Forgot Password
Pentax Camera Forums Home
 
Log in or register to remove ads.

Showing results 1 to 25 of 300 Search:
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 1 Day Ago  
New Firmware (Version 2.13) for PENTAX K-3 Mark III, PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome
Posted By Madaboutpix
Replies: 6
Views: 1,275
AFAIC, a DA* 50-135mm F2.8 PLM would make more sense, as it could be made more compact and would give crop shooters a fast 75-200 equivalent. Juss my two bits.
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 3 Days Ago  
New Firmware (Version 2.13) for PENTAX K-3 Mark III, PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome
Posted By Madaboutpix
Replies: 6
Views: 1,275
Updated, without observing any issues. Thanks for the alert, appreciated.
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 5 Days Ago  
Poll: Does (lens) size matter? Best of Pentax Forums Newsletter March 13 Poll
Posted By Madaboutpix
Replies: 52
Views: 2,163
Maybe it's because I'm not yet spoiled by the star glass and have almost everything I could possibly want, but the DA and DA Limited offerings are so capable, full of character, and adorable today that I don't mind shedding a little weight and bulk. What use is gear that makes me think twice if I really fancy lugging it around with me before I go out?

That said, I deeply appreciate that the system gives me those wonderful options, and they do look enticing. With the crop-dedicated DA* line, size and weight aren't that excessive either. So, I'm pretty sure that sooner or later one or two of those optical gems will find their way into my bag, provided I find a way to finance them. You wanna live the dream, don't you? (I will say that some of them would need faster and more survivable focus motors before landing on my wishlist, though.)
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 03-08-2024, 03:14 PM  
Poll: What are your 2024 Gear Acquisition Resolutions? Best of PF Newsletter Jan 3 Poll
Posted By Madaboutpix
Replies: 71
Views: 3,493
My K-3 III arrived today, conscientiously packaged and a day earlier than announced. It took me several hours to dial in the initial settings from where I intend to explore further, to perform the firmware update, and to familiarise myself with the new camera. One thing is already clear: While it remains a typical Pentax DSLR, there can be no doubt that this is more than an incremental upgrade from my classic K-3. They have completely returned to the drawing board with this one, and what a beast it has become. Exciting, but also a bit humbling. To make it sing, I'm facing a substantial learning curve, but I also sense that it will be worth it.

Unfortunately, work will leave little time for photography over the next couple of weeks, so it should take a while before I will see major results, but it feels great not having to fret over orders and botched deliveries anymore.
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 03-06-2024, 11:01 AM  
Poll: What are your 2024 Gear Acquisition Resolutions? Best of PF Newsletter Jan 3 Poll
Posted By Madaboutpix
Replies: 71
Views: 3,493
Problem solved: I would have even waited, but the missus encouraged me to act now and then be done with the instalments a bit earlier. Ordered from Foto Koch, Düsseldorf, a specialist retailer where I have shopped for decades and also purchased my original K-3 back in 2014. Not the best price ever, but manageable instalments and ready-to-ship product intended for the German market.

The K-3 III should be at my door sometime next week. Sorry to have bothered everyone with my buying woes, which must have read like a bit of a First World problem, in particular to people who simply can't afford the latest flagship body. Given that I don't renew my camera bodies all that often - this time it took me nearly ten years - and that I routinely have to sell my current body to cushion the financial blow, it was kind of a biggie for me, so I shared.
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 03-06-2024, 12:38 AM  
Poll: What are your 2024 Gear Acquisition Resolutions? Best of PF Newsletter Jan 3 Poll
Posted By Madaboutpix
Replies: 71
Views: 3,493
Yep, allegedly new product, shipped and sold by Amazon.de, on two separate occasions, and two epic fails. I've had enough. In a world where you can fairly safely order from sellers in Japan (two of my pristine DA Limiteds are from Japan, in fact), I would have expected them to do better than that. I will save up a bit longer now and then take my business to a specialist photo retailer. Lesson learned.

Other people's experiences with Amazon may vary, of course. I must have ordered cartloads of various stuff from them over the years myself. Just wanted to share as a cautionary tale about what could also happen, in particular with high-value photo equipment.
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 03-05-2024, 02:21 PM  
Poll: What are your 2024 Gear Acquisition Resolutions? Best of PF Newsletter Jan 3 Poll
Posted By Madaboutpix
Replies: 71
Views: 3,493
Update to my 2024 Gear Acquisition Resolutions:

I shall never buy any major Pentax gear, particularly cameras and lenses, from Amazon.de again. On two separate occasions over the last five weeks, I ordered a black K-3 III body from their website, and they delivered some totally unrelated and comparatively worthless products. "Amazon, and you're done in," I guess. Exert caution with their flash sales - there is potentially nothing behind them. While it looks as if, like the first time, I will get reimbursed for the first instalment paid, the overall buying experience has been ... abysmal.

So, lacking a camera, no photography at all for the next couple of months, I reckon.
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 02-26-2024, 10:37 AM  
Poll: What are your 2024 Gear Acquisition Resolutions? Best of PF Newsletter Jan 3 Poll
Posted By Madaboutpix
Replies: 71
Views: 3,493
Well, the unordered label printer was returned to the sender without acceptance. After several days, it allegedly reached its Italian base again, at which point it vanished from the radar. Where my K-3 III went, or whether it ever existed, I'm not in a position to tell ... :rolleyes:

The current Amazon delivery window for the re-ordered item is 5 to 19 March, but that may change on further notice. Let's see what happens, while I'm trying to manage my expectations. Everything is ready: Got the improved USB-C charger, a faster SDXC UHS-II card for Slot 1, heck, even downloaded and installed the optical modules for DxO PhotoLab. The only conspicuous absence is ... um ... the camera. Bit of a joke, really.
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 02-23-2024, 09:31 AM  
Poll: What are your 2024 Gear Acquisition Resolutions? Best of PF Newsletter Jan 3 Poll
Posted By Madaboutpix
Replies: 71
Views: 3,493
I trust I will. Unfortunately, the first delivery went pathetically wrong, as the dented parcel that landed on my doorstep contained a comparatively worthless label printer that I hadn't ordered. It is probably safe to assume someone else is having fun with the K-3 III that was intended for me right now. Amazon did refund the first instalment that I had already paid, but apart from that I am still waiting for my camera, which is supposed to be shipped out to me sometime in March. I guess hope dies last ... :hmm:

Since I've already sold my old K-3 to mpb, I'm currently without any dedicated camera, for the first time in 15 years. Feels a little odd, to say the least, with all the wonderful lenses sitting idly in their bags around here and nothing to put them on. :(
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 02-11-2024, 05:25 AM  
Poll: What are your 2024 Gear Acquisition Resolutions? Best of PF Newsletter Jan 3 Poll
Posted By Madaboutpix
Replies: 71
Views: 3,493
Can't believe that this is happening: I have made arrangements to sell off my trusty old K-3 to mpb and have ordered a K-3 III in a -15% sale on amazon. With this done, I guess I will have to take a hiatus from other major gear purchases this year. But boy, it's been so long that I've wanted this camera.
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 02-07-2024, 12:35 AM  
Poll: Is Pentax about to launch the Film Project Camera? Best of Pentax Forums Feb. 7 poll
Posted By Madaboutpix
Replies: 93
Views: 5,237
Pardon what may be construed as negativity, but seeing an inherently factual matter - of which we know too little for even a tentative forecast - made the topic of an opinion poll seems a tiny little bit ... um ... pointless? But hey, everyone is entitled to some innocent coffee grounds reading, so have at it. :D
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 02-06-2024, 10:30 AM  
What is your forever lens?
Posted By Madaboutpix
Replies: 125
Views: 7,833
Honestly, one of the major factors that made me start SLR photography in the first place was the wonderful selection of interchangeable optics offered by a true camera system. I pick my lenses carefully, and once they have earned a permanent place in my kit, I try to spread my love between them, even if I may love them for different reasons. If I could only keep one, and considering the fairly generalist photography that I do, it would be either the HD DA 35mm Limited or the HD DA 16-85mm, I guess.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 02-04-2024, 04:48 PM  
How to choose a good 16-85 wr?
Posted By Madaboutpix
Replies: 16
Views: 892
The linked copy doesn't exactly look like a bargain at the price mpb is asking. Just wait a little: It's not an uncommon lens, and the next major sale even new may not be too far off.
Forum: Repairs and Warranty Service 02-04-2024, 07:21 AM  
K3 iii water entry
Posted By Madaboutpix
Replies: 72
Views: 2,597
Yes, it's quite impressive and possibly the best protection of any general camera currently out there. But that doesn't take away the need to act with reasonable care and limit the extent of exposure as much as possible, even if it means you lose a weather-beaten shot or two in often awful light.

Any ship can be sunk, any tank can be killed - cameras are no exception -, and it's often overreliance on supposed invincibility that invites the kill.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 02-04-2024, 01:38 AM  
How to choose a good 16-85 wr?
Posted By Madaboutpix
Replies: 16
Views: 892
The price needs to be weighed against the condition, and there I wouldn't go for anything less than "near mint". Got mine open-box "new" (which it seemed to be) in March last year for 399 euros from a German commercial seller on eBay. Make sure that you have a robust return policy in case something should be off with the lens. Just my two bits.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 02-03-2024, 04:22 AM  
How to choose a good 16-85 wr?
Posted By Madaboutpix
Replies: 16
Views: 892
Agree with everything you observed. Easily one of the most useful throw-just-about-anything-at-me lenses out there. The AF could be a bit more decisive at times, but that's my only true gripe with it. Even the weight and bulk, which tend to be overstated, should be seen in perspective with the considerable and meaningful FL range that it brings to the table. It is a highly complex lens that you want to handle with extra care. Assembling such a 16-element beast to tight tolerances and building it to last while pricing it as a consumer zoom must be a challenge. My first copy, bought used, turned out as a complete dud, both optically (severe decentering, AF all over the place) and mechanically (lost aperture spring, resulting in random exposures). My second, as-good-as-new copy handled a whole Prague trip single-handedly, producing gorgeous files, without me ever feeling the need to reach for another lens.

Bottom line: Great zoom lens, absolutely love it, just make sure you do the usual tests for decentering, erratic AF, and mechanical issues when you receive your copy, and maybe don't expect battle axe toughness.

Some hand-held sample images from the said trip showcasing the useful zoom range (processed to taste in DxO PL7):


At 43mm, F9


At 35mm, F9


At 16mm, F11


At 16mm, F11


At 16mm, F11


At 85mm, F9
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 01-28-2024, 03:55 AM  
Should Pentax make a Pentax K1 retro monochrome?
Posted By Madaboutpix
Replies: 50
Views: 1,848
Utalitarian design needn't be tasteless, boring, and uninspiring. As far as I'm concerned, the real art in design lies in creating things that just "look right" for what they are supposed to do. Form follows function. Many designers will take their most important cues from that, and will then try to find a design language that conveys that idea as clearly as possible. This won't prevent them from making subtle nods at brand or legacy design, but if you throw the form-follows-function maxime overboard, you risk creating something that will appear as a gimmick or a mere fashion item. At least, that's how I tend to feel about it, and that's also why I would prefer a Skoda Octavia over a New Beetle any day. Your mileage may vary.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 01-26-2024, 04:17 PM  
Should Pentax make a Pentax K1 retro monochrome?
Posted By Madaboutpix
Replies: 50
Views: 1,848
Fie, fie! Will those retro legions never stop assailing us? Gratiano, I shall retire to my quarters to wait out this storm. :D
Forum: General Photography 01-26-2024, 01:18 AM  
The hipsters have won…
Posted By Madaboutpix
Replies: 45
Views: 1,958
Certainly, clever marketing that takes the emotional shortcut to circumvent reason. Somehow not surprisingly, a single sample photo, I guess the one with the woman in the light-green dress, is supposed to demonstrate the actual effect. It's mostly about the fake 1960s vibe.

Who knows, maybe it does produce an interesting effect of sorts, but it strikes me as a bit of a one-trick pony. Nostalgia is a powerful thing, and it sells. Each to their own.
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 01-25-2024, 02:28 PM  
AF540FGZ II is discontinued
Posted By Madaboutpix
Replies: 194
Views: 10,588
Following the link to Sigma's website reveals that flash is discontinued in all its variants.

As for Godox supporting second-curtain sync, I can report that the manual of my V860IIIP unit expressly mentions that function. Aparently, the flash needs to be "attached on the camera (in non transmitter mode)". Also, "the rear-curtain sync is not available in Multi mode and Wireless mode". It is activated via the sync button on the flash.
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 01-25-2024, 05:52 AM  
AF-540FGZ flash DOA
Posted By Madaboutpix
Replies: 7
Views: 572
Well, if it should turn out you really need a replacement, Godox wouldn't be the worst place to look for it. For the price of a new AF540FGZ II, you could buy two V860IIIP units (possibly along with a light-modifier accessory kit), which are just about as capable. Totally happy with mine so far, for which I sold my less powerful AF360FGZ II, although I can't attest to longterm durability yet.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 01-25-2024, 05:30 AM  
Not ONE mention of Pentax in this article?
Posted By Madaboutpix
Replies: 31
Views: 1,489
Mostly inconsequential drivel. I'm an avid reader, but life is short.
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 01-25-2024, 05:00 AM  
Photo Software recommended?
Posted By Madaboutpix
Replies: 74
Views: 2,179
By whoever the actual UI is, I guess we have abundantly established that you are fond of it, and that's fine. Nostalgia is a legitimate sentiment, and tastes and preferences differ. Let's just leave it there.
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 01-25-2024, 04:13 AM  
Photo Software recommended?
Posted By Madaboutpix
Replies: 74
Views: 2,179
Okay, but then I've been around with DCU long enough to remember that the UI in its essence cannot have changed much since 2009, which was when I first encountered it on trying the software on my first K-7 images. It looks and feels dated, now as then. In a way understandably so, because the makers of it won't want to hurt the sales of their better-looking and likely smoother-handling Silkypix-branded product.

As for the overreliance on "post" rather than emphasis on the actual capture and what goes into it, well, that is certainly a thing. It can be a crutch as opposed to a device. But then, the history of photography is rife with photographers now considered the greats who deeply cared about what they did in the darkroom, be it analogue or digital, to achieve their final results.
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 01-25-2024, 03:24 AM  
Photo Software recommended?
Posted By Madaboutpix
Replies: 74
Views: 2,179
Well, just because some of us are willing to pay a premium to be able to use a third-party RAW converter with a UI that doesn't look as if it had sprung from the year 2003 (cf. DCU copyright info) doesn't necessarily mean we're careless about exposure, or generally about getting it right in camera. I've never understood the possibilities of RAW editing as an excuse for laziness or carelessness in the field. The thing is, as good - and genuinely helpful with things like HDR, PixelShift, and extended EXIFs - as DCU may be, the third-party competition just happens to have some meaningful innovations on board that are absent from what Ricoh puts in the box.

That said, I'm pretty sure that if you put in the work to learn DCU in reasonable depth, the resulting edits would look at least nearly as good as processed with virtually anything out there. Isn't it great that we have choices?
Search took 0.02 seconds | Showing results 1 to 25 of 300

 
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 11:12 PM. | See also: NikonForums.com, CanonForums.com part of our network of photo forums!
  • Red (Default)
  • Green
  • Gray
  • Dark
  • Dark Yellow
  • Dark Blue
  • Old Red
  • Old Green
  • Old Gray
  • Dial-Up Style
Hello! It's great to see you back on the forum! Have you considered joining the community?
register
Creating a FREE ACCOUNT takes under a minute, removes ads, and lets you post! [Dismiss]
Top