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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 09-27-2023, 06:39 AM  
SDM wondering
Posted By ronniemac
Replies: 18
Views: 1,071
Hi PenPusher

Old SDM. I bought the following original SDM lenses pre owned, smc DA 17-70, smc DA* 16-50, smc DA* 50-135, smc DA* 60-250, ,smc DA* 55, smc DA* 200, and smc DA* 300 None of these have failed (so far!) and I have owned these for approximately 10 years. I use them on the K-70 and the K-3ii.

New SDM. When I purchased the K-1, I bought following lenses new: HD D FA 15-30, HD D FA 24-70, HD D FA 70-210, and HD D FA* 50. Again, no failures.

I read on this forum that the original SDM lenses were less likely to fail if they were powered up frequently - apparently it was something to do with a capacitor. This practice and theory was quickly rebuffed by many whose technical arguments seemed well informed so the suggestion can be taken with a pinch of salt. Being a technological dummy I am in no position to challenge their findings. Nevertheless I acquired seven used K-01s when they became less desirable and park the seven old SDM lenses on these, powering them up at least once a month, usually more frequently, and give the lenses a good spin, just as people with a collection of classic cars will do. Well it does the lenses no harm and they seem all the happier for it, or so it would seem. They are all fit and healthy and long may it remain so.

All this does not negate other users experience, but I believe it is important to add positive feedback for these lovely lenses.

As for the new SDM lenses, they need no such cosseting and always focus swiftly. I should add that my DC and PLM lenses likewise perform as they should.

Hope you find what you are looking for and that it doesn't let you down.
Forum: General Photography 09-26-2023, 04:46 PM  
Why I might finally leave Pentax... for GOOD.
Posted By ronniemac
Replies: 194
Views: 12,852
Recently, as posted elsewhere in Pentax forums, I acquired the discrete Panasonic Lumix LX100 ii, because I wanted a camera for informal photography (family gatherings and opportunistic photography) which would fit my jacket pocket. Pentax and Ricoh had nothing that met this criteria - I don't always want to lug around a DSLR and its accompanying lenses . I bought it after Panasonic discontinued manufacturing it from one of the few (UK) dealers who still had some in stock and am glad I did while this was still possible. This little gem fits my needs, as mentioned above, perfectly, It's not burdensome, and still accommodates my preference for being in full control of the process of taking photographs like I was with my first Pentax - the venerable MX. Image quality is good and the zoom lens is sufficiently versatile for my intended use.

Does this mean I am abandoning Pentax? Absolutely not, not one little bit, I have no intention of selling the Pentax gear which I use.

My photographic passions are Landscape, especially coastal landscapes, and Architecture. I enjoy nature, so also do a little macro and wildlife photography. So no need for hyper focus speed or countless frames per second.

I'm content with the wonderful (for me) K-1 and K-3ii for which I have suitable photographers back packs to accommodate the lenses I anticipate using. Sometimes I travel lighter and hike with the delightful K-70 and attachable O- GPS 1 with one or two lenses in a shoulder camera bag. I have all the apsc and full frame lenses I want and these are quality goods from Pentax. (None of my seven elderly SDM lenses have ever let me down, and this is also true of the cameras). I really enjoy what I have and see no need to add to it, so I'm no longer waiting for the next release. My only want is to improve creativity - and changing systems won't achieve that for me!

Thank you for your posts BigMackCam, the first part of it had me downhearted initially then the penny dropped! Thanks also to the others who have posted the many positive comments here.
Forum: General Photography 09-21-2023, 03:43 PM  
Poll: Do you carry a camera bag everywhere? The Best of PF Newsletter poll for Sept. 20
Posted By ronniemac
Replies: 42
Views: 3,071
If I go out with the sole purpose of taking photos, yes, I take a bag or a backpack depending on what Pentax camera and lenses suit the occasion.

The rest of the time I just take an LX* in my jacket pocket.

* That's the LX100 ii, the camera Pentax should have offered us when they discontinued the MX and Q series.
Forum: Monthly Photo Contests 10-08-2022, 12:07 PM  
Before the sunrise
Posted By ronniemac
Replies: 16
Views: 273
I would like to nominate this photo
Forum: Monthly Photo Contests 10-08-2022, 12:07 PM  
Stars On The Loch
Posted By ronniemac
Replies: 29
Views: 324
I would like to nominate this photo
Forum: General Photography 03-01-2022, 09:56 AM  
Pentax Product Placement? Spotted in the Wild.
Posted By ronniemac
Replies: 25
Views: 1,617
It's a black MX.
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions 03-01-2022, 09:47 AM  
Hello, Pentaxoids!
Posted By ronniemac
Replies: 7
Views: 459
Welcome to the forum Roman.

By the way, I had never seen or heard the term 'Pentaxoids' until I saw your post. I, and perhaps most of us, prefer to be referred to as Pentaxians. I wonder, what a Fujifilm user is known as?
Forum: General Photography 12-03-2021, 02:45 PM  
Do you keep a 2nd body
Posted By ronniemac
Replies: 90
Views: 3,127
I sold my K-5 to a friend so that I could justify buying the K-5iis and I have part exchanged a 645n plus 7 lenses so that could acquire the K-1 and 4 lenses, but I haven't been able to part with any other Pentax cameras or lenses and now have more than I will admit to.

My currently in-use cameras are the K-1, the K-3ii and the K-70 and each has a very different purpose. I would happily have exchanged the latter two if the K-3iii had integral GPS and a fold out rear screen but it was not to be so I will continue with my existing set up.

It would be disingenuous to say any of my cameras are backup cameras, it's just that I haven't the heart to see them go. It all started with an MX when I was a student but perhaps it is time for me to sell most so that others can have the enjoyment of using them.
Forum: Monthly Photo Contests 07-19-2021, 12:57 AM  
Poll: Expired Contest Poll VOTE NOW - Photo Contest #178 Poll (Architecture - June 2021)
Posted By ronniemac
Replies: 51
Views: 4,823
The outstanding photograph for me is Number 6.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 07-12-2021, 02:42 PM  
What is the lens that lives on your camera?
Posted By ronniemac
Replies: 318
Views: 19,258
K-1 D-FA 28-105,
K-3ii DA16-85,
K-70 DA20-40 Limited,
K-5iis D-FA 100mm macro
and on seven of my K-01s, the old SDM* lenses just in case giving each of them a quick weekly spin and charge is what keeps these SDM motors working. No fails to date! :)

*DA* 55, DA*200, DA* 300, DA17-70, DA*16-50, DA*50-135, and DA* 60-250
Forum: General Photography 03-31-2021, 08:38 AM  
50mm 1.4 as a walk-around lens
Posted By ronniemac
Replies: 33
Views: 2,212
There are so many Pentax lenses to choose from in that range. Like you, I have the K-1, and I also have the D-FA* 50/1.4. For sure it can take the very best quality photographs, a pixel peeper's delight, but now that I am in retirement age and less fit than I ought to be, I find lugging the D-FA* 50/1.4 around for more than a couple of hours a bit of a chore - unless it is in a back pack with a couple of other lenses. My walk about lens is the D-FA 28-105, but if you are looking for a standard prime consider the following:
The FA 50/1.7 is, in many respects, better than the FA 50/1.4 which is probably more of a portrait lens, (it also takes me back to my first Pentax MX with M50/1.7!)

The DA 40/2.8 Limited is so miniscule you might not think it's there, reminds me of the 1.7's sibling the M 40/2.8.

I do agree with comments about the FA 43/1.9 Limited, it's a little cracker!

Macro's tend to focus hunt when I don't want them to so I keep them for their intended purpose,

But the unsung beauty is the DA* 55/1.4 It's a softly spoken SDM rather than a whiney screw focus lens, and it does take sublime photos. On full frame you will only notice the slight vignetting when it's wide open, and can easily remove it in post processing.

There are some lovely photos taken with it on the K-1 here and some test photos here.

There are others, but maybe we already have too much choice with the above.
Forum: Monthly Photo Contests 03-16-2021, 07:21 AM  
Poll: Expired Contest Poll VOTE NOW - Photo Contest #174 Poll (Cityscape by Night)
Posted By ronniemac
Replies: 30
Views: 4,103
For me it was a close thing between #8 and #13, both are excellent.

Today I chose #8,

on another day it might have been #13
Forum: Monthly Photo Contests 03-09-2021, 06:54 AM  
From the top..
Posted By ronniemac
Replies: 4
Views: 200
I would like to nominate this photo
Forum: Monthly Photo Contests 03-09-2021, 06:49 AM  
Rainy Night in Seoul
Posted By ronniemac
Replies: 7
Views: 280
I would like to nominate this photo
Forum: Monthly Photo Contests 03-09-2021, 06:48 AM  
Walking in Venice at night
Posted By ronniemac
Replies: 15
Views: 537
I would like to nominate this photo
Forum: Monthly Photo Contests 03-09-2021, 06:48 AM  
Night crossing
Posted By ronniemac
Replies: 41
Views: 634
I would like to nominate this photo
Forum: Monthly Photo Contests 03-09-2021, 06:48 AM  
Moon Over Gas Station
Posted By ronniemac
Replies: 3
Views: 204
I would like to nominate this photo
Forum: Winners' Showcase 03-09-2021, 06:47 AM  
February, 2021 Third Place: Venice at Night
Posted By ronniemac
Replies: 33
Views: 1,044
I would like to nominate this photo
Forum: Monthly Photo Contests 02-08-2021, 11:12 AM  
It's a nice day for a Wet Wedding
Posted By ronniemac
Replies: 13
Views: 804
All the better for including the photographer.
Forum: Monthly Photo Contests 02-08-2021, 11:10 AM  
Miami Swimmer
Posted By ronniemac
Replies: 11
Views: 324
Reminds me of Hockney, excellent exposure and angles
Forum: Monthly Photo Contests 02-08-2021, 11:09 AM  
Michael
Posted By ronniemac
Replies: 23
Views: 403
perfect composition
Forum: Monthly Photo Contests 02-08-2021, 11:07 AM  
Runner and seagull on a foggy morning
Posted By ronniemac
Replies: 28
Views: 633
Good photograph, for what remains unseen as much as seen.
Forum: Winners' Showcase 02-08-2021, 11:06 AM  
January, 2021 Runner-up: Young ellies at play at the waterhole
Posted By ronniemac
Replies: 38
Views: 765
good composition
Forum: Monthly Photo Contests 02-08-2021, 11:04 AM  
Tree in spring
Posted By ronniemac
Replies: 6
Views: 286
exquisite layering of colour and light
Forum: Monthly Photo Contests 02-08-2021, 11:03 AM  
Assateague Sunset
Posted By ronniemac
Replies: 21
Views: 499
This photo leaves us with questions but also unmistakable beauty in the sky and sea.
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