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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
01-28-2022, 12:53 PM
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Interesting read of everyone's experiences upgrading.
Neither of my laptops said they were eligible for the Win 11 upgrade. Despite being relatively new (2017/2018) and meeting all the processor etc. specs.
One of course is a microsoft surface (why wouldn't a microsoft tablet be eligible? I guess they want everyone to buy a new one) The other is a Dell inspiron 15.
In both cases a detailed analysis shows they meet all the actual specs, just the processors aren't on the approved list. So I followed the instructions for upgrading a non-approved PC (on the actual microsoft web site).
Both work like a charm. I also like some of the new tweaks. I don't think this is a major rev., it's more of a big service pack update, but designed to leave people behind so they feel the need to upgrade their hardware as microsoft won't support it in a few years.
So if your laptop appears to meet all the specs for the upgrade, but your processor isn't on microsoft's approved list, it might be worth a try. I recently upgraded the memory and added a new SSD and replaced the other hard drive in my main laptop (Dell), so I have no intention of letting it become obsolete because microsoft says so.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-08-2019, 01:18 PM
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So glad this thread is still here. Just finished converting my 50-135 and 16-50 back to screwdrive. My 50-135 I had converted ages ago, but after it was involved in an accident (and repaired) the pentax repair shop had fixed the sdm and reprogrammed the lens back to SDM. But three years later, SDM started acting up this spring (was not responsive until after twisting the lens focus back and forth for a minute) and after a couple of months on the shelf when I went to use it again, it was dead (unresponsive).
Took longer to relearn how to get my old K20 back into debug mode, but once that was accomplished the conversion of both lenses took about 10 minutes.
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Forum: Pentax Price Watch
08-28-2017, 03:22 PM
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
07-01-2018, 09:19 AM
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My $0.02. Two lenses I own that I think are amazing but not * - the K200 f2.5, and K28 f2.0 (hollywood). Okay the last doesn't fit the typical pentax small profile, but is amazing optics....
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Forum: Pentax Price Watch
03-09-2018, 06:45 PM
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First time in my memory that I've seen it.
And thanks to the OP.... picked up an IPAD pro (used) that I had been eyeballing... saved $88 :)
Was quite shocked to see it applied to everything...
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
02-28-2018, 11:49 AM
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I'm going to give it another try this month. Should be a relatively quiet month for me, so hopefully I can do a lot better then my last couple of tries...
For a lens... I'm going to try a new da* 50-135 - I bought one for my daughter off the bay... had issues... took 3 months + to get fixed (gave her mine in the meanwhile). So got it back in early January and really need to take it through it's paces.
Mark
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-31-2018, 12:22 PM
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Some good advice given already.
With the trip you describe I couldn't emphasize the KISS principle. (keep it simple)
Take as few lenses as you can get away with and accept there will be a few tradeoffs. So the zooms will be very useful (16-50, 55-300) - two lenses and you have pretty much every focal range covered.
Yes, I'd probably throw my 15ltd in the bag (given it's size/weight). I also would probably throw in my 70... but you might find both get very little use.
Having a simple setup means being able to get "that shot" quickly when time is limited. Especially with young kids and short attention spans.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-16-2017, 11:34 AM
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lol.
Same story... DA40ltd (green) was my first baby toe into the water of Pentax's higher end of the lineup.
Now I have DA 40, DA 35 macro, DA 15, DA70, DFA 100 - and the DA* zooms..... It's a slippery sllpe once you set foot on it. Can't say we didn't warn you...
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
11-01-2017, 11:39 AM
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My crazy schedule should be settling down now, after an unsuccessful try in September I'm going to retry a month with my Pentax K 28mm f2.0. Interesting to note that it hasn't left my K5 since the start of September. Been having a lot of fun with it, but haven't been able to commit to every day. Hopefully with harvest behind me I'll be able to participate and comment regularly this month.
Mark
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
10-26-2017, 03:38 PM
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Wow... miss reading the forum for a couple of days and look what crops up... 15 pages of discussion on a couple of new lenses.
Sorry but I have to laugh at the negativity. Some really good news on some pretty exciting new lenses - probably not in my budget but still... nice to know they might be available used in a few years.
And I have to comment on the idea that Pentax will have an impressive lineup in a few years.
They have a pretty impressive lineup now - depending on what you are looking for. Not everyone is waiting for * or limited lenses that cost as much as my first car. Pentax has some great glass in it's bullpen. Some of it older, but still impressive and able to take amazing shots if treated/handled right.
Am I excited that Pentax/Ricoh continues to release new offerings, and are developing top level lenses? you bet! Can I justify buying them new... not a chance. At least not right now... But it is really great to seem them continuing to develop new products. I love my two * zoom lenses (16-50 and 50-135) - so much that I have two of each (lol - my daughter has my second set). Hopefully sometime down the road I can grab the UWA - as that end of my lineup is quite weak. Best news in ages (and yes, I am waiting for the next generation apsc body to be announced - would love to upgrade my k5, and am still cautious about FF since the majority of my best lenses are crop...).
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Forum: Lens Clubs
09-12-2017, 05:26 PM
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Forum: Pentax Price Watch
09-14-2017, 08:45 AM
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Well, it arrived, and have been putting it through it's paces over the past couple of days (as my late to the party single-in lens)
so far it seems to be performing great. no obvious problems with the lens. Scary - the packaging left a lot to be desired - but didn't seem harmed by the trip.
(lens in cloth bag stuck in box with no real padding other then to keep it from rattling around. no bubble wrap. no layer of wadded newspaper... Was fearing the worst, but these old lenses are built like tanks...
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
09-14-2017, 07:46 AM
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And my post from the 12th made explore! Bee seeing you (flower with bee)
Only my second ever explore on Flickr
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
09-12-2017, 05:32 PM
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Well September has been a disaster for me so far. Started with 3 helpers who we expected either leaving almost immediately or not showing up. So instead of a crew of 4 helping me put nets on my grapes it's been a crew of 1 plus me... so no time to single in...
Luckily help arrived today, and looks like it will work out so a bit of a break.
Also the lens I actually wanted to single in with arrived today!!!!!!!!!!! (Can you tell I'm excited).
Having read so much about the legendary "hollywood" 28mm lens, I've kept my eyes open for one for ages. Finally managed to win one on ebay at a price I could live with (sub $400 us). So will be having a lot of fun over the next 20 odd days... and may single in with it in October too... Liking it a lot after the first dozen shots..
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Forum: Repairs and Warranty Service
09-05-2017, 11:31 PM
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Thanks... it's mine too (this was supposed to be a second copy for my daughter who is an aspiring young photographer - hoping to go pro one day.)
For now its mine, as she went back to uni on the weekend and has my copy with her and I'll be taking a risk on the new one being good after repairs...
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
08-28-2017, 03:32 PM
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After a long hiatus, I'm hoping to be back for September. Work is still crazy, but I really need to get out and shoot more.
Also, just won an auction on Ebay for something really special. Really excited to give it a work out once it comes.
I'm planning on shooting at 28mm all month. Will start with an interim lens (not sure maybe my vivitar 28/2.8 - or maybe just a zoom kept at 28 - will decide before the 1rst)
Then I'll be moving to a Pentax K 28mm f2.0 :eek:
As they say... LBA is a harsh mistress...
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
04-17-2017, 05:05 PM
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Always hoping that an exceptional find will pop up un-noticed by others for a song?
My latest find was a stack of miscellaneous lens hoods.
Only reason it was notable... it had the original hood for my Pentax K 50mm f1.2 which often retails for a pretty hefty price on the bay... but mixed in with a bunch of chaff....
only 1 bid... mine... :)
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
07-25-2016, 09:19 PM
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wow... I've been terrible this month. Work has exploded on me and there's been really no time for photography at all... bummer.
August will in all likelihood be worse.
But... I'm going to be ready for September... since I seem to remember talk about dropping 10mm focal length each month (this month was 35?) September should be teens month.... and I just won an auction for a 15 ltd.... :) been looking for one for ages, but never caught one in my price range... well tonight was my lucky night...
So I'm ready for my mind to be blown.
look for me in September... till then I'll just be lurking.
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
06-27-2016, 03:41 PM
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I'm going to give it a go again this month, hopefully with better success then in June...
My choice... just for kicks and giggles... The only lens I have ever bought new.... My Pentax-F 35-105 zoom. Bought some 23+ years ago just after I got married. Originally for my non-AF film SLR, but I spent a little extra to get a lens with AF in case I upgraded my camera body later.... just wasn't expecting later to be 20 years.... lol.
My daughter loves this lens on her K20D, but she's away for July with my 18-135 as her sole lens for the month, so I'm going to play with a sentimental favorite, and see if it can get the creative juices flowing again.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
06-19-2016, 10:21 PM
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I concur - no issues with infinity focus in my copy of the non-wr dfa100
 Untitled by Mark Holford, on Flickr
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
06-04-2016, 09:52 PM
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Looks like my Tofino sunset made it into explore. My first time. Thanks for the positive comments - will definitely be framing that one
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
05-19-2016, 03:15 PM
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Yeah... I figure if I miss a day... I miss a day. I sometimes I get around to processing images later the next day (or even 2). No biggie. I post pics on the correct day's thread. If everyone has already viewed that thread and moved on then my pic just won't get a lot of comments - which I accept as my due for being tardy.
I do appreciate the comments and especially the criticisms. Only way to get better is to practice and get constructive feedback from people who's opinion you value. (which is you folk... in case I'm not clear)
I've been trying to keep up with commenting (but am behind again). Will keep pushing forward. Seeing these photo's each day is inspiring, and pushes me to get out and capture my own... so thanks for that...
oh yeah... cleaned my sensor today so there should be less bunnies hanging around...
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
04-30-2016, 11:40 AM
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I'm not sure what can be said about this lens that hasn't already been said...
I chose it this month for 3 reasons:
1) It was in a car accident with me and had recently returned from being repaired - and I really needed to give it a thorough workout
2) It was able to cover 135mm which a lot of members seemed to be using this month (although I didn't always adhere to that focal length)
3) It's an "easy" lens to use... still recovering from my accident, so didn't need a complicated lens or I might lose momentum early...
So I purchased this lens last fall... it had a failed SDM and ended up going pretty cheap on Ebay as it was sold as MF only. I converted it to screwdrive and figured I had a deal. Well after it was broken in the car accident I had to send it out as the lens was separating where the green ring is. When it came back the SDM had also been replaced... But even with the repair the price was still very attractive. The screwdrive AF was fine, but I have to admit I like the silent SDM a bit better.
Well... I can see why this is a wedding photographers dream lens. Beautiful rendering, great for portraits, can be tack sharp if you want it to be, but not too sharp - leaving portraits looking very pleasing.
Took some wonderful landscapes... Great for flowers/gardens. Beautiful colours. Lovely bokeh. Also great in low light conditions.
So yes, this is probably the "easiest" lens I own in terms of producing quality output under a wide variety of conditions, and quite forgiving with the photographer... it is one of those lenses that makes most shots look good. (and when you get it right they look amazing)
It's definitely in my top 3 lenses. Between the DA*16-50, DA*50-135 I have a lot of great focal length covered for every day use with excellent picture quality.
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
04-30-2016, 11:48 AM
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so... final decision....
SMC Pentax-A F1:1.7 50mm
 Untitled by Mark Holford, on Flickr
Took a couple of test shots with it this morning, as it hasn't been used in 20 odd years... (on my old film camera)
Everything seems to work, so I'm ready for some fun.
Feeling Nifty!
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