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Forum: Lens Clubs
03-02-2014, 12:29 PM
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Morning cuppa joe 77mm & Vorsord the k-5oo
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Forum: Lens Clubs
01-16-2014, 01:05 PM
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Making some magic with the 77mm & Vorsord the k-5oo
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Forum: Lens Clubs
01-10-2014, 01:03 PM
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Some shots today of the neighborhood, with the new 77mm & the faithful k-5oo
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
05-31-2017, 12:59 PM
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I want to thank you all for your kind support and many comments on my photos this month. Your interacting gives so much insight and positive feedback. Thank you.
This is my tenth challenge, be it monthly or daily. I have to say I love them. I find them so helpful, and I full of gratitude to those people who dedicate themselves to keep these up and running THANK YOU.
An image has a long journey before it goes from my eye to your mind. So many things to consider, and the challenges give that space to explore the whole process. I find it wonderful to be busy with the pressure of the picture for the day and getting ready. It is good good practice.
I have to say I am very happy with the K 3 I used this month. It gave me really great range, worked well under all conditions and my only gripe is the cyan in my 43mm shots, which I will sort out over the summer. Reliable accurate and I think it is part of the ingredient in this new cinematic view I developed this month which I am pleased with. But I used it in various modes under different stresses and all good.
If I can offer any advice is just keep your camera with you, nearby at all times. Don’t let anything excuse you from not taking a shot. I do know some of you work a lot and some of have been ill, trust me I know more than enough about ill and the March 2014 challenge helped me so much then when I was in trouble. There is always something to shoot, you don’t need a fairy tale city to assist you. Your shot will come if you trust yourself and keep your eyes open, I am thinking to Rod’s sunlit doorknob shot this month as an example of what can be possible.
I have some wonderful PP stuff, don’t be afraid to explore that world. Doesn’t mean overdo it or be dependent on it…but Post is part of that journey from your eye to the others soul. I think I have found my balance now from shot to Post…. That is kind of exciting :- )
I saw so many great shots from you all this month, what a great group. So much variation and strength to explore. And you are all so friendly and positive! Many of you managed to finish the month too. Awesome.
If I missed a shot of yours with no comment I am sorry. The time zone issues in this challenge and where I am makes me sometimes lose track of North America. But I tried and saw some lovely work. I saw people improve and saw people doing new stuff. So cool. Bravo to you all.
I will join you all at one point soon again. Capture the Light well. Cheers! Drew
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
05-22-2017, 01:37 PM
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Great stuff Cindy!!! Keep it up and don't stop shooting :-)
---------- Post added 22-05-17 at 22:39 ----------
Keep up the fight, good to see you still clicking away..... Sending good vibes your way for better health and strength!
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
04-30-2017, 02:39 PM
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So I am in. just got a K3 that needs to go through its paces, so I will use all my lenses on it during the month on various themes, times and landscapes....
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
08-01-2016, 12:09 AM
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Well we are all done here for July. It was fun to shoot with all of you once again, the monthly challenge is such a good refresher/recharger for the photographic soul (though I don't know how some of you constantly keep shooting month after month! Bravo). And there were a number of stunning shots I saw, good good stuff.
And you get a great feel for the entire work process, lens, camera, PP and uploading, for me even printing as the cat pics got printed for the Mrs and that was a process in itself when you participate.
Now my Da 12-24mm as mentioned is acting up, blowing highs off the charts. But well, I got a thorough course in ISO, fstops and aperture for the month. Shot in manual or AV. So no complaints, you saw the results. The lens still produces nice rich tones. I really noticed it picked up greens lushly. It is expansive, and for a cityscape/landscape/seascape lens, it is WOW!. You can't really go wrong with it. My copy at least has some issues with the right upper frame flaring out in direct sunlight, I am talking Russian St George's ribbon flare (orange brown). but that is rare and controlled by the angle you actually are pointing the lens. F3.5 might not seem like a lot of light, but there is a lot of glass on the lens and you still get decent light in darker areas. I was so impressed with the forest shot from just a couple days back, dark gloomy hand held and pulled off a keeper from that. Never mind some good night shots as well. No issues with focus, just my own bad eyes to blame, and reliable mostly quiet focus. The lens goes to service to today, but I will keep it no matter what. Wonderful.
My K5 I picked up here in the forum ( the 12-24mm too and a shout to Tom in California for being a good sport on paying for the upcoming repair of the lens! - a good pentaxian!) in May for about 170euros. I am going to start building sets, ie one body one lens and never tear them apart (ahem). I just picked up my K5IIs as I will use it this month, and the K5 seems bigger bulkier. I am happy with the 5, never let me down, works like a horse, reliable. I might need to remember to turn it off in the bag though... :-) Should mention both worked like a charm in the rain, weather sealing or not. No issues, no complaints.
Anyways I will catch up with you all, soon again, I am trying DIC this month, just a change of pace. But I will pop back in before year's end for at least one more round with you all.
Capture the Light well! Cheers
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
05-28-2015, 10:57 PM
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10-17mm Review
Well sadly for me the month comes to an end with this funky lens. Glass + city meant for each other.
This might just be the ultimate Fish, the Pacific Salmon of the group. Tasty! It does it all if you let it and treat it well. Many of you have ‘fished’ before so you know the score with fishing, the angles and the fringing.
This Fish brings you so much possibility, it is a Fish you must keep with you at all times, for all places and weather. As said it really does it all. I haven’t shot anything in the forest, but I am sure this lens can shine, just depends on if you can find good PoV and just not shoot eye level. It might make interesting portraits too but you need to keep people as centred as possible.
Attention must be given when shooting in low light as the focus tends to wander and gets soft. Care really must be taken even when you assume what you think will be sharp seems to go soft. Fixing that is easy, go manual focus (ahem to self). There is purple fringing for sure, and it is to be expected, but can be correct PP, so no worries there. You need to show it some care too. Don’t let just hang around dangling like you might some other well protected lens, the glass is pretty much exposed to your fingers, to railings, doors, people etc. Use the lens cap provided, seems reliable. It be awesomer, lol if it was weather sealed, but mah! Whether or not, I shoot anyway.
The colours from this lens are wonderful, in daylight and nighttime. Wonderful rich tones. Was so surprised by that. It gives wonderful starbursts too, not perfect, but certain adequate and pleasant.
I just love the versatility of this lens going from fish to wide. What a great funky tool.
I think you will be satisfied with this lens if you learn to change your PoV and take some ‘risks’ in where and what you will shoot. I loved Wolfiegirls shots in March with her Fish. Such wonderful stuff. I wish my place was more open to such shooting, but it is not.
A little line for the K5iiS which just remains awesome, reliable and a tank. It just a great canvass to begin those images.
So impressed with the groups tenacity to shoot and the level of shooting, I don’t mean PoV either. You guys are some sharp shooters and I Bravo! you all! Thanks for putting up with more than just one entry a day from me, hopefully the shots bemused, beguiled and bewitched you.
That is three months in a row for me here in the Singles In, I used the Tamron 90 in March and 28-75 in April and now the DA Fish 10-17 (did you see what I did there?) it was a lot of fun shooting with you all. I need a bit of a recharge and dedicate some time to walking the Bichons, playing with Jazz, dining the Mrs., going to the Great White North and move riverside. But I am thinking of an August/September challenge with the 43mm shot all at night. And then eventually the 17-50 Tamron will show up too. So I will be around.
May the light be good to you all and that you may capture well. Bravo.
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
04-26-2015, 02:03 PM
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Bristled Tamron 28-75mm K5iiS Vaclavske Namesti Prague. Cz |
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
04-26-2015, 05:15 AM
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Maryna Tamron 28-75mm Pentax K5iiS |
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
04-21-2015, 12:20 PM
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Ahh Suzanna,Empty words can't really make up for what is lost and gone. Elsie will be eternally grateful for all the love and care you bestowed upon her and all around your family. Hug Hug Hug. I hope we can cheer you up here in the forum with our work. Maybe it will bring some lightness to a darkened road. Hugs.
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
07-13-2014, 09:48 AM
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My bichons, Mozart and toothy Dolly out for 5km walk in a district of Prague....long may you both roam!
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
03-30-2014, 03:16 AM
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77mm review
Time to spill some digital ink about the lens and the challenge this month.
This was a very challenging month for myself, major irony, and taking up the Challenge this month was a good distraction from the major action going on around/in me. Looks like the results inside and out (ie pics) were good.
I can’t say I enjoyed using the 77mm, though I suppose now by month’s end I have tamed the beast. It was a constant ‘discussion’ of what could and what will never be. So if you get one of these be prepared to ride out some real unflattering angles and some wild vistas. It is about learning to appreciate that perspective. I guess I have spent way too much time in the 18-55 zone. But the lens shoots truly, at least my copy. Good sharpness, lovely colour and responds well when asked to focus. It is very well built, lovely machined metal alloy, crisp numerical markings and useful sliding sun hood. It has a good weight to it that balances well and looks wonderful on the camera (I own a silver version). I don’t regret the experience however with the 77, we pulled off some brilliant scenes together and I got a new perspective on angles and light. Beware too, the lens cap is a real pain. It does not sit well at all. I had it fall and roll off the metro platform last week… (retrieved!!!) So get some tape and line it in the inside to give it some more grab.
Challenging with you all is quite fun. Great to see your views of what is in front of you and your reactions to what you see on the forum. That is a good learning experience. And with so many great shots daily the challenge pushes you to up your own game, I like that. Severalsnakes really shook up the board this month and was cool to see some of you trying out her perspective. (good on you!), The usual suspects were here well as their typical grassmaster selfs, ahem…mindblowing!!! And cool to see people doing projects or playing with a style/theme/pp program/new family members!
With my own struggles I had to start off at home, and that was a new way of looking at stuff. As the month wears on, it is good to have a few ideas to try out. Don’t rule out that option (find things to shoot at in your house) when stuck for ideas. One does get into the habit of repeating themselves because of the length of the month. Also since the challenge isn't in the habit of making a monthly theme/idea/style (only when the Challenge gods see fit though..) you can make your own. It can you help to make it through the drudgery of the 4 weeks, even if you follow the theme/idea infrequently. (can't you see I am a teacher??? :-) )
Why don’t we include our cameras in our reviews? Is it just a lens thing? I think it was Sandy who was using a Q this month, and it is cool to hear about them. Satisfied with Vorsord, the k-5oo. It is more and more comfortable in my hand, the controls, the ability to push it around abit to get my results has been rewarding.
Also I have used SilkyPix 3 this month and I am really comfortable with its results. I was learning Lightroom 5 but stopped, I will continue with it, but with SilkyPix I cannot complain about at all.
Not sure when I will rejoin you, but will be back with you eventually and will watch the Challenge boards. Until our shots meet again, wish you all good light, light fingers, and wonderful images! Thanks for the support during my dark walk as well.
Ps take your camera with you everywhere!!!!!
Drew
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
03-12-2014, 08:05 AM
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Hi Gang... Just wanted to update you on my battle....it is over! After another negative CT scan, this time nuclear added :-) my results are NEGATIVE, ie no cancer to be located.... what a strange six weeks....still relearning the art of walking....but I have passed through this valley of darkness!!!! Thanks for the support! Drew.
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
03-01-2014, 03:47 PM
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Thanks everyone for the kind words and support. Things are going well. No hanging heads or aww shucks. It is a fight, you just need to stand up and whack the damn thing as hard as you can. No prisoners! Right now, no one can find anything (because there is nothing there!!). One more scan, and we'll see. So feel free to come stand with me and take a couple of whacks at it too :-)
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
02-28-2014, 03:09 PM
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Hello all, I will join you this month. I am going to use to my new prime 77 which is giving problems finding proper distance. I feel as if I am fighting with it.
So, I am sure by the end of the month I will have a better notion of its limits. Of course Vorsord is coming along for the ride, the K -5oo has not let me down at all.
I am better, a bit stronger now, in fact going back to work full time Monday. I have one more scan March 11 for any signs of tumors or growths. So far everything is negative, which is totally awesome.
So capture well and often!
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
02-15-2014, 03:22 PM
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Hey Gang, been out of commission awhile, almost permanently..ahem... anyways back in the game.. I saw some great leaping pics and reminded me of a shot from Romania I took in 2007 of a wild dog leaping for a piece of bread. Enjoy! Mo and the gang will be back!
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
02-10-2014, 05:03 AM
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thanks for the shout out, they get you up immediately here and start to move. I was on my feet 8 hours after surgery in a stroller. Was just lucky to walk in on my own power, that was key. And being is semi good shape helped too.
Now the slow boring physio build up....but it pays off everyday every sleep. Soon back to shooting strength!
---------- Post added 02-10-14 at 01:09 PM ----------
And thanks to you all for your concern, I will be up and running in no time. Very little pain, more aches and stiffness really. So get out there and capture well, I will join you in the hunt soon!!!
Drew
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
02-09-2014, 03:47 PM
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Hi everyone! I am so sorry I am not in this month and really happy to see you kinda developed a theme to help some people focus. Sure it is not important to strictly adhere to it, but like going to the gym you don't do everything willie nillie all the time and the trainer focuses on a spot. So overall a general theme can help challenge you to take a new pic or try a new theme and grow more as a photographer. Good! As long as there are no cops to over enforce things, I think it is is cool. Good job!
Bout me, not so good. I just got back from hospital after recovering from major surgery. I had a titanium bridge installed for a disintegrated vertebrae. 90% missing. Was hanging by a thread. Was massively dangerous to be walking about. Sigh. Well I am home now, I can walk well, need to recover and find my step. I should be up to full power by month's end.
But I will be practicing don't worry, and now with free time I can learn all about Lightroom 5. So I will be sharpening my skills,
I did enter the hospital on my own two feet, carrying my camera in hand....earning my photo warrior stripes :-)
Find the light and capture well!
Drew
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
01-23-2014, 09:47 AM
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The brown eyes of Miss Dolly.
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
01-18-2014, 12:32 PM
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somewhere in the Czech Highlands 40kms outside of Prague..
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
01-18-2014, 12:36 PM
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A triangle box? Hmm... Mo czechs things out in the forest near Prague
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
01-15-2014, 03:22 PM
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Does Mo qualify for couch chill lounging???
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
01-10-2014, 12:46 PM
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Sorry Paul, MIA but here is a pic of Dolly taken today with my new 77mm... How does that grab ya?
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
12-31-2013, 12:42 PM
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It will be strange not to take a pic tomorrow, or do some downloading or PP on some image! This was an interesting month for me taking apart in my first challenge…
If I may, I’d like to reflect on the challenge, lens and camera here…hopefully not too longish
The Challenge is an interesting space. A kind of workshop/seminar/presentation, and it really has value to the user. Visually seeing what you have done good or bad, is a big impression, set beside other Challengers work and their comments. I think all comments of critique have value, positive and or negative. Asking questions of why or where or how help you to understand better how to create but even produce, angle, conceive in new ways. Thanks to all of you who took the time to share with me. I really appreciated the interaction.
I wrote out a partial list of things to shoot, and some ideas in my head and went and tried them. Some worked, some others not so well. I thought the Bokeh theme was great to help focus on something, rather than just anything. I dragged my camera everywhere, to clients, school, cafes, markets and parks. People asked a lot what I was up to and I had to explain myself. I am photographer, I am in a Challenge for December and I need to do this… So after a while I had some people expecting results, and that was also good for me to get through the Challenge AND SHOOT SOMETHING.
As for my 43mm, in all due respect, my lingo & knowledge is pit poor..so excuse the roughness of the diamond I try to describe. The 43 is a razor and can cut you to the bone if you are not careful with it. It does not tolerate loser photogs very well. I had no idea how to work with it at the start of the month, but I have fallen in trust and respect for this Pentax gem. When I pushed it to give me something in the tight light, it always delivered. It gave me great colours, brutal sharpness, and allowed me to dabble in poor light. We always found something. It gave me circle and octagon bokeh, fading bokeh, not always creamy as some might have, No matter. It warriored. However when not careful enough the 43 gem could expose my bad focus habits, showed me poor purple fringes in poor lit places (on glass and sheer metal meshing) and showed me some of the boundaries of its ability. The 43 gave me a lot of confidence to pull of some shots in this month. It will remain a trusted companion.
Why is it that no one speaks of their cameras? Vorsord, not VorsorT, I hear from Mrs. Mann (Vorsord is hunter in Armenian) also deserves some remarks. Dependable and reliable. I learned more about how to adjust AF on the fly from 5 spot to multi, learned more about ISO settings and with how much fire I could steal from the gods at night I am very content with my k-5oo.
I will add my other bokeh challengers in case is anyone interested in some other shots. Thanks for your input and camaraderie during the month. I won’t participate next month but I do intend in joining in during 2014 a few times. Happy New Year to you all.
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/members/62597-canmannac/albums/7559-bokeh-challengers/ |
