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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
12-14-2017, 06:11 PM
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The most "clinical" true color lens would be a pinhole. With no glass elements or color-reflecting AR coatings at all, a pinhole transmits 100% of every wavelength equally.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
12-12-2017, 04:50 PM
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Yeah... No. You have done nothing here but troll. 19 posts on the forum, most here trolling and arguing stupid logic and offing proof that has huge softness and distortion.
Why are you here on Pentaxforums???
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Forum: General Photography
11-26-2017, 09:07 AM
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Fokeh? Isn't that what Max Immelmann used to fly in WWI?
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
11-14-2017, 09:56 PM
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Apparently DxO doesn't do Medium format camera reviews, they said it was against their policy to publish medium format reviews.
All this proves is exactly how shady things are at DxO - and gives me even more reasons to distrust them.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-11-2017, 11:28 PM
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I had a fabulous 3 weeks in Greece in July, but when I returned, some unexpected things kept me stupid busy, and so I'm slow in reporting on my photography experiences. I was part of a group looking at ancient sites in light of mythology and early Christianity. To that end I was mainly documenting locations, and I'm happy with the pictures I was able to get. I'm a little disappointed in myself for not being as 'artistic' and creative with the shots as I would have liked. That is, I believe every site has a story to tell, and good shots are able to capture the spirit of a place without documenting it. Ah, well, I'm still learning...
As for my gear, I was satisfied. The main problem is that somehow for one whole day, I shot with WB in fluorescent. Add a CPL to that, and it produces some weird colors. (I have no idea how it happened, since I always just use AWB.) I shoot in RAW, so it was fixable, at least.
I ended up bring 3 bags.- Tenba Discovery Photo/Laptop Messenger which could hold everything. I carried it around a number of times, and the main benefit is that it allowed me to bring 2 bodies (K-3 w/ the 16-85 and the K-30 with the 10-17 FE) and not have to change lenses when I was with the group.
- A Tamrac Velocity 6X: I ended up using this most of all. We did lots of hiking around, and it was very hot, so this lighter weight option was perfect. I can fit the K-3 with the 16-85 (w/ hood), the 10-17FE, the 40XS, spare batteries, etc. It was perfect for my needs.
- A little fanny pack that I would use for street shooting, usually with the K-30 and DA21 and/or 40XS.
As for cameras and lenses...- K-3: ~1500 pics
- K-30: ~100 pics
- Galaxy Note 5: ~200 pics
Lenses and focal lengths- DA 16-85: 1225 pics
- 16mm: 476
- 18mm: 104
- 21mm: 95
- 23mm: 74
- 26mm: 90
- 28mm: 65
- 31-39mm: 135
- 43-48mm: 55
- 53-60mm: 41
- 68-75mm: 53
- 85mm: 56
- DA 10-17FE: 265 pics
- 10-11mm: 160
- 13-15mm: 40
- 17mm: 65
- DA 21: 50 pics
- DA 40XS: 15 pics
- DAL 55-300: 10 pics (mostly 150-300mm)
As the numbers show the K-3 with 16-85 was a very versatile combination. I had used the DA 18-135 on earlier trips, and my experience suggested that I would use the 16-17mm more than the 86-135mm, and you can see that's true. I love pairing it with the DA 10-17FE which is one of my favorite lenses. The DA 21 and 40XS are so small that it's easy to include them, and I mainly used them for street shots. Part of the reason that there are so few shots with the 55-300 is that I just didn't bother often to carry it around. I probably could have left the DAL 55-300 behind and been fine.
All in all, I was satisfied with my gear, and I report here as way of recommending it to others going on similar types of trips.
I haven't had time to process many of the pics, but here are some samples.
Temple of Poseidon at Sounion by Mark Hoffman, on Flickr
Theater at Oiniadias by Mark Hoffman, on Flickr
Greco-Roman ship shed (dry dock) for 6 triemes at Oiniadias by Mark Hoffman, on Flickr
Temple of Zeus at Olympia by Mark Hoffman, on Flickr
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
11-01-2017, 05:13 AM
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With three of the main antagonists on my ignore list, this thread is at once hilarious, confusing and depressing.
The DA*11-18 will be an awesome lens for those invested in the crop ecosystem. The little old primes are great, but this offers something completely different, and shows Ricoh remains serious about APS-C. The nay-sayers deserve all the ridicule they're getting.
Off topic: anyone suggesting the DFA15-30 is no good for travel is talking their usual nonsense. I have taken mine on two overseas trips in the last year or so and it was indispensable both times. It will be the first lens I pack for my next trip.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-15-2016, 02:42 PM
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Not being wealthy nor destined for a significant family endowment later in life, I have bought the 35mm f2.4 and the 16-45mm F4 the 15-30mm F2.8 and several other lenses after reading all the postings on quality and testing done on these lenses for full frame as I have a new K-1. I also bought the 28-105mm "kit" lens. All of these lenses are as reviewed and have been great. It has meant some sales of my pictures and that alone says it all. So thank you to all who have taken the time and effort the post on here. I am 73 years old and grateful for the help.
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Forum: Lens Sample Photo Archive
10-06-2016, 03:09 PM
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Trinidad State Beach, with the K-5iis:
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Forum: Lens Sample Photo Archive
10-29-2016, 03:13 PM
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Mouth of the Elk River as it pours into Humboldt Bay:
Railroad bridge over Elk River:
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Forum: Sold Items
04-19-2016, 09:57 PM
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Who's she? (The one on the sample photo?). Free bump!
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Forum: Ricoh GR
06-20-2015, 05:56 AM
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Hi,
I've discovered this forum almost two years ago and found some helpful information, which lead to buying a Ricoh GR. I used the camera quite a lot and thought I could share my impression and some photos.
What I like about the camera:
- Its image quality. There are enough tests available that prove it. But I am still surprised about the quality of the GR-images. (Besides the GR I own a Nikon D7100 with some good lenses, but I wouldn't call the quality significantly superior.)
- Its size and weight. Since I have the GR I made most of my good photos with it, and not with the Nikon. The reason for this is simple: The GR was in my pocket with me and the Nikon wasn't, because I preferred to leave it at home with all the heavy lenses. The GR doesn't feel any bigger than a smartphone in my pocket.
- Its handling. The access to all the functions I use is very easy. The manual focus is really nice to have for me. For its size, the ergonomics are very good.
- Its sturdiness. I use the camera a lot for outdoor activities and I don't care too much about its protection. It got a little wet and dirty on a few occasions but with a shutter count of 14000 it still works like on day one.
What I don't like:
- The sensor-dust. It's no big issue, as the two dust spots on my sensor are easy to remove in lightroom. And as mentioned above, I'm not the user, who carries the camera in an safety case and only uses it in good weather.
- Besides that, I wouldn't ask for any improvement. (Of course a 24MP sensor and a lens with better edge sharpness at f2.8 would be nice, but it's nothing I really miss.)
So If the camera stopped working today I'd immediately buy it again.
Here are 10 of my favourite pictures I took with GR:
 sunrise bettelwurf by Philipp Medicus, auf Flickr
 sunset above the clouds by Philipp Medicus, auf Flickr
 foggy forrest from above by Philipp Medicus, auf Flickr
 jump! by Philipp Medicus, auf Flickr
 treeshadowsnow by Philipp Medicus, auf Flickr
 autumn morning by Philipp Medicus, auf Flickr
 landing by Philipp Medicus, auf Flickr
 ground fog by Philipp Medicus, auf Flickr
 railways 2 by Philipp Medicus, auf Flickr
 growing salad - aerial view by Philipp Medicus, auf Flickr
Cheers,
P.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
06-12-2015, 05:36 PM
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I have the F 28 mm 2.8 and I agree here. It's one and maybe only weakness is flare control. I really like the lens and do use it occasionally. It pairs nicely with a 40 mm or 50 mm lens as a two lens kit. I bought mine new way back in 1990 with my long gone SF-10 film SLR. IT is still a great lens on K-5 and K-3. If you can get a good copy for around $200 to $250 it is definitely worth it. Build is better than average with a plastic outside shell, but mount and inner barrel are metal. Not quite limited quality but it feels substantial like it will last a long time, which mine has.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
06-05-2015, 10:54 AM
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From what I recall, you could just wiggle the hood/front part of lens around and it should be solid (as it sounds like yours is.. My copy was and is solid too, but some aren't... I think some could feel it wobble a bit for instance if they switched to portrait orientation, etc.. When there is wobble, it could definitely attribute to softness especially wide open). If there is any wobble/wiggle in it, it would feel a bit loose, and you'd know you have some wobble. If you search the board for FA31 and wobble, you can read about it. Also would be curious if you would notice any difference if you added a hood. Many of us have added extra hoodage for FA31 on APS-C and find that it helps. There is one particular one I bought (I believe a Panasonic) that many here have, and a board search would deliver it quickly... But it sounds like your mind is pretty made up, so probably no point in that...
Oh and here's one of my @f1.8 shots that got some likes
 diorama |
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Forum: Pentax K-30 & K-50
03-03-2015, 11:59 AM
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This amazing k30 (gun metal look) is my backup camera
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-05-2015, 11:09 AM
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With the 12-24, you get NO hyper-focal scale, which is stupid for an ultra-wide; I've been asking for YEARS for a digital HFS with a software upgrade, it would be quite easy to do, but so far, nothing from ANY manufacturer. If you want wide, get the 15; if you want to explore the 'near-far dichotomy', get the 14, both of which HAVE a hyper-focal scale. This shot is from my 14, probably my favourite lens:
I would like something wider, as well, but NOT a zoom. Keep hoping and asking for a 10mm f5.6 limited WR and maybe it will happen someday.
Cheers,
Cameron
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-03-2015, 07:58 AM
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It is with many reservations I will recommend the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 getting this lens, along with the lens dock- a critical accessory. IF you can calibrate the AF properly as needed it will suit your purposes well. But then again for landscape photography AF isn't really needed.
The Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 is also worth a look for this purpose, it is a wide lens - this means with clear skies you can keep the shutter open for longer before the stars will smear into trails. A second hand FA31mm f/1.8 won't set you back as much as a new one - The FA31mm f/1.8 excels at everything.
Pentax K5IIs - Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM
Pentax K5IIs - SMCP-FA31mm f/1.8 Limited
Pentax K5IIs - Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 @ 19mm |
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
02-23-2015, 04:01 AM
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There's a difference between a discussions on the ethics of such a transaction, and the outright rudeness of at least one Member here, who's known for stepping across into self-righteous condemnation at the drop of a hat. Most of the comments thankfully have fallen into the former category, so I wouldn't call them "moralising". Like anyone else, you can take the discussion on board and consider it, or dismiss it, because there's nothing illegal that's been done, not even anything against the code this Forum operates under. If this is the bargain it seems to be, then good luck to you, because I paid a lot more for my A50/1.2. One thing I will add to the conversation is that I doubt anyone here has any idea what you do with the rest of your life, and judging someone you don't really know on the basis of one reported act, even a self-reported one, isn't a very adult thing to do.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
02-23-2015, 12:57 PM
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Would it make some of you feel any better knowing that the seller lived in a gated community, in a very palatial home with a Lincoln Navigator and a Cadillac Escalade in the driveway? True story. I slept very well last night, knowing that I made a very good deal, paying a very small sum for three lenses that I will put to good use. And, I will think of the seller's departed father EVERY time I use them and hope that he rests in peace, knowing that his beloved Pentax lenses are being well cared for and used as he would have liked. Quite frankly, I'm very dismayed at the personal attack on me by some of you. You have made assumptions about me and my character that are totally baseless. You don't know me. You don't know my financial situation. You don't know what's in my heart and yet feel free to denigrate and disparage me to no end. Shame on you.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
02-08-2015, 12:27 PM
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twitted means 'twas a tweet twote by a twit?
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
02-06-2015, 07:31 AM
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Do they think that  ?
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
02-01-2015, 09:06 AM
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One of the reasons that I have consistently rated Lowepro bags -1 point in my reviews - they seem to be oblivious to the fact that the bottoms of their bags are pretty uniformly under-padded. I add some foam to each of them to make the bottoms better padded and softer. Those bags are designed to be worn and when worn I do not believe the pressure is excessive. However, I have made it a habit to not sit bags down on the part on which the lens rests directly.
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Forum: Pentax Q
01-25-2015, 08:45 AM
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I very much like stong wide angles and I like my 03 lens a lot. It offers a great field of view and good image quality in a small package. For my Pentax K-30 I have a Sigma 8-16mm. A great lens that I seldom use because of its bulk.
What I wanted to find out was how much angle of view the 03 has on the bigger sensor of the Q7.
Results see below. The Q7 offers quite a bit more field of view than the Q. I also developed a raw file with raw therapee and you can see that there is still a lot of coverage to gain if cut corners are accepted. When removing the cut corners by hand quit a bit more image is left than in the jpg.
The image qualty on my 03 is really good right to the edges. It also doesn't decay much when using the very corners of the field of view with the third party raw converter. A very astonishing piece of plastic!:D
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
01-22-2015, 07:46 AM
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At only $743/pound it's a bargain.
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Forum: General Photography
01-18-2015, 11:57 PM
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Oo! That's bad! Sorry to hear that.
I have lived in LA my whole life. I've been carting a camera, taking photos for around for 50 years all around the country, but very little in the south. Only twice have have I experienced anything other than curiosity. Both times I had my then young son with me.
The first time my son was in the sixth grade. In his science class, they built model rockets. We were at the local athletic field about to launch them. I was checking exposure with an 18% card that I had placed on the ground by aiming my camera at it (TTL metered). She commented quite loudly how stupid I was taking pictures of the ground. I ignored her.
The other time was ten yeas ago when my son was in high school. I was taking him to get a haircut. I just happened to have my Canon 7s and the Dream Lens with me. It is a big combination. My son and I were walking in the parking lot by a recently restored old truck. A lady, with her two kids and mother, tried to pull into the spot next to the truck, hit it, turned the steering wheel the wrong way an scraped the truck even worse. As she pulled away, I took a picture of her car's license plate, then several photos of the damaged truck. I tried to do so without her noticing. She saw and circled around, to talk to me. As she approached, I took pictures of her and the damaged portion of her car. As she pulled alongside me, I sent my son into the barbershop. She asked what I was doing, I responded that I was taking pictures. I followed my son into the shop. When we left the shop 30 minutes later, she was still circling, waiting for me. We walked away from her and she followed in her car. She caught up to me and tried to argue, demand that I give my camera to her, and wanted to know what I was going to do. I responded, "No, sorry." She kept following me, yelling at me. We sat down where she could not hit us with her car, until she left 30 minutes later. I was not about to let her follow me home or learn which car was mine. In retrospect, it was scary. She might have had a gun or have phoned an enraged relative. It was a situation where I wanted to keep my son safe and do my civic duty.
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