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Forum: Pentax K-30 & K-50 02-06-2019, 08:49 AM

Old lenses can break new bodies?
Posted By TourDeForce

Replies: 25
Views: 5,222

It was the lens. I've been shooting Pentax for more than 40 years. I've had several Pentax digitals starting with the K100. I've come across two lenses that would not fit the digital body, one was the Vivitar 28mm noted above with an elongated shroud which was obvious an issue. The other was this Sigma. It appeared normal, matched up with my camera body OK, but did require a tiny bit extra to mount. I thought it was the electrical contacts or release lever spring & mechanism, and it seemed minor, but apparently the aperture arm/shroud was the issue.

You gentlemen have given me an idea or two on how to potentially repair this damage myself, however. I'll let you know how it goes.

On the KA lenses, I shot manual with a K1000 film camera for many years; a few decades, in fact. The first time I shot an auto aperture SLR was the K100 digital and I loved it. From that day I've weened myself from my collection of manual lenses and grown to appreciate the auto lenses enough to know I may never go back to manual if I don't have to.

Forum: Pentax K-30 & K-50 02-04-2019, 10:23 AM

Old lenses can break new bodies?
Posted By TourDeForce

Replies: 25
Views: 5,222

Old thread, yes, but I have some information to add. I've had a good time with my wonderful K-30 for the last couple of years and this past week a friend gave me an old Sigma 28mm Macro lens with a Pentax K mount. I wanted to take it out for a few test shots this past weekend so I nabbed a few pictures with my 35mm 2.4 for comparison, then mounted the Sigma lens. The camera refused to take pictures. Put my 35mm back on. Nothing.

So I made a quick comparison of the depth of the shroud and aperture arm - my heart sank. I may have to send the camera away for repair.
I remember an issue with an old Vivitar lens on my K200, but the shroud on the Vivitar was obviously very elongated, though it was not as 'tall' as on this Sigma. I didn't expect this to be a problem with such a compact shroud, but the mechanism protruded just a bit too deep into my camera.

I've had a lot of fun with some old Takumar lenses with my K200, but only Pentax glass for me from now on... Pentax KA or newer.

Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 07-15-2013, 09:28 AM

Example of poor "reds" from Pentax JPEG engine
Posted By TourDeForce

Replies: 23
Views: 3,975

I have noted the handling of reds in my Pentax DSLRs as well. Based on the pictures above, I suspect that reducing the red saturation levels will generate an image closer to the D-7000 level of detail. Something I will try when the situation presents itself...

I also suspect that these photos were taken in the default 'Bright' mode, and people should remember that many Pentax models do their best work in the 'Natural' mode with possibly a small boost in sharpness. Over-saturation with any of the colors will kill subtle details within that color.

Note: Seems the Kx was popular for good reason.

Forum: Pentax K-30 & K-50 07-15-2013, 07:01 AM

K30 JPEG Engine
Posted By TourDeForce

Replies: 16
Views: 4,659

I'm with lanx on this one. It is my K-30 that he performed the testing with and the transition from jpeg to RAW eliminates the issue. AND it is an issue for me because I have typically shot exclusively in jpeg in the past with my K100, K200.

The jpeg processing engine in the K-30 leaves a lot of headroom for the RAW to improve the images, and I understand the reasons for that, but this massive loss of recoverable color in the shadow areas is unnecessary inexcusable IMHO. The K-30 could otherwise be a stellar performer in jpeg capture mode. The high level of textural detail preserved is testiment that this is not a DR problem, but seemingly a jpeg color processing algorithm shortcoming. I know Pentax can do much better than this as my K200 has jpeg proccessing that leaves relatively little room for improvement in RAW - and I LIKE that. I can pull more detail from the K200 RAW images, but seldom need to because the jpegs are pretty good right out of the camera - which cuts my storage and PP requirements, a savings of both time and money.

For the record, I have updated from firmware 1.00 to 1.04 and the results are the same. If Pentax would address this jpeg shortcoming in the next K-30 firmware release I would be the happiest Pentaxian EVAR!!

Forum: Pentax K-01 02-13-2012, 09:41 PM

Opinions of the K-01 from outside the bubble
Posted By TourDeForce

Replies: 259
Views: 31,971

Designer camera body. OK. But why?

Mirrorless. Great! Then why limit it to 6fps?? There's no physical limitation with hardware flipping about. Make it a record breaker in some way. New high res CCD? No, the same CMOS as you get in the K-5. WTH?? You could easily have offered something to chear about and justify the price tag.

Nothing new here. I'll move on...

Forum: Sold Items 06-03-2011, 02:32 PM

For Sale - Sold: K200D, 18-55mm II, 70-300mm, A50mm f/1.4
Posted By TourDeForce

Replies: 13
Views: 3,689

I presume the 55-300 is the regular DA version and not the DA-L.

If so, I would like to buy it. PM sent.

Forum: Sold Items 05-29-2011, 05:26 PM

For Sale - Sold: Tamron 70-300mm F4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro 1:2 (CONUS)
Posted By TourDeForce

Replies: 4
Views: 2,364

Message sent. Local pickup if you're nearby.

Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 05-24-2011, 02:13 PM

Anyone else miss the K200D?
Posted By TourDeForce

Replies: 1,163
Views: 205,134

This has been a really interesting thread. It also confirms my observations about the K200D - it is in a class by itself. Entry level camera with weather sealing, simplified shooting modes available, and image quality that STILL can potentially compare to much newer and more expensive cameras.

My co-worker went through several (newer model) Nikon and Canon cameras in an effort to obtain an equivalent 'WOW' factor with his photography. He even borrowed my K200D to determine if his skills were up to task because he could not re-produce the 3D effects and vibrance that seemed to come naturally from the Pentax .jpg files. At one point he even owned a KM - but to no avail.

I've considered upgrading, but the image characteristics I'm looking for just don't seem to be there in the K-X, K-7, and K-R. The K-5 would be my choice, but it's too expensive for a poor man like me.

Forum: General Talk 05-24-2011, 01:14 PM

Rifle Scope?
Posted By TourDeForce

Replies: 20
Views: 10,065

I have one of the new Pentax Gameseeker II scopes on a Savage .243 (a necked down .308 cartrige). It is the 4x-16x 50mm Matte Precision Plex and it is VERY pleasing overall. Super in low light because of the large front glass, nicely thought out reticle is pretty much geared for your .308 and deer hunting - particularly if you set it at 6x and just leave it there. You can easily use the BDC reticle for range estimation and drop.

Braggin' Time:
Replacing the package scope on my rifle saw my groups come down from 3" at 200 yards to just over 1" at 200 yards. Took my time for one five shot group and got them all within a quarter-sized cicle at 200 yards - including a cold bore shot. That less than 1/2 MOA (Minute of Angle) from a mass-produced rifle. Almost unheard-of.

The warranty is stunning too. Just ship it back to Pentax with $19.95 for return freight and you get a fixed scope or new replacement - FOR LIFE !!! Freakin' amazing package.

Downsides:

The reticle lines are a bit thick for my liking. I enjoy a very fine cross-hair for targeting, especially at ranges over 400 yards. Not an issue for hunting - which is what the 'GamesSeeker II' is built for.

Other scopes to consider if you're on a budget:

Nikon. They're making a really nice BuckMaster 3x9-40mm scope now. The BDC reticle is not my cup of tea, but it seems to work well. The BDC reticle, again, has lines heavier than I like to see in front of a target.

Even better and a solid bet is the Nikon Monarch series. I haven't tried them all, but every one I've shot with has been solid. Period.

That's the limit of what I can suggest. The others I've tried have been horrid with reticles that bounce arround the tube like ping-pong balls. I won't suggest anything for hunting that may be a hit-or-miss deal because it's just too important to not know where the bullet will fly.

Forum: Pentax K-r 11-17-2010, 08:52 AM

K-R E-dial responds slowly
Posted By TourDeForce

Replies: 49
Views: 16,737

The initial e-dial issues sound like they may be lubrication related. Once the excess lubricant is dispersed the e-dial function improves. A few have noted the problem persists. In those few cases, there may be an issue with the tolerances in the e-dial mechanism.

I think I'd use/test the camera for a few weeks before calling for support. Still a new camera should just WORK, period.

I've been thinking about making the jump from the K200D to the K-7 or K-R. What do you guys suggest?

Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories 09-17-2010, 07:21 PM

Sticky: The traveling nifty 50mm
Posted By TourDeForce

Replies: 1,755
Views: 561,262

OK, I can't take it any more. It appears this has take on a life of it's own. The lens was originally to head home to the original owner about this time last year, but I see the circulation is perpetual. This little lens may very well end up being the most well traveled photo equipment EVAR!

I LOVE it and have added my name to the list.

Europe
ftpaddict (Bucharest, Romania)
jah3 (Helsinki, Finland)
ovim (Tre, Finland)
dayah (Zagreb, Croatia)
elkarrde (Zagreb, Croatia)
Hrvoje_Fila (Zagreb, Croatia)
kevinschoenmakers (Netherlands)
Urje (Deventer, Netherlands)
Niki (?)
Viliam (Uppsala, Sweden)
Ezechiel (Poitou Charentes, France)
Bymy141 (St. Petersberg, Russia)
Deni (Tirana, Albania)
Edvinas (Lithuania)

Canada

steVo_k200d (Calgary, Alberta, Canada)
icywarm (Saskatchewan, Canada)
minikin (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada)last known location of lens 2
J.Scott (Ontario, Canada)
Winfab (Windsor, Ontario, Canada)
eccs19 (Lisle, Ontario, Canada)
flickeroo (Montreal, Quebec, Canada)
bdery (Quebec City, Quebec, Canada)
digitaddict (Quebec, Canada)
Andi Lo (Halifax, Noca Scotia, Canada)
Jimbow007 (Blackfalds, Alberta, Canada)
MountainCat (Dawson Creek, British Columbia)
Andrew Lang (Thunderbay)

Asia
Fearview (Jakarta, Indonesia)
Dycz (Philippines)
Tinabalagosa (Cebu, Philippines)
Dbmayur (Taipei, Taiwan)
openyourap (Bangkok, Thailand)
Summonbaka (Kagoshima, Japan)

Africa
LensScribe (Johannesburg, South Africa)

Australia
Cupic (Warrawong, NSW, Australia)
xjjohnno (Melbourne, Australia)

USA
Pollitowozhere (Puerto Rico)
John Araki (Hawaii, USA)
GateCityRadio (Greensboro, North Carolina, USA)
the_int21h (South Carolina, USA)
miserere (Boston, Maine, USA)
Dave_Sz (Illinois 60110, USA)
RickL (Missouri, USA)
Naturephoto1P (Florida, USA)
hwblanks (Williston, Florida, USA)
JnM_in_Vt (Vermont, USA)
SLRPhotography (Kennewick, Washington, USA)
Kalison (Iowa, USA)
xyzik (Seattle, USA)
feralryan (Chicago, 60661, USA)
TourDeForce (Palm Beach, Florida, USA)

Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/mini-challenges-games-photo-stories/42332...#ixzz0zqM1LkDy

Forum: Site Suggestions and Help 04-15-2010, 09:26 PM

News Announcing Pentaxium - Event #7 - April 17th, 2010
Posted By TourDeForce

Replies: 126
Views: 20,514

Yes, Samsung by Pentax is OK.

Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 03-22-2010, 11:39 PM

Sell K200D's for K7?
Posted By TourDeForce

Replies: 2
Views: 2,295

First, my suggestion to you - go to cameralensrentals.com and rent the K-7 for a week and see how you like it. You don't have to wade through the load of sometimes biased or un-informed posts to glean insight from your contemporaries. Decide for yourself with real world use.

Second, I've got the same gear and had thought about a K-7 upgrade too. I've decided to keep the K200 and I can offer four reasons why you should too:

1. K200D images are pretty darn good. Co-worker has been through 2 Nikon D60s, a D5000, a Canon T1i and 40D and still has envy for the Pentax I carry. Not strictly resolution, but color, contrast, white balance, all combine to give me a more consistent keep rate.

2. Based on the review and real world photos I've seen the resolution/ IQ improvement is noticeable, but not significant enough to justify the added price tag for me. If you're doing work that demands high detail, then by all means take the plunge.

3. Expect the price of the K-7 to go down in the not too distant future.

4. If low light performance is a key element of your considerations, check out the K-X. That beastie rocks for low light performance. The only thing that prevents me from purchasing one is the focus confirmation (red box) in the viewfinder - it doesn't have one for some reason. I almost exclusively use center focus, but there are those few times when I've gotta have auto focus point selection and visual focus point confirmation is kinda important in those situations so I can manually override as needed.

Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 03-21-2010, 07:16 AM

Nice review of the K-7
Posted By TourDeForce

Replies: 51
Views: 10,362

I've studied the high ISO comparisons between Pentax and the other makers. Sure, noise is an issue in the pictures, but the value on low noise is misplaced. Check the comparisons for yourself; Pentax consistently has superior detail retention, hands down. DPreview.com has some nice side by side crops in their reviews for reference.

What the average user doesn't know, once that detail is washed out with noise reduction, you can't get it back. Don't know about you, but I'd rather have the detail and perform the remaining noise reduction in PP where I have full control and the algorithm to filter noise can be much more sophisticated (dependent upon software).

Furthermore, I rarely require high ISO and the fact we have image stabilization in modern DSLRs further reduces the need to shoot high ISO. The most common situation where high ISO may be of great benefit - indoor sports photography. Even then I'd love to compare PP'd photos with users of any other brand of equipment. Make an interesting study...

Forum: Sold Items 12-27-2009, 10:55 AM

For Sale - Sold: 2 18-55mm kit lenses ("L" and "AL II" version)
Posted By TourDeForce

Replies: 5
Views: 3,515

PM sent on the AL II kit lens.

Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 12-25-2009, 07:11 PM

canon user jumping ship to pentax
Posted By TourDeForce

Replies: 40
Views: 6,620

Actually, having extensive experience with both lenses, the Canon on a T1i, the Canon 50mm 1.8 is quite inferior. Hands down. No contest.

THOSE are excellent suggestions. The DA 40mm is an outstanding lens at almost any price. DA 35 is even better.

Fantastic advice. I've owned the F 50 1.7 and it is a dreamy lens to work with. The center sharpness is good on the Canon, but the edge and corners are typically poor by comparison. The sharpness of the Canon lens peaks at near 5.6 also. Kinda useless to have a fast lens if it will be horribly soft at wide aperture. Just 'cause it has a wide aperture, don't mean it's useful.

Sadly, these observations I can confirm. Which brings me to the big confusion about the OP's original post... Choosing the K-x based on high ISO performance, yet having an elaborate flash setup. Flash photography I would expect wouldn't require need for high ISO capability.

Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing 12-25-2009, 09:40 AM

post processing newbie--what to use?
Posted By TourDeForce

Replies: 31
Views: 9,293

This has been a good thread thus far. I'll be checking it regularly. Something very simple to use would be preferable for the occasional user like myself.

I've have the full suite of Adobe products since the K100 arrived two years ago, but rarely use them. They're certainly not remotely used to their potential when opened. A few tutorials would likely help a great deal.

Forum: Site Suggestions and Help 12-25-2009, 07:28 AM

News PentaxForums.com Affiliates with Adorama
Posted By TourDeForce

Replies: 28
Views: 4,034

Here, here! Well done Helen!

Because of this active interest by Helen on behalf of Adorama, I will certainly make Adorama my FIRST resource when it comes to my photography needs and will continue to refer other people without reservation.

Thank you Helen. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories 11-21-2009, 09:16 PM

Sticky: The traveling nifty 50mm
Posted By TourDeForce

Replies: 1,755
Views: 561,262

GAWD!!! I L-O-V-E the bokeh of that lens!

NICE use of the 50 Jay! That particular shot has a little more harshness in the bokeh than I'm used to seeing, but a glimpse of Monet masterpiece background is there.

Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 11-14-2009, 12:22 PM

K200D vs K20D
Posted By TourDeForce

Replies: 11
Views: 5,210

I've used both and own the K200D. I am NOT considering the K20 upgrade. It's a fine camera, but the advantages are not worth the upgrade expense for my uses.

I'm going to wait for the K7 prices to drop and then consider a move. Until then, the glass is getting better all the time...

Forum: Welcomes and Introductions 11-01-2009, 12:34 PM

A long winded introduction
Posted By TourDeForce

Replies: 12
Views: 1,019

You're not alone. Like you, lots of film guys have difficulty making the adjustment to digital enhancement. We like our pictures from the camera as untouched as possible. PP is still somewhat taboo for me... :o

Welcome, and feel free to share your experiences with the post processing software. I'd like to get a better feel for the powerful yet user friendly software.

Forum: Welcomes and Introductions 11-01-2009, 12:22 PM

Hello from Southwestern PA!
Posted By TourDeForce

Replies: 4
Views: 846

Welcome indeed!

I look forward to you posting some pictures with your new gear. When you're ready to upgrade or expand your lens selection, there are lots of choices which include old legacy glass. Pentax has a great thing going with backward compatibility - and for good reason.

Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 11-01-2009, 11:42 AM

Does anyone have this Vivitar Series 1 lens
Posted By TourDeForce

Replies: 10
Views: 5,782

Here's a follow up on an old thread. I'll be posting a review when I've had more time to analyze the lens.

As for it being soft at 500mm - I think not. What folks are more likely seeing is motion blur or loss of contrast at larger apertures. Here's a sample that I took only last night at 500mm, f/10, and 1/250 or so shutter speed. I adjusted for some motion blur (hand held shot leaning against the house, sorry), and dropped the highlights to suit my own taste. Still don't think I got the motion blur fix right, but anyway:

The big problem I had with the lens was zoom creep. It's just so darn heavy the lens slowly collapses when you point it up. The original fresh from the factory lens didn't have this problem as the damping starts out quite firm. Unfortunately, users get impatient and tend to shove the zoom back & forth too quickly thus ruining the damping. I wonder if it can be adjusted or refreshed...?

Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 10-27-2009, 04:39 PM

Most Useful Prime Lens.
Posted By TourDeForce

Replies: 50
Views: 11,435

Primes are great. No doubt about it. However, I would suggest there will be MANY situations where swapping lenses would be less desirable than optimal IQ. Ever take a picture on a windy beach? Swapping a lens there is a great way to get a series of basketball sized sand grains CEMENTED to your sensor.

Perhaps my shooting is not the norm. Typically I go into a gig KNOWING what I'm shooting and have the lens to be used already on the body and the camera settings optimized as much as possible. That way I get to concentrate on the lighting & angles, and get comfy-cozy with the subject.

For personal stuff the situation is usually more fluid, so zooms are where I start, then if an exceptional scene presents itself, the primes will see use.

SUGGESTION:
Start with a few good quality zooms better than the kit lens and use them for a while. Once you know where your tendencies are, get some primes to support those tendencies - if you need to. I find that people appreciate the context & composition of a photograph, not the IQ.

Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 10-25-2009, 11:12 AM

50mm - what's the appeal?
Posted By TourDeForce

Replies: 51
Views: 7,137

The fifty does just about everything well.

On a crop sensor DSLR like your KX, it is a sharp, sweet, 75mm portrait lens with wonderful depth-of-field control.

Need some macro work, add cheap accessories like a reversing ring or extension tubes & VOILA! The IQ really comes through in this use.

At a party or concert & not much light to work with? Bust out the 50!

There are darn few lenses that will, for so little money, offer the image quality & versatility of the beloved fast 50.

Unlike most DSLR users, the 50mm finds a lot of use on my camera.

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