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Forum: Sold Items
07-23-2016, 05:36 PM
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Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands
06-10-2016, 10:53 PM
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Honestly - currently using both NIkon and Pentax systems, there are pluses and minuses to both.
-Pentax - really incredible legacy lens support (down to 42mm) on any body! Manual focus is capable and much better through the finder than it was years ago (to the point of being usable). Features/accessories are sometimes lacking as compared to similar equivalent bodies from canikon/Sony. Size/weight of some Pentax bodies a definite plus! Pentax finally has a variety of bodies to select from (3 DX / 1 FX).
-Nikon - legacy lens support, but limited to higher-end/older bodies. Older lenses can be modified - by Nikon or repair services. Also, auto-focus lenses from the 'current' D-series unusable on 3000/5000 series of cameras (lots of really decent glass here). Manual focus via view finder is useless; however, live-view works better than any other camera I've used. The creative lighting system is hands-down the best on the market. Nikon user customization is overwhelming.
As was said before, I really think it depends on what one is going to do with the camera, If they are going to do this as just a hobby - in many ways Pentax is the best way to go. Pentax autofocus lenses seem to be really affordable now (new and used) and bodies keep becoming more advanced - and the use of manual focus lenses seems to be a no-brainier.
If the thought is to move in a more professional direction - weddings, portraiture, high-art - then going with Nikon seems to make sense. Digital bodies will always be in a state of upgrade (every 3-4 years), but glass will be a life-long investment.
It's a tough decision. A lot of older folks here in DSLR-land were weened on a film-system SLR (Pentax) and it made sense to stay with that brand. For younger generations - it's a complex decision and significant investment.
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Forum: Sold Items
05-12-2016, 11:31 PM
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Forum: Sold Items
11-08-2015, 12:30 PM
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Forum: Pentax K-S1 & K-S2
10-27-2015, 09:21 PM
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So, I know this is regarding a different camera - but does anyone know if the K-S2 is exhibiting this shutter-shock as well?
I'm assuming there wasn't any redesign of the mirror box/shutter for the K-S2.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II
09-22-2015, 08:06 PM
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Ok...I was harsh with the "bottom of the line" remark; however, with minimal choices, minimal accessories, completely different focusing systems, etc...between a Kx and K-5, this is what can be perceived with a Pentax entry level camera - especially with no familiarity of other brands.
The more I think about things and evaluate - I think it's missed expectations/disallusionment with the Nikon. It solved the focus issues I had with the Kx, but in overall comparison to it - 'I' just haven't seen a huge overall image quality boost. I think I was expecting this boost with a body that was costing around 1200$+ new (vs 500$-600$ for the Kx). There is more definition/clarity of course - but the overall kit isn't showing enough improvement to justify the added weight and complexity that was gained.
I like the idea of going back to film. Maybe I should get my Spotty and ZX-M out and have a round... Some of my favorite pics were on film and came through my darkroom.
Basically, I think I need to make my mind up with regards to what I need a camera to do. I definitely need a camera with better focusing ability than what the Kx was giving me - but I'm not sure I need a literal mill-stone around my neck either - like the d7000.
Thanks for the input.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II
09-21-2015, 04:24 PM
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Hi Everyone,
So, once again I find myself at a cross-roads. A bit aggravated, sad, and ready to just use an iphone for a camera. Forgive the long post - bear with me.
So - about a year and a half ago I did something that I think was probably VERY foolish in hindsight. After 25 years of shooting Pentax film and digital gear - I jumped ship and went to Nikon. I sold ALL of my digital gear and auto focus lenses and bought a really full-featured Nikon D7000, two lenses (50 and 18-105) and a battery grip. It was everything I wanted in a camera and even added a Tamron 18-270 to the kit this summer. I was tired of the 'all or nothing' approach to bodies by Pentax. Buy our $1400 hi-line body or buy our semi-crippled bottom of the line body. I couldn't afford a $1400 body at the time - but could sell-off and buy into a new system. I was aggravated with focus problem in lower-light and no focus-assist lamp, etc...
Well, flash-forward to now - I've had my Nikon for a year and a half and it's a great camera, but it's NOT the pentax gear I've owned. I've gotten some GREAT pics off of it - but nothing consistently similar to the Pentax cameras I've owned. Case in-point, I went to London and Paris in 2011 and took 1k pics on my Kx with a FA50/1.4 and Tamron 18-250. This past June, I went to Rome and Florence, and took 1k pics on the D7000 with a Nikon 50/1.8d and Tamron 18-270. Shot for shot - between these two kits, I had more aesthetically pleasing pics from my Pentax (and iPhone), under similar shooting conditions. I've spent a lot of time with the Nikon, so the learning curve should be over.
I'm noticing a lot of the 'wow' factor missing from shots off of the Nikon. I've tried various settings, auto-modes, lenses - and I think it's coming down to two things: optics and weight/shake reduction (and maybe in-camera processing). Pentax optics are just special - and certain lenses just have a 'look' about them that are undeniable. The shake reduction on the pentax is the best I've seen so far. I've not been happy with it on the Nikon (mount) lenses. The body is already heavy and the VR system is just adding more weight (and shake) to counteract. In most instances, it just seems difficult to hold the thing still with larger lenses on it and have the VR work completely effectively.
So - my issue: Is the K-3 a good enough camera at this point to consider coming back to Pentax for? I know there are some good deals to be had for the moment and it would require re-buying some of my favorite lenses - FA50/1.4, FA35/2, etc...
Or should I stick it out with Nikon? I know there is somewhat of a HUGE following with the D7000/7100 series.
I know all cameras have there +/-'s about them. I've already made one potentially costly mistake. I want to avoid making another one.
Thanks!
dwh
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Forum: Pentax Full Frame
02-20-2014, 11:26 AM
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FF or not...I'd support a Pentax DSLR similar to the Nikon Df. I just like having all of my controls right at my fingertips - instead of having to dig through menus when I want to make a quick change. (Of course in digital-land there will be a few things that may have to be menu-controlled.) I think auto-focus needs to be there - BUT there should be a huge concession made for focus and metering ability through the viewfinder. Not sure that video is necessary in a camera of this type. This should be a camera for photography's sake...not a be all - end all tool for everything visual.
Honestly, (and I know I should be ashamed of myself for saying this after 25 years with a Pentax) if I had $3k...I'd sell all of Pentax gear/glass and buy a Nikon Df...it's just a beautiful piece of kit. I really wish we had something equivalent (full-frame or not).
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Forum: Sold Items
02-16-2014, 06:45 PM
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Forum: Pentax K-30 & K-50
02-15-2014, 03:14 PM
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I second the AF280T...bought one last fall to use on my Kx and it works well. Though not p-ttl, it does function as a semi-automatic flash on all current Pentax DSLRs - setting aperture and shutter speed. I've been very happy with my unit so far. It is bounce/swivel capable and also has optional tele/wide diffusers available (if you are lucky enough to track them down!). It'll hold me until I can afford a 500-series p-ttl flash.
Good-to-above average condition units run 30-40$ (or less depending on where you look).
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-09-2014, 07:37 PM
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Foto Guy - are you using the stock focusing screen in the K5iis or one of the pentax optional ones?
Not sure I have the money to go the K-3 route...don't get me wrong it's a nice piece of kit but just out of my budget. (Though I would kill for a 645d!). The K-50, iirc doesn't allow for a grip or interchangeable screens which I would like to upgrade to if going with another DSLR.
Not necessarily worried about speed when shooting...more artsy type shooting here (travel, landscape, scenic, etc...).
I do know I WON'T be giving up a full DSLR...either adding to what I have or replacing with another DSLR.
Thanks for the info so far...
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-09-2014, 01:17 PM
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Hi everyone,
So, I've been looking at the posts and reviews of the K-01 and am somewhat impressed with the camera. The biggest thing I like about it is the fact that you can use your manual focus lenses easily. This is something I haven't been able to do on my Kx and K100d-Super. I have a bag full of manual focus 'A', 'M', and 'm42' lenses that go relatively unused because of focusing issues on these particular bodies.
Let me preface this question...I really like my Kx. I am continually learning new things about it and how to use it in more productive ways. I only wish it had a grip or was slightly bigger...and had the ability to take an interchangeable focus screen reliably and/or affordably.
My question is...am I better off to by the K-01 as a supplemental camera - OR - sell off my K100d-Super and Kx and buy a used K5/K5ii?
Pros vs cons? Do I gain really good manual focus control on the K5? How much better is the autofocus between the K5 vs Kii? (I know there was a huge difference between the K100d and Kx...) How's live-view?
How does the K-01 factor as a second body...I know there are quite a few people that own both...
I know approximately what a K-01 will cost me...and I think I know what I can get (maybe) for the two gently used bodies I currently have (selling the k-100 as a kit w/18-55&50-100)...around $400.
Thanks for your thoughts and opinions!
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Forum: Photographic Technique
02-01-2014, 11:27 AM
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I switched to this method over the holiday when photographing my little niece. It took a second to get used to, but worked so much better. You have to be quick when taking snaps of a 9-month old unwrapping her first Christmas (eating the wrapping paper, playing with the bows, not knowing which camera to pose for). (This little girl KNOWS what a camera is!)
What's funny, a friend of mine who shoots a lot of nature/bird photos has JUST discovered this feature on her big-bad Nikon...LOL.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
05-31-2011, 07:01 PM
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I was faced with the same decision earlier this year and bought the Kx and a Tamron 18-200mm zoom. Best decision I made. I recently returned from a trip to London and Paris and I've been very happy with the walk-around shots from the Tammy...but the Kx paired with my FA50/1.4 are just awesome. I was also really surprised at how well the 50/1.4 and Kx paired for indoor no-flash pictures.
I think you'll be more than happy with your purchase!
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Forum: Sold Items
04-22-2011, 10:16 PM
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PM sent!
---------- Post added 04-24-11 at 02:55 AM ----------
payment sent!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
04-19-2011, 08:28 AM
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I can't seem to find an answer to this through search functions....
Is there a "general" filter factor for circular polarizers?
The reason I ask, is that I mounted one on my FA 50/1.4 with my new Kx and was sort of shocked at how the camera reacted when aimed at a brightly lit window. Auto ISO went to 800 and aperture set to 1.4. I know I was inside...or am I just being naive about this particular situation.
I know generally you wouldn't use a polarizer inside...unless you had a really, really bad surface glare problem and lots of light.
Thanks!
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
04-06-2011, 07:43 PM
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hmmm....good thoughts on the K100D body.
Would need a split image screen for screw mount only body...
Have had an interest in IR, but just haven't gotten there yet...
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
04-06-2011, 09:29 AM
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Good to know about the Rayovac platinums. Eneloops can be hard to find locally sometimes. Used to be able to find them at Circuit City when they were a local store. Costco sells them, but you have to be member. Of course I can order them...
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
04-06-2011, 09:24 AM
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Well,
I just got my new Kx yesterday before I left for work. After I got home 12 hours later (agony) I finally got to take it out of the box and play with it a bit.
Now mind you, I had been on the fence a bit about purchasing a new camera. I have a much loved K100D-Super that works great for most all of the pictures that I take. Then after I ordered this camera (during shipping) I read that there is a good possibility that the Kr may have had the FF issue resolved in newer units...leading me to think that maybe I should return the Kx and buy a Kr instead...and then I thought...what's $150 on top of the price of a Kr, just buy a K-7. (I sometimes hate buying new toys...)
Well, after I shot the first picture in auto-pic mode, I was absolutely blown away. This was a shot that was difficult at best for my K100DS. It's a lamp in a somewhat dark room about 10ft + away. No flash, auto white balance fairly accurate, iso 1600 decent given conditions, auto focus dead-on with no hunting, exposure accurate...I had to chimp several time to make sure my eyes were playing tricks on me.
I quickly walked around the house and shot a few more things. I'm shocked at how well the auto-focus works compared to the K100D. With live-view, I'm also now NOT considering a split screen for the viewfinder. My mind may change regarding this over time.
There is NO question about keeping the Kx. I see no need in spending an extra $100-250 when this will do everything I need. I still love my K100DS and still am not sure what to do with it...keep it or sell it to someone who is starting out.
Can't wait for my trip to London and Paris next month!!!
I love my pentax gear....Spottie to Kx.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
04-04-2011, 09:06 PM
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Is there a difference between the pentax DA 18-55 AL kit lens that shipped with my K100D-Super in early 2008 and the pentax DA-L 18-55mm kit lens that will ship with the new Kx I just ordered?
Isn't this the second revision of this lens since 2007/2008?
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
04-04-2011, 08:27 PM
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Have there been enough people use the Rayovac Platinum Pre-Charged batteries to make a definitive decision on use yet with AA-based DSLR cameras?
I know that the original Rayovac Hybrid batteries were pretty good, but haven't read much on these newer ones yet...
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Forum: Pentax Price Watch
03-02-2011, 07:21 PM
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Forum: Sold Items
02-28-2011, 09:32 AM
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-26-2011, 10:25 AM
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My ZX-m was light years better with exposure compared to my old Sears/Richo auto-exposure camera that only had an AV mode and didn't have a manual exposure mode.:eek: It wouldn't have mattered much about keeping notes.
The pictures I'm referring to from 10 years ago are from a trip to Amsterdam. Seems like I was switching lenses constantly. Again, notes probably wouldn't have been helpful/accurate.
My other trips abroad have been with other cameras. Montreal was with a Nikon APS SLR (that was a waste of money...thank goodness it was on close-out). Berlin was on my first digital camera, a compact Olympus 3.1mp with short zoom. Still one of my favorite cameras, though smart-media will be the death of it.
Sorry...a little off-topic here...
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-26-2011, 09:21 AM
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Just an observation...but...
What did we do before EXIF data on digital cameras. We get all this information about a photo: date, time, focal length, f/stop, shutter, etc... It is something we don't really think about now since it's always there.
I was looking through a bunch of older photos (about 10 years old) shot with my ZX-m. I was trying to see which photos were shot with a 28mm lens vs a 50mm lens. Usually, it's fairly apparent; however there are several shots that are questionable. I was thinking how easy it would be just to look at EXIF data for this...but alas there is none for film shots. (I'm actually looking at pics from a 28mm lens to determine if a DA21, though not quite as wide on a DSLR, would be wide enough for me.)
We are so spoiled. :D
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