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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
07-25-2019, 08:00 AM
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I would seriously consider an extended warranty if I was purchasing a K-70. My K-30 and K-50 both suffered aperture block failures and AFAIK the K-70 uses a similar design.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
05-25-2019, 05:00 AM
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The best lens to add is the 55-300 PLM. I have found it to be really fast to focus, quiet and lightweight. The other lenses you have fill out your kit nicely.
I really like the 20-40, but it's too expensive and it would find limited use compared to the 55-300.
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Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals
02-06-2019, 05:09 AM
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My personal experience with wedding photography is that many people think that taking pictures is something anyone can do. The results are often disappointing. The novice who takes on the role misses important shots. is in the wrong location when a shot needs to be taken, doesn't have backup equipment when something goes wrong.
I made the same mistake almost 50 years ago and have regretted it ever since. When one of my relatives asks me to shoot their wedding, I always say I will gladly take a few pictures, but I offer to pay for a professional.photographer as a wedding gift.
It is difficult to perform two jobs at the same time. On one hand you are part of the wedding party, enjoying the day in a social manner. On the other you become focused on the job at hand. These situations will collide, you will miss shots, be in the wrong place, forget to turn on the flash when you get distracted by an old friend, etc. etc. etc.
Please do yourself a favor and enjoy the day. Bring your camera and take a few candid shots when you have a moment, but leave the recording of the event to a professional.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
10-30-2018, 10:56 AM
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I think that I would have to agree that "Yes, aperture control IS a real problem in lower tier Pentax cameras". The strangest feature of the failure is the opposite of what would be normally happen. They fail from LACK of use!
The 2 K30s and 1 K50 in my extended family have ALL succumbed to the problem. Yet my 3 MZ series and 2 K100d are still functioning fine. and they use the identical system to set aperture. The MZ10 I tried recently has not been used in at least 20 years and works perfectly.
I think we all know what happened, including the folks at Pentax. It is so typical of the way things are today. Bean counters come before quality control.
Anyway, I personally do not recommend any Pentax models with the aperture solenoid to anyone, including the K70, at least until they fix or allow trade in credits on the units that have failed.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
10-28-2018, 03:34 PM
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There are reports of failures in the K-S1 and K-S2 bodies as well, which were introduced well after the K50.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
08-18-2018, 04:52 PM
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The 55-300 PLM is a vastly superior lens to the older screw drive version (I own both), especially on the KP. Sharpness is similar, but bokeh is much better. The speed of focus and the fact that it is virtually silent makes it a must have in this price range.
I'm looking at the 20-40 as well, lets hope for a price drop. ;)
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
08-14-2018, 05:05 AM
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The best all around kit would be a KP with the 55-300 PLM, a 20-40, a 15 and a macro lens. Add a steady tripod and an Astrotracer and you are set.
Basically that is my dream kit.
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Forum: Pentax Price Watch
08-02-2018, 03:52 AM
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Thanks for the heads up on an excellent deal - looking forward to the new camera.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
06-11-2018, 07:39 PM
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I would vote for the K3. It is a solid performer for me. $500 is reasonable and you will love the extra features. The only downside is the extra weight. I really like the K3II, but I use the on board flash quite a bit and I already have the stand alone GPS unit.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
06-11-2018, 08:19 AM
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I'm beginning to think the return spring for the iris has fallen off and jammed internally inside the lens. It obvious that from your further information that the contacts are fine. I believe the spring in that model is accessible be removing the mount, but I would advise against disassembly. The lens is not valuable enough to make it worthwhile.
The best solution is to file the claim (as you have done).
I would recommend a used Sigma 70-300 as a replacement and use the 18-55 kit lens to fill in the range if you want to keep the costs down.
Hope you have better luck in the future.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
06-11-2018, 04:32 AM
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It sounds like the "A" setting is not engaging on the lens.
Can you manually set aperture from the camera when the lens is in the "A" setting? There should be an indication for your f stop when use manual setting mode.
If the back screen indicates "f---", then there is no electrical connection to the lens. That means dirty contacts or the lens has internal electrical issues.
Normally dirty contacts are the problem. Try cleaning the contacts with alcohol solution 50-70% vigorously - try to get the contact points to rotate so that the entire surface is clean. They may appear to be clean, but they could be internal clogged with dirt.
Good Luck.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
06-09-2018, 03:28 PM
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I agree that the flagship models are excellent. (I've had one since they came out.)
That said, I also like having a lighter body and the ergonomics of the K30 were wonderful.
It's such a shame that Ricoh won't do the right thing and admit to the defect and rebuild customer confidence in the Pentax brand.
Here's an example:
The current price of a KP is about US$900. Intro price was US$1100.
Ricoh could have sold a lot of KP's and made a lot of happy customers by offering $200 trade in credit to aperture block failure owners.
As it is, I get to look at my K30 on the shelf as a reminder everyday.
I guess the bean counters don't get the big picture.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
06-09-2018, 04:55 AM
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My family experience:
My K30 lasted about 3 years and 8000 shots before failure.
My brother's K50 lasted about 2 1/2 years before failure.
My niece's K30 lasted about 2 1/2 years before failure.
All failures have identical symptoms related to aperture block failure.
My K30 was the last to fail and I will be swapping out a film body solenoid into it and hopefully that will cure the problem.
Obviously, I won't ever consider a new Pentax with that aperture control system again.
I really think Ricoh should address this issue with some form of compensation/trade in credit to owners of these cameras. The reasoning behind this is that it is painfully obvious that these cameras have a manufacturing defect and that they fail under normal use.
Personally, I would use the credit to pick up a KP as I have Pentax bodies dating back to the 1960's.
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Forum: Pentax Price Watch
12-27-2016, 10:15 AM
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Now $975.25 CDN - still 2 left.
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Forum: Pentax Price Watch
12-26-2016, 08:38 PM
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Forum: Monthly Photo Contests
08-08-2016, 10:21 AM
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Forum: Winners' Showcase
08-08-2016, 10:18 AM
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Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II
01-25-2016, 09:50 AM
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The O-ME53 is probably the best upgrade to do to any Pentax DSLR. (IMHO)
It does not interfere with the diopter adjustment at all, helps keep you face from touching (and smearing) the LCD and really helps in manual or quick-shift focusing.
Whenever I show someone how well it works, they immediately want one.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II
12-13-2015, 07:26 AM
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Unfortunately, the Astrotracer function is a 1 shot deal.
If you want to do multiple shots (for stacking?), you will need a tracking mount such as an iOptron SkyTracker or similar and a wired programmable remote.
Remember, the camera sensor can only be moved a few degrees during an exposure - you have to move the entire camera to properly track an object over a long period of time.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
10-29-2015, 05:29 AM
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A few questions:
What lens are you using?
What is the average distance to the target?
Can a flash be used in your situation?
I'm thinking of times I had to shoot equestrian events. I found a tripod/monopod is really more of a hindrance. I would forget the zooming and use a fast prime ( F,A,or M 135mm) in burst mode. The K-3 has plenty of pixels to crop later in PP.
I would really recommend shooting handheld in your situation. Leaning against a tree or post helps.
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
10-26-2015, 04:41 PM
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I prefer the larger of the 2 tripods because of my height. The additional load capacity helps stability a lot.
You might also consider the older model (Slik Pro DX700). It has the same capacity as the 780, is just as solid and is on sale at B&H for $139. The 700 uses the round plates, which many people really like. They make setting up fast and easy, especially in low light.
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Forum: Pentax Full Frame
07-01-2015, 05:11 PM
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I am a little wary of edge distortion on FF using wide angle lenses.
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
01-26-2015, 05:50 AM
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The K5iis is a bargain for only $100 more.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-24-2015, 05:05 AM
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This is an very early version, probably made by Tokina, as indicated by the serial number starting with 37x.
It was available in many different mounts. Not a real spectacular lens, but at this price it might be fun to play with it.
The mount may be a little crudely finished and that is what is causing the fitment problems. I usually check the mount for binding with a magnifier. If it is too tight, remove the mount and buff it a little if necessary. You can also apply an extremely thin (almost invisible) coat of wax with a Q tip. I would also check that the aperture lever is not binding, by moving it back and forth with the f stop set to f22. The mount is marked P/K so it is definitely for your camera.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-24-2015, 04:05 AM
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I have not tried the new 16-85, but I feel it is too expensive for what you get in performance.
The 17-70 is optically OK, but has major reliability issues. I can see this one being discontinued. It is also over priced.
That leaves the 18-135. It is actually a very nice, quiet lens. It focuses very fast and accurately on my K3. I only take it off if I need a specific feature like macro or need a wider angle.
I would choose the 18-135.
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