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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
01-03-2023, 02:35 AM
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Hello!
I've done a deep dive back into film photography, and just received my (new to me) 645N. In general, I love it. The only thing that caught me right away was the focusing screen. Or, to put a finer point on it, the lack of a split prism screen. Of course I knew the 645N wouldn't have one, and I'm familiar with the focus confirmation dot / beep, so I didn't think it would bother me so much. I was wrong :hmm:
I did some digging and found a company called Rick Oleson Bright Screen - they specialize in focusing screens for TLR / SLR Medium Format Cameras. I read several reviews, all of which think the company is the best thing since sliced bread. I sent a message about a screen for my camera, and got a quick reply from a gentleman named Lance Clark, saying they would have no problem cutting a screen for the 645N.
I placed the order today. Their turnaround time is about a week, so I'll report back once it arrives... just in case I'm not the only one who would like to have split prism focusing on their 645N.
Best!
Happy New Year!
P.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
04-07-2017, 10:32 AM
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I posted a couple of replies yesterday, but they seem to have disappeared... I'll try again.
Shooting fast lenses wide open is one of my favorite things, and is easy to do with the Zeiss 35/2. I've seen the 35/1.4 on ebay, yes it's pricey + the Leitax cost. Still, I really don't mind paying for amazing glass, and getting rid of a bunch of stuff also helps. I guess I'm talking myself into trying out that Zeiss 35/1.4. And deeper into the rabbit hole I go.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
04-07-2017, 01:28 PM
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Do you already own the 31mm Limited? I'm guessing if you're taking the K28/3.5 (excellent lens choice, btw) that you don't.
What you're planning to take overseas (K55/1.8 and K28/3.5) is almost identical to what I took to Cuba (K50/1.4 and K28/3.5). I didn't need anything else and I hadn't purchased the K35 yet.
I got the bulk of my shooting done with the 28, but for those killer and moody portrait moments, I popped on the 50.
Regarding the K35/3.5, it's a truly fabulous lens that can be had on the cheap. My suggestion: Grab one if you can find one and see where it might fit in your lens line-up.
Here's a photograph from Havana, made with the K28/3.5 @ f/8:
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
04-06-2017, 04:20 PM
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Going from my film and rangefinder cameras, both full frame obviously, to my beloved K3 has always felt a bit weird. So, the one thing I've been chasing is the perfect 35mm lens for my K3. It's been interesting. I've also unloaded a number of lenses which were the result of my LBA, and also because I have no interest in autofocus anything.
To date I have owned the following 35s:
FA 35mm f/2 "Plastic Fantastic"
Good general purpose lens. Great resolution but I found it uninspiring. No magic. I also hate the feel of the plastic and the rubber focusing ring.
Samyang 35mm f/1.4
Absolutely beautiful photographs... randomly. This line of Samyang/Rokinon lenses has quality control issues with regard to focus. Attempting to make in camera focus adjustments never worked out, and I'm no rookie at this, I've made it work for a number of my fast 50s, but it was seemingly impossible for the Samyang. I was on a shoot for Menards with a videographer who was complaining about the very same thing. I sent it back to BH and didn't feel like playing the crap shoot with another one.
Takumar 35mm f/3.5
I genuinely liked this lens, Takumars have "a thing". Being an m42, it wasn't the most convenient when all you shoot is primes and you wanna make a switch, but there is a texture to Takumar photographs that I like a lot. Outstanding resolution, as well. Sadly, it fell victim to the following lens...
SMC K 35mm f/3.5
I really don't understand how this lens, which weighs almost nothing and can be had on the cheap, is so damn good. It's shocking, really, scenes simply pop into focus. The 3D effect, image resolution, contrast and color are nearly perfect, IMO. There is magic. It's perfectly sharp wide open, and nothing but razors from f/5.6 to f/8. I've never shot beyond f/8, so I really can't speak to diffraction, if any. Full disclosure: I'm also a "shallow depth of field whore", but I don't miss it with this lens.
Zeiss 2/35 ZK
I own a couple of Zeiss lenses for my other cameras. I found this ZK version on eBay for a price that wasn't outrageous... for Zeiss. It is a beautiful thing and built like a tank. Functionally, it required no focus adjustment and is perfectly center sharp at f/2. The focus ring is like sex, it's a wonderful piece of glass. I really wanted this lens to destroy my K35, or at least be better in every way. I mean damn - it's a ZEISS, right? Well, that's simply not the case.
Yes. I can shoot and nail photographs at f/2 with regularity, and the Zeiss feels absolutely fabulous on the camera. And of course - Aperture Priority, great. And, um... that is all. The K35 matches or exceeds the Zeiss in every other category that matters. I know there are those who believe that those words are akin to heresy, but I stand by them. Additionally, the simple economics of it all: $600 vs $160? At nearly four times the price and a name like Zeiss, you need to deliver more.
Or... maybe this 70s era Pentax lens is just that damn good.
my 2¢.
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Forum: Lens Clubs
09-14-2016, 05:25 PM
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Forum: Lens Clubs
10-13-2016, 04:31 PM
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Alas, this poor lens gets a bad wrap.
It was given to me a few years ago, by a friend who owned a handful of barely used Pentax legacy lenses. I made a few photographs with it and put it away for almost 2 years. So, I'm guilty of neglect. I came across it a few days ago while attempting to organize my gear, and decided to pop it on my K3.
It gets brutal marks for Bokeh and Sharpness, but I honestly can't confirm either of those findings. The real challenge is the lack of Multi-Coating, you've gotta manage your highlights. Other than that, this lens is pretty damn good, IMO. Perfect center sharpness wide open, and I really like the Bokeh.
https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/Pentax-Takumar-28mm-F2.8-Bayonet-Lens.html
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
02-09-2016, 03:29 PM
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Update:
So, having lived with this baby for a while, I have to say its become my favorite.
A few pics:
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Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II
09-12-2015, 11:59 AM
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My legendary 30mm f/2.8 lens arrived the other day. Excited to test it out, I reached for my K30 and not the better in every other way, K3.
Why?
Because I ABSOLUTELY HATE THE GREEN BUTTON PLACEMENT ON THE K3.
I do.
I'm a left eye shooter (as I know a number of you are) and user of M & K lenses 99% of the time. The rubber cushion of the eyecup rests just at my brow. That's how I do it.
Stop down metering requires me to focus, change my grip and move slightly away from the view finder to get my thumb into the game, press the green button, then check my focus or refocus since I've moved slightly, press shutter button. Street photography is a nightmare for me now. Constantly changing light and fast moving subjects used to be a no-brainer when the button was right next to my index finger.
Why, Pentax... why?!
Just sharing.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
04-27-2015, 04:10 PM
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Hmmm... I like this game.
Sigma 17-70 @ 70mm f/4
Super Takumar 50mm @ f/1.4
Porst Color Reflex 55mm @ f/1.2
Helios 44M 2/58 @ f/2
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
11-20-2014, 06:59 PM
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I finally got around to reseating my focusing screen.
And would now like to say: "Weeeee!"
No shims necessary.
As you were, Pentaxians.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
11-05-2014, 11:34 AM
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-23-2013, 06:21 PM
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Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands
08-07-2013, 11:39 AM
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This "how it's made" clip is simply pornographic!
Enjoy.
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