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Forum: General Talk
12-20-2012, 11:02 AM
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I've seen/heard this argument before but the truth is that all this talk about gun restriction this, banning that, etc is entirely misguided. It's approaching the problem from the entirely wrong perspective IMO. Just a quick case and point here
Dunblane school massacre - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Now hear me out, It doesn't take any form of "assault weapon" (whatever that means anyway??) to kill a large number of people. This exact case happend in Dunblane and it was a whacko with four pistols. The bottom line is, the problem is the people not the tools. You have people getting massacred all over the world and the tools really vary. People use guns, bombs, knives, machette's, sticks, rocks, cars, fists. The list goes on and on. You can't correct human behavior by banning a tool. I understand that people say these "assault weapons" have no place.. but really the VAST majority of people simply love to shoot them for sport. The purpose or place is fun. Now you could say that fun or recreation isn't a good enough reason for something to be allowed if it also is the cause of death.. Let me draw another comparison.. Alcohol and tabaco, they are both purely recreational items that are responsible for vastly more deaths than guns (especially if you take the numbers for gun deaths and subtract deaths from police officers shooting a criminal, deaths from gang wars etc). Not to say that those deaths don't count but the reality is cops will (and should) always be armed IMO. Also gang bangers don't statistically use any form of "assault weapons". It's usually cheap pistols. So no assault weapon ban will realistically impact them anyways. The point is there is a much bigger fish to fry than "assault weapons" so why are we wasting our time and money on something so historically difficult to pass?
Another factor is that there is very little evidence that suggests any type of high cap magazine ban or "assault weapon" ban would actually effectively save any lives. The number of lives taken with "assault weapons" is an extremely small percentage (especially when stacked up against juggernauts like alcohol and tabaco). I read an article on NBC and I feel that it really hits the nail on the head. Here is a snippit
"Of the 62 mass shootings that have occurred since 1982, the vast majority have been committed by individuals using semiautomatic handguns, and obtained through legal means.
Moreover, the rate of violence in the years prior to the creation of the ban (clinton AWB), looked an awful lot like the rate once the ban was implemented.
What’s clear is the frequency, and the lethality, of violent episodes has spiked in recent years. Not as obvious, however, are the underlying reasons why."
The simple truth is that the problem isn't and never has been the item someone used to cause mass destruction. Look at the two worst instances of mass killings in the US recently. The twin towers, and the Oklahoma city Bomber. Niether used guns. The supplies to make bombs hasn't been regulated to my knowledge and there is nothing stopping someone from doing it again. Even if this new "assault weapon" ban does get passed, how many lives do you think it will save?? If people use tool B(machettes, knives, hand guns, etc) to do the same thing why do you think it will prevent it from happening to ban tool A ("assault weapons")? That may sound cold but there is little evidence to suggest it's actually effective in saving lives. People find other ways to inflict death upon others. They will simply use other guns, or other tools, to do it if one becomes unavailable.
My point is this really. I'm seriously all for helping the solve the issue and saving lives. I get pissed off when I hear people sound off about "assault weapons" and when I think about all the money that is spent from both sides trying to ban guns and trying to prevent guns from being banned. I would much rather see that money put to use for something that will save the most lives because lives are a precious thing. If we funneled the money into researching solutions to address the SOURCE of the issue I would be much happier. I think the key lies more in helping people, not passing laws to restrict the ownership of a specific type of firearm.
This is just my two cents here. I hope I didn't offend anyone.
Edit: Just a side note, I'm not in the camp of "let people own tanks!!!!!11". I happen to think our laws regarding guns aren't bad but there's always room for improvement. I would however like to hear intelligent debate on how to address issues in a way that makes sense by focusing on the source of the issue. I'm all for working on these problems in ways that will really have a positive impact in saving the most lives across the board, not just with gun violence but with any type of violence. On a personal level I think that any of these mass murders or senseless life taking is utterly abhorrent and I wish it would never happen. My prayers go out to any family who has lost someone to violence.
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Forum: Sold Items
09-16-2011, 09:41 AM
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Tri-pod is Pending at the moment!
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Forum: Sold Items
09-16-2011, 09:40 AM
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Card is Pending payment at the moment!
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Forum: Sold Items
09-16-2011, 08:42 AM
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PentaxForums.com Marketplace Listing
Item for Sale
Davis & Sanford BHQ8 Vista Voyager Lite Tri-pod
Asking Price
$28
Item Location
Mecanicsburg (United States)
Item Description
I'm selling my Vista Voyager Tri-pod. The Tri-pod is a light weight model that I used when I went hiking. I've taken it on several trips over the past 6-8 months. It's seen a lot of use but is still in good shape. The feet are either rubber or spikes for whatever terrain you encounter. It is a ball joint on top with two levels (on on the plate and one on the leg). There is a compass on the top of one leg but it doesn't function. It has some bubbles in it. All around this is a solid tripod and has served me well. The case is banged up but still protects the Tri-pod. I will ship it out via UPS Ground. I accept Paypal only! If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Are you the original owner of the item being sold?
Yes
Are you selling or trading this item?
Selling
Item Condition (Key)
Used
Fair
Shipping Destinations
Continental U.S. Only
Shipping Charge
Free
Shipping Services
UPS Ground
Accepted Payment Types
PayPal
Return Policy & Additional Details
If it isn't as described I will refund the money!
Please send me a private message if interested in the item!
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Forum: Sold Items
09-16-2011, 08:36 AM
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PentaxForums.com Marketplace Listing
Item for Sale
Eye-Fi X2 connect 4GB wireless SD card
Asking Price
$20
Item Location
Mechanicsburg (United States)
Item Description
I just sold my camera so I have a few left over accessories I no longer need. Up for sale is my Eye-fi X2 connect wireless SD card. The card works amazingly well. If you are unfamiliar with them what it does is allow you to wirelessly transfer pictures from the camera to your laptop, phone (most android or iphones with wifi), or tablet (again android or apple with wifi). It can also automatically upload the photos to facebook, picasa, flickr, etc. It's pretty amazing little device. The card can actually create an ad-hoc network where the phone or tablet will join in and send the files with no other network present. I've been out hiking and beamed shots to my phone did some quick editing and then uploaded to facebook and flickr! The card has 4 GB of internal storage and has an "endless" storage feature where it will send photos out and delete them after they are sent so it effectively will not run out of storage when you have room on whatever device you're sending them too.
Ok to the specifics. I accept paypal only. The card will come with the Eye-fi adapter and the setup.exe file for installing the eye-fi center. If you have any questions please feel free to ask!
Are you the original owner of the item being sold?
Yes
Are you selling or trading this item?
Selling
Item Condition (Key)
Used
Excellent
Shipping Destinations
Continental U.S. Only
Shipping Charge
Free
Shipping Services
UPS Ground
Accepted Payment Types
PayPal
Return Policy & Additional Details
If it doesn't work or isn't as described I will refund the money!
Please send me a private message if interested in the item!
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Forum: Sold Items
09-15-2011, 06:09 AM
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bumpity bump!! C'mon guys, this is a low price for all you're getting! An awesome camera, battery grip, lens, wi-fi card (works great btw, you can beam photos onto your phone, tablet, or laptop without ever connecting the camera or card), and tri-pod!
---------- Post added 09-15-11 at 02:28 PM ----------
Well, i've got enough interested in individual items to split the auction!
The body, and grip (with the batteries, cables and charger) are pending!
The lens is sold.
I will repost for the eye-fi card and tripod after everything elses sells
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Forum: Sold Items
09-13-2011, 01:54 PM
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PentaxForums.com Marketplace Listing
Item for Sale
Pentax K20D, battery grip, and WR lens, and other accessories
Asking Price
$580 for the lot
Item Location
Mechanicsburg PA (United States)
Item Description
I'm looking to sell my camera gear. I've been so busy lately and I'm moving soon so I want to get some things sorted out financially. I haven't used the camera hardly at all in the past month and since it's not an essential item it's on the chopping block.
Heres all that is for sale
price ----- Cond --- Item
SOLD 10/10 Pentax K20d (refurb from ebay a few months back. Not a scratch on it. just over 1200 clicks)
SOLD 10/10 General lithium battery charger
SOLD 7/10 Genuine Pentax D-BG2 grip (great condition with a few scratches on the bottom)
SOLD 8/10 Two Pentax badged D-LI50 batteries
Sold!! 9/10 Pentax 18-55mm WR II lens (bought new. The lens itself is mint. there is a mark on the lens hood)
I would love to sell this as a lot but will entertain offers for splitting it up if no one wants to take everything.
Here are some photos (I apologize for the crappy quality shots taken by me phone)
I accept paypal and will ship the items out via UPS ground insured and tracked. Let me know if you have any questions.
Are you the original owner of the item being sold?
some Yes, others No
Are you selling or trading this item?
Selling
Item Condition (Key)
Used
Excellent through good
Shipping Destinations
Continental U.S. Only
Shipping Charge
free in the US
Shipping Services
UPS ground insured
Accepted Payment Types
PayPal
Return Policy & Additional Details
Returns accepted if the item is not in the condition specified.
Please send me a private message if interested in the item!
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Forum: Photo Critique
09-02-2011, 05:50 AM
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Thanks!
I actually went back to the RAW file to work on it some more. I took Pauls suggestion and cropped it! Here are the results.
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Forum: Photo Critique
08-30-2011, 05:15 AM
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Nice! I definitely like the first edit! I think the color cast on the second is a little out there for a nature shot but i think it makes for an interesting abstract. I'm hoping I get some time tonight to go over that shot again and hopefully post up some more I took recently.
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Forum: Photo Critique
08-28-2011, 06:19 PM
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Sorry, been out of town on vacation!
I definitely think that is a really interesting edit on the image!! It certainly gives it a clearer focus point with the one "flower" being sharp. Im not sure i'm sold on the colors but it really does make the image stand out! Thanks for putting the time into working on it :). Once I get back home and near my computer i'll play with it some more!
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Forum: Photo Critique
08-20-2011, 07:03 AM
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Thanks for the critiques! It seems a lot of my shots are lacking a clear focus point/subject. I gotta start figuring out how to get those in my shots. Sometimes its hard with lanscape (that and just general nature photography are my favorites). Unless there is a cool building or rock formation etc, there isn't much but the scene itself.
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Forum: Photo Critique
08-18-2011, 12:42 PM
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woops! dunno where it went to?! but i fixed it.
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Forum: Sold Items
08-04-2011, 08:06 AM
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PentaxForums.com Marketplace Listing
Item for Sale
Cokin H250A GND filter kit
Asking Price
45
Item Location
Mechanicsburg, PA (United States)
Item Description
I have a Cokin ND Grad filter kit for sale. It comes with the filter holder, a P121L, P121M, P121S filters, A 52mm ring (if you have a 52mm lens you won't have to buy another ring!), and the original packing.
The filters are in very good condition. One has a few light scratches along the edge and a tiny chip on the corner (came like that). Neither effect the picture quality. The filter hard cases have a few scratches and show signs of use. All in all this is a great kit at a great price. You can get different size rings and use the same filters across just about any lens so this can be a HUGE cash saver if you have an assortment of different lenses.
I accept Paypal only and will ship inside the US only. I'd really rather not have to deal with international shipping if I can avoid it. If you have any questions please feel free to shoot me a message. Thanks for looking!
Are you the original owner of the item being sold?
Yes
Are you selling or trading this item?
Selling
Item Condition (Key)
Used
Good
Shipping Destinations
Continental U.S. Only
Shipping Charge
5
Shipping Services
UPS ground
Accepted Payment Types
PayPal
Return Policy & Additional Details
returns accepted if the item is damaged or not as described.
Please send me a private message if interested in the item!
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Forum: Photo Critique
07-17-2011, 07:49 PM
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I think it has potential! It looks like it's tilted a bit clockwise so if it was rotated to "straighten" the shore line I think it would be better. Also I think that there is a lot of "dead" water. If you cropped it a bit (not so much that you loose the reflections from the boats in the water) I think it could be an improvement!
Just my thoughts on it!
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Forum: Photo Critique
07-17-2011, 07:43 PM
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I'm just a newbie so take this with a big grain of salt..
I like the shot and composition. I think the moon, outline of the tree, the fog, and canoes all add up to an interesting scene!
I would say I think it could benefit from some noise reduction (unless of course that is the look you were going for). Also the soft yellow light on the left distracts from the canoes up front. Maybe PP the yellow lighted area darker so it isn't as attention drawing?
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Forum: Photo Critique
07-17-2011, 09:15 AM
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Skull Valley Sunset, any critiques?
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Forum: Sold Items
07-17-2011, 07:09 AM
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Forum: Sold Items
07-15-2011, 11:16 AM
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PentaxForums.com Marketplace Listing
Item for Sale
White K-x with Kit lens, and extras!
Asking Price
$380
Item Location
Mechanicsburg PA
Item Description
I have a very very nice White K-x for sale! I had a friend interested in it so I didn't sell it with the rest of my photo gear, but they had some money issues so I'm posting it for sale here.
The Camera is in really amazing shape. There are no signs of use except a small area with very light scuffs on the bottom (from the case it was in). The camera has 5000 shutter actuations on the body. I bought it new and am the original owner. It's never been abused (It was either in a camera bag or taking pictures). I always try to take very good care of my gear.
I did throw out the box and manual since I assumed I would be keeping this for a long time since I don't have a lot of money to buy higher end bodies. Turns out I got a really really good deal on a K20d and WR lens so I can sell this and some other gear to break even. Granted the sensor on this K-x is quite superior to the k20d. I typically don't shoot above ISO 400 and I liked the bigger size and external controls on the k20d more. Since I don't need two cameras laying around the K-x is going to a new home!
Included is the white K-x and body cap, white 18mm-55mm DAL lens and caps (with a sunpack UV filter for protection), the original Pentax strap, the original pc connector cable, a set of Eneloop AA batteries and the charger (IMO the best AA NiMh rechargeable batteries around). All for only $390 shipped!!
I've looked around here and on Ebay and this is a pretty good deal!
I accept Paypal only and will ship inside the Con US only. If you have any questions please feel free to shoot me a message. Thanks for looking!!
This is the best i could do to get a shot of the light scuffs on the bottom.
Blemish free LCD outside of a few finger prints ;).
Are you the original owner of the item being sold?
Yes
Are you selling or trading this item?
Selling
Item Condition (Key)
Used
Excellent
Shipping Destinations
Continental U.S. Only
Shipping Charge
$10
Shipping Services
UPS ground insured
Accepted Payment Types
PayPal
Return Policy & Additional Details
If it doesn't work or isn't as described I will accept returns.
Please send me a private message if interested in the item!
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Forum: Photo Critique
07-10-2011, 07:34 AM
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Thanks for the feedback guys! It's definitely got me thinking about my shots in different ways which is good. It should help me produce better shots in the future I hope :).
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Forum: Photo Critique
07-09-2011, 01:36 PM
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Been working on some closer shots of flowers with a hopefully interesting composition and OOF area. What do you guys think?
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Forum: Photo Critique
07-09-2011, 07:39 AM
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Edited pictures got deleted somehow?
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Forum: Photo Critique
07-09-2011, 06:51 AM
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I see what you mean.. Bummer lol. I was hoping the little round pieces of ice on the sand would be interesting enough on the foreground but I think you're right. Something like a boulder or, anything more significant in the foreground would have helped.
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Forum: Photo Critique
07-08-2011, 07:50 PM
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I took this shot while on a camping vacation. What do you guys think?
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Forum: Photo Critique
07-08-2011, 07:43 PM
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Trying to improve my picture taking and looking for some constructive criticism here so I grabbed a few shots that I liked.
What do you guys think?
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Forum: Sold Items
07-05-2011, 08:30 AM
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