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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 08-21-2020, 10:58 AM  
Pentax K-S2 fail. Alternative? Give up?
Posted By jesssss
Replies: 9
Views: 1,971
Two and a half years ago, I bought a K-S2 to have a digital body in my film kit and something small to carry around with a little prime. I've switched primarily to Nikon, but couldn't bear the thought of retiring my favorite lenses completely. Some 1679 frames later, probably 10% of them failed test pictures after it went dark, it has officially suffered the dreaded dark frame failure.

Frustrated. So frustrated with Pentax. It's not the place for the whole rant, but we have a bad history. I have been throwing time and money at defective equipment since the K-10, assuming it is user error and testing testing testing until I'm out of warranty. The halo over my much loved 6x7 and 31/1.8 shines a little too bright though and I come back for more.

The question is: is there a path forward for me with Pentax? The dark frame issue seems to be known and prevalent. Is there a newer inexpensive camera that can take the K-S2's place that does not currently have known widespread defects?
Forum: Pentax K-S1 & K-S2 10-03-2017, 07:16 PM  
K-S1 to keep the dream alive?
Posted By jesssss
Replies: 16
Views: 2,630
The pricing comments have been helpful, because $330 doesn't look like such a screaming deal when weather sealing is available for less than $200 more.

As for the purpose as it pertains to autofocus -- this would be a travel camera; something to both give me an excuse to use my nice Pentax primes and not carry around a king's ransom in my bag every day.
Forum: Pentax K-S1 & K-S2 10-02-2017, 02:18 PM  
K-S1 to keep the dream alive?
Posted By jesssss
Replies: 16
Views: 2,630
Wow! $200 was a deal. That's about where I was with the K-01. Like, I kind of couldn't not.

I'm leaning hard towards picking up something cheap and making a travel kit out of it so I can shoot my old lenses, but it's a question of this of a used K-3, I think. They're both so much camera for the money.
Forum: Pentax K-S1 & K-S2 10-02-2017, 01:28 PM  
K-S1 to keep the dream alive?
Posted By jesssss
Replies: 16
Views: 2,630
In 2005, I bought an *istDS and bridged the divide between my little Nikon Coolpix 4500 and the Pentax K-1000 and A 50/2.0 I had already been carrying around for years. Over the next twelve years I would build a nice collection -- DA* 16-50/2.8, 21/3.2, 31/1.8, M 50/1.4, 77/1.8, DFA 100/2.8 Macro, K 135/2.5.

But I came to an impasse several years back. Already holding a grudge over a defective K-10. I became frustrated by the noise of my K-7 when compared to the newer cameras and started shopping for a new Pentax body. But there was a problem. My work had shifted from landscape, where my fingers were plenty fast enough to handle the focus work, to taking pictures of the lightening fast babies I'd spent the last several years populating the Earth with. Nothing I read about the new cameras gave me much hope for the autofocus future, so I deiced to bide my time with a clearance K-01.

So now I had no viewfinder, less than stellar autofocus, and kids who were beginning to pick up speed. Brilliant.

I rented the K-1 a few months back hoping beyond hope that it would be the amazing picture machine of my dreams. I would take off the hair shirt and be rewarded for my loyalty. Well, it is the amazing picture machine of somebody's dreams, but not mine. Not right now.

With a heavy heart, I bought a Nikon D500. Then with a not so heavy heart, I shot with my new D500 and it's friggin' amazing. Except when children at birthday parties come up to me to let me know emphatically that OMG their mom has that exact same camera. That never happened with Pentax. I miss that never happening.

There are just two problems:
I now have a $2k camera and one $1k zoom lens. I travel alone sometimes and don't really want to have three grand worth of gear with me when shooting photos isn't what I'm traveling for. When I add another elns, it will be a prime close to $2k.
No matter how I try, I cannot mount my 31/1.8 to it.

So here's where I am:
The K-S1 is on clearance everywhere. I know that the ergonomics are abhorrent. I know that WiFi is only available through some weird peripheral card thing. I know that I can get the K-S2 for less than $200 more -- but that $200 may be the difference between justifying the purchase and not.

So do I pick up a K-S1? Or do I take that money and put it towards a Nikon prime. A Nikon prime that costs $2k and doesn't even say "Limited" but is quick like little lightening children?

EDIT TO ADD: Both my and my husband's K-01s are starting to properly wear out. Like they have each had a hard life and show it. Pieces are falling off of mine. Both have to be turned on and off sometimes when shooting to get them to function properly again after a shot. At this point, the only thing I can really put my Pentax lenses on is my K-1000.
Forum: Pentax Forums Giveaways 09-07-2016, 08:08 AM  
PF 10th Anniversary - Pentax K-50 1-Day Giveaway! - Entries closed, winner announced.
Posted By jesssss
Replies: 1,825
Views: 90,821
Lucky red! 😘
Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing 11-27-2015, 11:59 AM  
Printing custom greeting cards
Posted By jesssss
Replies: 6
Views: 972
Thank you for the suggestions! I had another try at Mpix this morning and it looks like my head was full of stuffing (mmm... stuffing) last time I was on their site and was in the section for cards printed as photos. I didn't realize any of the consumer guys even still did that. But mpix does fully customizable cards, apparently.
Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing 11-26-2015, 08:56 PM  
Printing custom greeting cards
Posted By jesssss
Replies: 6
Views: 972
So I bumbled over to mpix to upload my Christmas card images since they are offering 50% greeting cards for Black Friday. All of the premade designs had not only their brand on the back but also a shout out to the designer of the card. Really? I thought the design was part of what I was paying for. Whenever I'm paid for my work, I don't plaster my name on the finished copy. Whatever.

I go back and design my own card, front and back, and head back over the the DIY section of mpix just to realize that I cannot put on image on the back, only text, because it reserved for their logo. Give me a break.

I know that if I used their pro service I could get unbranded products, but I'm not a pro and don't even have time at this point to mess with it.

So what service will let me use my own image files for the front and back of a greet card (not flat card)? My local options aren't promising. I'm pretty sure I did this through mpix as recently as last Christmas.
Forum: Pentax Mirrorless Cameras 05-22-2015, 05:27 PM  
Is this the end of my K-01?
Posted By jesssss
Replies: 2
Views: 3,444
Picked a K-01 up cheap some time ago as they were being discontinued. Now when I turn the mode selection dial at the top, it mostly displays Av (sometimes Movie) no matter what the physical dial is set to. I'm not in the mood for major camera surgery, but she's been a good friend and I'm feeling cheap lately so I'd like to push her along for a bit if I can. Is there hope? I mostly shoot Av anyway, but need M for my old lenses.
Forum: General Talk 05-22-2015, 05:22 PM  
Who lost gear to his/her partner?
Posted By jesssss
Replies: 17
Views: 1,869
When the K-01 was dirt cheap, my husband finally broke over and let me pick one up for him. He insisted that I buy it with the 40mm XS since it would be a good beater lens.

I haven't seen my 21/3.2 Limited in months. My 50/1.4M goes missing as well. :hmm:
Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom 05-03-2015, 04:32 PM  
So, anyone else become a really bad darkroom pack rat?
Posted By jesssss
Replies: 77
Views: 11,869
Yesterday I was on Facebook asking for advice on what to do with my very first enlarger. The sweet little thing is completely useless and I couldn't give her away if I tried (I tried!). The consciences was to either make her into a lamp or shoot a nice picture of the old girl and heave her into the dumpster.

So I guess that means that she'll stay where she is then.
Forum: General Talk 05-02-2015, 03:50 PM  
High bidder with no feedback in Thailand?
Posted By jesssss
Replies: 19
Views: 1,915
I went ahead and canceled it.

Yeah, I buy and sell a bit in a Facebook swap group and have heard that Paypal has been terrible lately about siding with the buyer even when the seller has tracking information. Not a fight I want to put up over a $50 camera when I'm not even taking a cut.
Forum: General Talk 05-02-2015, 10:30 AM  
Tees are here!
Posted By jesssss
Replies: 7
Views: 1,341
Oh man. This is what I get for getting hooked on Facebook Groups and not coming around in forever. There's no way that these are still available, is there?

EDIT: Nevermind. Found 'em!!
Forum: General Talk 05-02-2015, 10:27 AM  
High bidder with no feedback in Thailand?
Posted By jesssss
Replies: 19
Views: 1,915
Ug.

I'm selling some old cameras for a friend. The sweet little Spotty 2 has a single bid on it with one day left. It's from in Thailand with no feedback. I said that I'd ship internationally, but... no feedback to Thailand?

I sell on eBay about once every ten years. Is it kind of a jerk move to cancel someone's bid? Should I just let it play out? What sort of protections do I have through eBay? I would be shipping through eBay's international shipping service if I sent it out over the pond(s).

The current price is more or less what it's worth so no reason to hope for a bidding war in the last ten seconds.
Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom 07-07-2014, 08:01 PM  
So, anyone else become a really bad darkroom pack rat?
Posted By jesssss
Replies: 77
Views: 11,869
I benefit from an impasse in the local market. I definitely have packrat tenancies (mmmm cameras) but the few things available nearby are offered at ridiculous prices and most of it isn't even that cool. Nothing seems to ever sell, but prices never adjust. Though come to think of it, there is a possibility that I have a color enlarger in the shed but that is a product of an auction-going relative. Oops. :lol:
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 05-27-2014, 06:47 PM  
Developing B/W film with C-41
Posted By jesssss
Replies: 21
Views: 7,231
I'm a fan of XP2 myself and only stopped using it because the curves of Volume of Film Used and Local Places to Process C-41 intersected in such a way as to make it it much more practical to dedicate a couple of jugs under the sink and a niche in the closet under the rarely worn dress clothes to the science of film developing. The grain structure is different than traditionally processed b&w films and there is an argument to made against it on those grounds, but I like it quite a bit. As a bonus, it gives interesting results when until through a traditional b&w process though I wouldn't recommend it if you're looking for classic beauty. :lol:
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 05-27-2014, 10:12 AM  
Destinking old cameras and cases
Posted By jesssss
Replies: 15
Views: 2,693
It looks like rain all day today, so the whole lot will spend the day in a airtight box with a bowl of baking soda. Tomorrow it can all sun itself on the porch, I'll pick up some bleach-free OxyClean to pack back up with it, and tackle the actual cleaning next week. Everything was wrapped in cloth and plastic bags (and the cases) before being packed in a plastic tub some twenty or thirty-odd years ago so the exposure doesn't seem to have been direct enough to cause any sort of film. I'm familiar with the coating as the previous owners of my house were heavy smokers and it is awful stuff.

It will definitely be noted in the auction unless I can achieve 100% stink-free, which is doubtful. I'm currently pregnant and gagging at the smell of everything from smoke to eggs to air freshener, so I'd say that I can hold a pretty high bar on stink-free. I just hope I can get this stuff there because it is otherwise very nice. I don't think the previous owner has any idea that this is even a problem.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 05-27-2014, 09:51 AM  
Should I bother with a winder for my Super Program?
Posted By jesssss
Replies: 31
Views: 4,137
I need all the help I can get. Maybe this is the last bit I need.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 05-27-2014, 06:50 AM  
Should I bother with a winder for my Super Program?
Posted By jesssss
Replies: 31
Views: 4,137
I clicked on the thread to tell you that an auto winder was a ridiculous idea, but after reading the other replies, I may just have to pick one up myself. :D
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 05-26-2014, 08:11 PM  
Destinking old cameras and cases
Posted By jesssss
Replies: 15
Views: 2,693
As a favor to a good friend, I've taken on a box of old cameras and agreed to clean them up and sell them on theBay. There are five cameras and they have each been beautifully cared for with one exception. They smell like smoke. Possibly decades of smoke. They each have an ever ready case and those are really the problem. While the cameras may be fine after a good airing and some sunshine, the cases have a much thicker scent.

Is there anything to be done aside from tossing them? Would anything expedite the process for the cameras? The cases are all in good condition and original to the cameras.

As a side note, I'm have a hard time convincing myself to part with the box's SPII. It's a beautiful copy and snappy as ever but I won't have a working darkroom again until maybe next summer and don't spend enough time with my 67 and small arsenal of 35mms as it is.

Any advice is appreciated.
Forum: Post Your Photos! 12-18-2013, 10:04 AM  
Nature Don't Overdo It!
Posted By jesssss
Replies: 9
Views: 932
Hey Rupert! I haven't been around in a while (flickr/dpreview/here) and this is the first thing I see when I come back. Mazel tov to me, I think it's a sign that I've come to the right place.
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions 04-26-2013, 08:43 PM  
Hai Gais!
Posted By jesssss
Replies: 7
Views: 792
Oh I did get out and with gusto! I still have family hiding out in the woods outside of Opelika though.
Forum: Pentax Full Frame 04-26-2013, 08:35 PM  
Poll: Would you buy a Pentax Full Frame DSLR?
Posted By jesssss
Replies: 364
Views: 31,286
I'm too late for the poll, but I've been thinking about this lately.

There was a time a couple of years ago when I absolutely would have jumped at the chance. Now the budget is tighter (babies!) and I have my darkroom back up and running (6x7!), so I really would have to pass and keep my digital shooting to my K-01.
Forum: Welcomes and Introductions 04-25-2013, 05:45 PM  
Hai Gais!
Posted By jesssss
Replies: 7
Views: 792
HAI!

I still say that film and digital are two different, related things that can coexist peacefully. I'm shooting a nice old Pentax 6x7 these days along with my K-01 and K-07. I think that shaking film would get old if I had to do it every time I wanted a snapshot, so I say it's a good time to have so many options.

Cheers from a Lee County native.
Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals 04-08-2013, 05:48 PM  
Snapshot DSLRs
Posted By jesssss
Replies: 26
Views: 2,315
Funny story here:




Sunset Over The Buffalo


The little hump in the mountain ridge just to the right of center in this photo is called the "buffalo" and is a landmark in Floyd County, Virginia along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

This is a nice spot and doesn’t go unnoticed, particularly in the autumn, by the wider public. I had set my camera and tripod up at the overlook featuring the view that you see above. I had set my camera to wait 12 seconds and then automatically take 5 bracketed shots each time I triggered the remote.

While waiting for the camera to take its sequence of shots, a man and his wife drove up. Stopping in the road, the man ran up beside me with his compact camera, discharged the onboard flash and took a picture of the setting sun. He then looked at me, smirked, and asked me if I were just waiting for my camera to take the picture itself. He then chuckled and got back into his car.

Definitely not the strangest conversation I’ve had while taking pictures, but definitely odd.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 04-08-2013, 04:57 AM  
I just got my pentax full frame..
Posted By jesssss
Replies: 19
Views: 5,193
There's a leader out function? Oh man, that IS one fancy camera. I need to stop reading this forum until I have more space for gear.
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