|
Forum: General Photography
11-30-2016, 03:16 AM
|
| |
Sorry to post this here... maybe this gets moved to another topic.
I started selling my kit off last Sat. on the local German ebay. And by now most of the goody lenses are goner.
On Sunday my wife found out I was selling all my kit and she seemed pretty surprised and sad and that made me wonder if I should keep getting rid of it all or not. I didn't feel a lot at the time except a practical sense to reallocate the value of my lenses to another hobby I am very much into (Mtb Enduro). Moreso I've simply used my K30 less and less over the last several months. I guess the reason for that is I've been exclusively using my smart phone because it is always there, and I realized I capture moments with my family better and faster.
I never took images that come close to a lot of the amazing images I see here and other outlets and that's ok. I also never devote time to learning to post process but to me what the camera captured was enough. I did learn tons since I picked up a Kx in 2010. I did take sensational pics of my younger children here and there, and to that end I am glad I had such a great dslr system. But that's been less and less often. So at this point in time I've concluded that it is time to move on.
But today when I look at the Pentaxforums homepage and see these amazing images... I feel sad.
So it's with a heavy heart and mixed feelings that I let go and look for a transition maybe into a new camera system another day later on.
You guys have been great. I'll keep my acct here because I like to still follow the images and trends. Either way I'll still enjoy Pentax. It's been a great and educational experience.
Best of health and happiness to you all,
John
 |
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
05-09-2016, 12:26 AM
|
| |
These are both handheld and tripod shots... the manual in handheld mode is next to impossible and positively dangerous! I tried it anyway :|
I'll blast the sensor on the camera with some air and see if that solves the dust.
Thanks and I'm looking forward to sharing some birding shots next!
Sorry for some as this is a Flikr account I use sometimes
https://www.flickr.com/photos/56977565@N08/sets/72157668163430125
Reading your other comments and thanks for the info! \o/
Best to you all,
John
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
05-07-2016, 01:43 PM
|
| |
Wow!
Background story is I was looking for a birding lens beyond 400mm on the cheap and landed this guy:
Tokina 600mm f8
It's hardly manageable without a mount. Sample pics will be posted in a separate review in the database.
Anyway I just got my hands on this monstrosity last week and so far I'm pretty impressed at the cost vs performance.
As a hobbyist I can't be certain how much real practical use I'll get out of it but so far it's been delivering the goods so long as it's bright out.
I did even tried to take a peep at Jupiter but caught some inner reflections and couldn't make much out though maybe after a thorough cleaning...
Anywho IMO at $230 USD it was a steal.
My questions:
1. What are the two pins on the lower mounting bracket and what are the threaded points on the focuser?
2. It's got some specks visible in the finsihed images. Anyone know how to take this guy apart for cleaning?
Thanks and I'll link the review when it's posted.
John
|
|
Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands
03-25-2016, 01:48 PM
|
| |
Hi Guys and Gals,
I'm getting more and more into video and have sort of given up my K30 for accurate and reliable AF for video.
I do believe that I could and should just stick with my K30 and gorgeous lenses on manual AF
Anyway I'm just exploring options because if there's a better way to go then I feel I should give it a go.
I shoot kids, mountain bike events and action and also a local band whom I am friends with.
I did a lot of looking around and came up with two options I feel might be worthy however have my doubts.
My first choice is the Panasonic FZ1000 (afaik 1" sensor, 4k!!, 24(?)-400, lightening fast AF, no weather sealing, no known overheating issues)
Second choice is the Sony DSC-RX10 (1" sensor, HD, 28-200mm, great pics and vid, AF is relatively good, relative weather sealing, no known overheating issues)
Bridge cameras... I know... I'm a little disgusted too...
Shame on me... I know...
I'm scouring other forums and even going to ask on amazon but
Advice and guidance appreciated!
John
PS found this here:
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ1000-Point-Camera/dp/B00KOUIBZW/...nic+fz1000#Ask
"Question: Is anybody using this for outdoor sports photography? I am mostly concerned about AF speed and accuracy. How does it compare to a DSRL?
Answer: I have used it for rodeo event and had very few missed focus only due to poor lighting at dusk
I also used it for birding and the AF is as fast as any DSLR except for the Pro versions
Fastest AF amongst the bridge and mirrorless cams out there
By QVQ on August 26, 2014"
|
|
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
03-18-2016, 05:59 AM
|
| |
This puppy is boxed up and shipping out to Via da Vinci Repair Shop in Hamburg. They initially informed me that they don't normally accept disassembled stuff but they make an exception this time. Heheheh... must know what a cool cat I am !
:)
I've attached the weblink here to the work request if the tech wants to trace my steps and maybe have a laugh at me.
|
|
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
02-27-2016, 09:41 AM
|
| |
I found nothing clearly obstructing the zoom mechanism, a screw or what not. I looked closely in the recesses. I'm thinking the interacting surfaces of the zoom mechanism need to be disassembled.
I also concurrently wondering if maybe I could get away with sending only this part in for repair... dunno...
I'm concerned about going any further.
Anyway, this is sort of fun. I've never take a lens apart.
Boy, is this going to be fun to put back together!??!? (if I ever get that far!)
|
|
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
02-27-2016, 09:16 AM
|
| |
Progress!
I located the culprit screw which had ironically fallen out and jammed the very mechanism it was a part of.
However earlier in the day (and more ironically before I encountered the original screw and apparent cause of the problem) I visited a watchmaker in town (to locate a replacement screw ) and in about the fifteen minutes that the lens was there he managed to lose another screw into the abyss.
As far as I know it might be the reason the zoom does not fully travel now. I shake the lens and hear nothing so this unfortunately probably means I have to further disassemble.
So my take away is that I should have just located the first lose screw. Arrrgh!!
Anywho, here I am:
Youtu.be
|
src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RZyaI6vUMBI?controls=1" allowfullscreen>
|
|
|
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
02-22-2016, 01:11 PM
|
| |
I'm on it boss!
Since I started working on this think there's a nice 2 or 3cm hair follicle sittin on the rear lens looking at me wanting out...
I might as well tear this bad boy down. I'm certain I'm going to regret it to some degree.
I did take a lot pics of each step of the teardown with the screws next to that stage but I think that's not going to help a lot.
I need a good fitting meme about now...
someone bloody hit me.
"I'll be back"
|
|
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
02-22-2016, 12:36 PM
|
| |
DC, you're so awesome for this. Thank you!
I've unfortunately hit a wall as I do not have the right screw to fasten the cylindrical projection in place. I shook the lens to see if it's still in there and maybe it is but then I'll just need to keep tearing this little guy. Seems to me it should be in there somewhere.
On the other hand I'm also looking for this screw. Is that a run to the local Optometrist/eyeglass, electronic repair shop or a contact with Sigma? I did attempt cannibalize another screw from the available screws from the lens but nothing would work. :(
That's probably not a good idea, I know/
Anywho, here's a pic of where I think I am stuck. Does that look right because it doesn't look right to me. I'll try and reference an exploded view of this lens. I said "exploded," heheh.
|
|
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
02-22-2016, 07:52 AM
|
| |
Hi Again,
I sorta hit a wall here...
This lens does not match the one at dpreview or the youtube vid... between the two I have made some decent progress but....
there's two screws underneath the dustcovers. I've removed one but am concerned about removing the other as it looks to me like that little silver colored flange or whatever is just going to fall...
The zoom ring won't come off without the electric board there and I've unscrewed many but it's not yet loose.
Also I managed to right the zoom back to it's proper position.
and the little brass pin next to the lens is what fell out from the inside.
|
|
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
02-22-2016, 05:44 AM
|
| |
Welcome to the neighborhood.
Besides the Apple what are you shooting with?
Happy Days!
|
|
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
02-22-2016, 04:46 AM
|
| |
Hi Boss,
There's no loose screws however there are loose taped on brass/copper plates.
Something small sounds loose and floating inside.
Awaiting your orders o/
Many thanks!
John
|
|
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
02-22-2016, 02:43 AM
|
| |
Hello Ladies and Gents,
I just purchased a broken Sigma 17-50 2.8. It has no zoom as the ring simply rotates and nothing happens. It's also upside down from where it should be.
The AF does appear to work though.
Aside from that there's a concerning amount of dust inside the front lens. Silly seller sent a very dirty lens. It had some crap on the outside too. Anyway he said the lens simply broke and he did nothing as far as repair. He just bought a new one.
I've had one other lens repaired before but it was seriously messed up.
This problem is nothing like that and I appear to have the tools to open this bad boy up.
I found one video that appears to be helpful here:
You Tube
|
src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4IrHqBMw80s?controls=1" allowfullscreen>
|
While my problem is different I could use some tips about whether I should try this or not.
Anywho I paid 60 Euros. Maybe it's a truly lost cause. I guess I'm going to find out soon. If you can find these lenses on the used market they easily go for 250+ Euros.
Many thanks for any help and tips!
You're all wunderbar!!
John
|
|
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
10-05-2015, 02:54 AM
|
| |
Welcome to Pentax, Grippy o/
I would recommend a good Tamron 17-50mm for starters. I still miss the one I accidentally dropped into the Mediterranean... :+ I eventually got one for my Canon 1000d which turned out to be not as good... I sold it after a few months but again I recommend it for the Pentax... good bang for the buck.
|
|
Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands
07-10-2015, 11:36 AM
|
| |
Hello again. I'm doing some concurrent research but would appreciate knowing which Sigma 18-50 / 17-50 as there appear to be subtle variations.
Many thanks for your time and thoughts,
John
|
|
Forum: General Talk
07-06-2015, 11:37 AM
|
| |
Thanks for your posts... well most of you... good stuff...
I'm transferring a lot by saying this but if I had gone the path of music my stuff would have sounded like this.
I just love these guys...
small and large parts of rock melody poetry
Ian Thornely and Big Wreck
Off and Running
You Tube
|
src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/L_HPCBbBJ4A?controls=1" allowfullscreen>
|
if you like that one try Break
You Tube
|
src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-K9C0V2JZ00?controls=1" allowfullscreen>
|
I'm buying tickets to their show in Frankfurt in October
|
|
Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands
06-23-2015, 06:42 AM
|
| |
Many thanks for your quick responses.
Canon is overwhelmingly popular for many reasons in astrophotography circles. I didn't mind going that way since I liked the idea of a well rated second DSLR that could double for day and night use.
I do not know how to tell how old this Tamron is. It's made in Japan and has serial number 139736. (It's a 17-50 LD XR D ii)
I'll take a look at the Sigmas for Canon and perhaps ask prospective sellers about just how good the IQ of their units are.
Thanks for you inputs!!
JOhn
|
|
Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands
06-23-2015, 06:20 AM
|
| |
The short of a long story.
Up until Fall last year I had a Tamron 17-50 that I was very very happy with on my K30 until I dropped it in the Mediterranean Sea.
I didn't replace the lens until early this year when I acquired a Canon 1000d for astrophotography and realized I could get a Tam 17-50 for the Canon and have two cameras to shoot with for the those special occasions.
I've had the Tamron for a few months now and simply not happy with the IQ. It's just not as good as my old Pentax one.
I'm definitely going to sell it but have since look for replacements and for the money I'm not sure I can do better. The Canon 17-55 is too pricey for me.
I guess I need a pat on the shoulder and need to hear someone say just get another Tam 17-50 and maybe it will be better.
Feeling sorta bad all over again for drowning my Pentax Tam17-50,
John
|
|
Forum: Post Your Photos!
05-27-2015, 07:36 AM
|
| |
My first picture shared here on this part of the forums:
I just really like it. It's been darkened a little. That's it.
Enjoy!
John
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
05-19-2015, 10:27 AM
|
| |
I ended up with a lovely Osawa 400 5.6. I can't begin to compare it since I paid only ~$120 but it's delivering the goods very nicely. I'm all smiles.
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
05-19-2015, 10:25 AM
|
| |
Btw, I'd just love to meet you guys. When's the annual get together party?
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
05-19-2015, 08:17 AM
|
| |
Au contrer mon frer! You guys definitely need me here so you can beat some of that LBA sense back into me!
x\
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
05-19-2015, 04:55 AM
|
| |
First, I'd more than likely have been happy with it had I paid around $200-300 but I got it for $120.
Second it renders very well and at wide open! Sent you a link!
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
05-18-2015, 09:38 PM
|
| |
Hi Driline,
Well, you are right about this. One thing about the 2.5 was that its really a 2.8. Odd thing they did, Pentax. Anyway, I knew I could do better than the m-200 but that didn't stop me from posting. This thread turned out to be more fun than I expected.
Beautiful shots btw!
Many thanks!
|
