
K-r - solutions to a dark viewfinder?
Posted By Popty Ping
Replies: 9
Views: 1,714
Hi all

Firstly - I’m not sure this is strictly troubleshooting, more an observation and plea for information!

I have a K-r and it’s fine for my needs. I use it to shoot music events for friends and enjoy that very much.

I feel that the thing holding my back is the dark viewfinder and the difficulty focus in the low light.

I have tried a few things I hoped would help. These include:

- using Live View (I’m not too keen on it, as there seems to be a “lag” before the photo is taken and it drains the battery. I just like having the camera to my eye

- getting a replacement viewfinder with a bigger field of view (I can’t remember it’s name now)

- using lenses with a wide aperture e.g Sigma f1.4. My understanding is the view you see is that when lens is wide open. I could well be wrong on that though.

I guess I’m asking if there are any solutions to this I’ve not tried.

At some point, I may upgrade - are there Pentax models where the brightness of the viewfinder is significantly better?

Thanks for reading - at some point I hope to be good enough to answer questions on here, as opposed to just asking them!


Si
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 04-29-2018, 06:02 AM  
Getting first external flash
Posted By Popty Ping
Replies: 32
Views: 3,571
Hi all

Just wanted to say a big “thanks” for all the info. I got the Yongnuo and shot my first music event for a friend last night.

Loads to learn with this, but I really enjoyed using it. I can already see the benefits over built-in flash, but really only understand the very basics right now.

I’ve watched and read some tutuorials, but what I’d love to do is attend a workshop on this. I think a local camera shop does them.

Thanks again for the the advice.


Si
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 04-17-2018, 05:28 AM  
Getting first external flash
Posted By Popty Ping
Replies: 32
Views: 3,571
Didn’t know that - thanks for the info.
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 04-17-2018, 12:57 AM  
Getting first external flash
Posted By Popty Ping
Replies: 32
Views: 3,571
Thanks for the latest replies folks.

AlwaysAl - meant to say thanks for the event-specific advice. Thanks to you and Honey Boo Boo for sharing the nice photos too.

I use Eneloops in my K-r, so I will get some more of them.
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 04-16-2018, 05:27 AM  
Getting first external flash
Posted By Popty Ping
Replies: 32
Views: 3,571
Thanks all

Have bought the Yongnuo.

Really looking forward to giving it a go. Hoping that, in time, it will take my photos up a level.
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 04-15-2018, 12:33 PM  
Getting first external flash
Posted By Popty Ping
Replies: 32
Views: 3,571
Folks

Thanks so much folks. Really interesting information.

Did see that guide to Pentax flashes a forum user wrote - very detailed. Will read more thoroughtly ASAP.

Think it’s going to be good fun getting to grips with this area of photography.

Thanks again - really appreciated!


Si
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 04-15-2018, 02:54 AM  
Getting first external flash
Posted By Popty Ping
Replies: 32
Views: 3,571
Hi all

I hope you don’t mind the message. I have been looking at various threads on the forums and getting some good information.

I’ve only ever used the built-in flash on my K-r. However, I’m now very interested in learning how to use an external flash. I’ve found some excellent resources online and in print.

My budget is pretty limited, so I thought I might get the Yongnuo 585ex model.

I just wanted to check whether more experienced photographers than me thought that might be a suitable one. Basically, I’m not looking for a studio set-up, I’d just like to be able to bounce the flash and get better pictures (I shoot at music events in low light) with a single flash (presumably attached to the camera).

Any thoughts would be gratefully received.

Thanks



Si
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 01-12-2017, 05:20 AM  
Sigma f1.4 30mm availability
Posted By Popty Ping
Replies: 3
Views: 964
Thanks guys

I hear what you say Adam, it's just that I've tried two nice camera shops here in South Wales. They didn't have it stock and weren't able to get one from Sigma.

I can see a couple of places online, but like to use my local sellers if possible. In this case I'll probably try to get it from the online places.

It's not so much that I can't get it, more that it made me think that Sigma might have stopped making it and were going to replace it.

Thanks again!
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 01-11-2017, 02:32 PM  
Sigma f1.4 30mm availability
Posted By Popty Ping
Replies: 3
Views: 964
Hi guys

A very kind member of these forums gave me two old 50mm film camera primes last year.

I love using them and would like to add a wider prime. I did consider the f1.8 18-35mm Sigma, but it's outside my price range. I then thought I'd go for the Sigma f1.4 30mm lens.

It does seem to be hard to get hold of in the UK now (I've looked online) and called in a nice shop today. There are a couple of places that seem to have it, but I just wondered whether it might be being replaced.

I just wondered if anyone had heard anything. I have looked of these forums - please forgive me if I missed a post.

A key reason to use the lens will be at a music event I'm involved with. The f1.4 will be useful in low light, though I know focusing may be hard and it's not super-sharp wide open.

I also know some people might prefer a wide prime for indoor music events.

Any information gratefully received.



Si
Forum: Pentax K-r 06-08-2016, 10:39 PM  
O-ME53 magnifying eyecup with K-r
Posted By Popty Ping
Replies: 4
Views: 1,746
Thank you. I did buy one of these the other day. Haven't had much chance to use it yet though.

I still found it hard to see and focus the one time I had a decent amount of time using it, but it was very dark conditions and I think it would always be an issue when it's like that.
Forum: Pentax K-r 05-15-2016, 05:49 AM  
O-ME53 magnifying eyecup with K-r
Posted By Popty Ping
Replies: 4
Views: 1,746
Thank you for replying - that's reassuring. Thought I'd messed up!
Forum: Pentax K-r 05-15-2016, 03:21 AM  
O-ME53 magnifying eyecup with K-r
Posted By Popty Ping
Replies: 4
Views: 1,746
Hi all

I have looked for an answer to this on PF and elsewhere online, but I'm a bit confused. If anyone can help, I'll be hugely grateful!

I've just bought a O-ME53 eyecup for my K-r. I've just looked at the instructions and a few Pentax cameras are listed there, but not the K-r.

Am I ok to use it with the K-r. I was sure I could, but now I'm worried.

One thing - the instructions come with a leaflet saying that Ricoh will be changing their name in 2013. This makes me think it might be old stock. I don't mind, so long as it works, but I wondered if I might have an older model that is not adapted for the K-r.

If anyone can help with this, that'd be really appreciated.

Thanks



Si
Forum: Photographic Technique 03-28-2016, 01:44 AM  
Using a prime lens in a nightclub
Posted By Popty Ping
Replies: 17
Views: 4,266
Sorry to bump this thread, but I've been reviewing the information in it and realised I didn't thank the last few posters in it.

So, thank you!

I now have a 50mm, given to me by a kind forum member. Only used it once circumstances described in the thread, but I like it a lot. May look to add another with a shorter focal length in the future.
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 02-17-2016, 01:17 AM  
Old prime lens on K-r - getting a shutter speed reading
Posted By Popty Ping
Replies: 12
Views: 1,078
That's my problem Jim - I often don't pay attention to the LCD!

I do wonder whether a means of locking the wheel in one position might be a good idea for a camera. Maybe some do and I've just not seen them (I've used very few dSLRs).
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 02-16-2016, 08:15 AM  
Old prime lens on K-r - getting a shutter speed reading
Posted By Popty Ping
Replies: 12
Views: 1,078
Thanks ohaya - useful information.

Actually, I think the problem was that the green button wasn't on TV-shift. However, I'm often accidentally in shutter speed priority because the mode dial has shifted position, so it's good advice.

I meant to come back to this thread and say that the event went very well and the owner loved the photos. The advice here was very helpful with that. The lens provided to me by a fellow Pentaxian was a joy to use!
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 02-12-2016, 08:39 AM  
Old prime lens on K-r - getting a shutter speed reading
Posted By Popty Ping
Replies: 12
Views: 1,078
Thanks Paul - this is very much a learning curve for me!
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 02-12-2016, 08:11 AM  
Old prime lens on K-r - getting a shutter speed reading
Posted By Popty Ping
Replies: 12
Views: 1,078
Hi guys

Thanks so much for the replies.

Sorry, I kinda confused things by talking about the exposure compensation button - I wasn't using it in when in manual mode. I just happened to press it by mistake and it seemed to change things shutter-speed wise.

I think I've sorted it. I have shot using the lens before and imputed focal length etc. the comment from lens-beginner got me going back to the green button settings. Turns out it was no longer on Tv shift - I believe that's the correct setting. I'm sure it must have been on that before - I looked at the EXIF data and the shutter speed varies in the shots. I just have changed it somehow.

It seems to work as exoected now.

I haven't been using it on the A setting for aperture. This thread has prompted me to look into that.

I had no idea you could use this lens in AV mode. That'd be great as I generally use that mode a lot.

Thanks everyone - I did read a guide on this, but don't think it mentions the TV-shift selection - I've seen that somewhere else I think. I probably should have researched a bit more, but I panicked slightly, as it's a busy day and I have this "shoot" tonight!
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 02-12-2016, 04:17 AM  
Old prime lens on K-r - getting a shutter speed reading
Posted By Popty Ping
Replies: 12
Views: 1,078
Hi all

Firstly, I should say that an immensely kind Pentaxian sent me two prime lens for free all the way from the US to the UK. Proof if ever needed that the Pentax community is amazing. I'd happily name him, but I suspect he's modest!

I thought I'd got to grips with using the 50mm SMC Pentax A on my K-r. In manual mode, setting the aperture, focusing, adjusting ISO and pressing the green button to do stop down metering.

I've just offered to take photos for a Malaysian meal night my friend is doing at her new cafe tonight.

I've just been practising with the lens. Whenever I press the green button I get a shutter speed of 1/30 secs. This is in various light conditions and at everything from f2 to f22.

I hit the exposure compensation button by mistake and then it read 0.5 secs whatever I change.

I suspect the exposure compensation button is somehow overriding things.

If anyone can offer any help, I'd be massively grateful. I really would like to use the prime tonight and have told my friend I'll do it!

Thanks


Si
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 01-20-2016, 03:25 AM  
Low light - using wide aperture e.g. f1.8
Posted By Popty Ping
Replies: 48
Views: 5,856
Jim/Tuco - thanks for the posts. Sorry for the slow reply.

Yes, I can see your points about f1.8. I do like the photo with the bass player Jim linked to. I can see it might be better with more DoF, but I think I'd like to try some shots at our event with that DoF. The photos get a lot of views, but they are mostly on Facebook on smartphones and people are not appraising the photos that closely. They are more about memories and capturing the feeling of the night.

The main impetus for looking at fast primes is that I find the flash a bit obtrusive, but I can see f1.8 might cause difficulties.

Tuco - I am happy to use higher ISO within reason. I have found some of them too grainy in the past, but again, given the way most view them I probably made too much of that.

I think I'd like to try both a 35mm and a 50mm eventually.

Jim - thanks for the kind words. I enjoy taking the photos and think they do capture the night. It's about people (18-70), fun, dancing, coming together etc. The B&W "fits" - a lot of the photos of the soul music scene in the UK were in this style and it somehow "fits". There's an interesting musical movement in the UK called Northern Soul than sprung up 40/50 years ago and is still very popular to this day. It's kind of my attempt to re-create the photos from the time when that scene was at it's height.

If you're into music and society, Northern Soul is actually a really interesting phenomenon. Started in the 60/70s with white working class folks in very industrial northern towns ignoring mainstream and obsessively chasing obscure US soul records by little-known soul artists. To this day, there's soul singers who are barely remembered in the US who come to the UK and play to audiences where they are venerated. There was a very distinctive look to the dancing, clothes etc and the photos from those days reflect that.

Thanks so much for the offer of the equipment. I will PM you about that separately.

Please give New Ulm a wave when you pass through. Actually, one of my regrets is that my two trips to the US took place before I knew anything about the basics of photography - I'd just click away. I find my photos of that trip hard to look at. Your part of the world sounds great - I loved those big expanses of the northern US. That seriously cold though! I always imagine what it'd be like to live in such places - must be interesting to photograph too. I mostly live in a city, but my heart is in the countryside. We have some lovely wild landscapes in Wales, but you're never too far from a town or city.

Anyway, I'm rambling now. Thanks again everyone.



Si
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 01-18-2016, 10:38 AM  
Low light - using wide aperture e.g. f1.8
Posted By Popty Ping
Replies: 48
Views: 5,856
Thanks so much for the new replies - can't quite believe there's 45 of them now. I'm certainly learning lots from these forums!

Jim (Charchri) - thanks so much for posting the pics. They do give a good idea of what to expect. There's no stage at this venue, though the DJs are on a small raised area. Most of the photos are of the crowd and the dancers.

Can I just check - the focal lengths in those photos were on an APSc sensor, yes? I can see you use a K-3.

I think those are usable focal lengths for me - I can certainly walk around in the venue and move in/out within reason. It makes me think I'm worrying too much about picking the appropriate focal length for my first prime.

If you have one minute, could you look at my photos in post #28. The first one is a wide shot of the crowd - I'm surprised it's at 31mm. In the second one, I'm in pretty close, but it is at 18mm. I must have cropped both, particularly the second one.

Lastly - this isn't really relevant, but I notice you are in Minnesota. Anywhere near New Ulm (I do realise states in the US are big - I still tend to work on UK dimensions though!)? I remember staying there on a bus trip some years back.

GoatsnDonkey - thanks for the thoughts. I definitely like a shallow depth of field. I haven't really been able to incorporate it into my shots of the Soul Music night though. I guess that's because I'm usually at short focal lengths and tend to use a smaller aperture to help with focusing.

I think motion blur can be great - I need to try that more next time.

Diolch yn fawr i chi pawb (don't worry, that's not rude!)
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 01-16-2016, 02:22 AM  
Low light - using wide aperture e.g. f1.8
Posted By Popty Ping
Replies: 48
Views: 5,856
Thanks all

charChri4 - thanks for the advice. I've surprised myself actually - I'm quite prepared to take photos in the middle of a busy dancefloor and get in close. It helps we have a loyal crowd and lots of people know me, or at least know what I do.

Given that, I assumed a 50mm on APSC would be too tight. It's not a big venue really. Having said that, I do crop quite a bit. Most of my
photos are around 18-32mm.

I'm definitely keen to move around more and "work" the scene with a prime. I did it for the first time with a prime on a photo walk last summer and really enjoyed the discipline of that. I guess with a 50mm, I be swapping using a short focal length like 18mm and cropping in to the subject for stepping back more with a prime. I can't quite work out what that will do to the angle of view and composition, but it'd be worth trying.

A 50mm would be great too, as they are cheap!

What I might do is take my zoom one more time and "fix" it at 50mm (and then other lengths) to get a feel for using a prime.

Thanks for the continued help - I'm finding dicovering more about photography a real joy.
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