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Forum: General Photography
02-27-2023, 02:35 PM
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Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom
07-07-2022, 07:36 PM
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Thanks for the reminder... our understanding at the time was that indeed it was the glossy paper that was supposed to achieve the claimed archival potential and that the textured pearl paper was significantly less.
Barry- Totally enjoyed that story of manually rolling drums! Lol.
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Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom
07-06-2022, 06:06 PM
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Oh yes- loved printing in cibachrome! Back in 1986 it was the driver for me switching from 35mm Kodachrome 25 to Kodachrome 64 in 120mm format. Fuji 50 was the other film that me and my brother used for printing. I preferred the Kodachrome and he preferred the Fujichrome.
My understanding back then was that Ilford rated Cibachrome 'archival' based on its claimed fade resistance performance at 75 years.
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Forum: General Photography
11-14-2021, 08:01 PM
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I am not personally familiar with the FT7. I would believe that both the WG and the Coolpix, as well as their other competitors, are capable of producing decent photo results. And I think in many cases the built-in color temperature settings may work fairly well.
However, in my personal case I felt like the ability to capture in RAW was a fundamental need that should be met even for an action camera, and particularly with underwater images. Similar to RAW file experience with a DSLR or mirrorless on land:
- Occasionally environmental conditions can be such that RAW file manipulation may result in very little difference being possible from the out-of-camera image regardless of efforts.
- However, most often RAW files enable a reasonable amount of latitude for adjustments, corrections, improvements or alterations.
- In some cases (or many) where underwater images may appear flat, of low or extreme contrast, having a RAW file format enables ability to return some vibrancy to the images, to adjust contrast and color temperature, to help portray atmosphere, or to emphasize the intended subject.
In regards to the Olympus TG Series it is certainly not perfect:
- The most difficult problem (to resolve) I have encountered is the purple orb under some conditions (in particular above water, sun on lens and telephoto zoom). More or less unique to the TG.
- The most frequent challenge (frustrating) I have encountered is inability to adequately see the rear screen (e.g. underwater, or above in sunlit screen conditions). More or less applicable to most non-optical viewfinder cameras.
- Web searches can find some reasonably good information, tips and settings advice for using the TG Series underwater.
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Forum: General Photography
11-14-2021, 12:34 AM
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In my personal opinion the answer is simple... one that can capture images in a RAW format. The ability to capture in RAW can be a big deal underwater.
Otherwise the one with a control interface that best fits your liking or personal preferences.
Unlikely that low power built in lighting works well unless you can get very close to the subject + be slow / gentle enough in motion to not alarm the subject matter (e.g. more likely with air supply and weights, much less likely without). Otherwise higher powered lighting is highly desirable.
Other factors to possibly consider:
- Quality at higher ISO + ability to set a minimum threshold for shutter speed (and possibly ISO range).
- Response time for image capture from sleep mode, and also from power-on startup.
- Any potential aids to aim at subject when viewing screen is not visible.
- Potential to use an extension pole and somehow release shutter.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
10-04-2021, 08:08 PM
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Totally agree! And by a general lack of photos from early adopters also!
Unfortunately I am not in circumstances to be able to make such a purchase. But as an owner of the 18-135mm and the Pentax 50-135mm F2.8 with Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 since 2012... I've been so excited and enthusiastic for the release of this lens... and then its been practically a flat line ^^^1_____ as far as early adopter feedback regarding this should-be top-notch typically important lens.
___
PS: Ok- well to be fair... I'll admit that I'm guilty of being terrible with taking effort to share as well. In spite of the fact that I totally enjoy and appreciate all you regulars around here who do!!
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
09-20-2021, 09:12 AM
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I am genuinely enjoying both major contributors in this conversation thus far:
- Ulrich for your sharing of excellent information and details regarding your progressive perspective and the basis behind it.
- Clackers likewise for sharing excellent simple clarity in explanation and examples regarding conventional wisdom in the application of AF principles.
For those interested the specific menu based Nikon D500 'Tips - Settings by Events':
- Specific settings recommendations (little discussion) for specific events within; soccer, track and field, gymnastics, water sports etc.
- This information can be found as a subset of the information Ulrich linked to.
- The direct sub-link is here: D500 TIPS - Details: Settings by Event | Technical Solutions | Nikon Professional Services |
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
09-18-2021, 10:28 AM
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Looking forward to have other owners also contribute their personal findings.
The 55-300mm PLM is one of many Pentax lenses that I like to follow for future knowledge someday.
To Jersey-
Out of curiosity, for investigative purposes have you tried verifying best performance at 300mm (specifically, momentarily ignoring lower focal length performance) near infinity focus using optimized AF fine adjust (this of course can be very difficult to do)? And I suppose verifying with focus enlargement in Live View may mitigate my prior question/suggestion anyways??
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
09-02-2021, 07:12 AM
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Awesome! Get us some example pics from it... very exciting new lens, that has been shipping for awhile now in other parts of the world, and yet relatively no pics yet... some of us are anxiously awaiting to see pics!
Consider starting a new PLM version dedicated thread in 'lens sample photo archive' or 'lens club'.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
08-30-2021, 09:40 AM
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As a side note to the K-3iii itself.... it is very likely that the next camera body release will be the other APS-C (hopefully next year? Equivalent aka K70, KP or K80?).
Unfortunately, the last time I searched I did not succeed to locate the few seconds of video time in which:
Albert Siegel who works media photography in Japan also has some acquaintance with a few Pentax employees. Albert very briefly mentioned in one of his K-3 III related videos earlier this spring that he has personally seen another (non-K3iii) APS-C prototype in the hands of one of the employees. Being respectful of Pentax's wishes he does not provide any further details. (It is in my nature to interpret this as likely a working prototype.)
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Forum: General Photography
08-30-2021, 09:13 AM
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There is theory... there is speculation... there is testing... and then there is day to day application and usage.
For years Pentaxians (and others) have used full frame lenses on APS-C sensors cameras. Perhaps they didn't know what induced issues were hiding behind their otherwise favorable results.
But along came the K-1 in 2016 and a direct comparison has been in the hands of very many users for the past 5 years. So direct that it does not require the use of 3rd party adapters and is based entirely on the original manufacturer design and production.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
08-28-2021, 08:55 PM
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Forum: General Photography
08-27-2021, 07:36 AM
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I would agree with Steve's apprehension about lighting filters being effective.
There seems to be a notable difference between material properties that are:
- Capable to project discern able color onto a reflective surface (e.g. that can be captured by color film).
- Designed to filter color wavelengths (e.g. for effect with B&W medium).
I don't recall if my experimentation with this occurred during my film days or early digital. But I do recall the difference was a bit surprising.
If the cost is none or sufficiently low... then certainly feel free to explore further.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
08-26-2021, 10:29 AM
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I can't wait to actually see photos, many photos, from those who have ordered it... and to be jealous!
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Forum: General Photography
08-26-2021, 10:18 AM
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If the lens / camera has filter threads then it could be possible to try sourcing a plastic Cokin creative or the larger professional sliding filter system and plastic snap together gelatin filter holders. The normal creative size accommodated lens threads only up to a limit. Then the larger 'professional' system accommodated up to thread diameter 72mm (for sure) or possibly 77mm (unsure). Or it might serve as inspiration.
Also Calumet used to make a simple thin metal adhesive holder for view camera applications mounted to the inner face of a lens board (surrounding the lens. They also used to have card board frames for mounting gel filters to facilitate ease of handling.
Medium format (e.g. Hasselblad) used filters mounted directly to the internal bayonet of the lens. And a sliding bellows lens shade mounted to the external bayonet of the lens. The sliding bellows had a drop in slot at the end to accommodate insertion of a thin frame when using narrower field of view lenses. In some cases a 'flat plane with cutout' or 'external framework' of cardboard, plastic or wood might work to sandwich or tape mount a gelatin filter onto. Perhaps a lens hood could be slotted or end adapted to accept such an apparatus.
Or possibly just use a clamp arm to hold a set-up (e.g. framed gel and overhead shade) just in front of the lens.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
08-19-2021, 04:35 AM
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Initial images seem nice. Superbly sweet exterior details for a vintage lens. Looks like an aperture close down lever for depth of field preview. The lever built in a classical manner for the era. Dig the extra touches in the black and red engravings. Especially the engraved symbols to help guide selection for aperture range based on predicted lighting exposure: Window at f1.7 / Cloud at f4 / Sun at f11.
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Forum: General Photography
08-18-2021, 09:01 AM
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A few quick thoughts: I would agree with prior recommendations to plan for keeping gear relatively simple within the actual venue. But have a few options available in your vehicle in case you desire alternatives.
Digital will be much more flexible than film post capture (e.g. color balance, contrast and cropping control). If you really want to shoot some film, no big deal as its really just for fun anyways- and the prior suggestion of B&W sounds like a decent idea for the creative alternative.
For focal lengths consider your working distances inside the venue in regards to both the spaces within the facility and also the density of people. Consider also the lighting conditions. I assume the contrast could likely be quite harsh (e.g. barn style high ceiling or restaurant low dark ceiling with widely separated and possibly bare bulb fixtures. Flare may be detrimental or beneficial. Lighting temperatures may vary.
In a relatively 'congested space' you'll typically have to be fairly close to your subject if you intend to shoot without having to make a scene in order to clear and maintain your angle of view. In full frame format: 35mm is generally considered good for small groups or wide angle portraits without significant distortion. Consequently the 43mm focal length might be decent as a somewhat wide normal. 77mm may very likely be near the limit of space available for working distance with full height portraits in a candid setting (in APS-C it most definitely would be problematic). For head and shoulders or waist up the 77mm may approach more suitable. Telephoto of course has distinct advantages in framing flexibility and 70-200mm might accommodate a larger space or less congestion.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
08-15-2021, 02:59 PM
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And it certainly was fun to read as well... complete with pics no less! Fun setup. First impression is that the sample picture is quite decent, and in line with what all you knowledgeable wizards would have predicted. :)
The no film expense aspect could be a fun incentive for remembering to get out those old mechanical shutters and exercise them on a more appropriate interval. (Speaking of which.... cringe!)
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
08-15-2021, 12:46 PM
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Nice to get some input comments from those more informed than myself.
Eric's more recent post lead me to a google search that quickly located the following link which I believe might likely be what he was making reference to (and kinda reflects the initial reservations I raised earlier): The Problem with Using Large Format Lenses on a Digital Camera | PetaPixel
Including Cipher's personal experience with the APO 4x5 enlarging lens.
And Digitalis' comment about 35mm crops from 8x10 film I found particularly interesting and something I was not aware of.
_____
p.s. When I first transitioned from film to digital in 2012 with my K-5 I did a very quick trial with my Zeiss medium format lenses, but most certainly and therefore not really surprisingly- a lack of testing robustness lead me to conclude that the performance was likely not worth pursuing.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II
08-13-2021, 05:57 PM
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That was a fun read... and a good example illustrating that for a given component to function properly, or to give a proper diagnostic readout... certain conditions must be met... and those conditions may sometimes be controlled or monitored by other components. A truly skilled technician understands, recognizes and perhaps even more importantly will actually exercise the discipline necessary to act on that knowledge. :)
So here is a nod of acknowledgement and respect! (From someone with training in automotive engineering technology / factory service representation and a career through applications, design engineering, product development, account and development program management.)
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
08-11-2021, 03:01 PM
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What about the resolving capability of the large format lenses?
For many many years I have had an uninformed impression that large format (e.g. 4x5") lenses don't perform well on imaging medium smaller than about 6x9 cm. Although this was an impression originating back in the film days. For example; I have an old Sinar brochure 'Info 32' from 1988 that shows for a multicoated Sinaron S 210mm lens an MTF graph measured between 80-88% (f11-32) in the angle of field area of 54 degrees at 5 line pairs per millimeter.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
08-10-2021, 09:10 AM
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
08-07-2021, 11:47 AM
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Thanks! Some of us enjoy seeing the cut cross-section views. Especially when new technology and layouts are involved.
An enlarged view looking straight at the cut cross-section could also be interesting... perhaps sometime in the future when you are passing by the display again. ;)
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
08-07-2021, 09:00 AM
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Awesome! Thanks for taking time to post a few photos (even if they are just initial trials)! Many people are excited to see examples coming from this newly released lens... and very very few example pics have been shared so far.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
08-05-2021, 08:37 AM
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Jersey- Agreed access to Krakow would be awesome... and in the rain no less! Any chance you could rig up a plastic bag drape using clips under neath to help keep it in place... or just go the traditional way with an umbrella (easier said than done of course). Then again, if you always have access to Krakow- then I guess waiting until you have a Pentax sealed lens is reasonable.
As great as my Sigma lens actually performs... it seems that my sealed Pentax lens gets used the most. Although that is most often because of its smaller physical size. Still, I'm hoping that the performance of the DA* 16-50mm PLM will be noteworthy enough to compel me to someday replace the Sigma with it.
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