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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
05-23-2018, 08:06 AM
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Xpro trigger is definitely much better than the X1-T. Just make sure the Xpro is something you need. It could be a little bit of overkill if you're just starting out and all of the options/features can be overwhelming. The X1-T is much simpler and easier to use. I own both and use the Xpro when I need it and the X1-T when I'm not doing anything serious.
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
05-18-2018, 08:52 AM
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I purchased the Nikon version and never had any out of the ordinary issues, but I've heard of some people buying the Canon version as well.
Do you already own the V6ii's?
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
05-17-2018, 01:45 PM
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I was able to get high speed sync with two Cactus V6ii and an X1T. Works well. Occasional misfires, but was able to get the job done when needed. The AD200's are pretty great.
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
02-06-2018, 09:59 AM
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I'd love to have the profiles as well (especially the FA 50 1.4). I agree that using some form of an organized database would really be helpful.
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
02-16-2016, 11:23 AM
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I know you can create custom lens profiles in Lightroom, but I was wondering if someone had already compiled lens profiles for Pentax lenses and put them together in a database? I remember looking for one once and couldn't find it. I'm not looking for any lens in particular, but I do have a lot of older Pentax lenses and would love to be able to quickly and easily apply corrections. Thanks for any help!
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Forum: General Talk
01-04-2018, 10:20 AM
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I often recommend PentaxForums to every photographer I know. Even if they don't shoot Pentax, I know that the people on here are the friendliest on any forum I frequent. There have been a couple of times I've considered switching from Pentax to another brand and one of the things that keeps me from switching is this community. I've never had a question or issue that couldn't be solved, or at least pointed in the right direction, by the people on here. I also make it a point to purchase from PentaxForums users whenever possible. I find the sellers on here friendly and willing to help whenever issues arise. On most other places, it's just a sale. Here, it's almost a transaction amongst friends.
I recently got into wanting to shoot medium format. Immediately, I was steered in the right direction and every silly question I had was answered quickly and with an incredible wealth of knowledge that would have taken me years to acquire on my own. Some items I couldn't locate on the site, so I searched other forums and even "the bay". That led me to an exchange with one seller which I felt was pretty rude and condescending. Maybe I was wrong, but I was just expressing my opinion that the item was a little overpriced (from my research) and his response was less than Pentaxian. Just thought I'd share his response to my opinion. The guy has no clue how much money I actually spend on photo gear (please don't tell my wife), nor the equipment I actually have. Just made an assumption that I must not be able to afford it and not that he might be price gouging due to supply and demand. I thanked him and wished him luck on his sale.
Thanks again to all the people on here for being the people they are. You all truly make photography a great experience.
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
12-26-2017, 08:45 PM
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I am in California. Not San Diego, but not too far. It would be awesome to meet up with you. Keep me posted and I will definitely make the drive.
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Forum: Photographic Technique
12-03-2017, 09:26 PM
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Wow, that is a great shot and exactly the type of lighting I'd love to have. I will definitely attempt that. Thank you a lot.
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Forum: General Photography
01-09-2017, 10:02 PM
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Don't get me wrong. I love my K-1. It's the greatest camera I've ever owned and I will probably never be a good enough photographer to be able to take advantage of everything it has to offer, but there's something that happened after I got it that made me appreciate my K-3 even more than I ever had. My first camera was a K-r and within a month, I wanted something better. I just wasn't satisfied. As soon as the K-3 came out, I bought it and just couldn't wait for the next big thing to come out. When the K-1 was announced, I began to salivate and counted down the days until it was mine. When it finally arrived, I swore I would never touch the K-3 again and even thought about selling it at the cheapest price possible so that I could buy more accessories for the K-1. The only reason I kept the K-3 was to have as a backup or to have something that I wouldn't mind getting beat up.
After months of using the K-1 (and loving every moment with it) I began to want to use the K-3. I was honestly surprised by everything it could do in such a small and light package. I think I finally began to understand all the "full frame isn't the holy grail" arguments that people kept making. Would I give up my K-1? No, but I've learned the K-3 isn't an inferior camera to the K-1, it's just a different tool. Using the two in tandem has been a pretty cool experience. This probably isn't anything revolutionary to a lot of you, but it definitely made me appreciate my equipment a lot more than I had in the past.
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Forum: General Photography
01-02-2017, 07:17 PM
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My "real" tripod head is a manfrotto tripod. I could use this on my mefoto tripod, but I feel I would use something like this more on a sturdier tripod. Or would you recommend it on something like a mefoto?
---------- Post added 01-02-17 at 06:26 PM ----------
One day trips. Nothing too ambitious. For multi day trips, I could justify packing the K-1, but for something where I'll be walking non-stop for hours, I'd want the lightest gear. I actually found a great deal on a DA 18-135 and bought it. I hope to use that! I'll probably take the advice of a few others and pack something like a 50 1.4 in case I need the extra light.
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Forum: Photographic Technique
12-21-2016, 05:56 PM
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So after months of debate and research, I bit the bullet and bought Kipon Tilt-Shift Adapter. Unfortunately, the only adapter that worked with my setup was the m42 to Sony NEX model. Couldn't find one that worked with my Pentax camera (one exists for use with Hasselblad lenses, but I can't afford those lenses. haha)
This is my first attempt at tilt-shift and the first thing I learned is that I'm really bad at it. haha. The second thing I learned is that patience is something I thought I had, but still have a long ways to fully harness. I wasn't expecting any masterpieces from my first time out, so I'm ok with the fact that I didn't really get anything that I'd hang on my wall. I think that what I really wanted to take from today was whether or not the adapter was worth using or if it's best to just "tilt-shift" from Photoshop. I still don't think I know the answer to the question, but I'd like others' opinions on that matter. I honestly won't be doing tilt-shift photography often, but I can see it being something that would be cool every once in a while. Now, is that once in a while worth the $300? Would it be to you all?
In case anyone is wondering, the adapter is pretty solidly build. It definitely doesn't seem as easy to use as dedicated tilt-shifts, but it's also $300 bucks and has the ability to work with any m42 lens. I'd be more than happy to answer any other questions about the adapter. I tried the Takumar 35mm 3.5, Takumar 50mm 1.4, and Takumar 105mm 2.8. Vignetting was prominent on the 35mm when I shifted all the way, but none on tilts. Didn't notice any vignetting on the 50 or 105. Sorry about not including more images, but this is the only one that didn't have people's faces, so it's the only one I feel comfortable sharing. It was shot with the Takumar 35mm on a Sony A6000 at 3.5. Photo is from Salvation Mountain in Niland, CA. Just happened to be travelling through there today.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
10-09-2016, 06:14 PM
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For the last month and a half, I've been shooting with Nikon cameras. First, I shot with the D5100. Every time I picked it up, my first thought was, "This feels like a toy." I really didn't like it. The menu on the camera feels pretty counter-intuitive too. I thought, "It's got to be because it's a D5100". Then, I got the chance to shoot with a D7100 and while it feels better, it still feels like a toy. The menu isn't much better either. I have to admit that for the last two years, every time I grabbed my K-3, a part of me wished I would have started with Canon or Nikon because of "all the things I'm missing out on shooting with a Pentax". Wow. was I wrong.
I didn't switch to Nikon, I just became my school's Yearbook adviser and Nikon is what our school has purchased over the last few years (we only have two cameras a D5100 and a D7100). I really wanted to get to know the cameras, so I shelved my K-3 and my new K-1 for a month (shelving the K-1 hurt...)
Here is what I learned from shooting with Nikon.
Disclaimer: No scientific studies were conducted for this. This is from a purely user experience/enjoyment perspective.
Menu & Button Layout. The Pentax menu options and button layouts are so much better. So many times when using the Nikons I've asked, "Why can't I just do this?..." The Pentax layouts are just so much better.
Autofocus. The autofocus on the Nikons are not really better. My main reason for wanting to switch to Nikon was always because of better autofocus. Compared to my old Kr, - yes. Compared to the K-3 - no. The K-3 actually locks focus so much faster than the Nikon. Accuracy really seems to be dependent on the situation. When the subjects are moving, it's really about the same (maybe a slight edge on the Nikon). When the objects are still, the K-3 seems so much more accurate.
Comfort. Can't compare. The K-3 is so much more comfortable. The Nikon is lighter, but not a good lighter. It feels like a Fisher-Price lighter. Even people that don't know anything about cameras notice that the Pentax feels like more of a "pro" body. They always assume that the Pentax is my "pro" camera.
Image Quality. Same. Haven't really noticed any differences, but I haven't really tried comparing either. They both give me the opportunity to capture great images.
Overall Satisfaction. I wish third party support existed for Pentax the way it does for Canon/Nikon, but it's not enough to make me switch. I really am happy I stumbled upon that K-r review years ago and bought the K-r as my first camera. With the K-1 I really have nothing to whine about (but I'm sure I will.)
*I am not comparing the K-1 and all of it's awesome magic with any of the Nikons I've used. The K-1 is in a different class. All of these comparisons are based off my experience with the K-r and the K-3.
If anyone ever gets a chance to compare how green everyone else's grass is, I really recommend it. I'm sure if I shot with Nikon more, I'd get use to it, but I really don't know why I would want to. Pentax really does seem to be in a much better place than I previously believed and they are moving in such a better direction. I guess I could say, "Everything is coming up Millhouse." Can't wait to get back to my Pentax gear.
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Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands
08-03-2016, 10:49 AM
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I went ahead and ordered the K-1. I'm pretty excited because that's the camera I knew I wanted, but everyone's recommendations just reinforced what I already knew deep down. Thank you all for your help! Now, to start selling all my current Sony before my wife finds out we no longer have a retirement fund! Either that, or to help finance the divorce fund. Whichever comes first. If anyone is interested in some Sony gear, send me a pm. I don't want to list everything because I'm not sure if I can in this thread, but I've got a couple of Sony cameras, a few lenses, and a few adapters.
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Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands
08-04-2016, 03:50 PM
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Current K-Mount Lenses
Tamron 28-75 2.8
Sigma 70-200 2.8 HSM
Tamron 70-200 2.8 (I should really consider getting rid of this one, I never use it)
Sigma 85 1.4 HSM
Sigma 28 1.8
Pentax DFA 100 2.8
Pentax FA 50 1.4
Plus, some legacy lenses and some crop lenses as well. Oddly enough, I'm more excited about testing the legacy glass on the K-1 than the modern stuff.
I really want to sell all my Sony stuff to fund a DFA 24-70. That lens looks great.
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
06-04-2016, 09:54 PM
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I'm about 99 percent convince I need both bags and a third one. Almost there.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
12-28-2014, 03:38 PM
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I wanted the 77 because of everyone's recommendations. I have also wanted the Sigma for years. It really came down to price. I had seen the 77's going in the 700+ range and figured I could take the hit. I actually got the Sigma in the 600+ range and knew it was too good to pass up. I like the rendering of the 77 more, but the Sigma is no slouch. Plus, the 1.4 is pretty nice to have. To add, from what I've read, the Sigma focuses better/faster and that is really something that I want and need. I would have regretted either decision (but that's because of the way I am).
I am really happy with the 85.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
12-27-2014, 08:47 PM
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I considered everyone's advice and right when I was about to pull the trigger on the 77mm, I decided to take a look at every lens that people recommended one more time... A few more days of unreasonable consideration and I stumbled upon a great deal on a Sigma 85 1.4. I don't think I regret my choice (but my LBA still wants a 77mm... haha)
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Forum: Video Recording and Processing
11-23-2013, 07:47 PM
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This is everything that the little voice in the back of my head was telling me. I guess I'll use the FA 50 1.4 for the interview and I'll try using auto exposure. Since I'm shooting outside, conditions can change quickly. Thanks for the reality check. I'll bring a manual lens just in case I feel a little adventurous (but I'll keep it at the bottom of the bag).
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
07-04-2013, 03:22 PM
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I've never understood why 135mm never got enough love either. I love my M 135 lens. I bought it for 50 dollars shipped, and next to my 50 1.7, that I got for 40 dollars shipped, it is my favorite lens. I should probably use those two lenses more often but my 17-50 and 70-200 are a lot more convenient to use.
One of my favorite shots with the M 135:
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
07-03-2013, 04:55 PM
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I have to admit that I'm a little surprised with the derogatory attitude a lot of people are taking in this thread. Since you're a moderator, I'm not sure why you're making fun of (or poking fun at) people that are genuinely concerned about this name change. I know that none of the derogatory comments were directed at me, but I still take offense, especially since I'm more on the side of "worried" than those that are clearly "annoyed by those that are worried". I am concerned with Pentax's direction, or lack of direction. While I know that the change in name doesn't affect the quality of camera, it still changes things. Do these changes matter? To some, they do. Does it matter in the grand scheme of things? Probably not.
Last I checked, this was the "Friendly Pentax Camera Forum". If some people are misunderstanding the significance of this name change, wouldn't it be better to explain (I know some are already doing that, and thank you to those who are doing that), instead of just continually making fun of people for their understandable concerns, especially since Pentax hasn't exactly been as innovative as we had all hoped. It seems like a lot of people have really been acting like jerks, on these forums, recently. I see a lot less friendly, and a lot more frustrated from both ends. There seems to be a division between those that want something new now, and those that don't feel it's necessary or crucial. I started posting on these forums because of how friendly and helpful everyone was, geez, now even the moderators are making fun of people. I didn't know it was that type of forum.
I have always said that I love my camera and my lenses. They are great. The Ricoh regime has not produced what we had hoped. When they first took over Pentax, there was a general sense of hope that good things were coming. Nothing major has come. Loyal consumers are frustrated and worried. I understand them. I may not agree with all of them, but I understand their concerns. Can we go back to being friendly and helpful? The condescending attitude I've been seeing lately is more annoying than the full frame rumors.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
07-03-2013, 05:36 PM
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I just finished reading some of his comments on other threads and he does seem like a pretty cool person and I do seem to agree with a lot of what he says. The conflict does seem to stem from the overall tone the thread already had. I guess that taken out of context, Parallax's comments weren't really bad at all, but on top of the rest of the mob, they can definitely be seen as worse than they really are. Either way, I apologize for making this about Parallax, but I still think a lot of the other comments are unnecessary. Sorry Parallax.
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Forum: Pentax K-30 & K-50
06-20-2013, 09:04 AM
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
04-13-2013, 07:07 PM
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Just fix those teeth in post. No one will know the difference!
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Forum: Pentax K-r
12-22-2012, 08:01 PM
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I upgraded to a K30 but only because I shoot a lot of sports and TAV mode has come in really handy for that. Other than that, the Kr (still own it) can do everything I need to do 99 percent of the time I shoot.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
01-29-2013, 08:03 PM
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I always thought the K-30 was the Kr replacement and, by default, was the entry level camera. The best idea would be to drop the price a little more, move the K-5II into mid range level, and then bring in something new in the high end. The K-5II would have to have its price dropped a bit, but that would only be reasonable. If the D5200 really is beating it out in some of the lab tests, then that's the price range it should be competing with. I remember hearing other people make this recommendation as well, but no one seems to bring it up anymore.
When I "bought into" Pentax, the biggest reason was because it was the best value for my money. Lately, I feel like I'm paying more for less. I love my K-30 and the pictures it can take, but Canon and Nikon are offering features (better af for one) that Pentax just can't compete with. Pentax needs to become that "best bang for your buck" company that I used to recommend to everyone I know. It's just become so hard to make that recommendation.
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