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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-27-2015, 10:47 PM
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Interesting, my K-30 has version 1.06 I think it's the latest firmware? Will ask Sigma to update the firmware of the lens and try it out again.
Btw, I just tried one of my friend's Sigma 70-200/2.8 Macro II HSM lens and it works perfectly on my K-30. Even in indoor dim light it focused pretty quickly. The F2.8 helped a lot as well I guess. So the HSM shouldn't be the problem I guess?
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-27-2015, 10:06 PM
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Just stumbled upon this while comparing the K-30 and K-m on specs. I realize that the K-30 has KAF2 lens mount while K-m supports KAF3, KAF2, and KAF. Is this the reason why the 120-400 have compatibility issues on the K-30 because it has an HSM motor on the lens that requires KAF3 to work?
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-17-2015, 12:47 AM
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Just went to the shop to try it again yesterday. Focusing at the brightest spots in the shop, I was able to get a focus confirmation beep. But I would say it's 1-2 out of 10 times that it would be able to get a focus confirmation, the other 8-9 times the lens AF just move to min focus and back to infinity. But even the sales said this shouldn't happen as even smart phone or simple point and shoot DC camera would be able to get a focus. Hence there must be something wrong with either the camera or lens or both. He said to update me when they've got any news from Sigma.
They also said that these stocks are early old stocks and are perhaps with the earliest/oldest firmware, so perhaps Sigma has a newer firmware for this lens which could solve this issue.
Hopefully that's the case, fingers crossed.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-14-2015, 08:27 AM
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Thanks both for the reply. I agree brightness and distance might be a problem. I tried focusing on a camera inside a display window which has display lights on it but maybe it's still a little too dark. A black subject such as a DSLR camera might also be an issue? I'll go there tomorrow and try again focusing on the brightest areas with a distance and see. I'll clean my K-30's contacts beforehand as well.
The lens is selling at approximately $575 USD. I have no experience with the lens prior today but based on the user reviews here and my experience with a friend's Bigma 50-500 OS, I thought the 120-400 OS shouldn't be that far off compared to the Bigma? And the price is very affordable for me. There isn't many 400mm to choose from for Pentax mount after all, not to mention a stabilized 400mm.
The Bigma is btw so good. Well my friend is using a D3s so probably that helps as well, but I tried it at dark night with only street lights and decorations (at Christmas time) and the focus is still bang on and fast! The OS is insanely good as well I have no problem taking sharp photos of Christmas decorations with it at night.
Disadvantage is that the Bigma Pentax mount is more then double the price of this 120-400 OS, and it's also bigger and heavier. I still haven't actually tried the 120-400 today due to this focus issue or else I would have been able to tell the 120-400 OS's performance. But physically, i'm happy with it. It's smaller and lighter than the Bigma I can at least foresee myself hand holding the lens with the K-30 for a period of time without an issue, plus it fits in my Lowepro Fastpack 350 in which the Bigma doesn't, so that's huge.
Well I'll keep my fingers crossed and have a second try tomorrow before awaiting for some news from Sigma on Monday (hopefully). I'll keep this thread updated in case anyone is also interested in the lens.
Any ideas on this issue however is greatly appreciated, it'll help a lot in solving this problem for me and other fellow Pentaxians who are interested. Thanks!
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-13-2015, 11:09 PM
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Just went to a local camera store to test this lens out since the store is having a clearance sale on this lens in Pentax mount.
I mounted the lens on the camera as usual, turned on the camera, and the AF moves from infinity to closest focus distance then back and the focus is not focusing on the point (I use 1 point center point focus) and there's no AF confirmation beep.
But when I mount my 18-135 kit lens everything is fine again. Focuses quickly on spot with confirmation beep sound.
Anybody have this similar experience? Is it the lens or camera or both that's not communicating with each other?
The sales representative said they will hold the lens for me and they will check with the local distributor of Sigma to see if a lens firmware update is required for it to work on a K-30. He that said they have similar experience on these third party lenses which is quite annoying but there's nothing they could do other than asking both the lens company and the camera company about this issue.
They've even helped me to update my camera firmware to the latest 1.06 version but still didn't help. The weird thing however, is that they've tried the same lens on a demo K-S1 and everything works fine. Not sure if it's my K-30's part causing the issue. They have tried 2 copies and both have same issue.
Any ideas?
Thanks!
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Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II
05-03-2014, 06:58 PM
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Nikon tries to put D7100 as top of their DX line but when you look at buffer size which a lot of professional sports / wildlife photographers look at it's quite limiting compared to their D300s. Imo the D7000/D7100 are the successors of the D70/80/90 line only which is the direct competitor to Canon's 60D/70D line, and Pentax's K-5 / K-5 IIs, not 7D or K3. D5200 / 5300 are direct competitors to Canon's 650D / 700D and Pentax's K30 / K50; D3200 / 3300 to 100D / 1200D and Pentax's K500
But it's interesting to see how the K-3 entering the market stirs up other manufacturers intention to re-evaluate and take the high-end APSC market more seriously. Even though K-3 may not be for everyone since it's a Pentax and not Canon Nikon, one cannot deny that the possibility of having a 7D II or A77 II or D400 / D9300 or whatever is partly due to the present of Pentax K-3 in the first place. Hence the introduction of K-3 eventually benefits consumers overall
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Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II
05-03-2014, 04:54 AM
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Yeah I agree, spec wise it seems they are direct competitors, but looking at them beyond specs, they are cameras from two very different systems. EVF vs OVF, Carl Zeiss branding Minolta design optics vs Limiteds, among other differences such as body design, WR, target audience/users, etc. Both have their strengths and weaknesses.
Just by looking at the lens lineup:
Sony perhaps has a more comprehensive lens lineup that are current and in production compared to Pentax unless you go hunt for second hand or new old stock F/FA lenses. But still I don't think you can find a handheld able 70-400mm telephoto zoom or a 300mm F2.8.
However, the strengths of the Pentax lens lineup is obviously the Limiteds. Some consider "the best autofocus lenses money can buy", the limiteds especially the 31, 43, and 77, are among the best prime lenses that are also very small and light to carry.
For me, I won't sacrifice the limiteds for a faster fps and yet bulkier A77 II (however assuming size is similar to A77) and have to use expensive "Carl Zeiss" lenses that come with it. It's hard to hunt for a 300mm+ telephoto lens that's reasonably handheld-able and easy to travel with, and relatively cheap compared to a 60-250mm, something like equivalent of Olympus's 50-200mm. Perhaps a Sigma 120-400 or 135-400. But still, for me I would choose the limiteds cause I use shorter focal lengths more than 300mm+ telephotos.
But if you are a user that uses telephoto most of the time than I guess that's a different story. But I do agree the blackout of the SLT when shooting is quite annoying especially when shooting sports or wildlife. Or maybe if you are a videographer then you might go for the Sony. So in the end, they are two cameras that targets quite different audiences. But very interested to see what Nikon's reaction is or would react at all, after seeing Pentax and Sony entering the high-end APS-C market and the Canon 7D II rumoured to be out in near future.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
11-26-2013, 02:06 AM
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I am wondering what focal length should I set when the camera prompts me to enter the focal length number.
For example, for the 105/2.4, should I just enter 105mm or the converted focal length on an APSC? (btw I have no idea what the converted focal length is for the 105mm, is it also 105x1.5 = 157.5mm?)
Or does setting the focal length even matter? Does it change the SR ability and the focus confirmation?
Thanks!
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Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals
11-25-2013, 01:22 AM
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This topic is always interesting, since I've just joined the Pentax DSLR family I have been contemplating this for quite some time :).
I have the Q as well and I often argue if it's even necessary to bring a DSLR for travelling since the Q is so small and light but produces beautiful IQ, not pixel-peeping good as a K-5 or K-30 but excellent given the size. Of course this would have to depend on where you are going and who you are going with. I do not have the 02 zoom, only the 01 and 06 telephoto, so I am missing the wider focal lengths when it comes to the Q.
Here's what I came up with for my upcoming trip:
Camera bag:
Pentax K-5
Sigma 20/1.8 (primary, mounted most of the time)
Side pouch:
Pentax Q
01 prime (primary, mounted most of the time)
06 telephoto (for occasional telephoto shoots)
I have chosen the Sigma over the kit zoom 18-55 WR because it's faster and has shorter focus distance. Down side is it's bigger, heavier, not as versatile, and not WR. But it's just a short trip doing sight seeing and visiting museums and stuff so don't think the WR matters much.
I am actually arguing in my mind whether I should also bring a 50mm prime for the DSLR (my M 50/1.7). It's small and gives great IQ and out of focus rendering for portraiture. But it's a close focal length to the 06's 15mm range so I am not sure if I am over extending myself by bringing too many gears. Anyone think a fifty is pretty much a must for travelling unless you are on a business trip or something?
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Forum: Sold Items
11-21-2013, 05:36 PM
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Price drop bump, just want to sell either one of the Q :)
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Forum: Sold Items
11-18-2013, 08:10 AM
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Bump with lens only price updated.
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Forum: Sold Items
11-13-2013, 06:37 PM
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PentaxForums.com Marketplace Listing
Item for Sale
Pentax Q with 15-45mm F2.8 06 lens
Asking Price
200 USD
Item Location
Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
Item Description
Black colour
Shutter count around 8xx only
Body is in excellent condition shows almost no signs of use besides some finger marks on screen.
Lens is in great shape no finger marks or scratches. It comes with protective filter and both front and rear caps.
I have original packages for both and everything that came with the package is included including battery, charger + cable, neck strap (never used and unopened), user manuals, etc.
I also have a white one and I am selling one and keep the other. White is in great condition as well but has colour marks on the left grip because of the leather case. Will include the leather case for the white one and price is $200 with the 06 lens.
Shipping will be $30 for both camera body, lens and their original boxes and accessories. So $230 in total, for either black and white version.
Since I have received messages if I am going to sell the 06 lens only, I will answer here and list the price for lens only:
Pentax 15-45mm F2.8 (06) lens - $175 + $25 shipping economy worldwide shipping with tracking = $200
Comes with original box, front and rear lens cap, and protective UV filter as seen in photo.
The lens might look small but it's a really good performer it's pretty much like a smaller than palm size (depends on your hand size of course) bridge camera with SR stabilization, roughly around 80-250mm focal length, and F/2.8 fast aperture. Didn't believe I can actually take some birds and flower shots a lot more effortlessly than say an NEX with 55-210 F/6.3 combo, oh this is so light compared to the NEX, and 2.8 aperture renders out of focus areas a lot better than the 55-210. I have also used the Vivitar 70-210 f3.5 and Meyer Optik 200/4 and it's so much easier with the Q06 than either of these because it's faster, with AF, bright, and so compact!
Thanks
Are you the original owner of the item being sold?
No
Are you selling or trading this item?
Selling
Item Condition (Key)
Used
Excellent
Shipping Destinations
Worldwide
Shipping Charge
30.00
Shipping Services
Hong Kong Post
Accepted Payment Types
PayPal
Return Policy & Additional Details
Contact me within 21 days of my ship date. Return shipping is paid by buyer.
Please send me a private message if interested in the item!
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Forum: Sold Items
11-05-2013, 11:23 AM
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PentaxForums.com Marketplace Listing
Item for Sale
Pentax K-30 with 18-55mm AL WR kit lens
Asking Price
400 USD
Item Location
Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
Item Description
Selling K-30 (Crystal Orange) with 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL WR Kit Lens (Metal rear mount)
Overall in excellent condition.
Shutter count: 333 only (from pentaxforums check shutter count EXIF page)
Camera Body:
Body shows almost no scratches or marks of usage at all except on the mount in which there are light signs of usual lens mounting marks (most probably from mounting and unmounting the M42 adapter).
Everything functions properly and smoothly the viewfinder is bright, CMOS sensor and LCD display have no dead pixels.
Lens:
The kit lens is hardly been used since I shoot Manual focus lenses most of the time. No marks/ fungus/ haze at all, in like new condition.
Comes in full package as included when first bought including lens caps, camera body cap, battery charger, Pentax neck strap (unopened), instruction manuals, etc.
Brief comment about the camera:
Pentax did a great job in positioning the K-30 in the market. It is a great mid-entry level DSLR out specing it's competitors (eg. D5200 and 650/700D) in many aspects and at the same time being cheaper than them. I can't find a camera that's cheaper in the market with rugged weather sealing, 100% optical viewfinder coverage, 1/6000 sec fastest shutter speed compared to 1/4000 sec (excellent when using fast lenses under daylight), in-body shake reduction, etc, unless you look at 2nd hand K-7s or K-xs and those are older generation DSLRs.
This kit is excellent for both starters who are considering in upgrading to DSLR or those who already have experience because it's a very flexible camera that tries to cover different photography genres from everyday photography to wildlife, sports, travelling even on a boat or ski trip.
Reason for selling:
I am selling because I just acquired my friend's K-5 iis, he is switching to K-3 and my dry cabinet has no room to keep two DSLRs inside. And my wife would get angry if I buy another dry cabinet :confused:.
For body only selling price will be $350. I am not thinking of selling the kit lens separately since I can still use it on my K-5 iis but will sell it as a package.
Shipping details:
I ship via Hong Kong Post AirMail with tracking number worldwide. I will pay for the extra shipping cost if it is so and I will refund the excess amount converted to USD if it's cheaper to your location.
Keep in mind that in some countries, it may take longer for the shipment to arrive due to customs and local administrative procedures. Buyer is responsible for local customs and taxes. PM me if there are any questions or if you are interested. Thanks!
Are you the original owner of the item being sold?
Yes
Are you selling or trading this item?
Selling
Item Condition (Key)
Used
Excellent
Shipping Destinations
Worldwide
Shipping Charge
35
Shipping Services
Hong Kong Post
Accepted Payment Types
PayPal
Return Policy & Additional Details
contact me within 21 days of my ship date. Return shipping is paid by buyer.
Please send me a private message if interested in the item!
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Forum: Pentax Mirrorless Cameras
11-01-2013, 07:59 AM
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NEX-3 and NEX-5 both have 14 MP APSC sensors while the NEX-C3, F3, 3N, 5N, 5R, 5T all have 16 MP APSC senosrs:
Side by Side Comparison: Digital Photography Review
With the release of so many versions on both the 3 series and 5 series with similar specs, I doubt that their price will have much difference between say an NEX-3 and an NEX-C3 so why not get a C3 or even 5N. All these models dropped in price after the release of 5R 3N and 5T.
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Forum: Pentax Mirrorless Cameras
11-01-2013, 03:15 AM
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Hmm depends on how big your pocket is. As Clavius said, he considers even the Pentax Q not pocketable and that's true because it won't fit into his pants/trousers' pockets. The NEX is bigger than the Pentax Q so it's not pocketable as well into your shirt/trousers' pockets. I used a pouch to carry my Q with my waist belt so i don't need to carry a camera bag. But I doubt even with the small 16-50 kit lens with the smallest NEX (NEX-3N) it will fit into my pouch. And I doubt that if you are using the NEX for it's high compatibility with old mf lenses you'll use the 16-50 kit most of the time. You'll most likely use those 35mm lenses with adapters which require a camera bag to put everything in. Well unless you use C or D mount lenses then that's smaller, but still not as small as the 16-50 or 16/2.8.
Another way of thinking, is whether you would consider just carrying your camera around on your neck without a bag at all. Then the NEX is lighter than your K-01 for sure, just not sure if it'll get in your way often.
The RX100 for $700? Are you looking at the Mark II version? If not then wow that's out of the picture then. But just want to clarify, are you looking for a camera that fits these two features: (1) pocketable (2) interchangeable lens? Cause if so then the Pentax Q is the closest you can get. If not, there are many other choices.
You can also search on the internet for size comparison shots between the NEX and Q as well as other combinations. I can take a snap of my NEX-5n and Q when I get home, if you want just give me a shout, I think other members can help you as well on this.
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Forum: Pentax Mirrorless Cameras
11-01-2013, 12:23 AM
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Just comparing these three cameras: K-01 that you already have, NEX-5, and Q
The K-01 is actually quite similar to the NEX-5 imo, yes the NEX-5 is smaller but not by much unless you take into consideration the lens size which I think the Pentax 18-55 is a lot bigger than an E mount 16-50. But still both are not pocket-able.
If all you want is to adapt more manual focus lenses that couldn've provide infinity on the Pentax and you don't care much about size then the NEX is your choice.
But if size is big for you which I believe so cause you have mentioned on your post, then the Q is not a bad choice at all. It's not that pocketable even with the 01 prime but I manage to fit it in a tiny camera pouch with a belt loop on it so I can install it beside my waist and make it more convenient to take out.
Other alternatives include Sony RX100 and the Panasonic GM1. RX100 is not an interchangeable lens camera, GM1 is so small but depends on whether you want to invest on a new camera system. Q smallest interchangeable lens camera but also has smallest sensor among all three. But if you want compact light weight and want more creativity the Q and GM1 are both excellent to go for. Q has cheaper lenses I love the 01 prime and the 06 telephoto constant F2.8, and has SR! The Panasonic lenses are more expensive.
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Forum: Pentax K-30 & K-50
09-11-2013, 11:21 PM
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Thank you guys for all these great responses! You are right, $384 for a weather sealed camera with a WR kit lens, optical viewfinder, built in SR, two wheels control, among many other features, it's a no brainer no matter what colour unless you have already invested a lot on other brands.
So I just went there last Sunday but was all sold out! But the sales said there are more in their storehouse the company is trying to get rid of the stock for K50 and K500 as well as other new cameras from other brands. He can order it for me but would take 1-2 business days for it to arrive and ready for me to pick up. I guess this is probably the last batch of stock so I bought it without hesitation!
Just got it yesterday and started charging it's battery immediately. Did some basic testing like dead pixel check and focusing tests. Everything looks fine. But I did everything at home didn't have time to bring it out to stretch it's muscles, gotta head to work. But overall feeling is, I miss optical viewfinder so much XD. The experience of actually looking through the viewfinder to look at the object and compose is just different, a lot richer experience than through an LCD. The kit lens is actually a lot better than expected. I don't have a Nikkor 18-55 kit to compare it with but it's up there with my Nikon 18-70 and I like the colour rendition more than the Nikon 18-70.
Oh and just want to ask about manual lenses on the K-30, because I am going to my niece's birthday party next week, I am planning to bring the K-30 to test it's SR capability under low light. But am not sure how to setup for manual lenses. Say when I mount a pentax m 50/1.7 onto the camera and turn the camera on, it'll prompt me to set the focal length. Should I set it to 50mm or 50 x 1.5 = 75mm? What if it's a Tak 55/1.8 (55 x 1.5 = 82.5) but I don't see 82.5 as an option. I prefer my Pentax Q more on this as it allows me to input the numbers of the focal length instead of choosing from a preset range of numbers. Or am I not setting this correctly on my K-30? Also is there a way to get focus confirmation when using manual lenses?
Thanks a bunch guys!
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Forum: Pentax K-30 & K-50
08-30-2013, 07:21 AM
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You are absolutely correct my gut tells me to buy it, in fact, if it's a black or blue colour I would've shown up on the "How many K-30 users do we have" thread already hehe.
It's just the colour orange that makes me wonder and have 2nd thoughts about my decision.
You are right, two very different cameras aiming at very different customers.
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Forum: Pentax K-30 & K-50
08-30-2013, 07:01 AM
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A local dealer for Pentax is recently lowering the price for K-30 but only for the colour orange. Price is approximately 384 USD for the 18-55 WR kit set. Is it worth buying?
I am a Pentax Q user and also has an NEX-5N. I use a D200 but hasn't been using it for over a year due to dead pixels (over 100K shutter counts). I found that I miss shooting with a viewfinder but hasn't found a reason for me to get a newer Nikon DSLR mainly due to price.
Now there's an opportunity to get a K-30 and the price is within my budget. Spec wise it's similar to my NEX-5N but what I most value is the viewfinder, the SR stabilization, and weather sealed feature. Ever since getting an NEX I have also bought a few Pentax manual focus lenses such as the Pentax M 50/1.7, so I can mount them directly to the K-30 as well.
But the orange colour really makes it feel like a toy. The sales actually recommended me the Nikon 1 V1 because of the faster focus, faster continuous drive (mirrorless are faster), faster reaction time (eg. start up time and menu screen selecting), and metal body as opposed to the K-30's plastic sealed body.
So if I am missing anything, any factors I haven't thought about, please tell me. I think it's better to ask people that actually have experience with the camera instead of wondering about things by myself :). To buy or not to buy, please convince me one way or the other :D.
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Forum: Pentax K-30 & K-50
08-19-2013, 07:42 AM
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I am new to Pentax DSLRs I only own a Pentax Q and am actually contemplating on getting a Pentax DSLR. Just want to clarify, is the 18-55 WR lens that comes with the K-50 kit set a DAL lens and not the DA lens that comes with the K-30? Is the DA more preferable to the DAL?
How much is the K-30 + 18-135 DA WR kit compared to the K-50 + 18-55 DAL WR and which should I choose? Is the 18-135 DA WR a better lens overall to the 18-55 DAL WR? I've heard good reviews from both lenses but just not sure if those reviews are for DA or DAL for the 18-55.
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Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
06-19-2013, 06:07 AM
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I am a Nikon user for working purpose but just bought a Pentax Q for fun due to it's small size and interchangeable lens capability to use C and D mount lenses. It's unexpectedly good imo especially in terms of handling and ease of use. I almost bring it out everyday now. Got to know more about Pentax and am thinking of getting a K-01 or K-30/50 if budget fits :).
Joining Pentax opened up a huge range of lenses that are new to me from Pentax to M42 lenses, etc. Would like to know and learn more about about it. Hope to contribute the little I know as well in the future :).
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Forum: Lens Clubs
06-19-2013, 05:57 AM
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Stunning macro shots, great lens indeed.
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Forum: Lens Sample Photo Archive
06-19-2013, 05:52 AM
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Beautiful colour and composition :)
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