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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
01-29-2024, 07:38 PM
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I don't use Effects as a stand alone, like others here I use it as part of Photo RAW.
The best part of the tool is, I think the masking. This is where it provides a lot of control of selective application of any particular effect. Hopefully the masking tool is available in the stand alone version.
As part of Photo RAW you can create your own textures and add them to the tool. Not sure if that's also a part of the stand alone but it's only one of the options to set up tools for your own elements to be added which is handy when you can recreate effects on multiple images etc.
Hope you find the tool useful in your workflow, don't forget to check the On1 tutorial videos as some functionality may not be the most obvious but could mean missing out on some cool features.
Tas
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
12-26-2023, 03:02 AM
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G'day mate,
I bought a Manfrotto 410 Junior several years ago and it did what I wanted by providing the ability to quickly set up, ensure the camera was level and gave great control vertically and horizontally for panos etc. It was bulkier and heavier to travel with than a ball type head but I found ball heads frustrating to do fine adjustments with, the greatest strength of a geared head.
The 410 is rated for 5kg and worked great with my K5 and all the lenses I had up to the DA* 300mm. However when I picked up the K1 and several large lenses I was concerned I might be overloading it once I added teles and the K1. The K1, battery grip, hand grip, D-FA 150-450 was getting up around that 4-5kg mark so that's when I picked up the Manfrotto 405 geared head. It's rated to 7.5kg and not an issue with that set up.
Compared to the 410 the 405 is more expensive and bulkier, and annoyingly the quick adjusters on the 410 have been more reliable compared to the 405. The way both mounts work is they have three knobs to do fine adjustments and the ability to unlock the knobs to do quick larger adjustments. On the 410, these adjusters look like a saw tooth pattern and work fine. On the larger more expensive 405 these adjusters are round and covered with a rubber sleeve that comes loose and spins on the round adjuster which is a pain. There might be a simple solution to the problem, not sure but wanted to call it out as I think the 410 is the mount I prefer to use out of the two.
I did however manage to drop or knock the 410 and damaged the camera mounting plate locking mechanism. I ordered and fitted replacement parts but the locking mechanism doesn't for some reason sit correctly in the locked position so I'm reluctant to use it until I work that out. Both mounts use the same system and Manfrotto do repairs which is what I should have done.
Both mounts are good, the 410 junior according to Manfrotto is fine for 35mm and medium format so I probably didn't need the 405. I can recommend either if you want to be able to set up quickly and do fine adjustments. Well worth a look if that's what you're after.
Tas
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
07-10-2023, 12:08 AM
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G'Day,
I thought I'd offer some feedback, hope it is of use.
I use a lot of manual lenses and have added an S type focus screen (a modified Canon screen that comes from focusingscreen.com) to aid in using manual lenses on my K1. For focus confirmation I am using the S type screen and using the audible tone as well to let me know when things are supposed to be in focus according to the camera. The screen change isn't difficult but you need to ensure you check for back/front focus due to the standard spacers being the wrong size for the S type screen. And it's easy to get dust in so try this at your peril but it's the best for manual shooting IMHO, YMMV, EIEIO. And no I don't know why Pentax have yet to start offering replacement screens considering their position on championing optical viewfinders.
I also recommend switching to back-button focus as it's easier than a half-press of the shutter button.
I have been using a Joby hand strap with my K1: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/998464-REG/joby_jb01277_bww_ultrafit_...981& It comes with a tripod mount compatible plate and reduces the load on the hand when carrying the camera. Using the vertical controls on the battery grip are less easy to access but it's not difficult to remove the hand from the hand strap to use these controls, or leaving the hand on the main controls for quick captures. There are other alternatives to the discontinued Joby so might be worth considering if you don't use a neck strap and want to help manage the weight on the hand. I've regularly used my K-1 with Zeiss lenses and tele zooms and find it has been easier to manage the load if not completely take the load off the hand.
All the best mate, and enjoy getting out with the new beastie. :cool:
Tas
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
04-05-2023, 11:48 PM
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G'Day mate,
A thread link for some more lens ideas if you're not already checking through here: Post your Telephoto Landscapes! - PentaxForums.com
A good range of telephotos being used to capture landscapes in that thread.
I regularly use telephoto lenses for landscapes and seascapes. The shortest at 70mm with the DA LTD, goes well on APSC. I've also used: Zeiss 85mm, Zeiss 100mm, D-FA 70-200, DA 300mm, D-FA 150-450 on APSC or the K-1.
Hope you plan to share in the above thread once you've made your selection and captured a few things. :)
Tas
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Forum: Lens Clubs
02-09-2023, 01:19 AM
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Mate, I hope people click on your photo here and look at the larger version. And when they get there, I hope they click on it again to get right into the image. The small version doesn't do this justice.
Always glad to see images from another 21/2.8 in this thread.
Tas
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-21-2023, 12:37 AM
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I recommend you check this thread: Post your Telephoto Landscapes! - PentaxForums.com
I have the 70mm smc version, had it for years. Compared it with the DA* 50-135mm and found it to be a step up for sharpness from what is an excellent zoom lens.
I kept it despite picking up a K-1 as it does work on the K-1 providing softer edges with a natural looking vignette if shooting at faster apertures.
It's getting more use since I picked up the K3-3 and the HD version of the 43mm LTD. It is a lightweight kit for the motorbike when I also add the DA 15/4 smc.
How can you use it? Here's three examples:
1. Action  Bluesy Rider by noompty, on Flickr
2. Telephoto seascape Pastel reflections on the wading pool by noompty, on Flickr
3. Sunrise boat photos  Sailing the inferno by noompty, on Flickr
I have used my 70 using extension tubes. It became manual focus but it's not an expensive option if you decide to go with the 70 and also want to use it for macro.
Tas
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Forum: General Photography
12-10-2022, 03:07 PM
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I think this nostalgia thing is a part of what human's do. Why did records come back? CD's, SACD, digital downloads and streaming can all provide higher sound quality but record sales have been on the up for years. And the only reason I bought a Rega Planar 6 was because I could get it for a good price. :o
'Hundreds of frames per second' is one of the signs of poor editing this lot have been producing lately. The ABC in Australia used to be the benchmark for good spelling and grammar but now it's clearly prioritising speed in publishing over accuracy which also results in straight up errors like that one.
Tas
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Forum: General Photography
12-09-2022, 08:32 PM
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Forum: Lens Clubs
11-18-2022, 03:03 AM
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G'day,
Zeiss Classic series of lenses were produced for several mounts including ZK for Pentax cameras.
The ZK production run appears to have been quite short and did not cover the full range of Zeiss classic lenses. For example, if you want to use the Zeiss Planar T* 2/135mm lens on a Pentax camera, a Leitax adaptor Leica & Pentax & Nikon | Leitax can be fitted to a Nikon ZF/ZF2 mount lens.
The T* relates to the anti-reflective coating used on the lens and applies across the range of classic lenses regardless of camera mount.
Here's a link to the Zeiss webpage for the f 1.4 85mm: ZEISS Planar T* 1.4/50
Tas
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Forum: Lens Clubs
11-13-2022, 05:07 AM
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-02-2022, 07:24 PM
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Some examples of both the Zeiss 25/2.8 and 28/2 here: Carl Zeiss T* ZK mounts (Distagon, Planar, Makro-Planar) - PentaxForums.com
I have the 25mm, would like to get the 28 sometime too but the only two Zeiss ZK lenses that can be found regularly for sale are the 25 and the 35. The other focal lengths do come up but less often.
If you do opt for a Zeiss, I recommend picking up an inexpensive lens hood. The original metal ones can be easy to damage and are not cheap to replace, if you can get a replacement. The Zeiss classic series is no longer manufactured so genuine lens hoods for them will become more scarce.
Good luck with whatever lens you opt for.
Tas
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
10-20-2022, 06:54 PM
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Have you tried adding the lens name as a keyword? Whilst they faff around with updating the database you can still have the lens type against the images captured with it and once in your keyword list it is easy to add to batches of images.
Tas
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
08-08-2022, 08:00 PM
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I do this as a hobby and use a NAS.
Mine is approx 8 years old and limited to HDD but newer units using SSD are what I'm looking at when it comes time to replace mine.
I use this as my primary storage with and automated separate back up.
Online back up can now also be done with the NAS system if I ever needed it.
I use ON1 but assume LR will be just as simple for identifying NAS drives.
Tas
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
04-06-2022, 01:10 AM
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Cross Post with the K-1 thread.
This capture was the first time I'd been out with the smc DA* 300mm f4 in a couple of years. I was on a motorcycle so wanted to go a bit more compact than the 150-450 and must say, this is a lens that I don't regret keeping despite having the longer lens which is a decent lens too. There's just something I like about this lens. Indeed, people were driving by, seeing me with the camera and lens and pulling over to grab this frame with the phones. I've no idea how successful they were but to be honest I approached this location from a different direction this time and as I was riding along it was a case of oh, oh, oh I need to pull over for this. I then had to doff all the riding gear and get the camera set up. I initially went with the Zeiss 2/100, another great lens for telephoto landscapes/seascapes but felt I needed to go longer. And 300mm was spot on for the cloud, foreground, background and rising sun. Of course if you ask me, I'll deny all that and say I planned it.
 Sunrise over Shorncliffe by noompty, on Flickr
Tas
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
04-06-2022, 01:02 AM
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
04-03-2022, 03:00 AM
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
04-02-2022, 08:12 PM
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It's been a while, so as I got out early this weekend I thought I best post something.
K1 & the smc DA70 LTD.
 No fishing at Nudgee by noompty, on Flickr
Tas
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
02-01-2022, 01:39 AM
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G'Day,
I am out of practice with my photography over the last couple of years, so please cross reference anything I say with other comments here and some research on the interwebs.
The first filter set I used was a Cokin square filter kit. The kit came with a frame and three Grad ND filters. The adaptor rings I bought were for the lenses I was adding them to which were from memory 67mm and 77mm. The benefit of a square filter system is the adaptor rings are relatively cheap which means you can swap the filter kit between different lenses despite having different filter ring sizes.
I have used the same Cokin square filter mounting system with a Singh Ray Reverse ND Grad filter. A reverse ND Grad is a good option to consider for landscapes particularly any sun on the horizon aspirations.
I also have a Nisi square filter set up but this was to use with the 15-30 and requires a different mounting system to attach to that lens as opposed to a filter ring.
Square filter considerations:
- You carry them separately as they can't just be screwed onto the front of a lens like a circular filter. Potentially will take up more space and therefore less convenience.
- Can produce more issues with flaring as there's no scope to add a lens hood.
- Have the potential for greater flexibility compared to circular filters as you buy the range of filters you want and the filter rings to fit each of your lenses. Ring mounts are one of the least expensive parts of the square filter kit.
- Can have issues with vignetting if the wrong set up is added to the wrong lens. This is usually an issue with wide angle lenses. For example some mounts can take three square filters others only one which assists in managing vignetting.
- Grad filters are really easy to use as you can slide them up/down to match the composition/horizon etc
- Square filters come in different sizes, don't buy anything larger than you need to as more size = more cost.
The circular lenses I have include Hoya, Singh Ray, Nisi and B&W.
I have circular filters from 49mm up to 82mm using the lens filter thread and I have a CPL for the 15-30 that uses the different mount around the body like the Nisi square filter set.
I've found vignetting with circular filters with wider focal lengths however circular filters are made in a 'standard size' and a slim size to reduce the likelihood or at least the severity of the vignetting on wide angles where it's an issue.
Circular filters can be used in conjunction with a square filter set. Be careful again of flaring and vignetting.
Circular filter considerations:
- Need to match the filter size for your lenses as you've mentioned already, but consider a larger size and step rings. For example you can fit a 77mm filter on a lens with a 58mm thread by using a set of step rings. Step rings are cheap and will interfere with lens hood use but could provide an inexpensive solution to manage different filter sizes.
- I leave CPL's on my lens all the time so they're always with me. I also carry a filter case to remove it if I need/want to.
- CPL's can produce uneven skies on wide angle lenses.
- Not seeing much positive talk about variable ND filters on the interwebs but as I don't have any won't make comment beyond recommending you check for reviews of products before purchasing.
To wrap up before I write an even bigger novel, I recommend you consider a solution for a filter kit using both circular and square filters to suit what you want to do. I like large stop ND filters, grad & reverse grad ND, and CPL. I try to use a filter only when I am after a specific look or in certain conditions to help manage the light.
Cokin I've found to have a warm cast, the B&W 10 stop a cool cast. The Singh Ray reverse ND was neutral (from memory as it's been a while) and the Nisi's have been a recent purchase so yet to see what they produce.
Hope the above can help with your decision about using filters.
Tas
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
01-27-2022, 08:01 PM
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Wow, the challenge has gotten expensive. :eek::)
Tas
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-04-2022, 02:41 PM
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My 150-450 has been going since 2016. Never babied it, but then have not coddled it either.
I've tended to use the lock on the lens when not in use so it's not traveled much with the ability to extend on it's own.
It's a shame to hear some examples have failed like this as it's a good lens and for the money needs to be reliable.
Tas
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
01-02-2022, 03:59 AM
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G'day,
Been shooting with a K-1 since May 2016. Picked up the K3-III (with battery grip) in May 2021. My aim has been to use the K3-III for action shots or when I want to take a lighter kit with me when travelling on a motorcycle.
The K-1 is still my preferred camera, especially for wider shots as I think the larger sensor works better for this type of image.
This year I've been mostly taking the motorcycle out so the lighter kit has been a preference for no other reason than it's less to carry with some Limited Lenses. If I'm in the car I'll take whichever suits my intent for getting out with the camera.
So: I don't travel with a camera all the time, and I have not taken both cameras with me (so far).
The bag I take will be one of four camera bags or two backpacks that I will use on the bike even though they're not designed for carrying camera gear. One of these backpacks is well set up for camera gear that I would carry (mainly a combo of primes but also some zooms from time to time) whilst the other is larger and more suitable for the longer lenses, a monopod or travel tripod and when off the bike it will carry my jacket and helmet.
When I want a light kit to take out I will grab the K3-III, the DA15/4, D-FA 43/1.9 and the DA70/2.4. I like this kit and when on the bike it is my preference as it will fit into my Lowepro Nova 1 AW. I'm looking for other smaller bag options too for this set up that will add a fourth lens or a zoom like the DA 50-135 and some wider options.
I have two camera backpacks and a Thinktank Retrospective 30 all of which can work on the bike or in the car.
As my focus is to use the cameras with a different intent and to plan a trip I have my set ups to suit this approach. Long lenses or Limited lenses with the K3-III and the K-1 for wider shots and using my Zeiss manual primes. This is a guide of course and if I want to swap that around I will.
Okay, so the above probably doesn't answer the questions you asked but maybe this will:
1) After getting a K-3 iii - What portion of your shooting (% time/shots) were made with K-1 This will depend on what I want to capture. If I think the K-1 is the better option I will go with that, if I'm looking to capture motorcycle racing and surfing shots using a long lens, then it will be the K3-III. Any time I'm planning to use a wider lens I will prefer the K-1. Both cameras cross over in the middle with image preferences so both cameras will suit me if capturing people or an event. I do not prefer one camera over the other, they both have their roles for me. I must therefore go with 50:50.
2) Do you carry both, or go on excursions with one or other.. if both, what bag are you using? I normally only carry one at a time. None of my bags are really suitable for two cameras other than maybe the Thinktank Retrospective 30.
3) Any regrets? Nope. My K-1 is modified with an S Type screen for manual focus lenses as I have a lot of them. The K3-III was clearly going to improve the action/sports shots and my experience so far is it is in a different league compared to the K-1 for keeping up with faster subjects. I use manual focus lenses on the K3-III and expect to take the K-1 to sports/action events too. The cameras sit side by side, not in place of one another.
I don't know what comes next from Ricoh / Pentax but if the next K-1 has the bells and whistles of the K3-III it's going to be an awesome bit of kit but the APSC form factor & FOV will still complement an FF camera. IMHO, YMMV, EIEIO.
Tas
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Forum: General Photography
12-28-2021, 06:15 PM
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I saw this post and after checking the Ricoh AU prices yesterday (and walked away) decided to check DCXPERT today as I hadn't thought to check there previously.
Comparing the prices between Ricoh AU and DCXPERT finds the same price on some items and some discounts on others in the lenses if nothing else: | eBay
Prices were for the most part cheaper on the eBay store for APSC, FF and MF so likely to be worth checking out.
Tas
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Forum: General Photography
12-08-2021, 11:34 PM
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G'Day,
A bit off topic but wanted to mention something due to your comment.
I used to deal with lasers in a previous life and typically lasers have classifications and dependent on which class of laser will depend on whether it is eye safe. We had a Class 3B product that required an attachment to attenuate output to the equivalent of a Class 1 laser (as per AS/NZS 2211.1:1997 Laser Safety Class 3B was not eye safe, Class 1 was).
Different countries have different classifications, here's some links on the topic with US referencing: Laser Standards and Classifications & Laser classification table - Laser Safety Facts
Tas
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Forum: Lens Clubs
11-22-2021, 01:50 PM
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G'day, yes panning was required with this image. I was asked about settings with this lens and the K3 Mk III for another MX image and have posted that info here: Post your K3 iii pictures. - Page 71 - PentaxForums.com
I've only used this lens/camera combo twice and have been using it like the K-1 in this role so I've not taken advantage of all the improvements the K3 Mk III has. I plan on setting User modes for sports/action shots and as you can set up to 10 user modes I will likely have all my preferences set up in User modes. I probably only new 3-4 but it will save me time when I get to a location.
One thing I will say is to consider using TAv mode instead of Tv. Even in bright light I found with faster shutters speeds of 1/1000s and faster might end up with the aperture icon flashing red in the view finder. That's where I would push the ISO up to 200. Because of the variable aperture having it set to a usable working range and using TAv might be a better option to consider so the camera will let you focus on the subject not the settings. I'll be trying this next time I get out.
I'm a big fan of telephoto landscapes and recommend you check out this thread for examples / ideas: Post your Telephoto Landscapes! - PentaxForums.com
Tas
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Forum: Lens Clubs
11-22-2021, 03:01 AM
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K3 Mk III for this one tracking a wee rider learning how to race MX. This is at 1/125s @ 330mm. This was the first time I got to try this lens on the K3 Mk III and they work well together.
 A Wee Nipper by noompty, on Flickr
Tas
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